The Lazy Days of Summer...

I think I have reached saturation point at the moment with 'seeing things'. It has to come to all travellers who travel anywhere for more than 6 weeks..

I have not really had any 'lazy days of summer' and all the action and excitement has now exhausted me. I think that is why I was so grateful to Ken's friend, Julie today.

Julie lives just on the edge of the downtown area...I suppose it is very similar to an area like Highgate... a little greener and quieter than the city but only a few stops on the train away from the centre.

The houses in the area are huge! Three storeys, a basement, a patio and lots of character.

Julie is a wonderful person. She is very calm, particularly with her two excitable girls, Taya and Zen. After a girl and a boy, Julie adopted Zen from China. She is a beautiful little girl and a wonderful addition to their family.

For the first time, I did have that lazy day of summer. I was not concerned I was not rushing round like a headless chicken to see all the sights of Toronto...I will do that on my return on Sunday and if I don't see it all, well so be it!

We had coffee and lunch, a walk in the park and picked her daughter up from nursery...it was a very laid back day...bliss!

A block away from Julie, we went to watch some filming going on for a remake of 'Hairspray'. They had changed the shop fronts to reflect the 50s and the actors and vehicles all reflected the era...it was really exciting to watch.

I am meeting Julie again on Tuesday to explore Chinatown and Kensington...it's great to have her company.

Tonight I am going to see one of the Film Festivals 362 films. It is very exciting on the streets of Toronto..there are cameras and news readers awaiting the arrival of stars such as Brad Pitt.