Crossing the border and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Via Rail from Windsor to Toronto was exceedingly comfortable and I slept almost the entire way. We arrived at the magnificent (and huge) Union Station at about 6:00pm. It was sunny and not too cold outside, so I decided to walk to my hotel, about a mile away.

My hotel was called the “Cambridge Suites” and I was pleasantly surprised to find that my room was a bona-fide suite with a separate living room and dining area. (Sometimes, it’s just a couch shoved in the corner!) I took advantage of the laundry in the hotel and ordered Chinese food (which was pretty terrible, but at least it was hot.)

The next day was Easter Sunday and I decided to go to church. I picked a Presbyterian Church right near the stadium. I wanted something familiar and something with great music…for me, music IS worship. I was not disappointed. They had a brass quartet, a proper organ and a small but excellent choir. The sermon was short but meaningful and we sang the requisite Easter hymns.

They had the names of the brass players listed in the bulletin and the trombonist was named James Chilton! Of course, I had to go meet him afterward. We decided that we must be related, somehow!

The organist played Widor’s Toccata from Symphony Number 5 for the postlude…one of my favorite pieces. And they brought the brass into it, too. Quite spectacular!

After church, I headed over to the game. I had come prepared for the cold, because I wasn’t sure if the dome would be closed. But it was and so I was quite comfortable. I got there early enough to watch them prepare the grounds…I love how they rake the dirt and even out the grass. It’s a nice stadium. Originally it was called the “Sky Dome” and some fans still call it that! I had a great seat, up to behind home plate. It was fun to hear both national anthems. Good crowd, but the Blue Jays lost to the Mariners 8-3.

The next day was cold, wet and rainy, but I still wanted to see some of Toronto. so I took the open-top bus tour. I only lasted in the open for a few minutes! Some weird-ass sculptures, interesting architecture and I made one stop to get some food and visit the Shoe Museum! Yes, a whole museum dedicated to the history of shoes. It was actually pretty interesting.

I had some thoughts about going out later that evening to find some music, but by the end of the tour, I was chilled to the bone. I went to a nearby convenience mart to supply myself with food, wine and chocolate, took a hot shower (my enormous bathroom had both a tub AND a shower!) put my cozy things on and watched mindless TV. And knit. The perfect end to the day.

The next morning, I’d be on my way to Buffalo!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.