It’s “Tur-onno”, not Toronto – things I love about living in this city

Life’s great. Not that life in Dubai wasn’t good, quite the opposite actually. And yet, I moved.

When dad retired from working with a local company after nearly 40 years, him and mum had to move back to India. I knew then that its not what I wanted to happen to me someday. Born and raised in Dubai, its the only home I knew. Switching between jobs, I was given a “visa cancelled” paper stating I must leave the country within 30 days or find a new sponsor.

Not here. Since I arrived in Toronto three months ago, I’ve been taking a much needed break, and no one has asked me to leave (yet!). This feeling of security is unlike any other. Its liberating and I’m at ease. Happy and enjoying all the little things. Things people who have lived here forever maybe don’t care for or might take for granted. Not this girl. The snow is still magical and the novelty of winter hasn’t worn off yet. Ask me again next year and maybe it’ll be different! For now, here are some things I’m loving in my new world:

Walking. I love being in a city where walking is the norm. Pop in my air pods and go where the road takes me. We did a bit of this in the UAE too. This time, it’s fun exchanging wheels for my warm, trusty Blundstones to explore different neighbourhoods on foot.

Speaking of different neighbourhoods, I love the diversity that Toronto offers. You can be in Little Italy one minute and Koreatown the next. There’s also Little Tibet, Little Portugal, Chinatown… and an eclectic mix of everything in a place like Kensington Market. With the anticipation of summer and what’s to come, there’s so much to look forward to.

I love the architecture in the city. There are tall, shiny glass buildings and Georgian style red and brown brick homes, all next to each other. Its not a concrete jungle but has plenty of suburban, open spaces. While some buildings might be run-down or storefronts strewn with graffiti, it all adds character.

I love that there are coffee shops everywhere! As someone who loves living the cafe life, this is monumental. Finding new coffee shops and soaking in the vibes of the space with a book, laptop, and a big cup of coffee – it’s all so wonderful.

Doggies everywhere. If you know me from Dubai, you’ll know I was always scared of dogs. But I know we’ll be getting one someday because my husband wants one, and he’s been preparing me for it ever since we got married…

I think I’m ready. I love seeing puppies living their best life here in Canada. Society is already many steps head where animals are treated well, sometimes even better than humans. Dogs are welcome most places, in retail stores, cafes, restaurants. In fact, as I sit and type this from 135 Ossington, five puppies have come in – tails wagging, jumping up for a treat, or leaning in for a rub – with their owners picking coffee to go. This will be me someday.

I love living in downtown Toronto. The convenience of having speciality stores next door, a local bakery to pick up my weekly stash of sourdough bread, easy accessibility to local, homegrown organic produce, a streetcar at our doorstep, the hipster areas of Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue footsteps away, and Trinity Bellwoods Park nearby. The neighbourhood is buzzing and I’m looking forward to how it will all come alive in summer.

I love the clean air. Yes, it’s freezing outside but the crisp air is invigorating. I love opening the window every morning and taking in a big breath of fresh air.

These simple, little things are reasons to smile every day. To wake up and smell the coffee. To walk around and have the freedom to do whatever I want to do. Because the world is out there for the taking. The newness is all so charming and until that all fades away and the routine sets in and becomes mundane, I’ll be enjoying every minute of it.

Any friends here reading from Canada? New to the city or planning to move? Please do say hello!