A place I could call home - Toronto

I am the type of woman with a strong set of beliefs. I feel people should treat one another with kindness, should strive to treat our environment with as much care as humanly possible, and all people should have the means and accessibility to good food, water and air in order to live a healthy life. Is that a lot to ask? Well, in the United States I seem to find these practices harder to come by – which I struggle with day in and day out. The fast pace world stimulates rude behavior, the unconscious tendency of being wasteful prevails in abundance in the US, and dreadfully bad food is the most marketable, cheapest, and accessible to the masses. Ugh!!! Who let’s these things happen? Yes, yes…. I am the idealist. However, as ideal of a woman I am, I do my best to practice my beliefs even when my environment doesn’t align with it. However, what I learned this last weekend is that there are places that do align with my beliefs! They exist!! They do exist!! (Such a happy Elana!) Of course no place is perfect (and let me repeat, I know no place is perfect) BUT I do feel like Toronto made its way closer to perfect than other places I have visited thus far. There is a sense of social and environmental consciousness in Canada. People on the streets are friendly, recycling cans are on every corner, the majority of people have composting bins on their countertops (amazing!!), there are numerous health food stores and restaurants and even conscious butchers with slogans of locally grown, antibiotic free meats (I wouldn’t be a vegetarian if I were Canadian!). Enough said – can you tell I liked it there?

Toronto reminded me of all of the good qualities of New York. Diverse cultures, great public transportation, lots of walkers and bikers, etc. But, it didn’t seem as fast paced and definitely earned points with all of my above mentioned remarks. And also earned points because two great women live there – Sarah and Erin. They showed me a great time in the city. I was reminded that the best way to visit a new city is to get locals to take you to the best spots in town. Saving Grace was one of the best places I have ever been for brunch with weekly menus changing based on the local produce available. I was taken to Kensington where my inner child came out to play as I walked by the fruit and vegetable markets! I just can’t help myself – I LOVE outdoor markets full of healthy foods! We cooked, we ate, we danced, we played games, we had great conversations, we ate even more, and best of all we enjoyed one another’s company. Oh how can I not include… I had my first ever experience with Poutine. The late night food choice of Canadians. French fries draped with gravy and cheese curds. Years prior I would not have touched this greasy snack. Now, I can happily say “bring it on!” And yes, I enjoyed it :)

Overall, Canada has a special place in my heart. How I love my annual ventures to Montreal with my “homeopathy family” to my college road trips to visit Vancouver, and now I can add warm memories of Toronto! I look forward to returning to this place that feels close to home. Thank you to Sarah and Erin for showing me an amazing time!

Next on my journey….. Sunday depart to Thailand!!!

*Some favorite shots I got from this weekend. Poutine included for those with a curious stomach ;)

For more pics try going on facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1627865125&aid=93733

Life on the east coast - NYC and PA

This is my first post ever on my first blog ever! I am looking forward to utilizing this blog to keep in touch with everyone as well as to track my experiences around the world. I feel a need to preface that there will inevitably be many spelling errors and lack of organization. I don’t want to worry about that while I am abroad – rather I want to write with fluidity and enjoy the process. So be prepared for many mistakes and enjoy the intricacies of my writing style ☺ Now that I got that off my chest – let the writing begin!

I have been visiting NYC and Philadelphia these last few weeks. The east coast has such a different energy to the west coast. My whole life I always questioned where I fit in better? With my parents being from the east coast and me growing up on the west coast, I always felt a tie to both coasts. A few years back I would have definitely said NYC is where I feel most at home. I love the diversity of cultures present in the city and the opportunity to interact with so many people at all times. I love the transportation possibilities whether utilizing my feet (love walking!), subway or taxi’s and through those means having the opportunity to meet a new person and hear his/her story (love people!). Pretty much, I can do two of my favorite things at one time – talk about efficiency! I love that about NYC! And I love how many healthy restaurants are around. Every few blocks there is a great place to try. (ahhhh heaven for Elana!) (PS I like to write in third person – intricacy number 1) But no city is perfect and this trip has offered me new perspectives. With all of that excitement comes major crowds, long lines and lengthy commutes. And above all everything is SO expensive! In order to live here you either have to work your butt off to make a decent salary just so you can barely get by in your tiny apartment, or you are already very well off and money is of no concern. My good friends know I have a very difficult time accepting such disparity in the world. I better get ready for my world adventures with that attitude! So, point being NYC has taken a turn from ideal to realistic for me. First realization on my trip: I am more of a west coast kind of girl after all ☺ I am grateful for this realization and still very happy to be a visitor rather than a dweller. One more week in NYC to enjoy and play with my amazing cousin Lyla, and then off to Thailand at the end of the month!

But, before Thailand my next stop is -> Toronto, where I plan to celebrate my accomplishment of passing all of my board exams!!! WAHOO! I am officially a licensed naturopathic doctor. Holy cow! What a blessing…. What a gift. My career is set out to help people. I couldn’t ask for more! I am very much looking forward to celebrating with two of my favorite people, Sarah Bowler and Erin Psota, and look forward to exploring Toronto and sharing with you all my experience ☺

PS: Every time I write a blog I will send a facebook status update and an email to those without facebook accounts. So feel free to keep in touch as much or as little as you like. Comments are always welcomed!!!

*This picture was taken on Lyla's birthday. Great times had in a photo booth with Lyla and my sister Becky!