Plans, Plans, Plans!

I'm Excited And Overwhelmed!

There's so much to do between now and then that it seems a bit exhausting! However, in the same breath, uber exciting. I have booked the hotels and have a basic idea of our agenda but for the most part, we'll just be wandering around while we wait for the important stuff!

I used to live in Toronto for eight years, so I am really happy to get an opportunity to visit again. This trip is proving to be very expensive but it's sort of like the honeymoon we never had, so I am just trying my best to make our visit fun and interesting. Obviously, I can't afford luxury so I am seeking out alternatives to make the experience at least memorable.

Chad is not a planner (I am) and I said, "Well we'll just end up wandering around aimlessly." His response? "Well, we'll be wandering around aimlessly together" ... Insert big "Awwwwwww"! Yeah, that was sweet. He's easy to please I think but that doesn't mean the pressure is off.

I really wanted to stay somewhere in downtown Toronto because I want to be able to freely explore the city without being stranded miles away from our hotel. BUT! Hotels in Toronto are expensive. Hotels in downtown Toronto? Yeah. Not Happenin'

Chad gets in around 9:00 PM on Friday night, so I've opted for a more affordable stay that evening at Stagewest in Mississauga. It's a dinner theater/hotel and while we won't have time to enjoy the theater, they seem really friendly.

Once I pick-up my medical stuff, Chanda is going to take me to the hotel where I'll chill/get ready for the arrival of my husband! They have complimentary/on demand shuttle service to the airport, which I've confirmed I can use to go greet him/pick him up/come back to the hotel, so it will work out well!

So while I am bummed we're not downtown for our first night - really, how much of the city do you think we'd see? hehe! It's been months since we've been together so I imagine we'll be occupied. !!! !!! !!!

Come Saturday, we'll head downtown early in the morning and check into "The Rex". It's a hotel that is located above a jazz bar. It's got pretty decent reviews and has recently been renovated! So for $120 a night, right down-town Toronto - you can't go wrong. I am talking MINUTES from Nathan Phillips Square and the Eaton Centre. Smack-Dab on Queen Street! I'm stoked. It's a small room, with a tiny little shower and no in-room telephone but hopefully it will suit our purpose well!

We can wander around the city, enjoy some late night jazz and just enjoy our time without feeling miles away from a shower/refreshment!

It will also mean, we're minutes away from the Train Station for when we venture to Montreal! Now you thought Toronto hotels were expensive? Montreal is right in there. Phew! I went from booking a stay in a hostel (which Chad wasn't thrilled about) to exploring one-star flea bag motels... to a middle of the road, centrally located acceptable accommodation. We'll be spending two night at the "Y Hotel" in Montreal. It's part of the YWCA (Yes, men are allowed). It's only $85 a night and the reviews are pretty decent and it looks clean! It's also really close to both the train station, the US consulate and a 15 minute ride from the airport. So I'm very pleased we were able to secure a room. I wasn't sure at first because I actually had to 'request accommodation' and wait a day for them to confirm whether or not they had any vacancies. Thankfully though, *knock on wood*, it worked out.

There's also a hostel style hotel called "Auberge", you can get information here. With all considered, it looks pretty good. I imagine we'll scope out St Catherine's Street on Sunday night, maybe meet up with a friend Charity ( YEAH??? Wanna Charity?!) depending what time she and her man get into the city. Then on Monday, after the interview... Because we're going to be happy and high on life because we got approved RIGHT!?!?!?!? *KNOCKS FERVENTLY ON WOOD!!!!* I'd like to hop on "Le Metro" and check out Old Montreal as I've never been to that part of the city before! Toronto I know like the back of my hand. Montreal? Should be interesting. And French. Very, very French! Oh Mon Dieu! Wish me luck!

Eeeeeeeeek!
Until Next Time!
Sannon