Reunions

It's been half a week in Toronto. There hasn't been to much need for adjustments, just lot's of time to see people and be with myself a bit.

I do feel as though the adventure hasn't quite started. I'm living with my brother for the time I spend in TO, and I know Toronto so well that it hardly feels new. I'm feeling comfortable while I'm here, and I know that won't be the case when I arrive in Vienna. For now this is for sure a good thing. I still have a little extra time to sort some things before I sail the seas, which is going to come in handy as I deal with my phone plan, credit cards, make sure I have everything, etc.

I really started to find good friends that I really value from my time spent here in Toronto. I spent 3 years at The School of TDT and had 15 truly talented classmates with whom I was fortunate enough to graduate. Now upon revisiting, I've been looking through my contacts and realizing who I really truly want to see. Some I'm unsure of whether I'll be able to reach them before I leave... I would clearly love to see all of them, but this week I've seen a few that have been some great reconnections.

My roommate and best friend, Miguel, in my last year of school has remained close compared to some classmates, which is natural and doesn't mean I love them less. I was very grateful to see Miguel and his boyfriend for a sushi date Friday night. I always love catching up with him. Sometimes I wonder what it will be like, and if I've changed too much for us to find common ground, but it was like old times!

And we had some good times :)

On Thursday night I also got to see my good friend Vanessa. What a hippie that girl is turning into. I mentioned to her that when  you don't see anyone except for on Facebook, all you see of them is what they post. For Miguel that includes a lot of selfies and videos of him playing music, and for Vanessa it's articles about the moon's position in the sky and past life regressions. I went with Vanessa to a poetry reading and book launch in Kensington, where I met a lot of her friends from a festival she attended. It was great to be able to be with a group of young people so caring and inviting. Not a moment did I feel awkward or alone in the crowd of people that knew each other, which I find rare in most situations. A cool thing to be at.

This morning I went to brunch with two girls I teach in Halifax and one of their mother's. They are both doing the Ballet Jorgen summer intensive and it was nice to see them briefly before I leave and before they start their hardcore ballet intensive.

This weekend is also the pride parade! And what a good pride season this year will be with the entire USA finally allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry! It's kind of nice to see my Facebook blown up with rainbows :) #lovewins. I was not planning on going to the celebrations this year. I think I'd  rather collect myself and save my money for Vienna. I have been to 3 Toronto pride celebrations before so I think the community will forgive me.

All in all, these reunions and the others to come will prepare me that little bit extra for the main event.

happy travels,

G