There was an immediate change of tempo as soon as we crossed the border into Canada from the US, the roads were as big, the cars were as huge, the buildings were similar as were many of the road signs, but the atmosphere seemed immediately different, somehow a little more homely.
We struck out for Toronto and arrived at around mid-day on a Sunday, the town was quiet, but we were at least able to gain entrance to the CN tower and take in the spectacular views (we were used to spectacular views by this time...). The vastness of Toronto as viewed from the tower is almost indescribable, the city sprawls out for miles around as it's various districts mix and mingle to make up a busy vibrant city - Not so busy and vibrant on a Sunday afternoon though, so we grabbed some lunch and headed out towards our destination Lake Huron. Easier said than done on freeways that snake around this vast city willing you to go the wrong way (or so it seems). Nonetheless we eventually broke out of the grip of Toronto and were on our way to Southampton and one of the finest resaurants in the world.
Friends of ours Jackie and Paul Johnson have a restaurant in a renovated railway station in Southampton that is worth travelling across the globe to visit. Fine Dining at it's best in a friendly atmosphere is what sets this place apart from the rest, if you are ever in the area you won't be disappointed if you eat at
Grosvenor's. We were made so welcome and hung around for a few days enjoying the pace of Canadian life. No wonder Jackie is happy here despite being up-rooted from the small channel island of Jersey.
One thing you can say about Canada is that is as diverse as it is vast, and it IS VAST... Only a few miles away from the cool European sophistication of Montreal are the reserves of Native American Indians with there own issues and problems. A stones throw from them is the busy metropolis of Toronto with it's ethnic diversity and city sleeze. Further West are the wild borders of British Columbia, Canada has it all and has it in abundance.
