People / Different cultures, Toronto

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The Toronto Island Park is huge at approximately 230 hectares. Visitors have enjoyed the lakeside charm for many years and have became the best place to have a picnic. There is so much space and so much time here to enjoy with the family.

The Toronto Island Park comprises of Hanlan's Point, Centre Island and Ward's Island. The most popular of them is the Centre Island. You may check the link below to check the General Information specifying what to expect.

We have had picnics here with my family and relatives and had the summer company picnic. It was awesome and there's a lot of fun.

The community is found at Wellesley subway station. There is a main stream theatre just west of College station which usually has a LBYT themed movie or two. Church st. has many restuarants, bars, clubs, and the 519 community centre which serves mostly queers, homeless men, and has a heart for the james town community children. Buddies in bad times theatre is a hit. So is fem cab, in march, put on by nightwood theatre. Check out for NOW or Extra newspapers. The library yorkville branch (close to the Metro Refrence Library) has a great LGBT selection. There is a metro community church, pride celebrations in June, the omega centre for spirtuality... and lots more. Check out extra for community and events listings. LSBN on the internet is a great site

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Ontario is famous for strawberry picking in June and apple picking in September. You may also pick your own pumpkins in Applewood Farm in Stouffville in the month of October.

Applewood Farm & Winery is a great destination for young and old to enjoy a little bit of the country, close to the city. We have been visiting the farm for many years and the photos I posted here were taken on one of those visits. It is a convenient place to pick strawberries, apples, and ......Pumpkins. You may also purchase delicious pumpkin pie at their store.

Visit the website for more information about Applewood Farm & Winery. Address. Telephone. Direction.

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If you happen to be in Canada in September and you have not experienced apple picking, then this is the time to make it happen. Ontario has a lot of farmlands planted with different varieties of apples. One of the famous apple picking is in Stouffville. You will be able to experience a real country farm, not far from home at the Applewood Farm Winery. Applewood is not only for apples. It is famous for Fine Wines, Strawberries, Pumpkins, and Gift Baskets.

Come in....
June - Strawberry Picking
September - Apple Picking

For other information, visit the website I provided below.

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I guess most of us celebrate Christmas as most Christian do. I remember when we were living in the Philippines, we visit the church to hear mass in the early morning from the 15th of December. It is not only because it is our tradition but because of the Filipino delicacies that we enjoy right after the mass.

Here in Canada, it is a bit different as holiday masses are held at nighttime also from the 15th of December. No food is involved after the mass whatsoever. Not unless the family started this as a Canadian way.

Whatever tradition you are used to have, still the holiday season is time for peace and love for everyone. Gift giving is part of it and as a Canadian, generosity is always in our hearts.

Come celebrate with us. Let's join hands and share what we have to the poorest of the poor!

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A yearly successful celebration of Toronto's biggest Latino culture. As always, St. Clair and its adjoining streets are closed. I specially like the participants as they showcase Latin life; the beat of pulsating music, passionate dancing, fiery foods, and the free Salsa dance lessons.

I have witnessed the lively music and dance on the street. Watch for this festival and I am sure you will have a lot of fun. Show off your best dance moves. Show off your Salsa best beat!

For updated yearly schedule, please refer to the website provided.

Although Miami has a higher percentage of people who are foriegn born, Toronto has more people of different nationalities and backgrounds. People expect differences rather than similarities. Don't be surprised if they think you live here rather than being a tourist. Some 40% of the city is not born in Canada and increasingly are being labelled 'visible minorities' due to their country of origin, like China and India.

An expectation of English language is expected. Few Torontonians speak French, so a knowledge of English is vital. In certain boroughs of the city, you might be okay with just a knowledge of Cantonese, Italian, Portuguese, Korean or Greek languages.

Tread lightly on topics of differences between Canada and US and the rest of the world. Torontonians are often referred to as the 'centre of the universe' by Western Canadians because most once they live here, do not move outside of the area.

Still talk of Torontonians being the most unfriendly people are exaggerated. Any big city in the world has such a reputation. If you are lost, most will be happy to help you find your way.

If you are in Chinatown, you would better speak Chinese. All signs are on Chinese, I assume. Many people don’t speak English. We went in one of the banks to exchange money and found ourselves among Asian people, old and young. They talked very fast on their native language and looked at us, at the beginning, with some suspicion (we were the only ones who looked Slavic and who even didn’t speak English between each other). Soon they realized we are not any threat to them (I am joking) and didn’t pay attention to us. Then we realized we have some question to ask, I don’t remember what exactly. We tried to ask people in line and received only glances of misunderstanding. That moment I really wanted to speak Chinese. Luckily, bank employee spoke English.