Wednesday, 13 - Oct - 1993

The flight landed at Toronto at 21:30 with a temperature of 3°C; back to winter! I collected my luggage and asked for directions to the shuttle bus to Yorkdale (CAD 6.50 (£3.25)). I had fun and games with buses. I ended up at York Mills (at 22:30), because of road works. I asked the driver if he would take me to Yorkdale; 10 minutes away. The driver told me that this bus is due to leave here in 30 minutes. I said that he could get me to Yorkdale and return within that time! "I need permission" he said. We eventually left, much to his disgust. From Yorkdale, I took the subway to Wilson, where I phoned Leslie (at 23:00) for my next directions. "From the second level, take a westbound 96, 165 or 22 bus. A number 165 bus pulled in and I arrived at Ridge Road (and Leslie) at 23:30! I met Kelly (her cousin) and after talking for about 2 hours (including an issue with her daughter Suzanne and Leslie's apartment being broken into), I got to bed at 01:30.

Thursday, 14 - Oct - 1993

I got up at 08:40, in time to see the girls before they left; Kelly for school and Leslie for work. I left the apartment at 10:00 for Downtown (subway station). Having visited Toronto a few years earlier, I was familiar with parts of the city. I walked along Yonge Street (which reminded me of Toronto's version of London's Tottenham Court Road) in search of Game Boy games. While walking, I came across the post office that holds General delivery/Poste Restante (PR). There was one letter waiting for me from Ann-Marie (in Antwerpen), but nothing from Catherine (in La Hulpe). A letter from Catherine had either been returned (Canadian Post returns PR letters after 14 days), or it hadn't arrived. Down by the lake, I wrote five postcards (one to Catherine) and posted them at 15:45.

Back at the subway, I noticed an advert for an Art Director position; "Fax your CV to (416) 483 8310". I arrived at Leslie's apartment at 16:30. Dinner was Spanish Chicken, potatoes and vegetables. Suzanne visited us at 19:00 for about ½ an hour. We then took Banjo (Leslie's Yorkshire Terrier) for a walk around the block and bought a 12-pack of Labatt's ICE Beer (5.6%). It was a new beer this year; and it tasted good! I retired to bed at 23:20, after watching the Blue Jays in 1992 and a few episodes of V.

Friday, 15 - Oct - 1993

I got up at 08:40 and read yesterday's Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Sun newspapers for news and jobs. I left for Downtown at 11:00, with my main priority being to fax my CV to the number seen on the subway advert. I visited the world's largest bookshop (at the junction of Yonge and Edward Streets), then to the post office (in Charles Street East) for some stamps. There was no fax facility at the post office; try Hayden Street, where I was able to fax my CV. I bought a sausage from a stall outside the Bay Shopping Centre in Bloor Street East and then made my way to Leslie's apartment, using the subway to Wilson, via Downtown, arrived back at 15:40.

Tonight's dinner was rice, prawns and stir-fried vegetables. We repeated yesterday's exercise (taking Banjo for a walk and buying a 12-pack of beer (and some nibbles)). I don't know why but the route looked different from last night's walk! The evening's television watching was Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, followed by Airplane and Airplane II. I finally got to bed at 02:00.

Saturday, 16 - Oct - 1993

My Birthday! I got up at 09:45. Today's plans were to eat at about 17:00 and then find somewhere (a bar) to watch the baseball game between Toronto's Blue Jays and the Phillidelphia Phillies. In the meantime, I wrote three more postcards; to Jan and John (Christchurch), Leigh and Peter, and Skippy's family (all in Brisbane). To fill in time, we watched the television for a bit longer; this year's Manchester Triathalon and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

We left the apartment at 17:20 and went to The Keg for dinner. This is the same restaurant chain that I visited in Victoria, where I ate salads. Leslie had the 'special' (Baseball Steak, 13 oz. - in celebration of the baseball final in the city) and I had a seafood platter; both were accompanied by two ½ litres of wine and salad bar. Then there was a very pleasant surprise! A gateau of coffee ice cream, complete with a candle, and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" from the waiters! All very embarassing! Apparently, when Leslie made the reservation, she was asked if it was for a celebration of any kind. So it was all done in front of me, but I didn't have a clue about it!

Photo CA-042

We left The Keg at 19:10 and travelled to a hotel to see the start of the game. We made two other stops, before getting back to the apartment at about 01:00. The Blue Jays won 8-5.

Sunday, 17 - Oct - 1993

I got up at 10:30, feeling a bit heady and a full stomach! We were going to see John and Janik for lunch and a four-course meal tonight! I didn't know whether I could stomach it all! Anyway, we left at 12:20 (after a 'storm' on the phone between Leslie and Suzanne - Suzanne wasn't going because of Kelly (jealousy)). We arrived at 13:20, but Janik had been calling us to put us off, but she had the wrong number! It was a good job really, as she was in a bit of a state. She had to take John back to hospital that morning, as he was getting worse; he was 81 and didn't know people.

Twenty-three years later (2016), and I wonder if John was suffering from what is now known as Alzheimer's Disease, a form of dementia.

Janik had said that she had decided to move back to France (her birth country) after John's death, and to take his surname. Up to that time, she had not been contacted by his family; one of his sons was a clergyman! Apparently, their marriage was frowned upon, as she was a lot younger than John. Who cares!

Lunch was soup, sausage rolls and salad; thankfully, quite light! Janik was into astronomy; she had stars on the ceiling and a tatoo of a comet (shooting star) on her left shoulder. [I didn't realise, but leslie's eye shadow was also a tatoo!]

We left Janik at 14:50 and drove to Jenny and John (who I first met in 1991, when I was last in Toronto); there's a lot of 'Johns' on this side of the family! Both of them were very pleased to see us. [Even though it was late afternoon, we couldn't make it that evening as we had arranged to go to Medieval Times.] They hadn't changed - neither had I. I wondered why Leslie hadn't contacted them for such a long time. "Don't loose contact again" they told Leslie. I thought John seemed quite concerned. We must get together before I return to the U.K.

We left just after 16:00 and went back to Leslie's apartment. There was another 'storm' on the phone! The three of us left at 17:10 and drove to Wilson subway station, where we took a bus to Dufferin, to the exhibition centre (at 10 Dufferin St) for Medieval Times.

I paid for Leslie, as part of a "Thank You" for hosting me. The whole scene was quite commecialised, but interesting. We were seated in the blue seats - to support the Blue Knight. The meal comprised a fruity cocktail drink, a hot vegetable soup, a whole small chicken, ½ a baked potato, a small piece of rib and a pastry. To wash it all down, we were given coke! For the second time to-day, I was pleased it wasn't a full four-course meal, as I thought it might be. Our Blue Knight didn't do too well at the competitions, and didn't last long in the fighting! The Black and White Knight was the eventual winner on this particular evening. It all finished at about 20:00 and we were led away to the bar and disco area; all included in the price, although the drinks were not!

Photo CA-043

Photo CA-044

The Blue Knight later told me that they do have accidents; broken arms and legs. There is a lot of rehersals and the winner is decided approximately ½ an hour before the show starts! The costumes are excellent and the horses (30 in total) are trained to a high standard.

We left at about 21:30, dropped Kelly off at the apartment and drove to the Ramada Hotel to watch the second baseball game. The Blue Jays lost 6-4. We looked at two rooms for Tuesday evening's game, costing CAD 59.00 (£29.50) and CAD 72.00 (£36.00). The first was the best value. Leslie and I returned to her apartment at 00:40 and went to bed at 01:30, after looking at a few family photos.

Monday, 18 - Oct - 1993

My alarm was set for 08:30, but I got up at 09:20. I wrote a postcard to Doris and Barry (in Caversham), then thought about going to get my flight changed. I left the apartment at 11:00 and took a trip on the subway to Bloor-Yonge and started looking for embroided badges (for my backpack). At 13:35, I phoned Thatcham (18:35 local) from the Eaton Centre. "Happy Birthday!" from Claire. Her tuberculosis injection had come up as a red spot. Christine, a neighbour, was in hospital - she was very lucky to be alive! I informed them that if can change my flight, I will be back next week; otherwise it will be the end of this week. I'll try and call Jamie before he goes away (where, I can't remember!). I headed north along Yonge Street as far as Bloor Street and decided to call my parents again; reverse charge. My mother refused to accept the call, while my father said OK, this time only. I hung up! I don't understand it. If it is because of the expense, why ask if I am OK? They wanted me to call - and reverse the charge!

The KLM office was located on the corner of Yonge Street and Bloor Street; on the 18th floor! Yes, I can change my flight (again), as it was valid for one year. So I changed it to next Monday (25-Oct-1993). I continued looking for badges, but no luck. I made my way back to Leslie's apartment, via Queen's Park (and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, at 111 Wellesley St W (Photo CA-045)) and arrived at 17:00, very tired. Dinner was roast beef, potatoes and vegetables; yummy! I called Jenny to tell her that I've extended my stay. She will call back.

Photo CA-045

For the coming weekend, we went to Perry Sound (reservation needed). We stayed in tonight and watched Young Guns (about Billy the Kid) and Arachnophobia. Leslie opened a bottle of homemade wine; it was good. Bed happened at 23:30.

Tuesday, 19 - Oct - 1993

I got up at 09:00 and left the apartment at 10:20 for the KLM office (again). I noticed last night that my revised flight was for the 27th, instead of the 25th. The assistant recognised me as soon as I entered the KLM suite. "You don't want to change it again, do you?" "Yes and no" was my asnwer. After explaining the situation, she changed it to the date I wanted to leave (Monday).

I left the office and walked to Yonge Street, then headed south towards the CN Tower. After about a few hundred metres, I noticed a shop selling badges! At last, an embroided badge of Ontario! I had no need to go to the CN Tower, but I did anyway. I passed through Eatons, The Eaton Centre along Bay Street, to Front Street, passing a place that gave a good exchange rate - and no commission (or so the noticed stated!).

I entered the railway station and remembered where I was (from my previous visit to Toronto two years earlier). I treated myself to two doughnuts and ½ litre of milk - I needed energy! The Sky Dome was rather quiet at this time, although it was windy. I entered the Hard Rock Café, but I didn't think it was of the same format as others that I had been in; the T-shirt emblems were different. I visited the souvenirs shop under the CN Tower and then returned to the Union Street subway station, to return to the apartment. Dinner was pasta and a salad; very good!. We watched television for the rest of the evening, while my domestic chores were revolving in the washing machine! The Blue Jays latest match was delayed an hour, due to the rain. They eventually won 10-3. I went to bed at 00:30.

Wednesday, 20 - Oct - 1993

I got up at 09:15, left the apartment at 12:00 and walked to the Ramada Inn to view the Blue Jays souvenirs. I resisted buying anything, as Leslie and I would be back tonight. I phoned the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Help Desk (on (416) 393 INFO)) for details about transport to the International Centre at Mississauga, as I had learnt that there was a Mind, Body and Spirit exhibition on, which I fancied going to. Take a train to Lawrence West (on Line 1), then a number 58B bus to the centre.

I visited a number of shops, including Radio Shack and a supermarket. It sold Peek Freans biscuits, which I didn't know were still being produced! My grandmother (on my mother's side) work at the Peek Freans factory in London many years ago. I returned to the apartment at 14:00 and watched some television programmes: General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful.

At 16:17, I ordered a large pizza (from 241-0-241) and got two! They arrived at 16:46. One minute later and they would have been free (delivery with 30 minutes or they are free)! Leslie and I arrived at the Ramada Inn at 19:45, in time for the match. The XL-sized sweat shirt was no longer than the large size, and the hats were more expensive than those "downtown", so I'll try Zellers department store tomorrow. We consumed two jugs of beer while watching tonights nail-biting game. The Blue Jays won 15-14. I was in bed at 01:00.

Thursday, 21 - Oct - 1993

Although my alarm was set for 08:00, I awoke at 09:30, just before Leslie and Kelly left. I eventually left for Zellers at 10:40, and arrived at 11:00. The store's selection of Blue Jays souvenirs was poor. For breakfast, I bought two croissants and ½ litre of milk. I then got a number 96 bus to York Mills and then a southbound train to Davisville (three stations). I walked (north) to the AVIS office and made a reservation for 18:00 tomorrow, for two days, returning Sunday afternoon.

As I could see the CN Tower (to the south), I decided to walk along Yonge Street, rather than catch the bus. In doing so, I was able to do window shopping all the way down. The US/CA Dollar exchange rate at American Express office was 1.29. At the exchange shop in Bay Street, the so-called "commission-free" was for amounts above CAD 500. Otherwise, the commission was CAD 3.00 (£1.50). Therefore, I will use the AMEX rate.

I purchased two Blue Jays hats for the children; CAD 11.99 (£5.99) each, plus purchase tax. I wanted a Blue Jays T-shirt, but I was unsure which one to buy. At the AMEX office, I changed USD 100 (2 x 50) travellers cheques for CAD 129.22. I also bought a CAD 20.00 (£10.00) phone card. Rather than take a train to Wilson, I decided to take a train to York Mills and then a number 96 bus to Ridge Road. I arrived back at the apartment at 16:45.

Leslie's niece and her husband joined us for dinner (which was at 18:15). We had stuffed chicken halves, with roast potatoes and vegetables; good! Dessert was a variety of cheesecake. We all left at 20:00 to go to the Ramada Inn to watch the game. We had two jugs of beer during the night's quiet game; the Phillies won 2-0. It was all over by 23:20. As the Blue Jays lost, the next match was to take place in the Sky Dome on Saturday. In order to watch it, we therefore had to change our plans for the weekend: Downtown on Saturday and up to Parry Sound on Sunday. If I wanted to visit the International Centre, it would have to happen tomorrow. On our way back to the apartment, we stopped at a video shop and rented Beetlejuice and Medicine Man. We started watching Beetlejuice, but (at 01:30) I was falling asleep, so I went to bed.

Friday, 22 - Oct - 1993

I was the first to get up (at 09:30). My first thought was the need to cancel the reserved hire car in favour of an alternative, visit the General Delivery Post Office and then see what were the opening hours of the Yonge Street/Bloor Street Avis office.

I left the apartment at 12:00 and went straight to Union Station. Leslie suggested getting the 'silly' Blue Jays hats for the kids, so I started walking towards the Sky Dome souvenir shop. However, the thought crossed my mind that I could get them at another time. So I turned around and walked towards the General Delivery Post Office. Sure enough and much to my delight, there was a letter from Catherine (in French). After reading it, I headed for the Avis office, stopping on the way to look at this and that.

Lunch was an 8" 'sub' (from Mr. Submarine) and a coke, for CAD 3.28 (£1.64) plus taxes! I eventually arrived at the Avis office to find that it shuts at 17:00 on Saturdays and 16:00 on Sundays. To hire a car for 20:00, it needs to be collected before 17:00; and so be charged for the extra time. My charges were either CAD 28.95 (£14.42) and 200 kms, or CAD 33 (£16.50) with my discount card. It was a case of "Thank you and goodbye!" The receptionist was rather abrupt. Avis - We Try Harder. Yeak! She was trying, and not trying enough. Still, she was only doing her job! I called the Davisville Avis office to learn that it was open until 17:30. I cancelled the car, saying I'll call back.

I took the metro west to Spadina and then north to Lawrence West. The time was about 15:15 and a number 58B bus to Malton arrived. "Do you go to the International Centre?" I asked. "Yes", so on I got. A passenger two rows behind me asked the same question. I wondered if she was going to the same place as me. She looked 'way out', dressed all in black; black boots, leggings, top and coat. Near the centre (16:10), she came forward, sat next to me and asked the driver "Is this the International Centre?" He replied "It's just up here!"

We started talking and realised we were going to the same venue. We alighted from the bus and walked into the building together. She (Debbie) was quite a pleasant girl to talk to, despite my initial observations; never judge a book by its cover! We walked around the exhibits together, seeing what was to be discovered. She wanted information on past lives and the future, and I wanted information on numerology and palms. We arrived at an exhibit and I paid CAD 5.50 (£2.75) for a numerology analysis and forecast, where I had hand prints of my two palms; the results of which, were to be posted to the U.K.

Debbie was still occupied, so I continued walking around, ending up by an exhibit next to the palmist that had just taken my hand prints. The exhibitor approached me and started talking to me. "You've had your palms read?" "Yes, and its dirty work!" I said I was at the end of a world trip, but wasn't keen on going back to the U.K. She suggested a book title for me: Hidden Journey, by Andrew Harvey. She asked when was I going back; "Next week". I showed her my birth chart that I had done in New Zealand. She said "You should be a writer!" I said "I am. My last job was a Technical Writer". She became emotional; her eyes watered. Something strange was happening. She said "You are special! Can you change your flight?" I said I probably could. "Can you come with us to Montreal on Monday?" "Err, yes" I said, confused! It turned out that she wanted a writer to write a book for her. She suggested another book title Initiation by Elizabeth Haisch. She told me to go and find the books and come back, after she had seen her next customers.

I went and sat down (where Debbie and I had previously sat), with my head in a spin! Some minutes later, Debbie arrived. "I've been looking for you" she said. I had been looking for her too. Both our heads were spinning from our individual experiences! We both went to have a drink (Sprite) and some food (lasagne). She told me she worked in a bank (mortgage section), but was not very happy there. She had had some recent problems; that is why she wanted to know about the future.

I only intended staying at the exhibition for about 2 hours, but 4 hours later (at 20:00), and I was still there! She wanted to phone some friends and I had to see Elizabeth Joyce (referred, from this point on, as Liz), so we agreed to meet after and travel back to town together.

Liz was busy, and I didn't get to see her until 21:10. Unfortunately, Debbie had to leave. "I'd like to know how you get on" she said. "OK, I'll call you" I said. I thought she was a sweet girl. Back with Liz, our birth charts somehow matched; I don't know how, but she said they did! She suggested I went to New York next Wednesday. "I have many friends" she said. My first thought was possible work! For a green card, I would need a sponsor. She said "That's not a problem!" She told me about her trip to Hawaii and showed me photos of her (grown-up) children. What on Earth is Happening to Me? I asked myself. You must see my friend who is due in here soon. Call me at 09:00 tomorrow at the Marriott Hotel, Room 844.

I left the exhibition at 22:10 and arrived back at Leslie's apartment an hour later. It seems to have been a good day - in the end. She and Suzanne were actually hugging each other. I retired to my bed at midnight, but was unable to get to sleep, as I was churning everything (that happened at the International Centre) over in my mind!

Saturday, 23 - Oct - 1993

I woke up at 07:40 (even though my alarm was set for 08:30) and continued churning over my thoughts of yesterday! I called and spoke to Liz (from 09:00 to 09:15). I wanted to go to New York, thinking I could return to Toronto for my flight back to the U.K. I'll try to get a flight reservation from Toronto to Newark, to arrive about 14:00. If I don't go, I could miss an opportunity. I called Debbie ([416] 266 0684) at 11:00, but there was no answer. She called back about an hour later; I couldn't work out the answerphone, so I called her again! I told her that I was leaving for New York on Wednesday, so perhaps we could meet before I go. I'll call either Sunday evening or Monday. It sounded like she had had a bad year also. At 13:00 (18:00 U.K.), I called Thatcham, using the last 8 minutes left on my phone card, to inform my ex-wife that I will not be back on Monday because I'll be going to New York on Wednesday. I don't know what is in store for me, but I need to go and find out. I was told that my mother was waiting to go into hospital to have cateracts removed from both her eyes.

Leslie returned at about 14:15. She suggested I invite Debbie for dinner. I called her at 14:45 and found out that she had a boyfriend - just my luck! It didn't surprise me; she was cute! Oh well! So, as the Avis office shut at 17:00, I left the apartment at 15:30 for Davisville.

Debbie and I planned to meet at The Rotterdam bar at about 20:00 (to watch the baseball match between the Blue Jays and the Phillidelphia Phillies. I arrived at the Avis office at 16:15 and collected a large car for two days, at CAD 28.95 (£14.47) per day, plus CAD 12.95 (£6.47) insurance. I drove the monster back to Leslie's apartment, parked the car and (at 18:00), we all left for Wilson. We got out at Kings Street and took a number 504 tram to Bathhurst Street. We got to the bar at 18:45 and noticed a small gap at the bar, near a television! A couple next to us asked if we would like their seats, as they were about to leave. The seats were even closer to the television; virtually in front of it! Eventually, the game started at 20:12. However, there was no sign of Debbie. I wondered if she was in the queue outside, waiting to get in.

The Blue Jays scored 3 runs 'in the bottom of the first innings' - and the bar went wild after each run! The noise quietened down towards the middle, as the Phillies started winning (5-6). [At 23:25 and 23:50, I tried calling Liz at the Marriott Hotel, but her line was engaged.] Joe Carter (of the Blue Jays) hit a home run 'in the bottom of the ninth' with a player on each of the first and third positions! The Blue Jays won 8-6 and the bar went wild (again)! I popped out to call Liz (again) and noticed how quiet the roads were. Then it started! Cars appeared, blasting their horns, and jubilant humans 'started coming out of the woodwork' and onto the streets!

We left the bar shortly after midnight and decided to walk east along King Street to Yonge Street. The atmosphere reminded me of the afternoon in London when England won the football World Cup. I had the thought that it must have been similar to the day World War II ended in Europe (Victory in Europe (VE) Day). Once near Eastons, we dived into the subway. Depsite the fact that there was a lot of people also making their way home, there were hundreds of thousands of people 'upstairs' still on the streets. We got back to the apartment at 01:30, watched a bit of the celebrations on the television, and went to bed at 02:00.

Sunday, 24 - Oct - 1993

I was up and showered at 08:30! I called Liz at 09:15 and she wanted to know how I got on. I told her I hadn't yet had a chance to get a ticket. I'll try tomorrow. She invited me to dinner at 20:30 tonight, at the Marriott Hotel. I told her I will confirm tonight, after we get back from Parry Sound. We left at about 10:00 and arrived at Leslie's ex-brother-in-law (Chris) at 12:35. The outlook was beautiful, across the inlet. Chris' wife (a Canadian Indian) was making an Indian costume. She had a dream about it last May. I was more convinced than ever that Indians are spiritual; I know they were, but... The two grandchildren (the film stars!) Kody and Angela were very good looking. They had a friend who rushed into the house, in a state of panic - frightened by her mother's boyfriend!

We left at 15:45 and visited Theresa (Leslie's sister, Laura's mother) in hospital, then headed south. We took Banjo to a vet because of his leg. We eventually arrived back at the apartment at 19:30. I left a message for Liz, saying that I will be joining them tonight at 20:35. I changed into my 'best' clothes and left at 20:10, and arrived at the hotel at 20:30.

At the hotel, I was introduced to Tracey and we all took a seat at a table in the restaurant. We talked about many things (mainly about my trip), but the bottom line was that I was to go to New Jersey (where Liz lived) on Wednesday, via USAir.

Over time, we started discussing psychic thoughts. I was given one of Liz's rings to hold (with my eyes closed) and described what I felt. I had the need to laugh, then felt dizzy. I thought I must phone Doris once I get to New Jersey! Other thoughts included the following:

• Liz expected I would stay at her home for about three weeks
• I am starting from zero again - born again?!
• Kody and Angela's friend will be OK within a week
• Theresa would be OK tomorrow
• Chris would have a heart attach in 7 days
• I woud attend Liz's next workshop
• The world is heading towards total love.

[At the time of reviewing this diary (Jun-2016), I cannot remember if those thoughts were correct.]

Monday, 25 - Oct - 1993

I was up at 08:10 and phoned the KLM office at 09:15 to cancel tonight's seat reservation to Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) and Heathrow Airport (London). Instead, I called USAir. My reservations were for flight 1500, on Wednesday (27-Oct-1993), arriving in Boston at 13:07, transferring to flight 1707, which left at 14:00, arriving in Newark at 15:16. I could collect my ticket at any travel agent; and also use my (then) British Airways Frequent Flyer membership card.

I called Debbie at 09:35, because she had left a message yesterday, on Leslie's answerphone, to call her to-day. I popped down to Eglinton Travel to collect my ticket for Wednesday; the cost was CAD 353.00 (£176.50)! I left the apartment at 12:00 and called Debbie, but there was no answer. I tried again at 14:00, but again, there was no answer. I filled the car up with petrol (CAD 23.00 (£11.50)) and drove to the Avis office at 1976 Yonge Street, arriving at 14:40. The receptionist charged me CAD 118.00 (£59.00), comprising CAD 28.95 and more that 200 kms. No way! She changed the contract to CAD 29.95 (£14.97) and unlimited mileage. The new total was CAD 95.00 (£47.50).

I went to the TTC Customer Centre at Davisville for information on getting to the airport; take the subway to Islington and then a bus to the airport (CAD 6.00 (£3.00). I took a train to Islington (via Bloor-Yonge), to familiarise myself with the location of the bus stop. I made my way back to Leslie's apartment via trains to Kipling and Jane, a number 35 bus to Wilson Avenue, followed by a number 165 bus to Ridge. I have to say that I forgot to buy a Transit Ticket on the subway. A bus inspector at Jane explained what to do next time (to this British tourist (me!)) and then gave me a ticket to travel from his collection.

I finally arrived at the apartment at 16:45. Debbie had left another message on the answerphone; to call her before 18:00. I called her at 17:25; we talked for 40 minutes [I cannot remember what about!] I don't want to lose contact with her and give her Liz's address and phone number. I thought she should try and see Liz when Liz next plans to be in Toronto.

I stayed in that evening and watched the Rocky Horror Picture Show (with Richard O'Brian, of the U.K.'s The Crystal Maze fame!). I went to bed at 22:30 and played a few Game Boy games for about 30 minutes.

Tuesday, 26 - Oct - 1993

I woke up at 08:30 after a good night's sleep. Leslie had stayed at home because Banjo was still sick. I left the apartment at 10:30 for Downtown. I called Debbie from the phone by the bus stop, but (again) there was no answer. I then called Thatcham using cash (CAD 5.05 (£2.52) for 3 minutes, which was cheaper than using a phone card).

Once at Downtown, I visited the World's Biggest Bookshop, at 20 Edward's Street, to see if the book Liz mentioned was in stock; but it wasn't. While there, I read that the IRA had killed another 10 people in Northern Ireland; Alain Prost had won the drivers' F1 championship, with Damon Hill second (with 65 points) and Ayton Senna third (with 63 points). The final F1 race of the year (Adelade, Australia) was on 07-Nov-1993.

I returned to the Eaton Centre to check whether the T-shirts were cheaper than other outlets, but they weren't. A shop opposite had some for CAD 5.95 (£2.97) each, so I bought three, showing the Toronto Blue Jays. I phoned Thatcham at 14:00 (19:00 local) and gave my ex-wife Liz's address. I wondered if perhaps Terri and Doris might know of Liz? I was off to Newark tomorrow. I thought this was the 'golden spere'! I told her "I've got to go - and try"!

Upon returning to the apartment, I read the newspapers. I was down to my last few Canadian Dollars. I needed CAD 6.00 (£3.00) for the bus fare to the airport. I also wanted to phone Liz in Montreal to confirm my arrival time, which I did at 19:25. I watched the film Misery from 21:00 to 23:00. I then took the phone into the bedroom, and phoned Debbie. She had just got in and said she would call back in 5 minutes; which she did. We talked from 23:20 until 04:35 (5 hours 15 minutes)!!! I though that her phone bill would be huge, but Leslie told me that there was no charge for landline phone calls within Toronto; i.e., they are free. Phew!

Wednesday, 27 - Oct - 1993

I think we solved the world's problems during the night's discussion! Well, hers anyway! She was suffering from stress, but was embarassed to disclose it, until I told her I had suffered a nervous breakdown some years ago and was off work for 5 weeks. It seemed to break the ice with her. We both seemed to be on the same wavelength. She thought we would meet again. I hoped so; it would be interesting. I tried to finish the call a couple of times, but she was more than happy to continue. I asked her if she could get to the airport tomorrow, but although she wanted to, she couldn't, unfortunately. "I can't drive and it takes 2 hours by public transport". Instead, I said I'll phone her about 10:45. We must keep in touch. But we didn't.

The way the conversation went, I felt it might be better to talk until 06:30 - my time to get up! However, we said out "Goodnights" at 04:35. I wondered whether another of her "problems" was her German boyfriend. I lay in the bed, thinking whether to stay awake or sleep the one and a half hours. I took the latter option. The alarm went of at 06:30. I was up, shaved and showered and ready by 06:50! Leslie and I left her apartment at 07:35 and she dropped me off at the Wilson subway station at 07:50. "Keep in touch"!

I took a train to Spadina, then west to Islington, from where I caught the 08:50 Airport Express, and arrived at Terminal 1 a few minutes after 9 o'clock. CAD 6.00 (£3.00) for a 10-minute ride! Check-in was easy, although I had to take my checked-in luggage myself. At the U.S. Immmigration Control, I stated that I would be staying in Allendale, New Jersey, but I didn't know the name of the road. I would be meeting someone at the airport. This was my first time to Allendale and my expected stay was to last for 2 weeks. The flight took off at 11:53, heading west, followed by a left turn to the south-east. I hoped that we would take off in an easterly direction, because I had a seat on the right-hand side of the aircraft (7F).

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