Oh Ontario, Oh Jennifer Jason Leigh.

I like Toronto. Lots.

And this makes me presuppose that I like Canada (also lots).

Which comes as a somewhat pleasant surprise. In many ways, this whole Overseas Experience was centered on being in or near the U.S.A., and living in Toronto was merely the easier option when it came to work permits.

But after three months in the western U.S.A., Canada has been quick to show its habitation superiority. Even in a city like Toronto—chastised by other Canadians as “the most American Canadian city”—the contrasts are subtle but vast.

Our soon-to-be street corner. Toronto, Ontario.

As James mentioned, people are friendly. Almost too friendly. (We’re afraid to glance at maps in public for fear of being enveloped by cheery Torontonians offering advice and free sherpa services.)

They’re also less brash and a little more self-effacing, which I’m all about.

And you don’t have to read a newspaper to notice the difference in political ideology—it’s just there, in the air. Sure Canada’s more diplomatic, liberal and left leaning, but it also feels unified on mainstream issues and policy, which is a comforting feeling.

Whilst in the U.S. I never felt disgruntled or overwhelmed by rampant regressive Bush conservatism. In fact, in almost 90 days I only came across one person who didn’t speak of their presidential administration with scorn—embarrassed, desperate, spiteful and unforgiving scorn (probably the worst kind). Which breeds an uneasy air of tense division in the country.

Canada, on the other hand, feels like everyone’s on the same page, or at least cool with it if they’re not. It’s refreshing.

But where Americans are generally too self-involved or ignorant to care about the prickly differences with its northern neighbour, Canadians insecurely take it to heart. There’s even a saying that if the national mental illness of the U.S. is megalomania, that of Canada is paranoid schizophrenia.

Doesn’t that kind of sound like Australia and New Zealand?

Anyway, apparently the rest of Canada dislikes Toronto. Especially Vancouverites. They say that Torontonians are unfriendly (and by “they” I generally mean the blog and message board posts that turned up in my google search). That it’s just a concrete jungle. That there’s crime. And the city just wants to be American.

So far, I’ve found none of these dispositions to be true. And if Montreal and Quebec City are greener, friendlier and safer, then I can’t wait to check them out.

I suppose many countries that share common culture have rivalries. And within each country there’s an interregional rivalry that often involves unwarranted resentment of the chief metropolis. (Auckland, Sydney and Toronto should bond over their player hating victimization.)

***

Brick is hip. Our new house (middle building). Toronto, Ontario.

Here are some reasons for my current lust with Toronto, Ontario:

1. Toronto is North America’s fifth largest city. But it never feels huge. It’s laid out in a transportation-friendly setting so getting anywhere is never demanding. For its size it’s pretty relaxed too—the sidewalks aren’t swarming with commuters.
2. Toronto is dubbed the world’s most multi-cultural city. Concrete Skyscraper CBD is minuscule, and Toronto’s unique blend of urban lifestyle and diverse neighbourhoods begin downtown. 67% of all Torontonians weren’t born in Canada, but Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Portugal and Braziltown merge with traditional North American streets, avoiding partition.
3. I came to Toronto with some pessimestic expectations of a concrete metropolis, but was pleased to find a mix of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, archetypical Eastern North American neighbourhoods and plenty of parks and green space.
4. Toronto’s east coast climate, quicker pace of life and audacious European history is a welcome contrast after the lazy heat of the younger west.
5. Toronto is arguably the entertainment and cultural capital of Canada. Montreal might birth more notable music acts, but Toronto is where everyone comes to play. We went to Architecture In Helsinki last week. James also caught the Should Out Louds. We’re going to a free Casiotone For The Painfully Alone art gallery show on Sunday, and then there’s The Weakerthans in a few weeks.
6. Toronto has an N.B.A. franchise that is perennially mediocre, yet residents support it like a first-born child.
7. James and I have a cool flat. And heating is included in the rent. It’s within walking/skateboarding distance to downtown (40/15 minutes) and flanked by two streetcars. It’s also nestled in a family neighbourhood with parks, schools and shopping, but a few blocks up from the hipster street’s second hand boutiques and art galleries.
8. It’s going to snow. And James and I are going to throw it at each other like 13-year-old girls in a Disney movie.
9. There are basketball courts at our neighbourhood park.
10. We can buy a decent foosball table from Wal Mart for $50.
11. There’s a free outdoor ice rink in our neighbourhood park. I may attempt to transfer my primary school field hockey skills.

Queen Street streetcar, down from our house. Toronto, Ontario.

This is the honeymoon period for Toronto and myself, and we shouldn’t get too ahead of ourselves, but so far I’m confident that we’re a good fit.

***

This is our last day of hostelling. And I’m pretty happy about that. James and I move into our place tomorrow and are suitably excited about the possibilities of green tea and interior decorating.

And not waking up to Australians and Englishmen crassly discussing degrading (and possibly fabricated) sexual exploits.

It’s the simple things in life.

Posted by Jonathan

Tags: life, New Zealand, Politics, USA