Surprise! Heading to Toronto really soon!

This time just for a weekend. Myself and a couple of my friends are heading there to hang out and check out some clubs/bars. Were definitely hoping to go to The Guvernment, which according to many "Top Clubs in the World" lists, is one of the best. I'm pretty stoked.

As always, I'm going to chow down on some poutine. It's just something I can't miss.

Well, it should be a great weekend! I'll let you guys know how it went when I get back.

Restaurant Review: Canoe - Toronto

So, another thing I love to do while traveling is fine dining. I love to dress up and go to fancy restaurants and try new things.

I figured I would review an awesome restaurant that I went to on my last trip to Toronto for New Years.

The  restaurant is: Canoe

This restaurant is located on the one of the top levels of the TD building in downtown Toronto. The view is absolutely breathtaking. We were placed right by the window, overlooking the water. Our coats were taken and our seats were pulled out for us. After going to the bathroom, our waiter even folded my napkin back up, and placed it on the table. They really treat you like a king.

The food was fantastic and the portions were just right. Our desert, a Canadian favorite: Buttertart, was mouthwatering. The whole ambiance was amazing. If you are looking for great, decently priced food with an amazing view, this is the place to go. I have also been to 360, the restaurant atop the CN tower. 360 was great, but this place was even better.


Food: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Service: 9/10

Cost: $$$

($=cheap, $$= intermediate, $$$= expensive, $$$$ = very expensive)


Overall: 9.5/10

City or Country?

I hear a lot of people ask "Are you a city kind of guy? or do you like the country?"

I have to say, I'm definitely a city person. I love the bright lights, tall buildings, and millions of people.  I love the busy life, and seeing/interacting with so many people in one day. I'm a huge people person, so I tend to talk to everyone (my girlfriend gets mad because we can't ever leave somewhere because I'm always talking).

I really love the country, and amazing landscapes, but I've never actually wanted to live there. Maybe I haven't seen enough. I've been around the United States and seen some amazing views, but I've always wanted to live in a downtown metropolis.

Although, I am SUPER excited to see all the views in Europe. They look amazing, and better than anything I've seen in the US. That might change my mind, haha. I am especially excited to go hiking in Switzerland.

                                                                   

I guess I would ultimately say I love both, with a preference towards cities. At least for now. It could change.


So, are you a city or a country kind of person?

City you most want to visit.

I have to say, I REALLY want to visit Paris. It's always been a dream of mine. I cannot wait to go to on my trip.

My girlfriend went to Paris for almost two weeks, and she said she absolutely loved it. It was so different.

She said it is a very relaxed atmosphere compared to here in the US. The waiters/waitresses won't give you your check unless you ask. Much different from a lot of restaurants here, where as soon as you get your food, there is your check as well.

She also said a lot of the architecture is really beautiful. I love older buildings and great architecture. I'm also really excited to see the Louvre. I've always liked art, and have always wanted to see it. After seeing it in a lot of movies when I was a kid, it's always been something I couldn't wait to do.

So, my awesome followers, what city do YOU want to visit most?

My Favorite City

So I figured in between posts about my trip, I would talk about where I have been to, and some of my favorite places.

Today it's my favorite city: Toronto

I have been to other big cities, but nothing quite compares, at least in my eyes.

It's clean, fun, I have never felt unsafe there and the people are (mostly) friendly.

It's a different mentality in Canada compared to the US. Generally, people are interested in having a conversation and are usually helpful. The news is a lot less focused on politics, and more on interesting stories. Actually, there is quite a bit about the US on the news. Oh, and Justin Bieber. Haha.

There is so much to do and see, and there is ALWAYS something going on. I think it's impossible to be bored downtown.

I also went there for New Years, and was standing front row in the huge new years bash. Let me tell you...the Canadians know how to ring in the new year! It was a blast.


So guys, what is your favorite city?

What to eat on the road?

So as you can see in my below post, I'm planning on backpacking through Europe.

I'm going to be purchasing food from grocery stores and trying to make quick/cheap meals in the hostel kitchens.  I'll probably eat a lot of sandwiches as well. I'll go out to eat, but not for every meal.

Which food do you guys recommend that is easy to make or eat on the go?

Planning a Europe Backpacking Trip

I am planning a big Europe trip for next summer (summer of 2012).

I'm definitely excited about it...

Locations I'm planning on going:

- London, England 
- Liverpool, England 
- Dublin, Ireland 
- Amsterdam, Netherlands 
- Paris, France 
- Saint Malo, France 
- Nice, France
- Eze, France / Monte Carlo, Monaco 
- Rome, Italy 
- Venice, Italy 
- Florence, Italy 
- Zurich, Switzerland 


Yes, I know a lot of them are tourist cities, but I have never been to Europe before so I want to see them.


Anyways, I'll be staying in hostels and eating cheap most of the time. 



So have you guys been backpacking? Any tips? Any other places I should DEFINITELY see?