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Cruise Trip

In my blog post last week, I wrote about my trip to Italy. After several days in Italy, my extended family and I went on a cruise. Our cruise ship was the Explorer of the Seas. For this blog post, I will tell you about the cruise and excursions we visited.

Explorer of the Seas

We sailed on the Explorer of the Seas ship. The ship ported from Ravenna and did a seven-day cruise around through the Adriatic Sea, with stops in Croatia and Greece. When I say it’s huge, it’s huge! As someone who has been on his first cruise, I got to try out a whole new experience. The ship is fifteen stories long and has everything you can ask for. From the pool on top of the ship to the buffet hall, from shopping to the casino, the Explorer of the Seas was an experience I will never forget.

Ship Rating: 9.5/10

Split

The day after we went to sea, we stopped at our first excursion in Split. Split is a city in Croatia right by the coast of the Adriatic Sea. We only had several hours to explore and experience this amazing coastal city. Throughout our journey, we passed by the Old Town, which consisted of a market and amazing architecture. The highlight of Split was climbing the Marjan Hill stairs. The weather was very hot, which made this hike a challenge, but once we got to the top, we were amazed by the views of Split below and the sea beyond. I was in awe of the scenery.

Prior to boarding the ship, we passed by the beach, where beachgoers can cliff jump into the water. Unfortunately, time was not on our side and had to return to the ship before it disembarked. The following day we were at sea enjoying a relaxing clear day. The day after, we embarked in Greece.

Climbing up the steps was quite the challenge, but it didn’t stop me from giving it a two thumbs up.

Athens

Athens is known for being the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and the first-ever Olympic games. Being in an ancient city was surreal, with its history dating back thousands of years.

The ship docked in nearby Piraeus. Once we arrived, we had to board a shuttle bus to get to Athens. The shuttle dropped us off at the Acropolis.

The Acropolis was stunning. There were so many glamorous views of the monument and the surrounding area. We didn’t go inside due to the long lineups. While in Athens, we took a tour bus around the city, where we saw many historical monuments and buildings, including the site of the first Olympics dating back to ancient Greece.

Athens is a beautiful city full of rich history, but I personally felt that there are other parts of Greece that are more worth exploring.

City rating: 8.5/10

Tourists admiring and waiting to get into the Acropolis.

Santorini

The beauty of the island. Santorini is what you can expect Grecce to be. An island with white buildings with blue skies matching the colours of the Greek flag. Getting up to Santorini, though, was a different story.

For starters, our ship does not actually dock on the island. To get access we had to book tickets to get into the water taxi which brought us to shore. We arrived, and all is good, right?

Not quite.

There were only two ways to get up there. The main way is to ride the gondola. The line was long and disorganized, and took us an hour to get to the gondola. The other option is the steps. More on the steps later.

Once we arrived at the top, we booked a shuttle taxi where the tour guide and driver drove us to many viewing spots. There were many sights to see.

It would not be a trip to Greece without having souvlakis. The souvlakis were the best I ever had.

The last pit stop brought us to the beach. The beach was beautiful but did not get a chance to enjoy it due to lack of time.

While heading down, some of us in the group, including myself, took the steps down. The steps weren’t too bad, but the challenge was not just the heat, there were donkeys going up the steps and left poop on the stairs. You must watch out for that while walking. Otherwise, it was a rewarding experience and would take the steps again over waiting for the gondola. The steps are a 20-30 minute walk.

Island rating: 9/10

Amazing blue skies with white designed buildings is just what Greece is all about.

Dubrovnik

Fans of Game of Thrones will find this town in Croatia familiar as the TV series is filmed in Dubrovnik. The weather did not look promising, as it was raining when we arrived. Interestingly, it was the only time when it rained throughout the trip. The weather didn’t stop us from exploring the old town. After some exploring, we booked a sightseeing tour van that brought us to different viewing point points. The views were astonishing from the top. Dubrovnik is located in the southern part of Croatia by the Adriatic Sea. With the town’s location, we got to see parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. By then, the weather started to clear out. Unlike the other cities, we only had till 2PM to explore before the ship set sail back to Ravenna, which marked the end of the seven-day cruise.

Island rating: 9/10

My first cruise experience was one that I will never forget. I enjoyed being out at sea and just relaxing and not worrying about cooking and cleaning. The only downer about the cruise is the lack of time spent on different excursions. Time is expected to be a factor on European cruises. Otherwise, I had a lot of fun eating, relaxing, and spending time with my family.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

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Italy Trip

This blogger recently went on a trip to Italy with his extended family. Let me tell you that Italy is a country that will not disappoint. For this blog, this blogger will give the scoop of some of the cities visited and what to expect.

Rome

We started our trip in the Italian capital of Rome. Rome is known for the Vatican and the Colosseum. While in Rome, my family and I explored the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, and W asked around the Colosseum. Let me tell you right now that it is essential to bring a water bottle with you, especially during the summer. There are many fountains across Rome, and in other cities across Italy, where you can refill your bottle.

The Vatican was absolutely stunning. I was in awe of the decor and the architecture. While exploring the Vatican, you can expect there to be crowds as tourists admire the Vatican and its surroundings.

The Spanish Steps are known as a meeting point for fashion shows and other important events. Climbing up the steps may not be for everyone, but getting to the top gives you some good views of Rome. We also visited the Trevi fountain, where tourists can throw a coin and make a wish. The trevi fountain is historic as it traces back to 19 B.C.E.

The Spanish steps may seem like a challenge, but climbing to the top gives out impressive views of Rome.

While we did not go inside the Colosseum, we were admired by the structure of the Colosseum. Walking around the Colosseum was surreal as we were at a historic structure that traces back thousands of years. A lot has happened at the Coloessum throughout modern history. Seeing the Colosseum in person is something that will stay with us forever. It was truly amazing to be able to be there and experience its grandeur in this way.

Rating my visit to Rome, I would say exploring the city is worth your bucket list, but I did find the streets too crowded, and the traffic in Rome was crazy.

Visit Rating: 8/10

Visiting the Trevi fountain. It is an iconic and sacred attraction for the Romans.

Pescara

After spending two nights in Rome, we ventured off to Pescara. Pescara is located in central Italy, right by the Adriatic Sea. Pescara is the place to be for their beaches. The city has beaches that stretch for several kilometres. The palm trees were absolutely stunning to look at and admire. The beaches reminded me of beach towns along the east coast of the United States. The water in the sea was nice and warm. Pescara is also known for its nightlife. There are plenty of clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants to visit.

At night, we walked through the center of town. It was lovely to walk around the plaza and to find a restaurant where we had pizza. The following day, we went to nearby Montesilvano for a day at the beach. I had a relaxing time lying down on the chair and going into the water. There was a celebration in the town on the night that we visited as Italy was getting ready for their annual construction holiday, which occurs throughout the month of August.

Patreon enjoying the first night of summer vacation in Montesilvano.

Pescara is known as a beach town and nightlife. If you just want to relax, Pescara is the city for you. As someone who appreciates nature, Pescara was definitely one of my favourite cities.

Relaxing at the beach in Montesilvano just north of the city of Pescara.

Visit Rating: 9.5/10

Sulmona

Sulmona has a medieval-style feeling in the town. When we went to visit the town for the day, we encountered their annual medieval festival. There were people wearing traditional medieval wear with knights riding on horses. We also visited the confetti museum. The museum has traditional confetti that is actually candy. The town is about a 30-minute drive from Pescara.

Visit Rating: 9/10

The annual medieval festival brings out crowds during their parade.

For the second of our trip, we went on a cruise over the Adriatic Sea. I will have more on the cruise and excursions on my next blog post.

Once we returned from the cruise. We went to Florence for two nights. It was by far the most beautiful city I had visited throughout this entire trip. Save the best for last, right?

Florence

The last city we visited was Florence. Florence is my favourite city for several reasons.

First of all, Florence has the most beautiful architecture I ever laid my eyes on. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle. The structure will amaze you if you ever have the chance to explore Florence.

Secondly, Florence has spectacular views from the Forte di Belvedere. Florence is smaller than Rome, making the city easy to access.

Thirdly, everything is close to each other. You can get your groceries and get a coffee without going all over town! A car is not necessary to get around Florence. In fact, it is faster to simply walk around the central part of Florence. The train station is also a 20-minute walk which is worth going if you like to walk and are travelling light.

Florence is simply a city that you must pass by while in Italy. The attractions and the market make Florence a city to explore and experience the culture.

Visit Rating: 10/10

A wide shot of the glamorous city of Florence.

This trip is something that I will never forget. It was a privilege to get to see the different cities and experience the culture of Italy. As someone of Italian descendant, I appreciated getting to see the motherland.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

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Maritime Trip

The Maritimes refers to the eastern Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). They are perhaps known for their seafood and easy going quality of life. I recently explored the maritimes, and got to visit amazing places.

Peggy’s Cove

A must see when visiting Nova Scotia, Peggy’s Cove is a popular site, particularly for its lighthouse. You can’t go wrong with its iconic views of the ocean, and its boulders. It is for sure going to amazing you. Just watch out for waves coming from the ocean regardless of the weather. Peggy’s Cove is located an hour west from Halifax. Try to arrive early as parking is sparse.

Halifax

The capital of Nova Scotia, and the maritimes largest city. While in Halifax, I took a walk on the Halifax Waterfront which features various museums, waterfront restaurants, and boutique shops. This 4km boardwalk will leave you satisfied. You can also a ferry that takes you to Dartmouth, another popular spot located across the river.

While on the boardwalk, I explored the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. It is best known for its Titanic Exhibit, not the movie, but the real tragedy of the ship. It is really moving to see. Halifax can be seen as being haunted due to historic events that devastated the region. Halifax was devastated by the Halifax explosion in 1917 which left over 2,000 people dead and many more displaced. The bodies of the people who perished from the Titanic are buried in Halifax.

P.E.I.

Getting to Prince Edward Island (a.k.a P.E.I.), you have a few choices. The most well known way to get to the island is to drive along the confederation bridge which stretches for approximately 13 km. It is the largest bridge over frozen water. While getting to the island is free, you will need to pay a toll of $50. 25 to leave the island.

The other option is to take a ferry, which was how I got to the island. For a $75 round-trip, we took a ferry ride from Pictou, NS to P.E.I. Once you arrive on the ferry leave your car parked and proceed up onto the deck. The ride is 75 minutes long. While on the ferry you can relax and look outside. They also have a restaurant where includes a breakfast menu in the morning.

Once arriving in P.E.I., I went directly to Charlottetown, the P.E.I. capital. Queen street is the main hub of Charlottetown with its boutiques and cafes. At the bottom of Queen street, there is a sign that says “Love.” On the sign, there was many combination locks with the names of couples on them. Don’t ask me how it comes off if the couple has broken up. Just return to Charlottetown with a wrench and cut it out.

After Charlottetown, I went on a drive through P.E.I. The agriculture wads absolutely stunning. Definitely felt the country lifestyle. P.E.I. is known for its potatoes and ended up buying some from the side of the road.

A P.E.I. Sign right by the confederation bridge.

Cape Breton

The Cabot trail stretches for nearly 300 km, along the northern part of Cape Breton island. There are many viewing points to take advantage of. You will also pass by their National Park where you can camp, hike or fish. While driving along the trail, ended up driving up to the clouds. It was very incredible to drive through the clouds. Suddenly, the weather got misty and cool. On top of the Cabot Trail is the Skyline trail, a hiking trail. Exploring Cape Breton is a must for tourists exploring Nova Scotia.

Fundy Bay

Tidal waves are very common in Nova Scotia. With its tidal waves, dinosaur fossils and whales, we can see why the Bay of Fundy has been named as one of the seven wonders of the world. Exploring the Bay of Fundy is a fantastic spot to catch the waves. While exploring, I was amazed by how quickly the tide was rising.

Grand Falls

A trip would not have been completed if I didn’t take on the Zig Zag Zip-line in Grand Falls, New Brunswick. Located in the northwestern part of the province, this popular zipline comes in two parts. First you zig down, then you zag back up.

How?

At the start, you will need to sign a waiver. Once you’re down, your instructor will help you set up. Once set up, follow your group to the zag line. Once everyone has completed the task, you will proceed up to the next line. Same as the first one, the zag line gives you incredible views of the nearby falls. Once everyone has competed the zipline, you can take pictures with zipline in the background.

Reservation to this gem is not required, but will guarantee you a space. For more on the rates and there opening hours click here.

Just finished the zig zag zip-line. It was a thrilling moment.

Conclusion

It has been an absolute pleasure to have the chance to explore the Canadian Maritimes, particularly Nova Scotia. The peaceful lifestyle of the Maritimers has me thinking about where I would eventually want to settle. Going to the maritimes is basically miles of fields, hills, and windmills, a far cry from the big metropolis of Montreal.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

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Why Mental Health Matters

Our brains. The power of the brain helps us function. Without it, we would be unable to do the everyday things we take for granted. We would not be able to walk, eat, talk, write, read, think, among other abilities. The way our brains work functions differently for everyone. Some people are unable to do the simple things like walk or even talk.

Physical health is easy to have some awareness because we see people who are physically handicapped such as those who are on crunches or on a wheelchair. Although it’s very important to be in good health, we must also take care of our mental health. While on the surface people may seem normal, in their mental mind, it may be anything but. Let’s dive deep into this critical issue.

Mental Health Awareness

Our moods shift all the time. There are times we are happy, and times we are sad. Some of us may react to situations more differently than others. Some are anxious while others may not think straight. There are many types of mental illness including, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, among others. Over 6.7 million Canadians are living with a mental illness or have a mental problem; three times more than those who have type 2 diabetes.

The Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had most of us go through lockdowns, and staying home to quarantine over the better part of the last two years. It seems when things were starting to get back to normal with the arrival of vaccines, there is always something that threatens to make us go backwards such as the Delta, and Omicron variants.

While it may seem easy for some to quarantine at home, it may not be the case for people who live alone, people who live in small places, people who live in abusive households or for those who feel trapped. With the feelings of being alone for a long period of time, it is only natural that we want out, and to see our friends and family.

There are people who are anxious about going back into the real world. Some are very afraid of being exposed to COVID-19 for their own reasons.

There has been an increase in people who have reported having stress and anxiety over the course of the pandemic. Teens and young adults are more likely to suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is because they have been missing out on meeting up with friends, and family. It is important for our well being to socialize with other people, away from the screen while staying safe.

Mental Health: The Next Pandemic

Prior to the pandemic, there has been an increase of people feeling anxious and stressed. Mental health has been the talk of the conversation as people were using their phones a lot, especially for scrolling on social media. With the pandemic, it has made this situation much worse.

Solutions

While there isn’t a quick fix with this mental health crisis, there are ways that can help cope with feeling pressured and stressed on a day to day basis. Little daily changes like healthy eating, exercising, and meditating can help deal with this ever changing challenging time in our lives. Having a conversation with anyone you trust will help you. Tomorrow is Bell Let’s Talk Day. Let’s start a conversation.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Spa Escape

We all need an escape from this hectic world that we live in. Work, responsibilities, and stress gives a toll on our bodies. It is important to take care of ourselves, and to seek self-care when we need a break from our everyday lives.

Going to a spa resort is a relaxing way to help relieve the stress of everyday life. This blogger recently went to the Scandinavia spa in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. Just a 90 minute drive from Montreal the spa features all the facilities that every spa lover can wish for. The bathing experience includes a sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi, a cold plunge, a bistro, and plenty of hammocks and chairs to relax and enjoy.

Arriving at the spa, I was awed by the tranquility of the spa as it is located by the mountains besides a river. Right way, I knew I was going to have a great experience. Arriving at the reception, I received a robe and two towels which are included in the thermal bath experience. There is also the option to get a message at a higher price. Once changed, I stepped outside and wondered into blissfulness.

The first thing I normally do is go straight into the sauna. It was nice and toasty. You just sit down on the benches and relax for several minutes while the sweats come in. Afterwards, I took a nice cold plunge to remove the sweat. Boy was it freezing! The final step is to simply relax on the benches or chairs where you can read or sleep. For me, it is the best part as I got to relax in the quietness of the resort. Another relaxing spot is the Jacuzzi.

The benefits of going to the spa are to enjoy a peaceful day away from the hecticness of this crazy world we live in. On your own or with your significant other, it is for sure going to be a good detox. Best not to take your phone with you in the resort, you are not allowed phones at the spa anyway, and leave it at your locker in the changing room.

I give this spa 5-stars and would highly recommend for anyone looking for a day away from the outside world. For more information on the Scandiva spa, click here.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Attending the Largest Tulip Festival in the World

The tulip festival in Ottawa is the largest festival of its kind in the world. The festival attracts tourists to come to the Canadian Capital to see the tulips. The tulips come in different colors. I recently went to Ottawa and got too see the tulips. I couldn’t believe my eyes. There were hundreds of thousands of tulips out there in the gardens reflected by the gorgeous sunshine. It is a flower lover’s paradise.

Although I am no tulip expert, looking at the different types of tulips had me in awed with beauty. The tulips are also a sign that spring is finally here. Here are some of the pictures I took while walking through this flowering experience.

Beautiful rows of tulips lying along the park.

More colourful tulips with tourists admiring the beauty in the background.

Yours truly just had to take a selfie with these beauties!

The festival runs from May 12th to the 22nd 2023. Go before the season ends!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Entrepreneurship

Having your own business. It feels satisfying just to think of it. Having the power in your own hands. You have your own control. With the idea of leading a company, what does it mean to be a entrepreneur?

Being a Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is defined as someone who starts their own business, embracing the risks and enjoying the rewards. A lot of people jump into owning a business for their own reasons. Some do so to challenge themselves while others like the idea of having their own company. Of course, being an entrepreneur has its own set of challenges, and rarely does it became an overnight success story.

Deciding to become an entrepreneur takes time. There are so many things to think about prior to owning a business. Financial situation, and having the tools to succeed are things to think about.

Advantages of Being an Entrepreneur

Independence: It can be a amazing feeling to be in a position where you are your own boss. Also a bonus, there is no need to rely on your employer as you are one!

Flexible: Good bye 9-5, and hello working anywhere, anytime! Having the flexibility means being able to work when it is convenient for you. Depending on your business, you may not need to wake up early nor you have to sit in traffic to get to your place of work.

Always Learning: We learn something new everyday, and it is especially true while being a CEO of a company.

Exciting: Challenging yourself has the potential of making things better.

Disadvantages of Being an Entrepreneur

Working a lot: As a CEO, you will need to put in lots of hours to keep your company flowing. Making sacrifices and adjustments are necessary to keep your business afloat.

Everything’s on you: Being a CEO means you are responsible for everything that happens with your business. You will have to deal with employees and if they are not happy, you will need to fix that otherwise you may lose them.

Overall View

Taking the dive into entrepreneurship has its pros and cons. It is certainly great to be able to work at your own time. Having complete control of a company is something to be proud of. While it is challenging to run a business, with the right proper tools, running a business will be a success. You just got to have confidence, and the right people to keep your company running. Taking a few courses in the world of business is also a helpful tool to learn about the world of being a entrepreneur. There should be classes in your hometown that teach you to run a business. If you decide to become an entrepreneur of already have a business, I wish you all the best!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Distractions!

Distractions! Distractions! Distractions!

They are everywhere! On your phone, at home, in school, at work, and pretty much everywhere you go. There is always something that will take your attention away. It can be quite irritating when distractions pop up. So, what to do with a world of distractions?

Notifications

Notifications are everywhere. In our phones, emails, and laptops, receiving notifications is the most disruptive way to steer attention from whatever you were doing.

Solutions: First and foremost, turn your notifications off. While it can be difficult and tempting to check your phone, it is important that you try to put your phone away when you don’t need it. While at school, put your phone in your bag, and avoid looking at it while you are concentrating with your work.

There are apps that can help you stay focused. I personally use the app “Screen Time Self Control” app to help with my distractions. For $6.49 bimonthly, this self control app will prevent you from looking at your phone, as long as you wish. To use the app, set the amount of time you want to stay off your phone. Once you do, the timer will start. If you use your phone at anytime while you’re on “focus time” not only a notification will pop up, warning you to get off your phone, but a sound alarm will go off and keep going off until you return to the app.

For me, the Self Control App has helped me stay focus on my work. I also get a much needed break from the world of distractions. To avoid getting distracted while on your laptop, download the Self-Control app for free, and select the sites you want to block yourself from going on for a certain period of time.

Loud Noises

Loud trucks, ambulances, kids, construction, the annoying neighbour who has to start mowing the grass at 7AM on a Saturday morning. You name it. External distractions is the most challenging to deal with. You can’t just tell a construction worker to stop doing their work or yell at your neighbour who you don’t get along with to be quiet.

While it is technically possible to tell the kids to stop making noises, it can be difficult for them to listen. It is just irritating when you want to have at least five minutes of peace and quiet. I can see all parents agreeing with me from a mile away.

Solutions: If there is construction in your area, try to leave the house as often as you can. If you need to study, try to go to your local library. If that’s not possible try to find a room with less noise and focus the best ypu can. Try to also find out when the construction work is expected to wrap up.

In terms of having children around, the best way to avoid distractions would be when they sleep. Of course, this is easier said than done.

Emergencies

Perhaps the most excusable reason to get distracted, being notified of an urgent situation can change your mindset throughout the rest of your day. It’s difficult to control an emergency, particularly a life and death one.

Solutions: Figure out what the emergency is and see if it can be resolved quickly. Being part of an emergency situation is definitely distracting, especially if it’s life and death. If the emergency is from your child asking you “what’s for dinner?”, try not to get irritated when you are in a false emergency.

There are plenty of reasons why we get distracted. Today’s world is pressuring us to give them their attention. What we see in the media can be distracting because they want your distraction. See what kind of distractions that you are willing to tolerate, and remove the ones that are not essential for you to get distracted from.

I hope this helps and keep on focusing!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Public Transit

As the world re-opens after a year and a half of restrictions, it is time for most people to get back to their old commute habits. Unless you are permanently working remotely, you will be back commuting if you haven’t done so already. Which type of transit should you take? Car? Carpooling? Bus? Subway? Train? Bike? It all depends on where you live and how much you can handle the traffic. Here are the various modes of transportation and a list of advantages and disadvantages of getting around.

Transport by Car

Commuting by car is the most common source of transportation to get around. It is convenient, we have our own little privacy, and it is simple to get around. Although taking the car is the most reliable way to commute. It has its disadvantages. The environmental impact on commuting had been an issue for decades. The amount of pollution released from the engine is harmful to the environment and a big contribution to climate change. Another problem is the economic impact on our wallets. Paying at the pump, car repairs, and depending where you live, you may need to pay heavy for parking.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Efficient	Bad for the environment
Privacy	Stuck in traffic
Control the heating and A/C	Expensive
You’re in control	Dealing with other drivers on the road

Transport by Subway

Traveling by subway is a popular way of getting around, especially when living in a city. It is perhaps the must reliable source of transportation. It is usually inexpensive, and makes transport around the city, very fast. The only disadvantages are when the subways are overcrowded, and in the event the subway is shutdown.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	Might be dirty
Relax and enjoy the ride	Standing if there’s no seat available
No need to find parking	May be picketers on the train
No traffic	Service disruptions

Transport by Bus

A lot of people do not like taking the bus because the service can be insufficient and it can be uncomfortable. After all, it’s easier to get around by car. Bus lanes can help save time as cars and trucks are prohibited during certain hours of the day.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	Buses may run late or not show up
Environmentally friendly	Waiting in the cold or in the heat
Relax and enjoy the ride	Can be overcrowded
Skip the traffic through bus lanes	Can get stuck in traffic

Commuting by Train

The good old train. It is quick, and you have views where you won’t get anywhere else. It is convenient to take the train to avoid the morning and afternoon traffic. Taking the train can be a bit expensive and their schedule may not be suitable for everyone.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Travels Quickly	May be running late
No Traffic	Need to rely on their schedule
Can look Outside the Window	A bit costly

Carpooling

To help save money, and to be environmentally friendly, carpooling is a great way to get around. There are lanes dedicated to carpool drivers, and it’s one less car on the road. The only issue is not having your independence.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Less Cars in the Road	Need to rely on the Driver for a Lift

Cycling

Cycling is growing more and more as a way to get around. Depending where you live, there are lanes dedicated to cyclists. It is inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Cycling can be fun, but watch out for moving vehicles.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	May get a flat
Good Exercise	Difficult to cycle in the winter
Environmentally Friendly	Motorists may cut you off

Location, Location, Location

The type of transportation that you should get around depends on where you live. Major cities usually have a subway system where you can get around. It is very sufficient for those who leave near a subway station. Getting around by car in the city is rough because of heavy traffic and usually offer pay parking which adds up to what you are already spending on a car.

Coming from the suburbans really depends on the service public transit offers and your schedule. If you have a 9 to 5 job, and you live near a train station then taking the train is the easiest way to get around. Just don’t miss the 6 PM train when you leave because service tends to really slow down during off-peak hours. Taking the car to work depends on the type of situation you are in. If you have kids and have other responsibilities outside of work hours, then you may have no choice but to take the car despite the gridlock traffic going into town. If commuting to work does not require following the traffic then you are in luck.

Driving is a must if you live in a rural area. Buses in rural communities usually have service once every hour, and some buses only offer service during rush hour periods. Not to mention that they do bring you directly into the city, but rather a train or subway station.

To conclude, commuting really depends on where you live and if you have other responsibilities.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Brief Solo Getaways

Everyday living can be exhausting at times. We get up, go to work, come back home, repeat. Even when we are home, we cannot escape from doing tasks such has cleaning, laundry, and cooking. For those who have children, it means coming home to helping out with their homework, and preparing their lunches for the next day. Even for people who do not have a family to raise, it can be irritating to always see the same four walls everyday.

The idea of getting away from it all is tempting, but it is not as easy as booking a hotel or an airbnb on the spot. Most people say “no” to peace and quiet because they have responsibilities at home or simply cannot afford to take a mini vacation. How is it possible to take a solo getaway despite living in a demanding world?

The Idea of Getting Away

It’s 5:30 pm Friday. You arrived home after a long week of work, and you just want to get back on your feet. Unfortunately, you have a weekend to do list being shoved in your face. You feel bummed out to the point where you just cannot take it anymore, and need a mini solo vacation.

It may be easier to getaway if you live alone and/or do not kids to take care of. If you do have children, you should still seek a small getaway to take a breather from the kids. While it may seem selfish to go away without your partner and children, it may be worth going alone in order to get some much needed “me” time.

Personal Experience

A few weeks ago, this blogger went away for a few days to get some much deserved peace and quiet. I spent a lot of time at home for the last fifteen months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Living with my dad, my divorced sister her five year old daughter, and her dog, it is not always easy living in a rowdy environment, especially when living with anxiety.

I booked an airbnb in Mt. Tremblant, Quebec (a 90 minute drive from my hometown of Montreal). Mt. Tremblant is a ski resort during the winter months, while there are plenty of activities you can such as hiking in the summer. The resort has several hotels, shops, and restaurants. There is also plenty of activities to do for people of all ages such as cycling, hiking, and go karting.

The airbnb where I stayed was in a condominium, a five minute drive from the resort. It had a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a patio which works for me.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_4997.jpg — Mt. Tremblant Resort

Why it’s Critical to Getaway

It is understandable why most people do not bother with going on solo vacations. They have commitments at home, and a family to take care of. Some simply cannot afford to getaway. Despite the obstacles that are out here, leaving and going to the countryside or the mountains for a few days will give you so much needed alone time.

Recap

My experience on getting away from the chaos at home was great and peaceful. It felt amazing not getting up to the noisiness of others, and not having to be awaken by the dog barking. I highly recommend anyone to get away into the wilderness and not to worry about anything for at least a few days.

To find an airbnb, first download the app and sign up. Once you’ve signed up, picked the destination where you want to stay and when you want to check in and check out. You can go with the price range you are willing to spend a night. You will then find places you can rent. Click on the place you want to stay and read the itenrary. Before you book, make sure your host has a good rating and has general positive reviews. Once you book, you are all good to go.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger