Gone to Swan

My outlook on life changed dramatically this month – was it because I spent most of it in the sun?

Spending time in the Bahamas has always been fun for me – exploring new islands as well as spending time with my friends who live there.

Getting into the rhythm of the island, feeling the heat and humidity and knowing that I would wake up the next day and be greeted by the sun.

I felt renewed – maybe because of the weather, maybe because of my friends 0r maybe just because I needed a break. As a freelance journalist, there’s not often a lot of time to claim as true vacation – but I did it in this month. And it made a huge difference to this girl’s psyche.

When I returned mid-month to Toronto it was STILL winter. Thankfully my outlook had changed and although I knew I would be travelling again soon, I spent more time with friends and out and about in the city.

And I saw signs of spring – would it finally make its official appearance? I just knew I had to work hard, write a lot and get prepared for a big adventure coming next month.  And my energy was on high – I was ready for the challenge.

Photos: (clockwise)

- Ginger the dog knows its the right time to nap when the sun is high in the sky in Nassau, Bahamas

- On the way to my friend’s house in Toronto, a unique sign

- Getting to hear Yukon Blonde at a listening party at Harry Rosen’s Bloor Street store

- Meeting my friend to discuss an upcoming trip – the coffee shop’s art says it all about my excitement

- My three young friends at the beach in Nassau

Back on the road – out of winter’s clutches and into the sunshine of St. Lucia.

As part of my ritual while I’m home, I try to swim every day – and walk somewhere too. Unlike many Canadian cities, Toronto’s winter alternates between snow and bare sidewalks – but the cold keeps coming, so I do find solace in the warm water of the swimming pool.

But soon I was back on the road, on assignment in the lush surroundings of the isle of St. Lucia. I was focused on learning, tasting, exploring and imprinting this new culture on myself.

And then I was back in the cold – and although the snow was gone – the days felt even more unbearable since I had a taste of sun. I wanted to get out of the city again – and knew it would happen soon. I was home for a week before I left again, but it felt like a year – I just wanted to leave.

I retreated into my home, and waited until I could head back to the airport, not wanting to see many friends or do much in the city – I was too fixated on leaving. I was longing for the outside world – and I needed it to make me feel ok.

Photos: (clockwise)

- a lucky photograph – sunset as it snows on Toronto

- my building’s swimming pool – at the beginning of laps

- the iconic Pitons of St. Lucia

- the beach at Windjammer Landing near Soufriere on St. Lucia

- still winter in Toronto, despite the bare sidewalks of Chinatown

This my favourite month – for one reason: its my birthday month.

And when I was still an office person, who had to abide by the rules of working within a group of people, I always vowed to take  holiday in this month, and especially for my birthday.

One of my first trips was to The Bahamas, to visit my friend who had just moved to Nassau, and spending a week in the warm sun with her was a smart move for someone who returned to below zero temperatures and plenty of snow.

This year, I spent most of the month in Toronto, since I knew I had a lot of work projects that needed my attention. But I was constantly reminded of travel.

I started my spring cleaning early, by recycling old notebooks of mine, old school reminders of my early years as a newspaper journalist and the transition I made from real estate, interior design and lifestyle profiles to going on the road as a travel writer.

I found a stash of old postcards – sent from around the globe by friends on their trips – which I kept, while discovering many others things that were to be discarded, donated and recycled.

I forced myself out of the house despite the cold to experience some of the local cuisine, indulge in some shopping and read about other travellers.

And when I was headed to the airport to go to Philadelphia for four days for work, I was prepared for my next round of trips – as well as had a few birthday gifts that would be in my new suitcase.

Photos: (clockwise)

- postcards from friends’ sent over the past years

- gold ankle boots – this Pisces always likes getting new shoes

- old notebooks – one last glance before recycling

- the words of Andrew McCarthy from his book The Longest Way Home

- artisanal offerings – a charcuterie board at Terroni