We Built This City

Canada. Big country, friendly people, open minded with a tolerance to most anything safe, and even progressive some might say in policies and enforcing rights that should be just mere equality; anywhere. Toronto. Big city, all kinds-a people, entertainment on all surfaces, and to what most smaller city centres would gasp and screech at an alarming head spinning pace, long time residents of our city are used to the odd; without a flinch, wink or stare; anywhere. Dundas Square is a relatively new and evolving street corner that has been introduced in recent years as a Times Square-esque nod to New York city just South of us, but right here in Toronto. Big screens with major advertisers aglow cascading their products and message upon the city, mainstream favourite restaurants, mucho shopping opportunity, and an open concrete demonstration/festival/whatever-you'd-like-to-use-it-for area. Heck, even the daredevils who attempt driving in the neighbourhood are halted strategically every few minutes from all directions with stoplights in order for pedestrians to cross any street freely. Recently on just a 2 block jaunt I had to take to get from my spa to the subway I observed (and again, you must picture this as NOT unusual, cause classically everyone just keeps moving along with their normal selves) a man. A family man. Well fed; a.k.a. not slim. On a unicycle. Pushing a baby carriage. And to round out the wholesome picture, a leashed caramel coloured Toto looking mutt running alongside him. Did you get all that? Maybe I should repeat it. A fat man on a tiny one wheeled bicycle, yah the kind they ride in the circus, pushing a very expensive looking aerodynamic 3 wheeled variety stroller, with a child in it, and with him, probably some rare terrier breed. In addition; he was not moving at a pace by any means in which you or I would assimilate slow. The flight attendant in full uniform (pill box hat proudly 'pon head and all) or the homeless man singing Christmas carols while holding the street entrance door to the subway open (we've all got to have an angle) that I encountered on this same few minute walk were totally trumped. I have friends or acquaintances with professions that aren't exactly mainstream, and know many others who have been the subject of reality based television shows. It's all a part of being in a city where there is the option and the opportunity. Sometimes I have to take the proverbial step back and try to not take for granted what I've grown up with. Access and acceptance are rarely so easy to behold elsewhere. Thank You Canada. And Toronto.

Toodles