I'm linking up at Monday Mural
August 2025 - Toronto ON
These were found in Port Credit in Mississauga, where we went for breakfast on a summer morning.
Sunday, November 16, 2025
What To Know About Japan
Japan is very known for its heritage sites and many religious temples and shrines. When you are visiting these religious sites it is expected that you are to speak quietly in a low tone manner in the main halls, do not enter into places that are blocked of and definitely do not disrespect the statues and gods that are inside the religious sites and be mindful of what you are wearing when visiting these religious sites, nothing that is revealing or clothing like you are heading off to a club or beach.
Another ritual that must be done when entering shrines is the water cleansing source of any shrine. Some shrines would have instructions for you to be aware and follow but others do not. Use the ladles provided to pour water over your hands to rinse them, and pour water into your hand to use to rinse your mouth (please spit the water out on the ground, not back into the water source) this is believed to cleanse your body before entering the sacred place.
Japan is a futuristic country built around convenience, sustainability, and state-of-the-art technology. Giving excellent service is important in Japan. And what better way to provide impeccable service than innovative technology to match?
7-Elevens are the recommended place to use ATMs. As an added bonus they (and many of the convenience stores) sell some decent pre-prepared meals. The Lawson chain of stores have a huge selection of pre-packaged pastries that were replenished on a daily basis and we kept those on hand for a quick breakfast before a day of wandering.
Vending machines are located literally every 100 metres, serving all kinds of drinks
Parking is vertical. Space is a luxury in Japan and over 540,000 car parks have gone vertical
Bowing is a sign of respect. This gesture is used to greet (hello or goodbye), apologise, and display gratitude. A simple bow to your waist will do, or even just a bow of your head, but the real observation is the depth of the bow between one person to another as it’s reflective of the status of that person. Generally speaking, bow when someone else bows to you and you'll pick up this custom fast, or at least learn to do a polite head nod.
Japan has a very strict ‘no shoes’ policy which applies to a lot of places you’ll visit across the country. This stems from Japan’s culture of cleanliness and respect. While you’re out and about in the streets, popping into shops, you’ll be fine. However, when visiting homes, traditional restaurants, temples, and shrines, you will most likely be asked to remove your shoes. Don’t worry, these places will provide spare slippers for you to wear instead! One rule to remember especially is: no shoes on tatami!
Crossing chopsticks symbolises death. Food is an important element of Japanese culture, and there are lots of etiquette rules to keep in mind. You may or may not be surprised to learn that there are several rules reserved just for chopsticks! One such rule is that you should never cross your chopsticks as this symbolises death. Why? It’s because the gesture resembles a funeral rite where bones are picked out of the ashes with chopsticks and passed to another – crossing the chopsticks in the process. Additionally, sticking your chopsticks into food vertically is also considered a bad omen as it resembles the incense sticks used during funerals.
Other bits of foodie etiquette you should be aware of:
At most restaurants you will be served with a wet towel and chopsticks
It’s polite to say ‘Itadakimasu’ before eating, and ‘Kampai’ when cheers-ing your drink (nifty Japanese phrases for you!)
It’s considered rude to not finish everything on your plate
Slurping noodles is seen as a sign of enjoyment – so slurp away!
At most restaurants you will be served with a wet towel and chopsticks
It’s polite to say ‘Itadakimasu’ before eating, and ‘Kampai’ when cheers-ing your drink (nifty Japanese phrases for you!)
It’s considered rude to not finish everything on your plate
Slurping noodles is seen as a sign of enjoyment – so slurp away!
Ometanashi isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Familiarise yourself with “O-me-te-na-shi”, short for, “Japanese service and hospitality.” It’s derived from the practice of politeness with intent to create harmony and avoid conflict. You will experience customer service to a whole new level, that goes above and beyond anything that you’re used to. From traditional ryokans to shop assistants running out the door to return your 1yen coins – you’ll be showered with kindness and amazed at their attention to detail to keep you smiling.
There’s a zero tolerance policy on rubbish. If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll soon realise that rubbish bins are scarce. Most sites and public spaces are immaculate and clean. It’s basic etiquette to take your rubbish home with you and word on the street – all local residents receive a garbage guide with rules for trash collection broken down from plastic, paper, cans, newspapers, etc.
Don’t walk while eating. Leave that big city hustle mentality behind you and stop to appreciate the food you're putting inside your body. Walking with food and drink in hand can be seen as disrespectful in Japan. Japanese take pride in keeping their streets clean.. So have a seat, slow down, and don’t treat walking from one attraction to another as the perfect time for a snack.
Don’t count your change. Often w hen you purchase something, your change will be returned on a little tray. Try your best to not count this in front of them as this shows you distrust them and being honest is a big thing that is expected of everyone there. By harmlessly counting your change you could be insinuating that you do not trust them. On the topic of little trays, its also good to get into the habit of not handing people cash directly, these little trays are there for you to place your money on to pay and receive change.
As amazing as it is to see the graceful geishas IRL in the streets of … and how epic it would be to catch a selfie with them for your friends and family back home… just remember that this is extremely disrespectful!. As beautiful as they may look, these ladies are not celebrities or tourist attractions. They are working women and to stop them in the streets will potentially make them late for their next engagement, which is a big Japan travel faux pas. Instead, how about hiring a kimono or Yukata yourself to wander the ancient streets. Locals love to see tourists fully embracing their culture and what better way than to wear their traditional clothes. If dressing up isn’t for you there will most likely be “fake” geisha scattered around the streets who are always more than happy to take a photo with you! They will probably be walking at a slower pace and will be on the more busy streets.
8. Don’t blow your nose in public. This should already be ingrained in your everyday post-covid etiquette but in Japan it was looked down upon even before covid hit. Sniffling and blowing your nose loudly can result in you standing out and people looking at you in disgust, unless that's something you're into. Regardless It's best to wear a mask in public if you're feeling even the faintest bit under the weather.
9. Know your way around the escalator. If you're observant or coming from a large city you're probably aware of this rule already, but when using the escalator in Japan, the left side is for standing and the right is for continuous walking. So if you feel like your step count is capped for the day stay to the left, but if you wanna add a couple more flights of stairs walk on the right.
Be quiet on public transport. Looping back to being considerate of others and your surroundings, you'll have people staring in disbelief if you're having a big ole chinwag with your mates, or if you're blasting music loudly through your headphones. Commuters like to keep communal spaces quiet for people that work long hours. Trains are often used as a place to relax, take a nap or play a few games on silent mode.
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Japan Vietnam Thailand Itinerary
November 2025
We had booked the Vietnam and Thailand package first with Wingbuddy. We don't take their flights as we prefer to do our own (air points, flexibility, credit card points and benefits, cc insurance and perks). Their initial flights also went through the States which we had no intention of doing so.
The tour package is semi-organized which is what we like. There is a lot of time on our own. There are no welcome of farewell dinners or really any dinners included. There are no home stays.
When we started looking at flights the intention was to add Japan at the end, over Christmas, however the flight costs were so astronomical that we said forget it. Then we decided since Air Canada had a stopover in Japan we may as well add it ad the beginning so we added 5 days in Tokyo before joining the tour in Hanoi.
SPREADSHEET - WILL ADD LATER
FRI NOV 21
We will fly November 21 9 AM to Vancouver with a 1hr 58 m layover, then Vancouver to Tokyo
arriving late afternoon on the 22nd.
ARRIVE TOKYO SAT NOV 22 4:30 PM Arrange transfer to hotel
HOTEL
6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
We then have SUN NOV 23 until WED NOV 26 to explore Tokyo. We fly to Hanoi on the 26th around 6 PM. We decided to go to the airport around noon.
Nov 26 - Dec 22
Day 1: Hanoi (Vietnam)
November 26 2025
Make your way to your hotel for check-in. (To ensure your airport transfer is arranged, please make sure to send us your flight details - only if you are arriving that day.)
After arriving in Hanoi, the rest of your day is free for you to relax or start your exploration of the night markets and bustling streets of Hanoi.
Day 2 - Day 3: Hanoi
2 additional nights - From November 27 2025 to November 28 2025
Days at leisure. (Breakfasts)
Day 4: Hanoi
November 29 2025
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to discover Hanoi at your own pace.
Departure in the late afternoon from your hotel to embark on a street food tour in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where your expert English-speaking local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture, including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular dishes. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up the Old Quarter, tempt your taste buds with famed Hanoi dishes at local eateries. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how the tasty dishes are prepared. Continuing into the heart of the Old Quarter, you will wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has hardly changed since the colonial era. At the end of the tour, you will be free to continue your exploration of the area. Your guide will assist you with directions or a taxi if you are willing to go back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast-Dinner)
Day 5: Hanoi
November 30 2025
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will meet with your local guide in the lobby of your hotel for a full day city tour of Hanoi. You will start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda founded in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Then you will continue toward the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university founded in the 11th century.
After your lunch included at a local restaurant, you will visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, which housed Vietnamese revolutionaries and American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Afterward, you will enjoy a cyclo ride for about an hour, touring through the narrow, lively streets of the Old Quarter, heritage of the French colonial era in Hanoi. At the end of the day, you will see a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast-Lunch)
* Please note : The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Mondays and Fridays, as well as from October 1st to November 30th (approx.) for annual conservation.
Day 6: Halong Bay
December 01 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. En route, you will enjoy a refreshment break. Continuation toward Halong Bay, where you will meet the crew upon arrival and board the traditional wooden junk. You will have some free time to relax in your cabin before enjoying lunch on board while the boat heads toward the secluded islands.
In the afternoon, you will visit an ancient limestone cave and go sea kayaking and swimming (if weather permits). You will return to the junk refreshed and invigorated, just in time to relax on the deck with a drink to watch the sunset. For your evening dinner on board, enjoy a meal prepared with local products and seafood. Overnight on board. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue
December 02 2025
Enjoy the fullness of a sunrise and a morning swim (if weather permits) before taking breakfast on board. Then, you will visit one of the famous caves in the middle of the bay before cruising back to the main harbor for the transfer back to Hanoi. You will then be transferred to Hanoi's airport for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Hue. Free dinner and overnight in Hue. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 8: Hue
December 03 2025
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will discover Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. You will start your city tour with the ancient walled citadel, including the former Imperial Palace, where ruins of the city’s regal past can still be seen. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. You will then visit the Dong Ba market to learn about the local products and specialties of Hue. You might get some great deals at the local Dong Ba market, especially if you are interested in a traditional Vietnamese conical hat.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the majestic royal tomb of King Tu Duc, one of the most magnificent mausoleums in Vietnam located along the Perfume River. Dinner free and overnight in Hue. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
December 04 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to continue your exploration of Hue at your own pace.
After lunch at leisure, you will drive southward to Hoi An via Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will visit the famous Marble Mountains, five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements of nature. After your visit, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. Dinner free and overnight in Hoi An. (Breakfast)
Day 10: Hoi An
December 05 2025
After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel to start your exploration of Hoi An. On this walking tour, your guide will show you several interesting places around the old town of Hoi An, including the old Japanese Covered Bridge dating back to 1593, the Phuc Kien Temple (Fujian Assembly Hall), a city museum, and the colorful local market. You will walk along tiny streets with houses and buildings influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French, and European architecture. After the walking tour, enjoy some free time to continue your exploration of Hoi An.
Hoi An is a unique destination in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. It's the only city in the country that has preserved this typical architecture of a trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Stroll along the docks, wander around the local markets, or have a silk dress or suit fitted with outstanding quality at an outrageously low price. You can easily explore the old town by foot. There is also a bevy of amazing restaurants, old houses, craft shops, and art galleries where local artists exhibit their works. If you are interested in a more relaxed afternoon, make your way to the beautiful Cua Dai beach, located just a few kilometers away from the bustling city. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 11: Hoi An
December 06 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some time free to continue your exploration of Hoi An and its surroundings or opt for an optional excursion ($) with your guide. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, you might want to visit the majestic temples at My Son, a complex of Hindu temples built by the Cham people between the 4th and the 14th centuries. You might also want to attend a cooking class at a riverside restaurant in Hoi An old town or get up close and personal with dairy farming and fishing life. For early risers, why not capture the real Hoi An by joining a 4-hour photography tour led by a local expert? If you want to discover underwater life, hop on a boat tour to Cu Lao Cham Island for a fun and relaxing day exploring exotic coral reefs. (Breakfast)
Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
December 07 2025
Breakfast at the hotel and time at leisure in the morning to take a last walk to re-visit a local market in Hoi An. At the time scheduled with your guide, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to discover Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city and economic capital of Vietnam. Dinner is free and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
December 08 2025
After breakfast, you will leave the city toward the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you will visit the amazing network of underground tunnels that was used during the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong. This huge construction was a habitation for villagers in the war. With 3 levels of depth, it was never discovered by the US troops during the Vietnam War, despite its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City.
After lunch included at a local restaurant, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon guided city tour. You will start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which contains exhibits related to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Then, you will see the Reunification Palace, which was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Continuation toward the city center, where you will notice a lot of buildings dating back to the French colonial era, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, the Municipal Theatre, and the City Hall. After the visit, you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho
December 09 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will head south to visit the Cai Be floating market, cruising on the Mekong River among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. After that, your local guide will offer you the option to stop at local workshops where you will see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice, among other things. Later in the morning, a rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peacefulness of the Mekong Delta. You will also see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves.
After a tasty lunch included at a local restaurant, you will have some time to walk around and enjoy some fresh fruits while listening to traditional music. Your guide will also offer you the option to enjoy a leisurely bike ride along village paths to see local farms and real life in the countryside and observe the ancestral ways to pick up fruits in the Mekong Delta. The cruise will end at Vinh Long City, where you will be transferred to Can Tho, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, for your overnight stay. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 15: Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market - Ho Chi Minh City
December 10 2025
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a boat cruise that will take you to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market. Here, you will experience a local type of market in which all purchasing activities take place on boats and ships of different sizes. Then, you will continue through a small canal to visit a fruit garden, where your guide will show you around before having a plate of delicious fruits. After your return to Can Tho, you will have some time at leisure to observe rural life and the lush vegetation along the riverbanks. Check out of your hotel and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City with lunch included en route. The rest of the afternoon and the evening are free. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City - Bangkok (Thailand)
December 11 2025
After breakfast, greeting in the lobby of your hotel by our local representatives, and transfer to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Dep:Ho Chi Minh City Dec 11, 2025 - Bangkok Dec 11, 2025
VN609 SGN | Dec 11 18:40 - BKK | Dec 11 20:15 luggage ECONOMY
Dur.:1h 35m
Arrival at the airport in Bangkok. You will be met by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel in Bangkok. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Bangkok, a city that never fails to amaze. (Breakfast)
Day 17: Bangkok
December 12 2025
After breakfast, you will meet your local guide for a half-day city tour of Bangkok. Starting at Wat Phra Kaew, a sumptuous and colored temple famous for its Emerald Buddha made of jade, you will make your way to the Royal Palace, the most praised royal monument in Thailand. This palace, built in the late 18th century, is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court with its bright buildings, golden spires, and glittering mosaics, all dating back to the foundation of Bangkok. Then, you will visit Wat Pho, a temple hiding a huge reclining statue of Buddha, which is regarded as Thailand’s first center of public education. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple were used to educate people on various subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, and meditation. It is also home to traditional Thai massages. (Breakfast)
Rest of the day at leisure. You can choose from a large variety of optional excursions at your destination ($). Experience, for example, a delightful cruise on the Chao Phraya River to take in views of Bangkok's landmarks from a different angle or pamper yourself with a relaxing Thai massage. As the evening wears on, enjoy drinks and dinner at one of Bangkok’s best rooftops, overlooking a magnificent cityscape.
Day 18: Bangkok
December 13 2025
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free to continue your exploration of Bangkok on your own. If you are willing to absorb the atmosphere of Thailand’s water markets, make your way to Damnoen Saduak floating market, located just an hour away from Bangkok. It can be a fascinating insight into Thai culture. You can also visit the historic city of Ayutthaya, dating back 700 years, which is bursting with stories to tell. This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam is well known for the splendor of its traditional architecture and will give you a new perspective on the Thais’ spiritual life. (Breakfast)
Day 19: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
December 14 2025
Following breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to the airport in Bangkok for your flight to Chiang Mai.
Dep:Bangkok Dec 14, 2025 - Chiang Mai Dec 14, 2025
TG110 BKK | Dec 14 13:30 - CNX | Dec 14 14:45 ECONOMY
Dur.:1h 15m
Upon arrival at the airport in Chiang Mai, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the area at leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 20: Chiang Mai
December 15 2025
In the morning, after breakfast, you will meet your local guide for your half-day tour of Chiang Mai. Starting at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha, you will get exhilarating views of Chiang Mai and its surrounding countryside. Driving back to the city, you will visit Wat Suan Dok, a temple erected in the late 14th century by the local monarchy. Nowadays, it houses several white Chedis, all containing ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family, and it features one of the most famous monk schools in the whole locality of Chiang Mai. Finally, you will reach Wat Jedyod, also known as the “Temple of the Seven Spires," a very unusual temple building built in the 15th century. Lunch time and afternoon free. (Breakfast)
Day 21: Chiang Mai
December 16 2025
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free for you to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace. You can also opt for a wonderful optional half-day excursion ($) to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. (Breakfast)
A visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary will offer visitors an enjoyable opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in their natural habitat, as well as gain insight into their lifestyle and behavior, and create cherished lifelong memories of the time spent with these amazing animals. You can touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the elephants at your leisure before accompanying them to a nearby mud spa. Then, you will walk with the elephants to a nearby river and join them in the water for a refreshing bath. Finally, you will be offered some snacks and seasonal fresh fruits before enjoying once again the impressive rural scenery as you drive back to Chiang Mai.
Day 22: Chiang Mai - Phuket
December 17 2025
Following breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to the airport in Chiang Mai for your flight to Phuket.
Dep:Chiang Mai Dec 17, 2025 - Phuket Dec 17, 2025
H14700 CNX | Dec 17 10:50 - HKT | Dec 17 12:50 luggage ECONOMY
Dur.:2h 0m
Upon arrival at the airport in Phuket, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to take advantage of the facilities or your hotel, relax at the beach, or explore the area. (Breakfast)
Day 23 - Day 25: Phuket
From December 18 2025 to December 20 2025
All breakfasts at the hotel. Enjoy three incredible days in Phuket, where you will certainly be mesmerized by its crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, mountain views, delicious cuisine, and the warm, friendly smiles of the Thai people. (Breakfasts)
You can also opt for an optional full-day Phi Phi Island excursion ($) by speedboat. The islands are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful in the world and rocked to fame with the filming of the movie "The Beach" on Maya Bay. You will travel to Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley and see natural wonders such as Pileh Lagoon, a spectacular emerald green lagoon surrounded by high limestone cliffs, and Viking Cave. Stops will be made for snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear water of some of the nicest bays and beaches.
Day 26: Phuket - Bangkok
December 21 2025
After breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to the airport in Phuket for your flight to Bangkok.
Dep:Phuket Dec 21, 2025 - Bangkok Dec 21, 2025
H14778 HKT | Dec 21 19:30 - BKK | Dec 21 21:00 luggage ECONOMY
Dur.:1h 30m
Upon arrival at the airport in Bangkok, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or to explore Bangkok one last time. (Breakfast)
Day 27: Bangkok
December 22 2025
After breakfast, you will be under your arrangements. (To ensure your airport transfer is arranged, please make sure to send us your flight details - only if you are departing that day.)
-End of services-
We have an early flight from Bangkok to Vancouver to Toronto.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Pigeon Cafe
Linking up with Marg at The Intrepid Reader
BROOKFIELD PLACE TORONTO ON
Last Week's Post Kraft Tea
Last Year's Post Sam James Coffee Bar
Five Years Ago Inspired Sunday I wasn't doing weekly recaps back then.
SATURDAY
I made French toast with blueberries for breakfast.
We spent a lot of time sorting out power adapters, chargers, cameras, USBs for backup etc. Then we worked on our Tokyo agenda. Pooped, we both sat and read.
We spent a lot of time sorting out power adapters, chargers, cameras, USBs for backup etc. Then we worked on our Tokyo agenda. Pooped, we both sat and read.
John returned a phone charger he bought since we got our backpack back.
Sunday
We had our first snowfall!
We made sausage sandwiches for breakfast. I made a pumpkin raisin loaf with cream cheese icing for the week.
We both puttered with our Tokyo itinerary, rearranging the schedule and filling in the blanks.
The dining room table is getting cluttered as we gather travel paraphernalia.
Monday
John and I went to Manulife's Remembrance Day flag display. It was cold out!
Manulife's Toronto headquarters at 200 Bloor Street East hosts an annual Remembrance Day display of over 12,000 Canadian flags, not poppies, on its front lawn. Each flag represents ten members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have fallen in service, totaling over 120,000 service members honoured.
The display is a long-standing tradition for Manulife, usually on view for the public from early to mid-November, culminating on Remembrance Day (November 11).
I took these two with our small point and shoot camera that we never use as I want to take it as a backup on our trip. I think the photos are decent.
We'll see what we can get for the old DSLR cameras from Henry's when we get back, a winter activity.
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TUESDAY
John went for his hearing test and then bottled some wine. He was going to Costco but couldn't get a parking spot!
I picked up a few needed items at the $ store and Rexall's.
There were people lining up for tickets at Scotia Arena, strange attire on a winter day! Sabrina Carpenter??? was in town this week.
Although we had snow this week, it is gone and the golden leaves are still here.
We received two new power plug/adaptors. We have a bag full of plugs collected over the years that we will get rid of when we return. I might put them on the Buy Nothing group.
We decided to get rid of the music CDs languishing forever. I put together a sample group to take to a used store.
You really have to wonder about some people. We received this note this week.
Dear Residents,
We are pleased to inform you that water service to the 03 line in the High Rise zone has been fully restored. The plumbing issue was traced to a blockage within a unit line, which has now been resolved.
We kindly remind all residents to ensure that their unit drains remain clear. Clogged drains can result in water backup and cause significant damage to units below. Additionally, please verify that your unit is adequately insured, including coverage for potential damage to other units.
GARBAGE CHUTE UPDATE
The garbage chute blockage in the High Rise zone has also been cleared. We urge all residents to refrain from disposing of large items in the chute, as this causes serious maintenance issues and service disruptions. Please use designated disposal methods for oversized items.
IMPORTANT – UNIT ACCESS DURING EMERGENCIES
This morning, our team was unable to access several units on the 03 line due to unauthorized changes to front door locks. These locks are no longer compatible with the building’s master key system, which significantly hinders our ability to respond to emergencies such as floods or fires.
Please be advised that in emergency situations where access is required and a unit is not on the master key system, we will be forced to bust the front door and enter the unit. All associated repair costs will be charged back to the unit owner.
To ensure the safety of all residents, any changes to front door locks must be reported to Management immediately so that the lock can be integrated into the master key system.
I am glad to say that the office does have a key to our unit, as they will check on it when we are away.
WEDNESDAY
John went to the dealer's to get his snow tires put on.
I went to Longo's for some groceries for the next week. Watered the plants, made arrangements for T to come in to check the condo, water the plants while we are away.
The condo painted our front doors. They look nice and fresh.
THURSDAY
John did a Costco run for a couple of things. I did a good clear out and organized the closet in the spare room (AKA John's workout). I managed to free up two shelves.
We now have to get rid of these speakers that we bought in January in Palm Springs for watching our shows on the laptop. I put them on FB Marketplace, but nothing so far.
UPDATE SOLD $20.
I also did some plant tending, hopefully the pothos will like it here more than the spider plant.
John defrosted the small drinks fridge.
We spent a lot of time honing our trip itinerary. We also looked at our photos of Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok to review what we had already done in 2015. That made me decide to use some of those photos as my headers for the next few days.
Then we watched our video of our 2017 cross States and Canada trip.
Looking west, not towards Toronto.
FRIDAY
It was a gorgeous day as we headed to the Eaton Centre. It is Friday so the old City Hall was open, I had visited it during the summer. But John hadn't so we stepped into the Courtyard and the guard said we had 10 minutes!
An unusual sight these days!
We stepped into the Eaton Centre and discovered they were unveiling their Christmas Tree with music and a light show!
Video here, in case this doesn't work!
Then we headed to the currency exchange as they carried all that we needed. The bank did not.
It then took an HOUR to get home due to a personal injury accident at Park Lawn!
It looks like I will reach 10,000 published posts before year-end!!
COOKING
Saturday lamb stew (freezer) carrots turnip onions celery potatoes
Sunday chicken coconut milk red curry paste naan bread (all in freezer)
Monday leftover lamb stew
Tuesday leftover lamb stew added fresh vegetables and stewed tomatoes (freezer)
Wednesday pork schnitzel beans mashed potatoes
Thursday rotisserie chicken Alfredo
Friday steak onions green peppers mushrooms baked potato
WATCHING
NR. 24 Number 24 should be mandatory watching for all kids.
Young apprentice Gunnar Sønsteby from Rjukan decides to resist Nazi-Germany on the day of the invasion to later become the leader of the "Oslo-gang" carrying out countless daring acts of sabotage making him Norway's greatest war hero.
Cardinal has a whooping 7.8/10 rating. We are on season 4 and it is fantastic. The unforgiving chill of Canada's Northern Ontario brings a touch of Scandi-noir class to the familiar plots of murder, kidnap and unfulfilled sexual tensions in this quality detective drama adapted from the novels by Giles Blunt.
The relentless freezing temperatures constrain people at every turn. Even murderers must plan ahead and bring snowsuits for those they kidnap from their homes if they want them to stay alive long enough to make a ransom video. Everyone must don their parkas or hurry between car and truck lest mother nature, rather than a vengeful killer, get them.
READING
I read A Darker Domain by Scottish Val McDermid, whom I have not read in a while. This is book 2 of the Karen Pirie ITV series aired on Britbox.
The novel is set during the UK miners' strike of 1984–1985 in Fife.
I did an Historic Women post on author Rebecca Solnit who coined the term "mansplaining" and I had never heard of her. The Toronto library has many of her books, so I have added some to my TBR list.
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