Venus Trapped in Mars Sports and Lifestyle Blog Dallas

14 January 2015

Tour Toronto

If you look up "busy week" in the dictionary, you will be automatically redirected to my life for the past week. It is so difficult for me to juggle traveling for work and blogging. I like to think I survive on somewhat of a steady routine during the week, so when I get thrown off that routine, my blog takes the brunt of the hit. I have a post in the works, that is as much for me as for anything, on tips for juggling traveling, a full time job and blogging. I'm hoping those tips will help keep me focused going forward! 

This past week, I was in Toronto for a work trip, which was sandwiched between Dallas Stars games the Tuesday right before I left and the Tuesday that I returned. Needless to say, if I am not in bed this evening by 9pm, someone is going to have to pay. 

Right before my trip (see also: before I had packed for an international flight the next morning) we had 8 free lower level tickets to the Dallas Stars game. How could you possibly turn that down? There was a blimp at the game dropping free Choctaw Casino coupons. I may or may not have grabbed one out of the air that was coming straight for the hands of a girl four seats over. What can I say, I'm very competitive. I felt really bad for like 8-9 minutes though, for the record.






 
Fueled by a cheap beer buzz, CB and I decided to grab a little snack and a nightcap at a bar downtown after the game ended. We got off the train at a stop we had never exited on before, and roamed through downtown looking for a place still serving food. We manage to stumble upon some really cool places that I had never seen before! I think the key to a happy life is turning everything, even an ordinary walk to a bar, into an adventure! 




 
The next morning, it was time for me to fly off to Canada! I actually really enjoy this particular work trip. Although it is long hours and hard work, I really dig Toronto. It's like a slightly smaller New York or Chicago. I snapped this picture in the cab on the way to the hotel. That's the CN Tower pictured below, but more on that in a minute! 



 
The hotel hooked me up with a corner room on the 10th floor, so my views from the room were the bomb! I slept with all the windows open each night, the glow from the city (while in a temperature controlled room) was so beautiful that I slept like a baby each night!









 
I could see this ice skating rink from my room, and I was amazed at not only how late people would stay out skating, but also how many people there were that would brave that blistering cold! I wanted to go skate so badly, but convincing a bunch of guys to go ice skating is a tall order! I figured standing on the ice and asking for a picture would suffice. 





 
I also had some delicious concoctions while I was there! Bloody Marys are one of my favorite drinks, but in Canada it is called a Caesar and is totally acceptable at any hour of the day, not just a weekend brunch. This one below had bourbon instead of vodka and it was deeeeee-licious.  



And then there was the best dirty gin martini I've had in a long time, from an upscale sports bar called Earls.  Oh, and truffle fries. All of the truffle fries. I wish I could say that my recipe was better, but sadly, it was not.




 
On the last full day I was working the boat show, the Cowboys played and I hid my cowboys shirt under my "business casual" outfit. Moving right along because I am angry and sad and irritated. Not a football move, huh? Ok NFL, what kind of move was it exactly then? This picture above was clearly taken before the game started. I didn't REALLY GENUINELY smile for the rest of the day after that loss.... meh

On Sunday night, we went to dinner at the CN Tower that I showed you earlier. 

What. A. Dinner.

Incredible food and scenery from the tower's spinning 360 degree restaurant. It is actually the tallest tower in the world! There are just a few taller buildings, but according to the man in the elevator, this still stands as the current tallest tower. 


 
mmmm... steak.


 
mmmm.... chocolate.



 
After dinner, we went to the observation deck located on the floor below. It was very red.




 
There was also a glass floor where you could see straight down. You know, so you could visualize your impending death should you fall through. That was a chilling feeling, and not just because it was 3 degrees outside. 

 
You could also do an "edge walk" if you're absolutely bat shit crazy.

.....Oh haaaaaail no..... 

 
We rode the elevator 115 stories down, where I made some new friends in low(er) places.








 
And this concludes the VTIM tour of Toronto. Please exit carefully, watch your step and be sure to grab some coffee on your way out. Lots of coffee. And bring me some while you're up.
Oh and be sure to jump over and wish Helene a very happy birthday today too! 



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30 comments :

  1. I love Toronto. You got some really cool pics..and I hope you get coffee really soon. Welcome back!

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  2. You forgot the part where you jinxed the Denver Broncos. I already forgave you though so it's whatevs. Ps. I've always really wanted to go to Canada!

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  3. That glass floor? No, just no. I could deal with being up that high and looking towards the horizon, but looking straight down? Nope. Looks like you had a great trip!

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  4. Totally 100% agree that the key to life is turning something into an adventure. it really is how you look at something isn't it? Looks like you dressed warm- you looks so cute! I'm sorry about the boys... and I won't talk about that anymore. Thanks for the b-day shout out! can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend!

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  5. I must go to Toronto now! I loved Alberta with all of my heart. All I drank were Caesars every morning, the bourbon sounds like a very interesting combo.

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  6. Now I feel the need for a trip to Toronto or just Canada in general. I'm a bit obsessed with Vancouver because 3 of my top favorite TV shows are filmed there. This looks like a long week but a great one full of epic happenings. Minus the whole NFL thing. Come sit on my bench.. you know the non-moving forward in the playoffs bench... it's warm over here. I promise. (Damn Steelers!)

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  7. WHOOHOO! I'd totally be looking through the glass floor! This was a really fun post, Sarah! Usually when I think of visiting Canada, I think of outdoorsy things I'd like to do, see those mountains everyone is talking about--and of course, as Montgomery fan, go see the "Anne Shirley" sites. Your pics were amazing. LOVED the city shots. Wow!

    http://outmyfrontdoorgirlslife.blogspot.com/2015/01/quad-cities-illinois-trip-walnut-grove.html

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  8. What a cool trip! Love all of the pictures! I've never been to Toronto but I'd love to go someday!

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  9. Toronto is one of the coolest cities. It does remind me of NYC, but with more of an international feel. The dinner at the top of the CN Tower is totally worth the price...for the view alone. Also, I love that you're becoming a hockey person. I cannot state that enough.

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  10. I can only imagine how cold it had to be up there! Toronto looks like a beautiful city though!

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  11. Everything looks so fun, except that edge walk. Nope nope nope.

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  12. I've never been to Toronto, but it looks absolutely beautiful!

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  13. Why in the world do they hold a boat show in the middle of winter?

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  14. Loved this recap of your adventures in Toronto! I can't believe you came to the city when it was at its absolute coldest though - must've been extra hard for you after living in Texas! My American family and friends love getting Ceasars up here - they're not just made with tomato juice (like the States) but with clamato juice (clam + tomato juice) which apparently gives it that extra kick.

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  15. Toronto looks so pretty might have to visit sometime... in the summer! :) Been to Montreal and it was absolutely gorgeous there. Hope you had fun!

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  16. Toronto is on my list to visit soon... we want to go when the Red Sox are there. I'll totally be hitting you up for tips!

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  17. A bloody mary made with BOURBON? I didn't think that was possible... but I want it. I want it baaadddddd.

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  18. I love these photos. <3

    xx Nicole Rose

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  19. I feel ya on the business of it all. But you did get some really great pictures out of it!!

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  20. Toronto is my hometown! I'm glad you got to sightsee on your trip. I'm never that lucky on my business trips.

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  21. I'm glad you had a great trip! I've been through Toronto, but never actually spent time there. That airport is crazy!

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  22. I saw your twitter comment re:LilJon/TDFW linked on ESPN.com and thought you might want to know.
    - Go Vols
    - Al Wilson fan for life

    http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/89760/what-are-tennessee-and-lil-jon-up-to

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  23. Sounds like you had a good time! I live bout 2 hours from Winnipeg and caesars are well known in the Dakota's/Midwest.. I honestly didn't know they weren't a common thing. Also, share the steak.

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  24. always glad when someone loves their trip to this great land of ours. Sorry about Dallas, and I hope it didn't ruin your time here. Next time you need to skate

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  25. Love this! I used to live/work in downtown Toronto! Earl's is fantastic and I can tell by your picture you stayed at the Sheraton Hotel (How creepy am I!??) CN Tower restaurant is a must so I am glad you were able to experience it! :)

    Tracey @ Just a Trace

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  26. Wow! Toronto looks like so much fun! I really want to go there soon as well as Quebec! The whole seeing myself plunging to my death thing would scare the s&%$ out of me!!!
    www.myfairdaily.com

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  27. ERMAGHERD TRUFFLE FRIES. Always a good choice.

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  28. Sounds like you have been busy but having a lot of fun!

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