2 weeks in - but feels longer!

We're on 8th Floor of the right-hand block facing this square, shopping mall and subway below. Library to the left and civic centre behind me

Hello everyone: to those who've revealed themselves and to those who are keeping an eye on us at a discreet distance. We really appreciate all the emails and skype calls etc. I do like to see your cheery faces tho! Like the dogs too, Katie!

A mixed week, Eamonn has had 2 days off so it's been a gentle adjustment for both of us and he'll be home again early today (Monday) after visiting another site downtown. Tomorrow should be a proper work day and he should find out which site he'll be working on.

Last Thursday I went to mass in St. Michael's Cathedral in town and had a little walk around. It felt good to be gaining confidence moving around on my own. I didn't catch THE St. Patrick's Day mass - I'm not really Irish enough to throw myself into singing hymns to St. Patrick etc! Fine for those who are. 

On Friday we went to the Toronto Garden Show. It was indoors of course and pleasant, very different to Hampton Court, etc, but we couldn't expect that. Its aim is really to kick-start the gardening season for Torontonians rather than showing off amazing specimens like we can grow at home.

After that we went back through Downtown to catch a bus to The Beach area. I love the cityscape and there are lots of surprises like these lovely elephants which are actually on their way to the fountain which isn't on yet! 

 

 The Beach area is a lovely area, low-rise, attractive homes and cool coffee bars. We had a great lunch then a walk along the boardwalk where you can cycle/skate/ etc in safety. It'll be lovely in the summer. The islands off shore are a great place from which to view the city skyline on a summer's evening - so that's on the list!

Transport is really good here and good value but many things are a lot more expensive than at home. Fancied seeing Billy Elliot because we missed it in London but prices start at $175 - which is about £130 - so don't complain about West End prices! We went to see the England v Ireland rugby match in the local Rose and Crown and had to pay $20 dollars each (about £12) to get in but there was a good atmosphere especially as we were surrounded by victorious Irish. The Guiness was good too.

Weather has been gradually improving but today was foggy and there's some wet stuff coming in later in the week, maybe snow. We are waiting to view some more apartments, I don't think we're going to be able to have the one we wanted so we'll have to be patient. Eamonn's getting nearer buying a car too, probably a Hyundai. 

We found a nice family church near here and after mass yesterday we fancied a drive out of the city, to Lake Simcoe - check the map. It was supposed to be an hour's drive but we got very lost then someone remembered he had a Blackberry which amazingly has GPS and maps and Google and everything! Anyway, we didn't find anywhere nice to eat, too early for the season up there, so having set off at 12 we had lunch back down here about 4! It was really cold up there and the lake is still frozen. If you look closely you will see tiny specks which are people ice fishing.

We've met up with some of the other Carillion couples here; two of the couples are young and the other couple is a bit older than us (Jack and Mel). They are from Goa via Reading and we went downtown last night to meet them for a coffee. It's good to be able to go into any of the malls and sit, even on a Sunday evening chatting, watching people come and go in warm and attractive surroundings. I'm going into town on Wednesday (my birthday!) to go to mass with Mel and then we'll have some lunch. She hasn't gone out on her own yet so I will do my best not to get us too lost!  I discovered that there are a few places where people get together on Sundays for a Corrie Brunch - sounds fab but I can't really justify travelling across the city on a Sunday to indulge myself that way. I'll just have to manage without. Doing ok so far!

Fog has lifted now and must hang the washing.

Bye & love to all, will think of you all as I open my stash of cards we brought with us. Many thanks.

Mary and Eamonn xx