Toronto: Queens Quay & Old Town

We have travelled to the far East of Canada, the middle and now… to the West of Canada we go!

Toronto is the largest city of Canada and it’s bustling with activities. The pace of living is slightly faster than the rest of Canada, and the shopping is good. The weather ain’t as crazy as Winnipeg nor Boston, making it a great place to visit.

One of the most famous icons of Toronto is the CN tower. It’s distinct shape marks the skyline of Toronto.

The best time to visit the CN towers is pre-night fall.

You get to see the gorgeous sunset…

And you may be in luck to watch a game 533.33 metre down.

And of course, when you’re in the land of the Canadians, you definitely have to make time for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

But if you ask me, my favourite spot in Toronto has got to be Queen Quay. It reminded me so much about Sydney Harbour. Plus, I got to eat the famed ice-cream - the shop is located somewhere along the Quay and the chocolate ice-cream is fantastic.

That aside, the streets of Toronto are worth exploring. You never know what you might run into!

More ice-cream?

There is little doubt that you should spend a few moments at the Old Town.

Get some local produce at the Lawrence market, smell some flowers and catch a glimpse of the famous Flatiron building.

Canadians sure have a sense of humour.

Tomorrow, I’ll bring you to visit a site that is whimsical in its own rights.

Oh darling, hand me the pearls.

I thought I’ll punctuate my travel blogs with one of my well-kept secret of 2010.

2010 was my best year in terms of collecting Chanel’s costume jewellery. The seasonal pieces had hints of class in them, they were all so covetable. It was not easy to walk out of the boutique without laying my hands on at least one of the pieces!

One of my favourite jewellery of 2010 that I’ve not told anyone about is this long strand of CC pearl necklace. The necklace is knotted on a silk thread and can be worn as a double strand.

It is a precious find for only 3 strands were brought in.

I shall not bore you with the details on the frantic I-need-that-necklace call to the SA. Let’s just say that this baby was the last in the warehouse.

Funny how costly costume pearls cost. Liken it to carrying a Chanel clutch on my chest.

The pearls are off-white - which is a colour that I like very much as it compliments my Asian skin tone.

I also like that instead of the usual smooth costume pearls, this necklace has a good mix of pearls of different size and shape. It breaks the monotony of the necklace.

I can’t say that this necklace is something that can be worn on a daily basis. Rather, save it for a special date.

A close up of the pearls. Reminds me of the bubbles in champagne.

And for today, I shall leave you with a quote by Co Co Chanel, the very lady who made costume jewellery hip.

“Jewelry should be viewed with innocence, with artlessness,
just as we enjoy the sight of an apple tree in blossom
at the side of the road as we speed past in a motor-car.”

I don’t know about you, but I do know that I’m guarding my collection of pearls and diamonds very tightly.