Since returning to Toronto, I have experienced some highlights. For instance, we celebrated a birthday dinner at the 360 Degree Restaurant in the CN Tower. We were advised to go early to enjoy the view starting in daylight, and it was a fantastic recommendation. The most impressive sight was the view of Billy Bishop Airport from the top. This regional airport serves routes to Canadian destinations as well as cities like Boston and New York. The main airline is Porter, and due to the relatively short runway, it primarily accommodates turboprop planes. From above, the airport looks like a toy, and watching the runway operations feels like observing an animation.
Another highlight was attending the “Art and Architecture” event at the Toronto Parliament Building. The building houses a sizeable collection, and it was fascinating to learn about how Ontario governs itself. While I didn't know many of the political figures, some were quite some characters. This impression was sustained during a trip to Ottawa, where, among other meetings, I attended the Thomas d’Aquino 2024 Lecture on Leadership presented by Ivey, and delivered by Steve Paikin. Thomas Paul d’Aquino -an entrepreneur, policy innovator, author, educator, philanthropist, art patron, and lover of early music, medieval and modern architecture, great gardens, fly fishing, and world history - provided an the context to the challenges Canada faces today. Steve Paikin, known as an anchor at TV Ontario, drew on his extensive knowledge from interviewing world leaders as a journalist and author. It was a truly interesting event at the Canadian National Gallery.
I traveled to Ottawa by VIA Rail. Train travel in Canada feels like the 1980s in Germany, though the trains are higher and have more clearance - I guess to have the ability to plough through high snow. You nedd to reserve a seat and check in 15 minutes before departure, with stewards assisting at every door. Large luggage needs to be booked and checked in separately. Train travel in Canada is slow and a little backward. But for a train enthusiast like me, it's cool. In many ways, "cool and backward" describes various aspects of Canada. I recall Mr. d’Aquino's quote, “Canada is not broken, but dangerously complacent,” which I wholeheartedly agree with.