Jernie's Hub

Christmas is here once again. It is going to be a "White Christmas"!

Last weekend we drove again to the Niagara-on-the-Lake. I was excited to witness the candle light celebration in the church ( a German Tradition). But due to the weather condition last Sunday morning, all activities have been cancelled. It's a pity! We ended-up staying inside the house, enjoyed the sight outside as the winter/snow storm hit the place.


The ladies' car got stucked in the snow. Herbert went out to help them.


Taking the dog for a walk


Looking out from inside



After lunch, we geared-up to clear the snow outside, something I always look forward to. Though for me it's fun but I realised how tedious it is to live in this condition for a couple of months every year. Anyhow, I am enjoying this experience.

We decided to drive back to Toronto early because of the road condition. It was really scary to be in the middle of nowhere, an ocean of snow with very poor visibility. Herbert was quite tensed as the road was so slippery. Along the freeway, it was really worrying to see cars stucked in the snow and abandoned. I was terrified to witness an accident. I can't believe what I saw: a car was just going in circle and the car behind it bumped into it. Oh no! We were just praying that we will arrive Toronto safely.




Fortunately, we arrived in Toronto after 3 long and stressful hours. Until today the streets here in Toronto are still covered with snow which makes it very difficult to walk around.





I am not done yet with my shopping list. I still have a couple of things to pick-up but with the street condition, I am quite skeptical to wander around. But I think this will not get any better in the next months so I have to plunge into it.

With the invitation we got from my friends and ex-colleagues back in Dubai to their home in Brampton, I devised our weekend’s plan to drive to Vaughan Mills (shopping complex) then to Brampton on Saturday. On Sunday, we will visit the CN tower and Rogers Center then explore the Kensington Market.

On Saturday noon time we headed to Vaughan Mills. It took as sometime to reach the place as I had misspelled “Vaughan Mills” so the navigation system didn’t recognize it. I had to get my friend on the line to give us the direction. After a few wrong turns, we finally reached our destination.



As advised, we went straight to the Designer’s Depot to pick-up some winter shoes and clothing. The complex is huge. Apart from the fact that we had limited time, with Herbert it will be a nightmare to go around the place so I was compelled to stick to one shop. His connotation of “shopping” is to write down what you need, target a shop where to go, go straight to the items you need, fit, pay then go. But not for me, I love to go to around, look what’s there then decide what/which one to buy. I promised myself to go back there and spend the day going around the place. We prioritized his stuff as I have more than enough time to shop for my things.As we drove out of the place, the sky was still clear, the sight of snow glistening under the sunlight had caught my attention. It was really nice. I managed to capture it in my cam. I kept on hoping that it will be the same weather the next day as we`re planning to climb up to the CN Tower.





Along Highway 7 going to Brampton, the traffic was manageable. I was very interested to see the residential areas, beautiful neighborhoods. I think it’s a very good location because it’s not too far from the downtown, about 45 minutes drive. It was almost 4pm when we arrived at my friends’ home.

It’s good to meet them again after more or less 6 years since the last time we met in Dubai. They have two pretty and smart daughters. The family has established very well here in Canada. They are both working for a We also met their friend from the Philippines who just arrived two months ago. It was the first time Herbert met them. We had lunch: my ever favorite ‘sinigang na baka’ with fish sauce (patis) was among the dishes on the table. Fantastic! One thing I really appreciate here in Toronto is that we can just prepare all kinds of dishes as ingredients are all available here. My other friends also told me that it feels that they are just in the Philippines; all this time they are mainly cooking Filipino dishes. It’s something we don’t have in Germany. There are also Asian shops there but not as big and as many as here. After lunch, we started to catch-up on many things. We also had so much fun with the girls, especially the two-year old one. She is so pretty, cute and very active who entertained us most of the time. It’s wonderful to connect once again with friends after a long time. Then we were invited again to a sumptuous and extended dinner. Eventually, the group split-up. The gentleman stayed on the table and the ladies found their corner in the kitchen. The stories went on and on, to realize that it was approaching midnight. We wished we have more time but it was time for us to hit the road back to downtown. We really enjoyed the time together.

In downtown, we dropped by the supermarket to pick-up things for the next day. I really appreciate this convenience because I can’t do it in Germany. I assume there is such one in big cities like Berlin, Frankurt etc.

The next day was cold, raining and had heavy snowfall. We opted not to go to the CN Tower because it was foggy too hence, we won’t see anything. Instead, we drove to the Kensington Market and China Town. This area is nice too with colorful buildings/apartments. This is basically known for small shops of antiques, souvenirs, dry goods, etc.





We went around having a glimpse of the place. We stepped into a small shop with nice Christmas decors, picked-up some pretty Christmas decors. It quickly came to my mind the last time we did this was in China. Time really flies so fast (huh).Just wondering where will be our next Christmas. I hope next time will be with my family in the Philippines. (I’m crossing my fingers).




Then I took Herbert to the China Town. We did shop for some Asian products but as usual we can’t stay in this place long. Herbert felt that we were again in China (lol). We were advised to go to Mississauga because the Chinese shop there is huge and clean, we plan to explore Mississauga next weekend. We still have to find time to go to Beer Store or Liquor shop. It’s quite strange for me that here in Canada alcoholic beverages are not sold in the supermarkets in contrary to Germany, where alcoholic beverages can be bought in supermarkets/shops. Although most of the people there go to the “Getränke Laden” (Drinks shops). It is overwhelming to see a line of various beer brands. I still have to find out how many different brands of beers there is and the different classifications of beers.

I planned my itinerary based on the info I got in the net and from the city-tour brochures. I aimed to see these places during the week because during weekends we intend to drive out of town.

The St. Lawrence Market being the closest to where we live is on top of my list. I was told that this is best visited on Saturdays because there are more vendors and stalls lined outside but surely it will be full-house by then. I personally prefer to visit a place when it’s not crowded.

St. Lawrence Market

Its history: In 1803, Governor Peter Hunter issued a proclamation, following recommendations made as early as 1796 that all the land north of Front, west of Jarvis, south of King and east of Church Street was to be designated officially as the "Market Block." Since 1901, the South St. Lawrence Market has been known primarily for its fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese. For many years, few people realized that Toronto's original City Hall had been incorporated into today's south market. The history of the South St. Lawrence Market also includes the north "farmer's market" and St. Lawrence Hall as well. In March 1979, The Market Gallery of the City of Toronto Culture Division opened as the official exhibition centre for the display and storage of the City's art and archival collections. Located inside the South St. Lawrence Market on the south-west corner of Front Street East and Jarvis Street, The Market Gallery is on the second floor in the original council chamber which was part of Toronto's City Hall from 1845 to 1899.
Source: http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/about/history/index.html





The South Mall is known for shopping fresh sea foods, meat, vegetables, fruits, some Asian products and other delicacies. I went around the place to have an idea which things I can buy there better than from the supermarkets. The sea foods looked very good and fresh. There were a number of Chinese and Greek shops. In one of the meat shops, I was assisted by a Filipina lady. Well, here it’s pretty normal to see Filipinos everywhere. I couldn‘t really see anything which I can’t buy somewhere else. I just dont know how it is on Saturdays.




At the North Hall they have antiques and some souvenirs items. There was nothing really special so I didn’t stay long. I was heading to my next destination.

The Historic Distillery District (http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com)

I was walking alone towards this district. Though the sun was up and the sky was clear, it was windy and freezing. I was at the place after 20 minutes walk. The place was eerie quiet, nothing was going on. There were very few people walking around. I walked into few shops but I had the feeling that there’s nothing much to see then. I guess it’s better to go there when there is an event or activities going on. So I decided to walk back to the apartment.





The China Town

I heard a lot about the China Town here in Toronto, so I decided to go and see the place. Looking at the map, it’s quite a distance but I did believe that it can be reached by foot. Hearing from friends and some people that snatching/robbery is also happening here, I always take the major streets where there are many people. When I hit the street, the sun was up, the sky was clear, so I thought it will be a good time to take a long walk. But after just 15 minutes it was getting dark, and then came the very cold wind and snowfall. I was feeling cold already so I went down to the underground shopping concourse (path) going to the Queen St. On my way to the Spadina Ave the wind was getting stronger, it seems that I am not heavy enough to stand the strong winds so I had to take shelter again in one of the shops. When the wind subsided I continued walking until I reached my destination.

It was really a China Town, it reminded me of my shop hopping in China. I chose to get into the Chinese Supermarket, relatively huge place with a good variety of Asian products not only Chinese. I was particularly happy to stand at the shelf where many Filipino products are displayed. I didn’t even expect they have that many. I just picked-up things which I could carry. We have to go there again with the car some other time.





In the area, there were lines of typical Chinese dry goods shops and on the other side of the street are even bigger Chinese stores. I needed to go back there again to explore the place and proceed to the very famous Kensington Market. It was getting dark then, so I had to take my way back to the hotel. I had to go again through the underground shopping concourse to avoid the freezing wind. It took me sometime to find the King Street because this place is huge. Well, I had been here three times but I still I couldn’t map it correctly.

With this short period of time that I’ve been here, it’s very interesting to observe the ways of life and the way things are.


What I like in this place is its diverse community which gives that feeling that nobody is a stranger/foreigner. The first time we went to the Eaton Center (a huge shopping mall), I couldn’t stop saying, “I feel like I’m in Dubai”. While walking around I was having the impression that all nationalities must be here and everybody speaks the same language.
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Canada, land of opportunities? That’s what I heard from some people I know here. I think so. If one is not picky, job is always there. I heard that job opportunities in the retail industry and care-giving are not difficult to find. But to be for example in the healthcare industry, business, technical field etc…; one is required to study again and gain working experience here.
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We went to buy myself a pre-paid simm card. For the first time, I havn't encountered a system as complicated as here. I was presented with a brochure of plans for me to choose from. I insisted that I want a pre-paid card. For me, a pre-paid simm card means buying the card and topping-up an amount to make calls. Well the Assistant started to take us through the steps. First I had to choose which phone I’m going to get. But I want to use mine. Second I have to choose the price plans: 1 ct EVENINGS & WEEKENDS PLAN; $1 A DAY UNLIMITED EVENINGS & WEEKENDS PLAN; ALL DAY PLAN; ANYTIME PLAN. Huh! Guess which one I should take. To try to understand each plan, the Assistant needed to explain to us the mechanics… calling timings, minimum top-ups, charges for daily, 5 mins, 30 mins for 60 mins and last but not the least the expiration of the simm card per plan. Third step is to choose add-on facilities/features: voicemail, various types of charging txt messages, etc... And finally step 4, how to manage the account. When I decided what to take, I thought we were through. Then came the registration and payment. A good one hour was not even enough to finish the process. Really interesting huh!

When I got the bill, there was something new again. The plan was costing $100, the simm card costs $25 how come I have to pay $142.50? Then I learned that the VAT is not included in their pricing. Ooopppsss! I realized that I have to reset my calculator. I was told that for everything I’m buying I have to add 14% VAT. So, we went to a shop to see. I picked-up an item for $100, it means I have calculate 14% on top of its price making it $114. Is it a marketing strategy? In Germany, when I pick-up an item for Euro 100, it means I will pay a Euro 100 no more no less. It’s simple, isn’t it?
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Since we are living in downtown, most of the important/touristic sites are not far away, can be reached by foot or by street cars. I got a map and plan to visit these places during week days. On weekends, we normally drive out of town to see more interesting places.

While walking around, I bumped into a signage “Shopping Concourse / Food Court” towards underground. I was curious so I went down. It was a vast shopping complex underground Toronto Downtown. I didn’t know about it. It is a very good place to wander around because it’s warm. After a good hour wandering around, I started to think where should I exit? I didn’t even know where I am. Had to sit down and look at the map. I just hope I will find my way back to the apartment. Hehehehe. But with the structure of the streets here, it is easy to locate places.




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Around the streets, I have seen few homeless people. They sleep on the streets; I can’t imagine how cold it is for them. There are some individuals approaching people soliciting money. I was told that the crime rate here is high, that I have to take extra care when roaming around.

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Christmas spirit is very much in the air. The shopping malls, streets and buildings are showcasing Christmas decorations especially the Eaton Center and the Bay St.







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I had the pleasure to meet a friend and an ex-colleague back in Dubai. It was wonderful to be together again. We enjoyed catching-up on so many things and had a great time reminiscing our time back in Dubai. I was so happy to meet her friend too, who technically shared to us some info on living here. They were so kind enough to introduce me to the subway transit. I had my first ride then.



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Last weekend, we drove to Barrie (a residential area about 1 hour and half from downtown Toronto). On our way, we were enjoying the landscape, the sights - an ocean of white fields, snow everywhere. Beautiful!

November 23, I was finally on board the Lufthansa flight to Toronto, Canada. My visa came earlier than expected and booked my flight right away. I packed my suitcase having in mind the allowed baggage will be 20 kg, so I had 26 kg. While at the check-in counter I was advised that my suitcase is too heavy, that I should have 2 suitcases; each one weighing 23 kg which make 46 kg in total. But the travel agency didn’t tell me about it. Anyway, I was given a Lufthansa box to take 3 kg out from my suitcase otherwise; I had to pay for it. I was not particularly happy about it. Can you imagine me fiddling with my suitcase in the open? I hate it! Had I known this, I should have brought more stuff with me. Anyway, we (with my parents-in-law) proceeded then to the coffee shop.

After 30 minutes, I had to say goodbye as I was thinking about the security checks and the queue at the immigration counters. I was at the boarding gate on time but had to queue for the passport/visa check. I was surprised that the passengers have to go through document check and questioning: particularly what we’re going to do in Toronto, how long are we going to stay etc.... quite ironic.

During the flight, I had a long chat with the lady sitting beside me. She’s 81 years old but still travelling a lot and alone. After almost 9 hours flight, we started to see the mostly white landscape of Toronto, covered with snow.

As we were getting out of the airplane, we had to queue again for another round of document check and questioning. I was just wondering how many more checks we have to go through. The queue was quite long at the Passport control area but it was quite quick. On my way out to the arrival area, I was bracing myself because it was so cold. I was so happy to be in Toronto finally.

As we were approaching the downtown Toronto which will be our home for a couple of months, I was so amused looking at the skyline at dusk. Based on what I have read, Toronto offers a lot of places to see and things to do.

We opted to take a suite in the downtown Toronto so I could go around town on foot or street cars/buses. We are more than happy to stay in the furnished suite mainly for us to be able to prepare our own food and to have bigger space. The proximity of the building is excellent: opposite is a big supermarket, below our floor is a line of coffee shops (Starbucks), fast food shops, restaurants, bookshop and most importantly the famous St. Lawrence Market is just next to the building. Many important/touristic sites are just close by: CN Tower, Rogers Center, Eaton Center, Sony Performing Arts Theater, Opera Theater, even the venue for the Miss Canada Universe pageant is just few meters away.





The building we are living in is actually one of the three buildings named as St. Lawrence Lofts. This is owned by Thomas Clarkson (founder of Jim Clarkson & Gordon), built in 1857 and 1858. As mentioned in the documentation, the warehouse included the general offices and commercial activities of a wholesale grocery, handling produce, wheat, hides and leather. These buildings with their monumental pilasters and intended symmetry reflect elementary Georgian classical design principles. The Georgian Corporation’s reclamation of these buildings ensures that they will continue to be a living landmark in Toronto’s history.





The ambiance inside the building somehow gives that feeling of stepping back in time. The pipes along the corridors and even inside the suites, the beams and the brick walls somehow give the suite a strong and unique character. Of course, the building is equipped with up-to-date security facilities: door lock, fire alarm, burglar alarm with well kept exit paths. Likewise, the equipments especially in the kitchen are modern and new. Since the furniture and some decorations are movable, I had the opportunity of re-arranging some of them that same night when I arrived.