Monday, August 20, 2007
If you search Sonjanita Moore on facebook.com, you'll find my most recent page. I had a page under "Sonja Moore" but I'll be deleting that one soon.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Quote for the 1st day of school....
Watch your thoughts they become wordsWatch your words, they become actionsWatch your actions, they become habitsWatch your habits, they become your characterWatch your character, it becomes your destiny
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Sorry if you're from Montreal, but I gotta say this...
If you love the stuffy, old world feel of Europe, then you'll love Montreal. While history of any nation is interesting to me, it became clear to me that Montreal is definitely a place to visit but not live....I can't say it's a place I would ever come back to. My poor experience with Grayline Tours and VIA Rail in getting there didn't help the feeling. Encountering a rude French speaking woman at Partigras in Toronto a couple days before coupled with all the warnings from Canadians, made me apprehensive but I still wanted to see it for myself.
The architecture of the cathedrals was phenomenal. St. Josephs. Notre Dame Basilica. All breathtaking as was the view from Mont Royal and Denis, the tour guide was very nice and he made an awful day much better.
I couldn't help but long to get back "home" to Toronto
The architecture of the cathedrals was phenomenal. St. Josephs. Notre Dame Basilica. All breathtaking as was the view from Mont Royal and Denis, the tour guide was very nice and he made an awful day much better.
I couldn't help but long to get back "home" to Toronto
Global Elements of Hip Hop: The 4 Elements Festival 2007
Check out the MySpace page for the event and youtube for more info on these events, Wild Style, Lord Finesse, Busy Bee, DJ Theo, Euphrates and others.
July 27, 2007
Where has hip hop found global, government recognition? Where has hip-hop film been honored by local government? Toronto, Ontario. At the GEHH Festival, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Wild Style. The opening day of the fest featured the screening of Wild Style and then, a tribute concert. The show features an eclectic audience compilation - hard-core hip hop headz rub elbows with Japanese b-boyz. Teenie boppers reminiscent of America's suburban wiggers mingle with confused tourists new to Toronto's Harbourfront Center. Then, of course, as with any free outdoor music concert your drunk party boyz. Grand Wizard Theo (cut creator) on the 1's and 2's amidst a new crowd filled with many 30+ audience members rockin' ol skool jamz as youngstas stand ready to get educated. T.O.'s harborfront thumps with bass and hip hop culture as America's best takes us back to what hip hop was and should be. The Fantastic 5 (minus 2) travel back musically to 1979 as DJ Grand Wizard Theo burns the wheels of steel. Hip hop history reborn to new seeds ready for fertilization.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Breakin workshops, graffitti, b-boy/b-girl battle, freestyle dance contests
Countin Headz: South African Women in Hip HOp
From Mambo to Hip Hop
Okay so I forgot about the Japanese film screening earlier today, but the 2 films that I saw were outstanding. Erin Offer's South African hip hop film was very revealing as far as the limitations of women in hip hop. The fact that women want to step out and have a positive, strong image and sound is just as problematic as it is here. It's more acceptable for women to take on the whorish image of a female MC rather than being graff artists, dj's, b-girls and hardcore MC's.
Mambo to Hip Hop, too, was great in that it talked about the Latino, particularly, Cuban and Puerto Rican influences in the genre. Focusing only on Latino communities of New York, it became clear as how mamba and salsa dance styles influenced b-boy moves of the late 70's and early 80's.
The night's biggest disappointment was the no-show of Wyclef Jean - he sent a group from his label instead.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble sounded great and it was hard to opt for the film screenings rather than listen to this group. Also there was Nomadic Massive and TelMary.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
SoCalled
Narcicyst of Euphrates
Scottbox
Twin WArriors
Spittz & Poizunus
This is the last day of the fest and I missed the film screening today due to a spa appointment but was able to partake in the MC workshop and Beatbox competition. Although I didn't spend a lot of time in front of the stage, the bands sounded good. I can't really comment as much on the fest today cause I split the day between the hip-hop fest and the BrasilFest on Center Island. This is a busy weekend with Just for Laughs, WakeStock, Beaches Jazz Fest, the Roots and other groups.
July 27, 2007
Where has hip hop found global, government recognition? Where has hip-hop film been honored by local government? Toronto, Ontario. At the GEHH Festival, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Wild Style. The opening day of the fest featured the screening of Wild Style and then, a tribute concert. The show features an eclectic audience compilation - hard-core hip hop headz rub elbows with Japanese b-boyz. Teenie boppers reminiscent of America's suburban wiggers mingle with confused tourists new to Toronto's Harbourfront Center. Then, of course, as with any free outdoor music concert your drunk party boyz. Grand Wizard Theo (cut creator) on the 1's and 2's amidst a new crowd filled with many 30+ audience members rockin' ol skool jamz as youngstas stand ready to get educated. T.O.'s harborfront thumps with bass and hip hop culture as America's best takes us back to what hip hop was and should be. The Fantastic 5 (minus 2) travel back musically to 1979 as DJ Grand Wizard Theo burns the wheels of steel. Hip hop history reborn to new seeds ready for fertilization.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Breakin workshops, graffitti, b-boy/b-girl battle, freestyle dance contests
Countin Headz: South African Women in Hip HOp
From Mambo to Hip Hop
Okay so I forgot about the Japanese film screening earlier today, but the 2 films that I saw were outstanding. Erin Offer's South African hip hop film was very revealing as far as the limitations of women in hip hop. The fact that women want to step out and have a positive, strong image and sound is just as problematic as it is here. It's more acceptable for women to take on the whorish image of a female MC rather than being graff artists, dj's, b-girls and hardcore MC's.
Mambo to Hip Hop, too, was great in that it talked about the Latino, particularly, Cuban and Puerto Rican influences in the genre. Focusing only on Latino communities of New York, it became clear as how mamba and salsa dance styles influenced b-boy moves of the late 70's and early 80's.
The night's biggest disappointment was the no-show of Wyclef Jean - he sent a group from his label instead.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble sounded great and it was hard to opt for the film screenings rather than listen to this group. Also there was Nomadic Massive and TelMary.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
SoCalled
Narcicyst of Euphrates
Scottbox
Twin WArriors
Spittz & Poizunus
This is the last day of the fest and I missed the film screening today due to a spa appointment but was able to partake in the MC workshop and Beatbox competition. Although I didn't spend a lot of time in front of the stage, the bands sounded good. I can't really comment as much on the fest today cause I split the day between the hip-hop fest and the BrasilFest on Center Island. This is a busy weekend with Just for Laughs, WakeStock, Beaches Jazz Fest, the Roots and other groups.
ILL CHI REPRESENT FOR THE HOOD IN ONTARIO
ROCKIN TO THE BEATZ AS THEY ROLL THRU THE STEREO
TRYING TO KICK A FLOW THAT'S WORTHY OF THE QUEEN
WORDZ FLOW FROM PEN REAL SMOOTH LIKE CREAM
ROCKIN TO THE BEATZ AS THEY ROLL THRU THE STEREO
TRYING TO KICK A FLOW THAT'S WORTHY OF THE QUEEN
WORDZ FLOW FROM PEN REAL SMOOTH LIKE CREAM
Queen's Park 2007
Monday, July 23 3:55pmEST
I sit alone in Queen's Park with the train rumbling below my feet. It's a peaceful day. Truly inspirational. I wish I had my sharpie to immortalize myself in this table at which I sit. Although I've seen and heard things that demonstrate Toronto's flaws, I still can't help but love it. The fact that I feel free to walk and explore or stop in a park is new. Not that I couldn't do that in Chicago but I don't. I wish I'd bought Felicia here cause she would've loved it - the quiet solitude, the black squirrels and leaves rustling in the trees. I'm glad I have this alone time even though I was flustered trying to figure out what to do today. This is a welcomed rest after walking Queen Street West and spending more money that I didn't need to, but lots of people spend money on things that make them happy. Toronto...Ontario makes me happy. This extra week before getting back to the hustle and bustle of CHI life keeps the stress of reality away. I'm already looking ahead to next year and doing the final phase of the UGRR at the north end of Ontario - the Owen Sound area and Collingwood to hopefully participate in Emancipation Day 2008. Of course though I still want to do at least a week in Vancouver, realizing of course that it's cheaper to fly WestJet within Canada than travelling by air from here.
I paused there a moment to snap a few photos and take in the scenery - babies toddling by, 2 guys doing yoga, a couple students reading, which makes sense seeing as how we are on the U of T campus. A Japanese guy just sat down to ask me to participate in a survey he's conducting using a memo pad, a pen and 2 questions: What is creativity? Why is English a hard language to learn for foreigners? Of course, I had a lot to say about both but I was limited to the pages size.
Oh well, I had to pause again to chat with mom back in the CHI. It's getting dark now so I guess I'll walk down to the next TTC subway entrance and get back downtown to eat dinner.
I sit alone in Queen's Park with the train rumbling below my feet. It's a peaceful day. Truly inspirational. I wish I had my sharpie to immortalize myself in this table at which I sit. Although I've seen and heard things that demonstrate Toronto's flaws, I still can't help but love it. The fact that I feel free to walk and explore or stop in a park is new. Not that I couldn't do that in Chicago but I don't. I wish I'd bought Felicia here cause she would've loved it - the quiet solitude, the black squirrels and leaves rustling in the trees. I'm glad I have this alone time even though I was flustered trying to figure out what to do today. This is a welcomed rest after walking Queen Street West and spending more money that I didn't need to, but lots of people spend money on things that make them happy. Toronto...Ontario makes me happy. This extra week before getting back to the hustle and bustle of CHI life keeps the stress of reality away. I'm already looking ahead to next year and doing the final phase of the UGRR at the north end of Ontario - the Owen Sound area and Collingwood to hopefully participate in Emancipation Day 2008. Of course though I still want to do at least a week in Vancouver, realizing of course that it's cheaper to fly WestJet within Canada than travelling by air from here.
I paused there a moment to snap a few photos and take in the scenery - babies toddling by, 2 guys doing yoga, a couple students reading, which makes sense seeing as how we are on the U of T campus. A Japanese guy just sat down to ask me to participate in a survey he's conducting using a memo pad, a pen and 2 questions: What is creativity? Why is English a hard language to learn for foreigners? Of course, I had a lot to say about both but I was limited to the pages size.
Oh well, I had to pause again to chat with mom back in the CHI. It's getting dark now so I guess I'll walk down to the next TTC subway entrance and get back downtown to eat dinner.
Time lost in the good times...
It's weird how i had no concept of time or date without having to look it up. It's not weird to go over my budget though cause there's so much to see and do. Living as was there, seeing all I did makes it worth it though. The Pantages is a welcome comfort from dorm-hotels.
If you're visiting Toronto, pop into Eggspectation on Dundas next to the Eaton Center/Queen Street Subway entrance. Lucky Laki, the Greek owner from Montreal, will make you feel welcome and his tasty baked goods will make you feel like a family friend.
Partigras in the Distillery District is a worthwhile venture for an afternoon. Construction makes the wait for buses a long one but the food and ambiance is fine...hopefully, you don't run into any rude, French speaking woman who cut the line and act as though one didn't exist before she got there.
If you're visiting Toronto, pop into Eggspectation on Dundas next to the Eaton Center/Queen Street Subway entrance. Lucky Laki, the Greek owner from Montreal, will make you feel welcome and his tasty baked goods will make you feel like a family friend.
Partigras in the Distillery District is a worthwhile venture for an afternoon. Construction makes the wait for buses a long one but the food and ambiance is fine...hopefully, you don't run into any rude, French speaking woman who cut the line and act as though one didn't exist before she got there.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Keeping up with me online...
Okay, so I'm venturing out into cyberspace with more blogs and...for those of you that have been telling me to....I finally have a myspace page! I have galleries on Kodak, Flickr and Shutterfly. Search for me as "pytofchitown" on YOUTUBE and you'll get my vids.
myspace.com/theblackqueenofchitown
http://theblackqueen.blogspot.com/
http://kuumbalynx.blogspot.com/
http://sonjaontheugrr.blogspot.com/
myspace.com/theblackqueenofchitown
http://theblackqueen.blogspot.com/
http://kuumbalynx.blogspot.com/
http://sonjaontheugrr.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 6, 2007
Mama Nora: Always on My Mind
Mama Nora: Always On My Mind & Heart
by her granddaughter, Sonjanita L. Moore
I love you! ♥
Dirt roads, church Sundays, Vacation Bible School everyday of the week
These are some of my Mount Vernon memories
Fish fries at the Peck’s, playing games at the Lyde’s, making friends outside
Things that took place during my Alabama time
Pancake breakfasts were great & catching lightening bugs was fun in the yard
But picking veggies & hanging clothes made Mount Vernon summers kind of hard
Shelling peas on Nora’s floor, shucking corn by the door,
Running that car into Nora’s fence - all a part of my remembrance
Early morning starts cause Nora’s day started way before 9,
Going out to cut a switch when I got outta line,
Those early ending Mount Vernon nights with no noise of any kind
Made back bedroom nights a hard one, at times
Vaseline-greased youngster with clean clothes & well-kept hair
Couldn’t go outside ‘til well past noon
Mount Vernon summers seemed unfair
Going up the road early – shopping, bills and the rest
But we were always back down the road when the sun set
Drinking sun-made iced tea, eating one of Mama Nora’s famous cakes
Tasty soul food dinners or juicy melons made those Alabama times great
Piggly Wiggly, A&P, JC Penney, Gayfers or the mall
Me and Mama Nora did it all!
Life’s journey has led me away from Highway 43, but
Time & distance can’t weaken the roots of my family tree
My sadness is replaced with joy for God’s servant - now painfree
Mrs. Nora Elizabeth McMillan Moore
It’s time to rest your weary feet
Look for me in the Hereafter, but until then
I’ll just remember our times down at 18655 Rice Street!
R.I.P.
Mrs. Nora Elizabeth McMillan Moore
9/13/12 – 12/26/06
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Happiness is...knowing summer isn't over yet...
I'm afraid however I can no longer rest in that happiness because for me the summer is over! Gone are the carefree days of Ontario life and present are worries associated with ordering textbooks, cleaning tables and planning curriculum! Tomorrow morning begins my wearied trek back into the real world....being that this is a PG-13 blog I can't express the full range of emotions felt at this time, but let's suffice it to say that I am forced to face my career decisions head on as of now and I am stuck with that decision until June 2008 - like it or not, happy or not.
Soon more meetings and forced social gatherings will come...students will return...the cogs in the wheel will begin to grind...my last 2 courses in a 2nd master's program will merge into the stop-and-go lane that is my life and hopefully, December will arrive soon - not to bring on the end of the year or to give reminders of my grandmother's passing, but to bring me that much closer to the next big vacation.
Woe is me....gotta go now...it's bedtime...and it's a school night.
:-(
Soon more meetings and forced social gatherings will come...students will return...the cogs in the wheel will begin to grind...my last 2 courses in a 2nd master's program will merge into the stop-and-go lane that is my life and hopefully, December will arrive soon - not to bring on the end of the year or to give reminders of my grandmother's passing, but to bring me that much closer to the next big vacation.
Woe is me....gotta go now...it's bedtime...and it's a school night.
:-(
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The Victoria Inn (july 15-17, 2007)
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Saturday was a day filled with sight-seeing and shopping in downtown T.O., mainly at the Eaton Centre and the grocery store. Sbarro's was a big hit with Fe who hasn't had any since moving out of Illinois. Sunday is the day we're looking forward to...our drive 90 minutes northeast to Gore's Landing/Rice Lake...the Victoria Inn B&B....
We've just had dinner (warm rolls,filet mignon, baby potatoes, fresh market vegetables...after dinner, we had the traditional hot tea, but also raspberry mousse cake). We're sitting here in the gazebo facing the lake...Rice Lake which was once crossed by the people of the Mississauga nation by canoe or by foot...island to island. It's beautiful here. It's dusk. The sun is about to go down making it a little cool. The drive up was very scenic - green and gold fields...sparkling lakes. the staff is sooo friendly - like the Pantages, but quaint like a next door neighbor, family friend or family. The price is the only thing that reminds you of the gourmet nature of the cuisine. I have no idea what time it is or what's going on in the world (no phones, no tvs, no clocks) and although I almost fell asleep out her before we got our jackets and when I went for a swim, I'm still out here in nature. Felicia loves the scenery but Tetley Tea Bags, the cat, is the apple of her eye right now! There are people being pulled across the lake on inner tubes. some are fishing. I am trying to wait on the stars, but daybreak seems to be holding on...I'm exhausted from the drive and probably last night...we'll definitely sleep good here. Ugh...I just remembered we didn't pack any snacks..oh well...we'll grab something before the 2-hour boat cruise tomorrow.
Monday, July 16, 2007
It's been a long time since I've had such a great Monday! We had a good breakfast and hopped in the car for a drive around Gore's Landing and then pastthe 401 into Cobourg to look around the mall. Heading back, we got to the Inn just in time to hop the boat cruise up Ricer Lake and the Otonabee River. There were cabins and houses laong the river and we briefly saw turtles and blue herring. The cruise was nice and peaceful. We learned of how the 1st Nations once cultivated rice plants and walked/swam/canoed from island to island -back when the river was 1ft to 3ft. Now,it's doubled due to man's engineering feats. The adventure however began once the cruise was over around 4pm..when we hopped back in the car to find the 1st Nations burial ground...Serpent Mounds. They said it was simple...county road 9 to highway 28 to country road 2...but county road 2 had no signage...at least not from the direction we were driving. When we hit highway 115 we knew we'd gone too far! Turning around, the sign was there and we were up County Road, but uncertainty came when we drove for 30 minutes and saw no signs for the park...long story short we arrive and with the help of some pre-teens, we walked up and around the mounds and then, to the beach. It was incredible. You could understand why 1st Nations peoples chose to bury their ancestors here. It turns out that this band of the Anishnabeg-Mississauga (connected also to the Chippewa) are related to the natives of Ohio who built the Cahokia Mounds. I wished we could've stayed longer but our dinner reservations and darkness beckoned, so we were off again but had to stop to take a few pictures roadside. A Canadian even stopped to see if we were okay! We were. So after taking the shots at various places along the highway, we turned Toni Braxton back on and headed in for dinner on our last night in the country. Tetley lingered as I enjoyed fresh grilled chicken, red potatoes, veggies and dinner rolls.
With our last cup of evening tea we roamed the halls and rooms of the inn taking photos and feelign as if we'd stepped into a time machine.
Friday, July 13, 2007 entry
First off let me say that I think the whole airport security thing is a game...it's a crazy game that the FAA, TSA and counter agents decide on...maybe even the airlines. How else would it be $25 to pay for a heavy bag, but $80 to pay for a carryon because it counts as the 3rd bag? Who decided that ziploc bags for your microscopic toiletries would stop a terrorist for opening that same ziploc once he gets on the plane? GEEZ! As if getting completely undressed for a flight isn't enough. Once we were on the flight I figured the Friday the 13th bad luck was over cause we arrived at Pearson International and were picked up by Ilahi in our Lincoln Towncar (AIRLINK LIMO SERVICE, TORONTO). Then we pulled up to THE PANTAGES HOTEL & SPA....We're talking lavish! Doormen/security that look like secret service men with dark suits and earpieces opening your door, grabbing your bags, taking photos of you, waiting for you at the lobby and then, bringing up your things for you...even returning later to "make up" the sofabed for you!
With not much time to spare we head straight to the spa for our 4pm appointments. After 3 hours i was mellow, until the lady doing my nails clipped the cuticle a little too low, I guess, cuz it wouldn't stop bleeding! Needless to say, the manicure couldn't be completed and I had to leave ticked off...defeating the purpose of getting a lavendar scrub, envelopment and massage!
An evening walk and dinner cleared my mind after complaining to the manager via email. Tomorrow I will return to have the manicure completed.
With not much time to spare we head straight to the spa for our 4pm appointments. After 3 hours i was mellow, until the lady doing my nails clipped the cuticle a little too low, I guess, cuz it wouldn't stop bleeding! Needless to say, the manicure couldn't be completed and I had to leave ticked off...defeating the purpose of getting a lavendar scrub, envelopment and massage!
An evening walk and dinner cleared my mind after complaining to the manager via email. Tomorrow I will return to have the manicure completed.
Ode to Rice Lake
There’s a certain calm that comes over Rice Lake –
As the summer blossoms bloom golden in the sunlight
As a light breeze hugs the trees & gently caresses the waterways
Once trod by native feet
Majestic stands the Victoria Inn atop a grassy knoll
Like a queen on a throne overlooking a natural paradise
As the sun sets over western islands, its rays stretch across sparkling waters
It plays hide and seek with my camera
It’s protected by the trees as porch chairs provide a break from the day’s chase
Tetley Tea Bags takes his evening stretch before nonchalantly traversing steps
Defeated by Don & Donna’s admonitions against venturing out after dark
The clouds over Black Island looked like puffs of cotton
Waiting to be plucked from a blue watercolor sky
Hard to fathom such beauty in a man-made world
It was the same when I watched the way Rice Lake
Glistened like crystals in the sunlight
Disbelief at the way in which sunlight kissed the Serpent Mounds
Or at the way the lake sang praises to the Hiawatha Nation as it touched the shore
At the sound of silence on County Road 2 or
The way photos of the road & a Pontiac G6 look like works of art
Against nature’s green, blue and white canvas
It seemed like the sun would never set
So the blissful play of two gave way to stops, stares and photos on roadsides
Making us miss dinner time
Old world feel and picturesque windows give the impression of time travel, but
Whirlpool baths keep reality just a soak away
The 401 becomes my portal back to the present, but
I can’t forget the way Mother Earth called to me as I sailed over rice plants of old
Or when I stepped atop the 9 mounds of the Hiawatha Nation
If I could…
I’d have taken a canoe to the heart of the lake
Then, laid back and let my fingers graze the waters
Looking up at the night sky calling to the Great Spirit
Thanking Him for allowing me to be in this place
Thanking Him for bringing a Cherokee to the heart of
Anishnaabe/Chippewa/Mississauga/ Hiawatha lands.
© Sonjanita L. Moore, July 23, 2007
Natives of Ontario related to Natives of Ohio
http://encarta.msn.com/map_701529057/Rice_Lake_(lake_Ontario).html
2000 years ago, ancient native people camped, hunted and fished here. It is a place of great aboriginal significance. We now call this land Serpent Mounds Park.
Serpent Mounds Park is a family campground and day-use area that is owned and operated by Hiawatha First Nation. The land was leased to the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1955 and used as a provincial park. In 1995, Hiawatha First Nation assumed management of the park.
Serpent Mounds Park is special to the people of Hiawatha First Nation. On a high point of land near Rice Lake are nine burial mounds that enclose the graves of the Point Peninsula people. Of significant interest is the largest mound which has a zigzag or serpentine appearance. It is the only one of its kind in Canada. In 2002, Serpent Mounds Park was officially designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Hiawatha First Nation would like to share the park and its rich history with all mankind. We ask that you join us in respecting this part of our heritage while enjoying the natural setting of the park.
2000 years ago, ancient native people camped, hunted and fished here. It is a place of great aboriginal significance. We now call this land Serpent Mounds Park.
Serpent Mounds Park is a family campground and day-use area that is owned and operated by Hiawatha First Nation. The land was leased to the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1955 and used as a provincial park. In 1995, Hiawatha First Nation assumed management of the park.
Serpent Mounds Park is special to the people of Hiawatha First Nation. On a high point of land near Rice Lake are nine burial mounds that enclose the graves of the Point Peninsula people. Of significant interest is the largest mound which has a zigzag or serpentine appearance. It is the only one of its kind in Canada. In 2002, Serpent Mounds Park was officially designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Hiawatha First Nation would like to share the park and its rich history with all mankind. We ask that you join us in respecting this part of our heritage while enjoying the natural setting of the park.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Pantages Suites & Spa (Toronto, ON, CA)
I quickly got over the fact that my King size ambassador suite wasn't available and I was given a queen size suite, but after 5 minutes on site, I didn't care. This hotel is fantastic! Staying here you may bump into celebrities (we bumped into rapper T.I. on the way into the hotel)! The location is fantastic. There's a fantastic spa on site. The staff is great. I stayed here for 17 days in July and was at home. The accept AAA and CAA discounts. If you want to avoid the rising cost of taxis or airport shuttles, arrive by lincoln towncar or limo using AIRLINK LIMO SERVICE - Ilahi will be more than happy to assist you for a mere $50-$60 CDN.
The best staffers are:
Front door: Chris, Jeff, David, James
Desk: Stephen, Tina and Ibrahim
FYI:
*be mindful of the new DMF charge that comes out at the end...it's some new tourist charge hotels can add
* the visitor tax refund program is dead and gone now (i wish i'd known before i spent so much money) so you can't get back your taxes paid on the room per night (there are 2 taxes charged equally about 15%)...for me that was in excess of $500+...ouch!
* rooms come equipped with washer-dryer and kitchen...very helpful...2 tvs (although they both got different channels...odd)...2 phones with personalized voicemail option
* DON'T USE THEIR PHONE unless you want to pay more money or unless you have your people call you...it's free to receive incoming calls.
*there is only 1 computer in the "business ctr" so bring your laptop or be prepared to wait.
* If you're not completely satisfied with spa services, ask for manager or fill out comment card. you will get immediate callback.
* there is no pool
*They hold for incidentals in advance...$150/day. This I didn't know about
VISITOR TAX REFUND PROGRAM IS DISCONTINUED SO YOU CAN'T GET ANY OF YOUR FUNDS BACK....so be sure you've got it and can afford to be without it- I was out of a lot of $$$ because of this. CDN and US $ were about equal so I didn't have as good a spending experience as in past years but it's definitely worth it. If I can afford to, can save up and/or get a nice tax refund, I will definitely be back. It's good to treat yourself sometimes.
The best staffers are:
Front door: Chris, Jeff, David, James
Desk: Stephen, Tina and Ibrahim
FYI:
*be mindful of the new DMF charge that comes out at the end...it's some new tourist charge hotels can add
* the visitor tax refund program is dead and gone now (i wish i'd known before i spent so much money) so you can't get back your taxes paid on the room per night (there are 2 taxes charged equally about 15%)...for me that was in excess of $500+...ouch!
* rooms come equipped with washer-dryer and kitchen...very helpful...2 tvs (although they both got different channels...odd)...2 phones with personalized voicemail option
* DON'T USE THEIR PHONE unless you want to pay more money or unless you have your people call you...it's free to receive incoming calls.
*there is only 1 computer in the "business ctr" so bring your laptop or be prepared to wait.
* If you're not completely satisfied with spa services, ask for manager or fill out comment card. you will get immediate callback.
* there is no pool
*They hold for incidentals in advance...$150/day. This I didn't know about
VISITOR TAX REFUND PROGRAM IS DISCONTINUED SO YOU CAN'T GET ANY OF YOUR FUNDS BACK....so be sure you've got it and can afford to be without it- I was out of a lot of $$$ because of this. CDN and US $ were about equal so I didn't have as good a spending experience as in past years but it's definitely worth it. If I can afford to, can save up and/or get a nice tax refund, I will definitely be back. It's good to treat yourself sometimes.
My love-hate relationship with Canadian Customer/Visitor Services
First off, let me say that I love Toronto, but a few things about it (that have changed) made my trip this year a little more frustrating.
1. THE VISITOR TAX REFUND PROGRAM IS NOW OVER (AS OF APRIL 1, 2007)! Who knew? How would I know seeing as how travel/visitor's bureaus in downtown Toronto are still giving out the forms and information? Gone are the days of getting your 15% back on all purchases over $50! This is the #1 thing that ticks me off cause Canada's not as cheap as it used to be (the US$ doesn't go far anymore...bad exchange rate) and on top of the 2 taxes applied to EVERYTHING, hotels apparently charge something called DMF charge (tourist tax or some garbage)! Geez! As if 15% extra (from gst and pst) wasn't enough!
2. VIA RAIL's CUSTOMER SERVICE leaves a lot to be desired. Last year there was a fiasco with me trying to drop off my bags in Windsor so I wouldn't have to carry them around all day after arriving from the states and then, found that you can only check bags at 5amor 6am....WTF! That's not what I was told by phone rep. So I was out of 2 taxi fares getting over there and had to pay someone else to ship my bags on to my final destination. There wasn't even a response to that letter.
Last week, the VIA train from Toronto to Montreal stopped mid-transit and we got in at 3:30am rather than 11:44pm! Then, to make matters worse (after they had transferred us to coach buses to finish the journey), they only give you 50% of that portion of the trip back in the form of a voucher only valid for 6 months! What good is that for someone not from Canada? After an email and several voicemails, after about a week someone called me back and is claiming to extend the voucher for 12 months and it will be mailed to me in the states.
You should also NOT purchase tour packages from Via Rail's site (might say WWTE when you go into options)....see below.
3. Montreal's GRAYLINE Tour Customer Service...Be sure to write down the name and time when you speak to phone reps because when they forget to pick you up on time for your prepaid tour, you will need that when you finally get to their office (35 minutes late)! I purposefully called 3 days in advance to request pick up and was told that it was okay. Then, the morning of the pickup I called to confirm that they were still coming and was told yes. when they hadn't arrived 15 minutes after the scheduled time, i called back and eventually a driver arrived. When I got to the office not only did they claim to not know anything about me calling and scheduling for pick up but they were unaware of my reservation - done through VIA RAIL's website and WWTE. The only redeeming quality was the tour guide, Denis. He managed to calm me down after a horrific journey from Toronto and the fiasco with the tour bus.
1. THE VISITOR TAX REFUND PROGRAM IS NOW OVER (AS OF APRIL 1, 2007)! Who knew? How would I know seeing as how travel/visitor's bureaus in downtown Toronto are still giving out the forms and information? Gone are the days of getting your 15% back on all purchases over $50! This is the #1 thing that ticks me off cause Canada's not as cheap as it used to be (the US$ doesn't go far anymore...bad exchange rate) and on top of the 2 taxes applied to EVERYTHING, hotels apparently charge something called DMF charge (tourist tax or some garbage)! Geez! As if 15% extra (from gst and pst) wasn't enough!
2. VIA RAIL's CUSTOMER SERVICE leaves a lot to be desired. Last year there was a fiasco with me trying to drop off my bags in Windsor so I wouldn't have to carry them around all day after arriving from the states and then, found that you can only check bags at 5amor 6am....WTF! That's not what I was told by phone rep. So I was out of 2 taxi fares getting over there and had to pay someone else to ship my bags on to my final destination. There wasn't even a response to that letter.
Last week, the VIA train from Toronto to Montreal stopped mid-transit and we got in at 3:30am rather than 11:44pm! Then, to make matters worse (after they had transferred us to coach buses to finish the journey), they only give you 50% of that portion of the trip back in the form of a voucher only valid for 6 months! What good is that for someone not from Canada? After an email and several voicemails, after about a week someone called me back and is claiming to extend the voucher for 12 months and it will be mailed to me in the states.
You should also NOT purchase tour packages from Via Rail's site (might say WWTE when you go into options)....see below.
3. Montreal's GRAYLINE Tour Customer Service...Be sure to write down the name and time when you speak to phone reps because when they forget to pick you up on time for your prepaid tour, you will need that when you finally get to their office (35 minutes late)! I purposefully called 3 days in advance to request pick up and was told that it was okay. Then, the morning of the pickup I called to confirm that they were still coming and was told yes. when they hadn't arrived 15 minutes after the scheduled time, i called back and eventually a driver arrived. When I got to the office not only did they claim to not know anything about me calling and scheduling for pick up but they were unaware of my reservation - done through VIA RAIL's website and WWTE. The only redeeming quality was the tour guide, Denis. He managed to calm me down after a horrific journey from Toronto and the fiasco with the tour bus.
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