Leavin’ on a Jet Plane. Maybe.
Fun, Stupid things I do, Travel August 6th, 2008Maybe my Canadian friends could help me?
UPDATE: It’s a Junk Drawer miracle! My sister, Ann of the Shampoo Bag, was able to take a couple days off work so she could join me on a DRIVE to Toronto! No trains, no planes!
And by “join me,” I mean she can do all the driving and I won’t have to help much because she has a GPS and even if it doesn’t work, we’ll have maps. I have lots of trouble with those, too, but thankfully, her daughter is coming with us, so I’m putting her on map duty. If she was old enough to drive, we’d let her do that too.
Thanks everyone for your advice and offers of help! We’re crazy excited for this trip! I’ll catch up with comments later tonight.
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Stumble it!
August 6th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
You are coming to Toronto ?! We’ve GOT to meet !
I don’t have a car so I can’t take you around…
Jaffer’s last blog post..Recuperating an old Laptop - Part 2
August 6th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
OMG … How do you get to work in the morning? LOL
I find they just kinda heard you around like sheep so not sure how you could get lost, altho … I’m sure you could. I’d go with the cheaper flight, but that’s me. You have to decide how much the hassle is worth to you. A direct flight is easy. Get off the plane and get in a cab. Easy Smeasy.
Oh, and don’t say “eh” if you come here. Just sayin’
DrowseyMonkey’s last blog post..Hump Day
August 6th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
1) Can I have some cheese with that whine?
2) I’ll take 2 Cuban cigars. A Monte Cristo ‘Rubusto’ or any Romeo y Julietta. I’ll pay for it all and shipping, natch.
3) Jaffer told me he has a rickshaw. You’re good to go.
4) Do the train. Takes you right downtown.
5) Google everything. Print Maps. Take pics. Go for it!
Geakz’s last blog post..Managing To-Do Lists With Notepad++
August 6th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Stop everyone in the street, at the airport until you get your question “where’s the…?” answered.
And glue your wallet to your hip.
INSIDE your pants.
Margaret’s last blog post..Dennis Hopper Would Like To Ask You A Question
August 6th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
We can relate to your dilemma! My Mommie is not afraid of flying anywhere, but it’s the driving around in unknown towns that is terrifying.
Daisy the Curly Cat’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Open WIDE for treats!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Oh, gosh, Kathy, I’d love to help you out but I’m just the same!!! The only time I’ve ever flown by myself, Other Half put me on the plane (saw me right up to security and waved me out of sight) and I was met at the airport by friends. I’d be useless!!
Just gird your loins and do it! You’ll have FUN!!! I hope you find someone to fly with though. Less stress all round.
Jay’s last blog post..I kick ass!!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I’ve done the direct flight to Toronto from here, and it was convenient, although the plane was quite small and very LOUD. But if I had a choice between $250 and $1000, I’d go with the non-direct.
Don’t let traveling and airports intimidate you. You’re intelligent, you can handle it, believe me. I can’t go with you, but if there is anything I can do to help you get ready, I’m game. I fly several times a year, and I have it down to a science.
Susan’s last blog post..Gorgeousness and Gorgeosity Made Flesh
August 6th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I’ll come, I’ll come! Oh poo! I can’t It’s the other side of the world to me ha ha! I’m with you in spirit though ;O)
You can’t miss the chance - go for it!
Babs - beetle’s last blog post..Look what I got!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Let me come! I have a passport and everything, plus my mom would probably give you her GPS. Plus, if you do go on a plane, I could direct you through everything, because I know how. I’m very smart and mature, and could write an essay on why I should be able to come. And another reason is I’ve never been to Canada, and I would really enjoy it. Plus, this would be one of my only oppartuinities to go, and I think it would be really awesome to meet Jeff and JD in real life. Also, I won’t pack that much, so you won’t have to deal with my luggage. And also, I have my own money ((more than $50)) so you won’t have to buy everything for me. Also, I’ll have things to do to occupy me no matter what form of transportation we take, so I won’t be annoying. And, you won’t be alone, so that’s another upside.
I’ll think of more reasons later. I’d really like to come.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Kathy you’ll be fine! All you need is a little confidence and lots of maps…. and maybe a compass… or a tom tom, even though you are in an airplane/port. Perhaps you can “babysit” a neighbor’s kid who’s a boyscout?
then again that could be considered kidnapping…
All you need is confidence!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Wow, forget about you Kathy… I wanna meet Regan.
JUST KIDDING!!! I mean I really do want to meet Regan but I meant just kidding about “forget you.”
But holy cow, just the fact that you’re willing to deal with all the stress of making this trip says a lot about you… and how good of a friend you are to me. Thanks! {{{blush}}}
Jeff’s last blog post..When I was a kid…
August 6th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Kathy, if Mrs C and I weren’t going to Boston for a wedding, I might consider driving you. You and her could have chatted the whole way. It’s about 6 hours drive one way from the Lehigh Valley to Toronto, but with your blog stories of driving, I don’t think you can make it.
P.S. Mrs C loves Amazing Race.
Chris (Casey)’s last blog post..New Lamps on the Garage…ZAPPPP!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I just had a thought. Could you do a teensy, weensy detour and stop off in the UK for a brew up?
Babs - beetle’s last blog post..Look what I got!
August 6th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Jaffer — If I get there, we’re meeting!!! I’ll keep you posted on my plans.
DrowseyMonkey — It’s only because I take the same routes every day. Throw in construction and I’m a mess. That’s my problem with traveling. I need the route to be exact, and I know that won’t be the case if I drove. The problem with that flight out of Philly is it’s a turboprop plane. Be honest. I could die in it, right? Oh, and count on me not to be a stupid American.
Geakz — What whine? I toned it down. You should really hear me if I get going. I’m googling now. Googling all possibilities. I’d hire a driver if I could.
Margaret — Will they still help me if I’m blubbering uncontrollably?
Daisy the Curly Cat — Yep. That’s me. Not afraid too much of flying. It’s getting through the airports that will break me.
Jay — That’s what I’d need, too. Someone would have to take me to the very last point that they’re allowed to drop me off. And even then, I’d be a mess. I need a traveling partner, I’m afraid.
Susan — I’m scared of the small plane. Turboprop gives me no confidence. My first flying experience was on a DC-9 and even that made me almost soil myself. Anything smaller and I’m a goner. I would love to get over this fear of traveling alone. I want to be able to say I did it! But I’m almost tearing up now just thinking about it. Thanks for your offer of help.
Babs beetle — I’ve no doubt you would help me if you lived over here. I’d expect nothing less, friend. I know I need to try. I have a chance to meet now THREE blogging friends, and what an amazing trip it would be!
Regan — You drive a hard bargain. But I told your Mom that I didn’t want to be responsible for losing her kid while traveling. You really can’t count on me to keep you safe. Your aunt is a moron. Remind your mother of that.
sarah — But I have NO confidence!!! Where do you get confidence unless you try it, but what if I fail and someone has to come get me? Oh, so nervous.
Jeff — I swear I’m trying hard to figure this out. I have two more people I can ask to help get me there. I would drive myself if I knew ahead of time I could make it. Or at least halfway. Then I could call you and you’d come get me? And now I got Jaffer involved. How awesome would it be to meet all three of you? Wheels are in motion…
Chris — You know me too well. But I would be on my best behavior for anyone who drove me. I’m checking with two others to see if they’ll do it. The whole plane thing seems impossible to me. There’s a big difference between talking about it and DOING it. Wah!!!
Babs — Let me get intercontinental down pat first. Then we can talk global!
August 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Kathy dear, I’m in Toronto so I can’t help you getting here but I can certainly help you get around Toronto. Send me an email and maybe I can even help you with figuring out what to do to get here (I travel a LOT lol). Good luck!!
fragileheart’s last blog post..Sleep, it’s over-rated
August 6th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
All joking aside, I would be exactly the same. Too many years of being driven around everywhere. I’ve lost the confidence to do it alone. I feel for you. The strong desire to go, but the fear of getting there, or not as the case may be ;O)
Babs - beetle’s last blog post..Look what I got!
August 6th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
o Kathy Of all the beautiful places in Canada…why Toronto??? it ain’t purdy!!! They call it the city without a Soul
Come to Quebec…we purdy here!!! Almost any city in Canada is nice……..except for that one…Sorry T.O.
Alan’s last blog post..I need Your Help
August 6th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
@Alan ! Boo !
August 6th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Too bad you won’t be coming to Alberta. Toronto is so not in Alberta it isn’t even funny. Of course, we don’t want Toronto anyways. If you ever visit Calgary or Edmonton I’ll buy coffee. Or I could take you to Dead Mobster
Tim’s last blog post..Beer Gift Baskets - Great Gifts For Any Occasion!
August 6th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Don’t the airlines still offer that program for unaccompanied minors? I am sure that your girlish looks will qualify you for that program. You even get a cool name badge to where in case you get lost. I think you could even have a steward hold your hand as you walk through the airport.
Rattln Along’s last blog post..Happy Fourth Of July
August 7th, 2008 at 4:22 am
fragileheart — Oh, thank you! Don’t be surprised if I ask for help. I’m still not sure if I’m getting there, but if it happens, expect to hear from me!
Babs beetle — I wrote a post a while back about how traveling alone is one of my biggest fears. But I really want to overcome it. I think I need to start smaller.
Alan — Oh, they can’t call it that! Unless it changed from the last time I was there in the early 80’s.
Jaffer — And I didn’t forget that you said I should visit Old Quebec City sometime when I need a little Paris!
Tim — If I made it that far, I’d let you take me to Dead Mobster. That’s how important it is to me that I get there!
Rattln Along — The program shouldn’t just be for kids, don’t ya think? They need to extend that to the challenged and impaired. I am both.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:36 am
(Cringes) as someone who takes the path of least resistance, I was actually rooting for you and the $250 flight. Until you mentioned customs and the boarding passes and all that stuff.
Um, I say keep in contact via the written word with those blogging friends.
(Sprints away before the other commenters verbally smack me down.)
August 7th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Kathy, I have the advantage that I actually like the flying experience, even (especially!) the take off and landing. But I was VERY nervous on that first ‘alone’ flight, and only did it because a) I had a girly ‘Johnny Depp’ week ahead of me if I plucked up courage, and b) the flight was less than two hours.
Small planes don’t scare me either. I quite like the little ‘prop’ jobs, although in bad weather they are Not Nice. The worst was a flight (accompanied, this time) across to the Isle of Man which was less than an hour, but being bucketed around in February winds was bad. I was very, very glad to get off at the end.
Jay’s last blog post..I kick ass!!
August 7th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Just go! And go the cheapest way possible! Trust me, there are plenty of people to tell you where to go!
WillThink4Wine’s last blog post..Thursday Things That Bug Me - Mental Pause
August 7th, 2008 at 6:07 am
I re-entered my comment because I kept getting an error message… When it finally posted my comment, I see the first 2. Sheesh. Sorry!
WillThink4Wine’s last blog post..Thursday Things That Bug Me - Mental Pause
August 7th, 2008 at 6:54 am
But I won’t get lost! I promise! I’ll stay near you the whole time, plus I have my cellphone, so if we do get separated, you could call me or I could call you. And you are not a moron.
August 7th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Cardiogirl, get back here!
Are you saying you wouldn’t walk through fire to meet ME???
Seriously, Kathy: you don’t give yourself enough credit. As Regan says, You are not a moron!
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Like the Previews so you don’t have to
August 7th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Aw, Kathy, you’ll be just fine. I love to travel alone (shhh… don’t let hubby hear that) and go on business trips a couple of times a year.
Too bad my Toronto trip isn’t until October! (Dang!)
Maureen’s last blog post..A Photog I’m Not
August 7th, 2008 at 7:40 am
You called? OK - so I’m no longer in Toronto, actually a couple hours drive away. That being said, you HAVE TO do the $250.00 - I mean, I hate travelling as well but think about how much bacon and poutine you can buy for $750.00!!! Getting to the hotel is the easy part, you can only walk one way out of the airport - go that way until you hit curb, raise your hand, sit down in the cab that arrives and state the name of your hotel. That being said, if you decide to go let me know and I can likely recommend a few good places. Cheers!
August 7th, 2008 at 7:49 am
it’s ok you can drink the water here..:))
GPS and drive it..if I see a rwo lost souls wandering around I know it will be you and possibly my sister who gets lost in the lobby of her condo..:))
robert bourne’s last blog post..Will I
August 7th, 2008 at 7:51 am
I’m no good for traveling advice- I always mix Xanax and alcohol, which requires me to have a handler.
sue’s last blog post..I Miss U, Pluto
August 7th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Okay, my two cents– take the flight with the connector. Yes, it will be more trouble but HUGE price difference.
Take all your stuff in a carryon bag you don’t check.
On flying day, to get through security, don’t wear anything metal that could beep. No jewelry, no belt, no wristwatch that’s metal.
Wear shoes you can take off easily because you’ll have to do that for security.
When you get to the Toronto airport, get a cab. Do NOT drive in Toronto. I have driven to Toronto, and driven IN Toronto. I saw a guy drive on the sidewalk– I wish I were kidding. Take a CAB from the airport.
Jenn’s last blog post..Rate This: Rating the Rating of Ratings
August 7th, 2008 at 8:47 am
If it makes you feel any better on a trip to South Africa I missed my first connecting flight due to poor weather and had to scramble to make a new flight 10 hours later from another airline which meant my luggage didn’t join me at my destination until a week later (and that wasn’t even the half of it).
So, really, don’t worry about Toronto. At this point, after that trip, I figure, no flight or airline issue can be much worse so sit back and relax. However, definitely take Jenn’s advice and take all of your stuff in a carry on bag so you don’t have to check a bag or you might experience my nightmare of not getting your luggage for a week. But make sure to keep all of your liquids in small mangeable sizes if you go that route. Good luck!
August 7th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Kathy, if only I’d known. I was there last week. Not Toronto, but my husband drove in from where we were staying and he would’ve been happy to pick you up at the airport.
You’re smart to be concerned - that’s one big-assed city! But break it down into just the section you’ll be traveling in and it’ll be easier. Why not take a GPS? Some of the auto ones include a pedestrian function (mine does).
As for getting there, if you’re near the east coast, there’s always Amtrak.
Lori’s last blog post..The Maddening Silence
August 7th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Yep, you gotta go with the $250.00.
You can call me if you need phone support, you big baby. I’m serious. I can be your travel coach.
You just HAVE to take Regan. That was an impassioned plea that an aunt just can’t deny. You opened yourself up for that. She sounds like she would be a lot of fun!
Princess Gail has never been to Toronto, and I would love to take her someday. So, actually, we would be open to considering the trip, depending on the date.
Maybe even better, if this trip works out for you, is a planned blogger get-together, planned well in advance, at some cool destination. What a cool vacation that would be! You just might have hit on something big, Kathy!
Ferd’s last blog post..WooHoo!!! Comment away!!!
August 7th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Its almost like you crawled inside my head and said what I am thinking about my trip across the pond to the states, where I am staying in places I have never been before and staying with people I have never met before.
I am travelling on my own, taking a connecting flight to Amsterdam and then onto Boston. If I am daft enough to do this trip, I am sure you are daft enough to go to Toronto
Do it!
Claire’s last blog post..Farewell Olga!
August 7th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Make your blogging buddies come to you. Problem solved. Next crisis?
(I wish I had better advice, but sadly I don’t. But think of it this way–it will be great blogging material. Good luck for realsies.)
Stephanie C.’s last blog post..what i’ve been reading
August 7th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hi Kathy! I’d love to be able to help you, but I don’t even go to Toronto and I live an hour away! As for airports, I haven’t set foot in one since my honeymoon 14 years ago!
If you do make it here, at least give me a call - let me know and I’ll e-mail you my phone #. I do have friends in T.O. if you’re desperately stuck somewhere, but it sounds as if Jaffer or fragileheart would be more than happy to help you out. I’ve travelled on my own all over the British Isles, but Toronto is a whole other ball of wax - and I was born and raised there.
By the way, I’ve added you to my bloglist on my brand new blog, featuring music, film and t.v. clips from the 60s, 70s and 80s! Come on over for a laugh!
Kat
Poetikat’s last blog post..Don’t go in the water!
August 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Re: the update
Sounds like you girls will have a great road-trip. Watch out for all the big transport trucks on Hwy. 401! Stay in the slow lane for that stretch (or stay fast in the fast lane, otherwise, you’ll end up with the 18-wheelers blowing steam up your #$%@!!!
Kat
Poetikat’s last blog post..Don’t go in the water!
August 7th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Re: the update
Sounds like you girls will have a great road-trip. Watch out for all the big transport trucks on Hwy. 401! Stay in the slow lane for that stretch (or stay fast in the fast lane), otherwise, you’ll end up with the 18-wheelers blowing steam up your #$%@!!!
Kat
Poetikat’s last blog post..Don’t go in the water!
August 7th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Oops! You can delete one of the duplicates.
Kat
Poetikat’s last blog post..Don’t go in the water!
August 7th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Have a safe trip.
Joe’s last blog post..Winner of “Caption This” Contest Announced; Blogging World Stunned
August 7th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Here’s a suggestion: Don’t listen to any suggestions.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Kathy which State are you coming from…and u talk so fast…..so I’m guessing your not a Southerner??
Alan’s last blog post..What do you think of the … 50 year old Madonna ?
August 7th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Well, you’ve got your way to Toronto. Just be sure to take your passport. It will make the border crossing a lot less painful.
When you get home you have to mark a spot on your calendar for a trip south. Lot’s easier and you won’t need a passport!
August 7th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Toronto is the city of restaurants. Because it is the most ethnic city in the world you will find any food under the sun. So be sure to bring your stretchy pants and sample the goods.
Too bad there’s such short notice with this trip because I would love to meet up with some of my Blokesters. My daughter is coming back from Asia on the 13th (I hope) and I want to spend time with her.
On the other hand I haven’t been to TO in 10 years. It would be nice to walk down the old street where I used to live and meet old friends again. Maybe I could bring along my daughter as well.
Hmm, there just isn’t much time to plan this…
If not then maybe next year. Here’s a thought. How ’bout we plan for the first annual Blokester Reunion in beautiful British Columbia? That would be a hoot.
Blog Bloke’s last blog post..Blog Bloke’s Tweets for 2008-08-06
August 7th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Kathy:
I love that Voki. To me, is has become you. And that being the case, I get a real kick out of placing my cursor right in the middle of your forehead.
Have fun in Canada. And remember to take your laptop with you. That way, if you get lost, you can still post.
Happy trails.
Swubird’s last blog post..SELF EXECUTION
August 7th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I’m in Toronto and I think you’ll love your trip. When are you coming?
One thing I like about living in Toronto is that there are so many things to do, especially during the summer - weekend festival after weekend festival! Plus as someone else said we have some fantastic restaurants here.
Once you are here get a map of Toronto. You’ll find that most of the major streets either run North to South or East to West so once you get the gist of the direction (bring compass or GPS) you’ll find it easier to get around.
I hope you have a great trip and find our city to be fun and friendly!
Tricia’s Musings’s last blog post..This cat must be very tolerant!
August 7th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
the voki wouldn’t talk to me and I THINK she rolled her eyes at me.
i’ll check back. have a safe trip and don’t try to help with the directions either.
Natural’s last blog post..Are You Feeling Guilty Over Something?
August 7th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Just think, this could be your mini-version of the Amazing Race…..
Bruce’s last blog post..My - MP3 [Mannix]
August 7th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Bingo! You reached the 50 comment mark again. Time to finish that post dear.
Tricia is exactly right regarding the N-S-E-W road direction. Very easy to figure out, not like where I live now. It’s so hilly hear that it’s worst than Washington DC trying to figure your way around.
Now get back to that post and stop stalling.
Blog Bloke’s last blog post..Blog Bloke’s Tweets for 2008-08-06
August 7th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
cardiogirl — Thanks to my sister, I don’t have to fly now. God bless her because you may never have heard from me again if I tried to go it alone.
Jay — I’m like you. Not really freaked out by the flight. But if I didn’t have my husband to dig my fingernails into on take-off, I might be singing a different tune. And now I don’t have to worry, since we’re driving. Whew!
WillThink4Wine — I hope we can rely on the good graces of strangers because I have no problem telling them I’m lost.
Regan — Bless your heart. But now you know there are no planes involved. But you can still help in the car when we drive. I think you should sit in the front seat and not expect much from me in the back.
JD at I Do Things — Anyone would walk through fire to see you! We’re driving to see you so you don’t have to (drive here)!
Maureen — Do you really? You must have been scared the first time, though, right? Or are you naturally good at directions and getting places? I would kill to have that sense about me, but I’m pathetic.
Canucklehead!!! — I wish you were closer, because then we could squeeze you in, too! Geez, you make travel sound so easy. When Dave and I went to Paris, no shuttle came to pick us up from the airport. I was no help whatsoever getting us there. Dave had to do everything. I suck.
robert bourne — Tell your sister I can sympathize with her. It does not take me long to lose my way, sadly. And then I get all weepy. Not pretty.
sue — Yeah, I thought of getting drugs to even me out, but that couldn’t possibly turn out well.
Jenn — See, you make that sound so easy. But when I’m confronted with that, I freeze and can’t think straight. I wonder if there’s a support group for people like me. You know, give them little trips to take themselves. Small ones at first, then bigger. Seriously. Is there such a thing?
Singular Girl — Your African story is the stuff of my nightmares. Thank you for the airline advice. I haven’t been on a plane in 4 years. We’ve decided to drive, thank God, but your advice will come in handy for future flights.
Lori — Oh really? You’re so nice! We’re driving now. We’re also trying to get a hotel near my friends so we don’t have city travel to contend with. We will have GPS. Amtrak didn’t pan out. All possible trains were fully booked already.
Ferd — You know now we’re driving, and Regan’s coming with! The three of us are so excited we could bust! I’m totally up for a planned blogger meeting at different points, but it’ll be much better-planned, believe me. This is insane what we’re doing, but I saw a chance and needed to take it.
Claire — Oh, how great you are coming to the States! You will love Boston! I was there in ‘86 I think. One of the best vacations I ever had. I wish you good luck and good travels. I feel for you, I really do!
Stephanie C — Maybe next time, I will! With three of them so close together, I just had to do this. I’m sure I’ll blog from there, perhaps once each day, so you can read how we’re making out. So awesome!
Poetikat — You travel about as much as me. I plan to load up all the phone numbers of the people who offered, so we have ample choices for assistance. I’m thrilled to have this much help. We made need it, especially right after we get there. Thanks for adding me to your blogroll. I’ll check you out. And thanks for the tip about the 401. Although that sounds like my drive to work. Pennsylvania drivers are notorious for crawling up your butt on the highway.
Joe — Thanks. Safety is the one area I can help with. If I can’t read a map, at least I can watch for crazy drivers and warn Ann.
Jaffer — Thanks. We’ll be fine. I’ll be writing you tomorrow with more details of the trip, once we get the hotel locked in. So excited!
Alan — Pennsylvania. I talk so fast because that Voki thing only gives you 60 seconds. I should use those for way shorter posts, huh?
Lee — Yes, we all have our passports. My other niece might have joined us, too, but she doesn’t have one. The last time she was in Canada, you only needed to show your birth certificate. On coming south… don’t tempt me. That might be a trip I actually could drive on my own. You’re not terribly far from me.
Blog Bloke — That’s what we like to hear! We plan on trying everything! Ah, is there nothing better than stretchy pants? Of course, I wouldn’t been seen in public wearing them (much). I know. The short notice makes things harder on all counts. I’m up for a Blokester thing, blogger thing, anything! This is an idea whose time has come.
Swubird — Have your way with me. As for the laptop, it’s an appendage. The first thing we needed to check was whether there was internet access in the hotel. I’ll be blogging from there, I’m sure.
Tricia’s Musings — August 16-19. I’m sure we’ll have lots of walkin’ around time. Looking forward to seeing the sights as well as my friends. I’m so glad you said the streets were laid out like that. It’s really the only way I can manage. I was there over 20 years ago, but I remember it to be extremely friendly and wanted to live there!
Natural — I’m sorry my Voki didn’t talk to you. She didn’t mean to be mute. All you need to know is I’m not flying now! Woo hoo! Watch for a couple posts next weekend for an update.
Bruce — Don’t think we haven’t thought about it! If we can’t be on TV, at least we can get lost trying to find our destinations. (Pray we don’t, though).
Blog Bloke — I can’t imagine anything worse than D.C. I’ve heard horror story after horror story. I love a grid layout. That’s going to prove very helpful. As for the post, I left it in the Dash. I may get back to it after being away from it a while. And now I have 52 comments…
August 7th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Chicken!
You can finish it on the car “dash”board on your way to TO.
That’s #53 Do I hear 54? Going, going…
Blog Bloke’s last blog post..Blog Bloke’s Tweets for 2008-08-06
August 7th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
#54… By the way, your avatars still don’t like me. You’re not using MyAvatars are you?
http://www.napolux.com/2006/12/14/myavatars-a-wordpress-plugin-for-mybloglog/
Naughty!
Blog Bloke’s last blog post..Blog Bloke’s Tweets for 2008-08-06
August 7th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Comment #54 ! Sold to the guy in the blue T-Shirt.
Jaffer’s last blog post..Recuperating an old Laptop - Part 2
August 7th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Considering the weather here for the last week I’ll drive. Everywhere. Just get me somewhere that isn’t sitting at or near 100 degrees and I’ll be your love slave. And driver. Massuer. Cook? umm… what else you need?
Mojo’s last blog post..55 Flash Fiction Friday (#6): “Synchronicity”
August 7th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Woo hoo! You’re coming!!
fragileheart’s last blog post..Today is a geeky day indeed
August 7th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
have fun! road trips are awesome!!!
Kelly’s last blog post..Thank You God, Thank You Airborne
August 7th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Your voki is absolutely hysterical. Because I am stupid? That alone practically had me peeing! Be nice to yourself dear.
Lauren’s last blog post..China revokes visa of gold medalist, Darfur activist Cheek
August 8th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I must say I continue to be fascinated by your fembot. After she finishes talking to me, I have fun moving my cursor all around for a few more seconds. I tried to make her cross her eyes, but no luck.
I’m glad you’ll be in good hands for your trip. Safe travels!
Vivienne’s last blog post..The Pea Questions the Pod
August 8th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Kathy! I can’t wait to read the “on the Road with Kathy and family” posts that are sure to result. With your luck, they will probably ask for Passports at the Canadian Border and search your car! don’t wear a scarf! You know that Rachel Ray made those popular for terrorists?! Lol Have fun, and have a safe trip!
Chris Casey’s last blog post..New Lamps on the Garage…ZAPPPP!
August 8th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Whit a GPS you shouldn’t have any problem. Those things are so helpful–I love mine! Somehow, maps only work if you know what direction you are going in. They are very cumbersome too! It really annoys me when it’s time to fold it back up and I can’t get the folds to go right. (I am a perfectionist)
Have a great time and a safe trip!
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”’s last blog post..A Very Fun Game Site: Pogo.com
August 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Oh I’m so glad for you. You will have a trip to remember. I wish I could be a fly on the wall ;O)
See, you don’t need a silly TV programme - You can create your own Amazing Race!
Babs - beetle’s last blog post..Look what I got!
August 8th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Blog Bloke — Well, I will have my laptop, so you never know. I might just finish it. I tried using the MyAvatars plug-in, but I couldn’t get it to work. Not sure why. Will look at that down the road.
Jaffer — Hey! You never show up way down here! You’re always in my Top 5. Your job is to get the party started in comments!
Mojo — That’ll do it. And don’t tempt me. Sounds like my kind of vacation.
fragileheart — If you have some tips for traveling in Toronto, please email me at kathyblog07 [at] gmail [dot] com and thank you!!!
Kelly — My sister and I had a great roadtrip when we went to the Amazing Race audition, which sadly, we weren’t selected for. It’s gonna be a great trip, provided her trusty GPS keeps us on the right path.
Lauren — Then you don’t know me very well. You need to take a trip through my “embarrassing” category in my sidebar. Your head will spin.
Vivienne — I love the eyes, too. Kinda creepy, kinda fun!
Chris Casey — When they ask for identification, I’ll just explain that I’m Kathy of The Junk Drawer. They’ll know me, I’m sure.
Karen — I’m waiting to get one for Christmas, so I can start learning how to drive further than my own neighborhood. I’m annoyed with maps because I can’t read the fine print, even with my contacts in. I need reading glasses for them and I lost my last pair after using them only once. I’m hopeless.
Babs — We’re really looking forward to it. Booked the room today. It’s really happening! I’m sure I’ll have a road trip blog entry when I get back, or maybe even while we’re still there. ROAD TRIP!
August 8th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Okay, I totally think we should organize regularly scheduled blogger road trips. And one of those should be to my house. No really: you, JD, Les Becker, Cardiogirl, there’s about half a bus’ worth I’d like down here in the South so I could take you on the Elle tour of New Orleans and ’round about the swamp. Blogista Travel Agency… there’s an idea.
Elle’s last blog post..Portrait of a Mad Woman On Hold With ISP
August 8th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
So I started the party, stayed during the whole party, got drunk and I’m the last one to leave.
Now you’ll have to call a cab to send me home. X-(
August 8th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
i’m going to give her another chance. i thought i was going to have to break out my sign language on her, but i’ll see if she’s ready to talk now.
you know i was supposed to go to canada aug. 16. we’re not going. bummer. everybody is broke, including me, but i wasn’t paying. oh well.
Natural’s last blog post..Are You Feeling Guilty Over Something?
August 8th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
thanks for the laugh, she spoke to me. had to give her chocolate and $2, but hey whatever works.
now i have your solution. you need 1 seeing eye dog and 1 bomb sniffing dog 1 pointer dog and you’d be straight.
did i miss it, how are you getting there again or are you going. bus, drive, train? dang, i’ll go back up and read down.
Natural’s last blog post..Are You Feeling Guilty Over Something?
August 8th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
nope. i’m really that dumb. i’m leaving now. i found my answer. da*&! my stupid is showing. sorry.
Natural’s last blog post..Are You Feeling Guilty Over Something?
August 9th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Wow! You’re awesome. I want to marry you and make all your dreams come true.
Richard Catto’s last blog post..South African women, cats and stats
August 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Oh! too bad I am not from Toronto. It’s 45 to 1 hour drive from my location but I don’t drive either lol! How I wish you and I will meet, maybe on your next trip. I guess i am already driving when that happen.
Take care on the road!
manilenya’s last blog post..Weekend in Niagara and my mutterings
August 9th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Elle — Careful. If you suggest it, you have to organize it. I’m up for traveling most anywhere if someone plans it and gives me enough time, especially so I can bring my husband with me!
Jaffer — Don’t worry. I’d take good care of you. You’re necessary for the continued success of the Drunk Drawer. Oops, I meant Junk Drawer.
Natural — Oh, my dear, you make me laugh! It’s too bad we couldn’t squeeze you in on the 16th. We’ll be getting there in the afternoon. Crap! The Voki might even sing for you if you give her chocolate and $2. Don’t tempt me. As for the seeing eye dog, a woman I work with suggested that I wear large dark sunglasses and look pathetic (back when she thought I was traveling alone). I’ll still look pathetic, just without the glasses now.
Richard Catto — That’s what everyone says. Get in line. And if you believe that, I have another story for you.
manilenya — You never know. All this talk about bloggers meeting up is causing a stir. It’s exciting to finally meet some people I’ve only known online. It’s about time!
August 9th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Oh! so you’re coming here for the Blog meet up only? that’s cool!
manilenya’s last blog post..Rambling of my deranged fingers
August 9th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
take me i have went on a plane 8 times and i know how to get around and i have a gps (my mom does)and i have money
August 9th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
If you are in need of Tex-Mex…DO NOT go to the police station for restaurant advice in T.O. WE did that about 20 years ago and had canned chili in a taco bowl for taco salad. Gross. Also China Town is an area to either see or miss depending on your sensibilities of seeing dead things hanging in Butcher shop windows.
Above all else…Have fun.
Go see Casa Loma!! Plan at least half a day to tour it. It was the highlight of our trip to T.O.
Rattln Along’s last blog post..Happy Fourth Of July
August 10th, 2008 at 2:43 am
First, don’t listen to the GPS it lies.
Second, I’m a little scared.
DrowseyMonkey’s last blog post..Hump Day
August 10th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Well, if you had taken the plane, and ended up in Nebraska, I would have driven to pick you up, but then you’d end up in Missouri. Well, actually, you’d end up in Texas, since that’s where we are headed…and that’s windy west Texas. Soooo, it’s a good thing your sister is driving you to Canada. Hope you have a good time!
kpasa’s last blog post..Get Your Stuff Before It’s Too Late
August 10th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Hey Kath… just for your information, I have checked 100 ways to Sunday to be sure, and you DON’T need a passport to cross the border either direction (by land) until 2009. So if it’s preventing you from bringing others along make sure you don’t let that stop you.
I made double sure because neither me nor my kids have passports.
Jeff’s last blog post..I’m taking off to Canada eh, you hosers
August 10th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
To be sure, I would never take the chance of leaving my country without a valid passport.
Too big a risk to take.
When the big armed men say (in German accents), “Papiere, bitte.” You don’t want to be the one stammering, “Uh, I must have left mine at home.”
Red tape and bureaucracy will nail you every time.
Richard Catto’s last blog post..South African women, cats and stats
August 10th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
manilenya — Yep. I’m just that dedicated. Or crazy. Or both.
brooke — It sounds like you’re a world traveler already. But you haven’t traveled with me. I could kill all your ideals about world travel.
Rattln Along — Um, need to know why you were at the police station. Any details you want to reveal? Oh, and you needn’t worry about Chinatown. I don’t do hanging animals on a hook. We expect to have more fun than is fair.
DrowseyMonkey — We do actually trust the GPS. Hasn’t let Ann down yet. But we’ll also have directions printed out and maps. Oh, please don’t be scared. You’ll make me nervous!
kpasa — Yeah, but then I’d get to see a lot of the country where I’ve never been! Wouldn’t be a total loss and you’d have a story for your friends. Yes, it’s good Ann can drive. I’ll be erecting a monument in her honor.
Jeff — Yeah, I checked everywhere, too. Once I realized you didn’t need a passport, I asked my other niece if she can come. She doesn’t have one and thought that was the deal breaker. With any luck, 4 of us will be coming. Since Charli’s not going, you may want to have a Travel Consent form that she’ll sign, saying it’s OK to take your kids across the border. I’ll write you with the link.
Richard Catto — We feel better knowing we all have our passports. It’s a good thing to have, especially since the rules will change soon. Everyone should have one if there’s a remote chance they need to travel.
August 10th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I am totally onboard with Elle’s Tour of New Orleans!
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Had a Colonoscopy so you don’t have to
August 11th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
WE stopped at the station thinking that they might know of a good restaurant but we were wrong.
Don’t forget Casa Loma!!!!!!!
Rattln Along’s last blog post..Happy Fourth Of July
August 12th, 2008 at 5:09 am
JD at I Do Things — So am I (if someone who’s smarter than me will plan it!)
Rattln Along — OK, good to know you weren’t in handcuffs. I’m not sure we’ll have time to visit too many sights, except perhaps on Sunday. Casa Loma looks beautiful!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:30 am
The invitation still stands for a trip to Tioga County…leaf peeping season is coming soon!
Shieldmaiden96’s last blog post..Downstate
August 12th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Shieldmaiden96 — Seriously. I need to meet you. And I think I could actually drive myself, except if you live in the boonies and don’t have any road signs.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Umm… Still here reading comments.
Hesisating to Cross off quick walk through
China Townfrom the list !But Kensington Market is right there !
Sure you don’t you want to see roasted pigs hanging off hooks ?
Casa Loma is up the road on Bathurst near my college.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Bloody hell 200 word post and thousands of words in comments?
this is ammazing Kathy you and your community members are having a blast here
Sunil Pathak’s last blog post..By: Barbara Swafford
August 13th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Jaffer — No! No hanging animals from hooks! I’m not coming if you take us there! We’ll go wherever our feet take us (or car if we’re pooped.) So looking forward to this trip!
Sunil Pathak — It happens sometimes. I am the luckiest blogger in the world to have this kind of community. I don’t take it for granted for a second.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
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