Tronnah

In early November, I went with my supervisor to Toronto for the CSEP conference, to present a poster on my thesis work. This was actually a relatively low pressure conference for me, without the stress of having to talk in front of the crowd. For a poster, you pretty much just stand around in front of pin board talking to the other students about their stuff, and chat with anyone who comes by.

This was the longest I've been away from Tim and the kids, and the first time I'd ever been to Toronto. I had a room to myself, which seemed massive for downtown Toronto.

and though I attended my own poster session, obviously, and that of my supervisor, I spent a great deal of time hunkered down in this room writing my thesis. When I wasn't doing that, I walked around Toronto, just looking, walking and thinking thesis-y thoughts, and thoroughly enjoying how different Toronto is from Lethbridge. 

loved the Chinatown area - it was still warm enough for there to be a great deal of produce being sold on the street. Not for much longer, I expect, but this week, it was just right.

and even thought it was walking distance from my hotel, I took the subway to the Royal Ontario Museum, just because I'd never taken a subway before, ever. It was surprisingly clean and uncrowded, and the Museum stop even had this Egyptian theme to the pillars.

I was really quite unnaturally excited to be able to ride on the subway. I've obviously lived in small town Alberta for too long.

I was also unnaturally excited by the tall buildings and exciting angles.

and I absolutely loved the Royal Ontario Museum. Even the exterior is fascinating, with its carvings and stained glass.

And because I'd sometimes start walking without really having a plan, destination, or timeline, I'd look up and think "damn, I should have brought my camera". But at least I had my phone, here on Queen Street.