Travel Blogging

Play some beach and meet cool people

Join us at the North York Language Exchange group for a fun and interactive Cultural Networking Social Event! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, practice different languages, and learn about diverse cultures. Whether you are a language enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking to expand your social circle, this event is the perfect place for you. Immerse yourself in a friendly and welcoming environment where you can engage in meaningful conversations, participate in cultural exchange activities, and build connections with like-minded individuals. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons and have a great time with a fantastic group of people. Come and join us for a memorable evening of socializing, networking, and celebrating language and culture!

Toptracer Winter Golf League @ The Docks Overview Weekly 9-hole Toptracer Virtual Golf League — runs all winter. Men’s and Women’s divisions. $50 Docks Gift Card to weekly low gross in each division (requires ≥10 entrants; rolls over if not met). $200 monthly Gift Card for ≥25 total entrants (rolls over if not met). All scoring is automatic via Toptracer leaderboard — no manual scorecards. Starting 5 November 2025 17:30 - 9 November 2025 23:59 weekly Wednesday to Sunday Regular Driving range rates apply (rates posted at www.thedocks.com)

Hey guys, Arijit is hosting a Christmas Eve social at Gabby's. The event will be from 5:30 pm to 8:00pm. We will meet, have amazing conversations, play some games and enjoy the night before Christmas 🤶 🎄🌲 📍 Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/7qzBy8vvgeEC1zgF8?g_st=ipc 📅 Date: 24th December 2026 ⏰ Time: 5:30 pm -8:00pm

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $45 depending on which type of class you want to continue with.\* These French, Spanish, and English, classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a francophone, hispanophone, or anglophone country. *English in this class can only taught in French and Spanish unless you are an advanced learner* The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. **Program is also offered in private and online classes**. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other French nor Spanish classes are as oral as these ones. We guarantee it! Group classes are hosted at **600 Bay Street** (Wishbone Animal Rights Lab) every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Call (647)787-9953 upon arrival if no one is there to let you in, and someone will come down to let you in. Parking is available across from the Greyhound bus station on Elm Street and Bay Street.

Bagua is a style of Kung Fu that uses circular movements and evasive stepping to overcome force with smoothness. It is similar to Tai Chi, but faster and more dynamic. We will meet at 3 pm on the grass near the front gate of Alexander Muir Memorial Garden near the corner of Yonge and Lawrence. Our focus will be on strong kung fu basics, developing body and mind and self defense. Class is $20, wear seasonable and comfortable clothing.

Meet me, Cindy, at **CINEPLEX CINEMAS YONGE-EGLINTON** AT 2300 YONGE STREET. Show time is at **2: 50PM** so lets meet at the ticket booths 10 minutes before the movie starts. I am hearing positive buzz on this movie so really excited to see it. I won't even look at the trailer because I want to be surprised. **; )** **My reserved** **seat is C12.** Later we may choose to grab a bite at the PICKLE BARREL. LET ME KNOW IN COMMENTS if you want to go and I will book. Ciao for now...

**NEW EVENT!** **AUTHENTIC HERITAGE HOPPER TRAIN EXPERIENCE THROUGH MENNONITE FARM COUNTRY** **I HAVE RENTED A PRIVATE CABOOSE JUST FOR US AT A GROUP RATE OF ONLY $37.50 per person!** **AFTERWARDS ENJOY AN OPTIONAL COMFORT FOOD LUNCH AT A LOCAL MENNONITE RESTAURANT!** **FABULOUS DAY -HOPE YOU CAN JOIN ME!** Hi Everyone! **I have constantly been asked for more day trips and outings over the last few months - many our group want to see more of Ontario.** **So I am working on it for you! Also, bus trips which if you are new to the group have not experienced. I have done literally hundreds in the last 25 years. So here is to getting out more and making some new friends!** This is a fabulous new event- and space is extremely limited so book today! **ALL ABOARD! HERITAGE HOPPER AUTHENTIC TRAIN RIDE FROM WOOLRICH TOWNSHIP TO THROUGH TO WATERLOOÈS FAMOUS MENNONITE FARM COUNTRY.** **This train has been in service since the 1880s!!!** **Saturday June 14 12:00pm** **PLEASE BOOK AND PAY TODAY - The Private Caboose seating will not last!** You will have time to shop at the St Jacobs Market - Visit the Town of St. Jacobs and then Hop on the Waterloo Railroad for a train trip to Elmira. Join me for an optional lunch/dinner at Harvest Moon Family Restaurant in St Jacobs afterwards - fabulous comfort food!! Link below. [Harvest Moon Family Restaurant | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | Parkside Dr, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0, Canada](https://www.harvestmoonfamilyrestaurant.ca/) **Saturday June 14 12:00noon Free Market Parking** 1.5 Hours **A full email will be sent out June 1 with more info and cell phone.** **$37.50 per person including group train trip, their service fee and taxes!** **E TRANSFER PAYMENT PLEASE NOTE Do not change this password - THANK YOU!** **Security Question** **What day are we going?** **Security Answer** **Saturday** I have VERY VERY LIMITED SEATS for this - so please make sure you book and pay ASAP! Waterloo Central Railway is a heritage railway offering historic passenger train rides between St Jacobs and Elmire Operated by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS), a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization. All ticket proceeds go to supporting operations and restoration programs that the volunteers complete at the restoration and maintenance facility in St. Jacobs. . Please use my office number at (905) 471 7843 if you need me before the trip or email me at leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca - during the event only use (416) 427 7843 - best to text. Please leave yourself lots of time to reach the location. There are no refunds but you can transfer your space or post to sell it or I will send out an email. Meet in St Jacobs JOIN ME FOR A FABULOUS DAY! MAKE SURE YOU BUY MY FAVOURITE - APPLE FRITTER!!! warm regards LeeAnn

**NEW EVENT!** **AUTHENTIC HERITAGE HOPPER TRAIN EXPERIENCE THROUGH MENNONITE FARM COUNTRY** **I HAVE RENTED A PRIVATE CABOOSE JUST FOR US AT A GROUP RATE OF ONLY $37.50 per person!** **AFTERWARDS ENJOY AN OPTIONAL COMFORT FOOD LUNCH AT A LOCAL MENNONITE RESTAURANT!** **FABULOUS DAY -HOPE YOU CAN JOIN ME!** Hi Everyone! **I have constantly been asked for more day trips and outings over the last few months - many our group want to see more of Ontario.** **So I am working on it for you! Also, bus trips which if you are new to the group have not experienced. I have done literally hundreds in the last 25 years. So here is to getting out more and making some new friends!** This is a fabulous new event- and space is extremely limited so book today! **ALL ABOARD! HERITAGE HOPPER AUTHENTIC TRAIN RIDE FROM WOOLRICH TOWNSHIP TO THROUGH TO WATERLOOÈS FAMOUS MENNONITE FARM COUNTRY.** **This train has been in service since the 1880s!!!** **Saturday June 14 12:00pm** **PLEASE BOOK AND PAY TODAY - The Private Caboose seating will not last!** You will have time to shop at the St Jacobs Market - Visit the Town of St. Jacobs and then Hop on the Waterloo Railroad for a train trip to Elmira. Join me for an optional lunch/dinner at Harvest Moon Family Restaurant in St Jacobs afterwards - fabulous comfort food!! Link below. [Harvest Moon Family Restaurant | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | Parkside Dr, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0, Canada](https://www.harvestmoonfamilyrestaurant.ca/) **Saturday June 14 12:00noon Free Market Parking** 1.5 Hours **A full email will be sent out June 1 with more info and cell phone.** **$37.50 per person including group train trip, their service fee and taxes!** **E TRANSFER PAYMENT PLEASE NOTE Do not change this password - THANK YOU!** **Security Question** **What day are we going?** **Security Answer** **Saturday** I have VERY VERY LIMITED SEATS for this - so please make sure you book and pay ASAP! Waterloo Central Railway is a heritage railway offering historic passenger train rides between St Jacobs and Elmire Operated by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS), a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization. All ticket proceeds go to supporting operations and restoration programs that the volunteers complete at the restoration and maintenance facility in St. Jacobs. . Please use my office number at (905) 471 7843 if you need me before the trip or email me at leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca - during the event only use (416) 427 7843 - best to text. Please leave yourself lots of time to reach the location. There are no refunds but you can transfer your space or post to sell it or I will send out an email. JOIN ME FOR A FABULOUS DAY! MAKE SURE YOU BUY MY FAVOURITE - APPLE FRITTER!!! warm regards LeeAnn

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

who's up for a day snow shoeing. up north we have snow. bring your own food. put "global tower road" into any GPS or phone it should bring you right to the parking spot.

\# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).