travelogue: toronto, a trip home

a trip home (one of my homes) is always filled with great food, loud family gatherings, and much relaxation. we love it.

stefan and my mom bonded over the preparation of food, kai helped my mom gather beans and hang the laundry to dry, we played italian card games (scopa is a favourite). 

my mom is 89 years old, lives on her own in the same house i grew up in, tends to her garden in the summer, helps out at her friend's bakery in exchange for bread, ricotta and, when i'm around, cannoli (yum!), detests the winter months when she is forced into hibernation, and still cooks all my favourites. 

i miss toronto most just after a visit, wishing i was closer to make more frequent visits. but i am thankful for my time with my family especially seeing kai interact with and enjoy them so much. 

ketchup chips

 

  

one of my first stops is the danforth, where my mom lives and i grew up. this time it was with a heavy heart that i visited. just days before, on a sunday night, a man when on a shooting spree. everyone i know are safe and sound. 

i love this greek neighbourhood, filled to the brim with people on any given night. shops open late, many restaurants, a great gelato place, a little square to hang out and many people strolling up and down the blocks, similar to the passeggiata in italy and other european cities. 

in the neighbourhood, a visit to monarch park pool is a must, kai and i swim there regularly. 

with stefan joining us this time, we visited the red rocket cafe - he seeks out the best coffee wherever we happen to be. and just down the street, ange introduced us to greenwood stock in trade... a butcher that serves sandwiches and will slow cook meats for you to take home, all natural and delicious. stefan and i treated my family to a feast from there.

the beaches! stefan and i lived here when we were married. 

we went swimming in the rooftop olympic pool, which kai loved. there was a diving board :)

one night we met up with my cousin's family to eat at the toronto food truck festival which is held in woodbine park. i was happy my mom came along, to be out, to shimmy along to the music and to enjoy food she didn't have to cook. 

stefan and i loved our jerk chicken! not the type of food you get in sweden :(

jerk chicken!

we spent time downtown as well. 

st. lawrence market and all its foodie delights was a must stop with stefan in tow. and eating a peameal bacon sandwich is top of the list. 

we wandered along the waterfront towards the billy bishop toronto airport where stefan and kai took a heli tour of toronto. they loved it and highly recommend it.

kai dyed his hair blue!

leslieville is such a cool place to visit. it didn't exist when i was living in toronto but now it's a go to destination with cool shops - try out arts market and good neighbour - and places to eat. ange, kai and i had a nice time exploring.

nearby, just a few blocks along ossington avenue stefan and i wandered in and out of shops and had coffee/tea at i deal coffee, stefan even picked up some beans. for souvenirs i recommend locals drake general store and peace collective. we picked up a home is canadian tee for kai from the latter. bellwoods brewery looked great.

both of these neighbourhoods feel like small villages... its cozy houses, quaint stores, and tree lined streets.

a gathering at my brother domenic's home with a spread of delicious food (ginny out does herself each time), family and friends was loud and fun, as always. i was happy for my mom to have everyone together, especially her four grandchildren. i took it all in, feeling grateful. 

having ange by my side during my visit was so wonderful. she is a woman full of energy, kindness and generosity. i appreciate her love of my family... she keeps an eye on my mom, takes a genuine interest in kai (he adores her), and makes us laugh out loud. she's been a friend since we were young teens and am so very lucky to know her.

i will be back for my niece's wedding in february! not looking forward to toronto in the winter but it will be lovely. i know that for sure :)