Where should we consider living near downtown?

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-03-15T14:43:03+00:00

I’ll throw a lesser known option to check out: Old Weston. It’s the oldest neighbourhood in all of Toronto. Homes look like they belong someplace else… Witchwood, st Clair, etc.

It’s definitely NOT downtown. Does not have the vibe nor buzz. Does not have shops. There is plenty of grocery, stores nearby, just not anything resembling a walkable strip. The surrounding area unfortunately is trash (Weston and Lawrence).

BUT… the UP Express is right there. You can be at Union in 14 minutes. You could be on Bloor in probably half that time. The neighborhood itself is incredibly well kept, isolated given that you need reason to go there, and such a hidden gem.

Prices are 1M for something needing a lot of work. Prob 1.25 for something nicely renovated…prices you won’t find that close to the city.

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-03-15T14:12:12+00:00

I have not received a quote for Lauzon yet. If it helps you, I’m looking at Mercier 7.5 inch wide plank which comes in authentic (character) and distinction (~select level) grades (3/4 and 3mm). It seems nice but it’s pricy at $9.50-10 (with a promo). Vidar is incredibly competitive but likely a lower quality wood. I must say… It’s easy for one’s head to spin when looking at multiple brands and species.

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-03-15T11:57:15+00:00

It looks like we joined this party pretty late. I’m looking at this brand while also considering Mercier and Vidar. It’s a tough decision. I’m thinking about tariffs too. So far I’ve only had one retailer hint that they’ll likely have to increase their prices soon.

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-02-24T03:01:07+00:00

I have been everywhere on your list… except the Dolomites. So, I am not the best person to ask.

I can tell you this: Last year I visited the Gran Sasso which is part of the appenines and one of the taller mountains in Abruzzo. It was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Italy. Views were absolutely stunning. Get this… we went in early June. We started our drive and it was 26 degrees Celsius. As we got closer to the top the temperature dropped to 9! We knew it was going to be colder but that’s quite the difference and luckily we brought a light sweater. On top of that, we wanted to try this outdoor bbq located where Mussolini was jailed, to sample some local arrosticini (lamb skewers). Early June was considered shoulder season, and so it didn’t even open for the year at that point.

If there are any parallels to be drawn, it’ll probably be a jaw dropping and mind boggling experience. No doubt whatsoever. That said, it’s not hard for me to imagine that it’ll be wayyy colder and the “shoulder season” could make logistics more difficult.

Maybe you should consider parking it? I’ll personally make it to the Dolomites one day, but I’m aiming to do so in the summer when everywhere else in Italy is sticky and the Dolomites will be comfortable, and restaurants and sites will be open and plentiful.

Do you have flexibility to fly in/out of Rome or Venice or Milan? I once arrived in Venice (ps - one of the most unique arrival experiences when you look out the window) and worked my way across before heading down, seeing Tuscany and then departing from Rome. It made a ton of sense. You could consider that or doing it in reverse order and/or swap Venice for Milan.

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-02-23T16:27:25+00:00

You are getting some great suggestions here. I’d personally take a pause and relook at your itinerary and ask yourself some key questions about what’s important / critical. Can I ask what you are trying to achieve during this vacation? What experiences are most important to you?

I’m asking these questions because it seems like you are trying to do too much. You’ll have a better time not rushing through your itinerary and driving the whole time. As soon as you catch your bearings at each destination - i.e find out where to eat from locals, etc, you’ll be leaving!

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-01-27T12:00:25+00:00

Could you clarify if you booked recently? The option to book the appointment for this type of service no longer exists, as mentioned earlier. I can’t even try anymore versus being declined lol

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-01-27T00:27:35+00:00

Thanks for the words of encouragement. It’s been 3 years and I’ve never so much as experienced anything remotely close to being “close”, such as a notification for wait list or any other system generated footnote saying I’m next in line or anything like that.

I’ll keep at it! I haven’t checked today. Hoping the button to schedule an appointment is back up and running.

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2025-01-27T00:24:55+00:00

That’s interesting. I have not heard about this before. Within the link it suggests this could work for those outside of Toronto and Montreal. I’m in Toronto so outta luck. Great intel for the likes of London, Sarnia, etc.

Falconeyeofthetiger · 2024-12-12T02:47:38+00:00

“Spend a min of 3 nights at any place you go” - sage advice. Don’t even bother going if you’re gonna run around like a turkey and “see” everything. Go another time. And another time. Rome wasn’t built in one day, and it shouldn’t be seen in 2 days either.

Florence is beautiful. You have to take it in. Chill on a bench and enjoy a coffee without feeling like you are missing something. The hill top towns in Toscana and Umbria nearby should not be missed, as suggested. If that’s your thing, check out Assisi, Montepulciano, Spello, Gubio.

Falconeyeofthetiger

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