Jordana Dickson

I kept trying to run away from love. In fact, I’d run away from everything. I’d run away so I could hurt properly. So I could let the pain consume me so I could deal with it and put myself back together without anyone else’s input or outside pressures. I ran for clarity, I ran to exhaust myself to the extent that I could no longer have the energy to cry or be sad. I ran towards myself. And because of that I found myself.

I found my joy, I felt the calm wash over me as I ran - just me, my music, and my thoughts. I healed by running away. I healed FROM running.

This weekend I ran my first half marathon in Vancouver. I hit the open road, having suffered a mild injury to my calf a mere day and a half before my run was to take place - but I kept going. I started my race, the pain in my calf ever apparent, but I pushed through. I kept going and balanced myself out by leaning on my other leg or changing how I ran.

It made me think of how I’ve applied that to my life in the past 10 months. I have pushed myself in different directions I’d normally never consider, I have healed and put myself back together and blossomed because of it. I have learned that I am my healer. I am my motivator. I am my greatest love. It took so much time to understand that I could love the people around me so deeply, but that didn’t mean I needed to stop loving myself more. It’s difficult - I see the frustration when I choose myself and I feel the distance it creates between the people I love, but sometimes it’s necessary.

North Island, New Zealand

Leaving behind the South Island was so bittersweet. It had become my home and I loved my life being in a campervan experiencing a different place, completely immersed in nature and discovering different things every day. It was a bit of a readjustment to say the least.

I flew in to Napier, picked up a rental car and went to stay with my friend B from high school. It was amazing to catch up with her after so many years, hit up more farmers’ markets and go wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay. I had booked an engagement session for the next day where we went up to Te Mata Peak with the most incredible views. It was sunset and the light was perfectly golden and kissed the hills beautifully. We laughed, frolicked and full on made magic!

I took off in my rental car to Lake Taupo, off to find where Mount Doom was, and to Rotorua for rock climbing and even more new friends! It felt good to be on my own, throwing myself in to more sports and getting that thrill from climbing again. I left Rotorua and headed to Raglan, Mount Monganui, and off to the Coromandel to take in spectacular views of the coast, lush greenery, epic beaches, and rainforests. I did a beautiful 12 km run to Cathedral Cove, jumped in the ocean and took a deep breath in.

The next day it was back on the road to Auckland to finally be reunited with my dear friend BD who I hadn’t seen in about 6 years. She picked me up and I swear it was like no time had passed. We look super similar, have basically the same personality, and the same last name. She got me treats and took me home to cuddle her pup and recover from 3 days of straight driving. We got ready the next day to head to a dress-as-your-favourite-country party. Naturally after spending so much time with Germans, we dressed in German beer maid costumes and headed out where I met another Canadian and we greeted each other like family. I later met another couple who booked me for an anniversary session while we bonded over eating all the chips at the snack table - what can I say? If I’m at a party and you can’t find me, look for me at the snack table or wherever a dog might be.

The next morning we headed out to the Northlands. Jam packed with a mattress in the back and a ridiculous amount of snacks we hit the road, frolicked on beaches, drove for several kms, and parked on the beach. We woke up to the waves and sunshine pouring in before we went horseback riding on the beach, drove up to Te Papi sand dunes, surfed down the dunes and felt like we were in the Sahara, to then reach Cape Reinga so that I had officially been to the tip of the South Island to the tip of the North.

We went to the Bay of Islands and glamped for our final night, swam in a salt water pool, and slept like queens. We trekked back to Auckland, ate so much Whittaker’s chocolate and played with a new puppy. It was nice to have so much quality time together again after so much time apart. I debated about going home way too many times to count and eventually booked a flight out. We gymmed, snacked, I got to visit the Hobbiton movie set and may or may not have cried from joy (there were literally white butterflies flying about... what!!!) and I biked all of Waihiki Island before flying back to Canada.

South Island, New Zealand

How could I possibly put a trip of a lifetime in to words? How do I explain the growth, the magic, the feeling of being so alive and so yourself that you’ve never felt so much at home while being so far away? Let’s try.

Flying in to Christchurch after having the delightful surprise of getting bed bugs at my previous hostel, I was surprised at how calm I was and how I handle situations now. Before I would have freaked out and instantly been a bit negative, whereas now it’s rationalizing the situation, knowing there’s nothing I can do about it except its preventative measures and to move forward. So I did. I then picked up my camper van and met two of the loveliest people I may have ever met. A & E were recently engaged and A and I bonded over eating her cereal, photography, and travel. We liked meeting each other so much that we decided to meet up a few days later in Abel Tasman.

I hit the coast and watched the surfers while I picked up beautiful aquamarine shells, made friends on the beach, and got comfortable with driving on the left hand side of the road. I loaded up on groceries at Countdown and I swear my obsession with Hariboo gummy bears was taken to the next level. I pulled in to a freedom camping site thanks to CamperMate and enjoyed my first evening/morning in the campervan and adjusted to my new, nomadic lifestyle.

After packing up, I headed to Marlborough and Bleinheim for wine tasting with S where we went to Fromm Winery and enjoyed a private tasting on the patio. I turned behind me and started talking up another lovely New Zealand couple who was also enjoying their tasting. We decided to meet them over at Moa Brewery where we proceeded to enjoy ciders & beer (and gummy bears) for several hours. They were incredible and invited us to stay down at their home in Oamaru in a few weeks’ time. 2 days in and I’d already met so many people who were good, warm, and beautiful and I still keep in contact with them to this day - and that is the beauty of remaining open despite everything.

After having bed bugs and dealing with that, I later realized sand flies were now my enemy. Looking like sweet fruit flies, these guys sting like mosquitos and come in swarms. My body was not a wonderland. That topic aside, I found myself completely in awe of the fact that I spent my January & February being sunburnt, bug-bitten, sweaty, and deliriously happy in New Zealand. This was a lifelong dream coming true and I still can’t believe I was that fortunate. New Zealand encompasses every landscape you could ever hope for in a country. Rolling hills, mountains, rainforests, ocean and cliff sides, big surfing waves, hidden lagoons and trails, tropical forests, vineyards spanning all along the island, and incredibly friendly people. Why would you NOT live here? Except for you know, sand flies. And everything is so expensive, but man, they keep it so green and lush. It’s worth it.

Upon arriving at my $5 campsite, I sat on a rocky beach, read a book, and felt the air off of the Tasman sweep across my face. I took a moment from hurtling myself through new places and people to soak up as much tranquility as possible so I could give myself a reset. Traveling alone is incredibly beneficial, brilliant, and meaningful, and although I crave connection with new people, I’ve realized how much I enjoy my space and value my re-charge time. I was clearly not ready to put anyone else’s needs above my own, and after spending my entire life putting others first, I was so proud of myself. I was proud for taking this step to move forward and focus on what I needed.

A & E arrived shortly after this moment where S and I made dinner, caught up over copious amounts of rosé and started speaking German so I could learn. Over several days of staying at the campsite, we made more friends with Ax and A&M from Germany as well. We went kayaking in a sea storm, drank more rosé, made family style dinners, had midnight dance parties, explored sand dunes, cliffs, and beaches that spanned for miles, I did an engagement session & two couple sessions, and made friends for life. Saying goodbye nearly broke my heart all over again but at least we made those memories and I know that I’ll be seeing them again.

Moving down the wet, west coast, to incredible black sand beaches, epic sunsets, wild trees and vicious waves hitting the rock formations that designed the coastal track, I listened to copious amounts of Coldplay and Vance Joy, sang my heart out and ate a ridiculous amount of gluten free pasta. I passed the Franz Josef Glacier and made my way to Wanaka where I proceeded to finally tackle a bucket list item of skydiving from 15,000 feet. It was thrilling, incredible, full of me giggling my face off and taking in the extraordinary landscape of the South Island from the clouds. I definitely felt like a power ranger as I was thrown from the plane. That was also completed before 10 am and I had no idea how I was going to top that for the rest of the day. I camped at another site that looked shockingly like the Okanagan, did a 5 km run, had delicious curry, more gummy bears and a kombucha to end a brilliant day. I woke up and did more wine tasting before heading out to Queenstown to destroy the most elaborate burger I could get at Fergburger before camping for the night.

It was time to head towards Milford Sound, hit all the Lord of the Rings locations I could, and enjoy the drive through the tall trees and winding roads with the sun dancing between the branches to say hello. I hiked the Key Summit for incredible, epic mountain views and a great sweat before carrying on to the East Coast. I hunted for penguins at Nugget Point Lighthouse, the tip of the South Island. I ventured to Dunedin where I met up with a friend of a friend and enjoyed some mint chocolate chip ice cream and some girl time. I later drove up the coast to a freedom campsite that was right between some trees on this gorgeous beach. I got in a 15 km run with the wind in my hair, the waves dancing by my feet, and I was able to reset. It was the longest I had ever run up until that point and it felt GOOD.

I started the next day with another beach run, a dip, and on to Oamaru with S to meet up with J & B where they had cooked us an incredible dinner, and we headed to Scott’s Brewery for more drinks and penguin searching. And I FOUND 3!!!! They were so cute. Sooo cute. The next day we explored the Moraki boulders, these rocks that come out of the earth as massive boulders and erode on the beach over time. We then went down to the Elephant Rocks at sunset, where we ran around the rocks next to douzens of sheep, trying to dodge sheep poo, while I took photos of J & B as they had just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. It was one of the most magical evenings I had experienced to date. I climbed the rocks, I took in the sunset, I ran free with my hair flying behind me, laughing my face off and creating magic.

The following day I left for Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook to meet up with one of my favourite photographers and celebrate my 28th birthday by hiking 12 km and plunging in to a 2 degree glacier lake like a crazy person. It allowed me time to reflect on just how lucky I was to be there, another year older, and to realize just how much I’ve learned and how I’ve grown. How I’ve changed in to a much better, stronger version of myself. I felt so much love for my struggle and heartbreak because it had led me to that moment. I was grateful for the pain because without it I would never be where (and who) I was.

S & I decided to head back to Oamaru for surfing (I was dreadful - absolutely dreadful but I tried) and mountain biking! I can’t ride a bike properly - it’s pathetic but NOW I can! I swear this trip was just throwing myself in to things I’d usually shy away from but making myself do them while knowing when to say no and stand up for myself properly.

Wellington, New Zealand

After a very cramped and long 14 hour flight to Auckland, I enjoyed a short three hour layover before taking a quick flight over to Wellington. I was greeted by a huge statue of Gandalf on one of his eagles, and wandered in the heat to my AirBnb where I proceeded to sleep off the jet lag, watch the Lord of the Rings, and blissfully enjoyed doing nothing.

The next day I walked everywhere. I was staying in Newtown and got wonderfully lost wandering through the city, taking in the cafés and restaurants in Cuba Street, feeling the sun on my face as I took in the architecture and sculptures near the art gallery and watched people jump from the docks, drink rosé on bean bags in the park, and felt the vibe as they prepared for New Years Eve. I later went in to the Te Papa museum and was absolutely blown away. It was so intricately detailed, absolutely HUGE, and incredibly informative. I think what stood out the most was the WWI Museum where they had massive sculptures that were so meticulously done that you could see each scar, cut, tear, bead of sweat, hair and eyelash as if they were living and breathing beside you. It was so powerful and the layout was phenomenal. I’ve been to so many museums and exhibits (because I LOVE that stuff) and this one is in my top 3 for sure.

I spent my New Year’s Eve walking around the city, eating some candy, drinking prosecco, all the while soaking up that I was starting 2019 on a new adventure in a country I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I’ve definitely committed to making the most of my days, my time, and my life. Why do anything else?

New Years day consisted of an hour long run through Newtown. I found a running track while running through a dog park, did some laps, ran some stairs, and did some sprints. I made sure to wear sunscreen and enjoyed clearing my head and cleansing my body. I was really sweaty, which I’ve gotten used to because the heat in Wellington is next level from the humidity, but so happy.

I moved from my Airbnb to a hostel, the Marion downtown. It was so modern and gorgeous, including a brand new stunning kitchen, cozy rooms with tons of storage space, tons of bathrooms including rain showers, and owned by the sweetest, funniest couple. I got to know them by doing what I do (asking a million questions). They met in Scotland while traveling, him from NZ, her from Germany, and they traveled around the world to eventually open this hostel. They are so funny, incredibly helpful with the BEST recommendations, and if you’re looking for a great hostel where it’s insanely easy to meet people and in a perfect location - this is the hostel for you. I met so many sweet people from around the world and struck up incredible conversation with a wonderful woman from the Netherlands.

I love hostels. I love connecting with strangers and creating bonds. No pressure, just freedom.

I finally got to venture to the beach and soak up the sun. I lathered myself in sunscreen and enjoyed the breeze as I got to kick back and read a book. Much to my own dismay, no matter how much I reapplied my sunscreen, I got burnt in the strangest way. They have virtually no ozone layer down here so goddamn - stay out of the sun after 11! Aloe and I are now best friends.

After that, I basically tried to drink as much wine as humanly possible to get a nice taste for what New Zealand has to offer including a delightful blind tasting at Noble Wine Bar. I tried 4 wines and learned a lot! I was right about a few and it was so interesting to see what the New Zealand climate does to the body of a Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Needless to say I nerded out hard. Funny enough, my server was from the states but had worked with one of my friends from Kelowna - what a freaking, magical world this is.

I spent my final day hiking up Mount Victoria trying to find the location where the hobbits ran away from the nazgul, and after a sweaty hike to the top, I took in the panoramic view of Wellington and pet some pups! (Ahh my day is forever better if it starts by petting a dog) Wellington is surrounded by gorgeous turquoise ocean with the homes all scattered across the mountain side. There are tons of parks and forests, beaches and boardwalks, delightful coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, and I can totally see why people live here. It’s not too big, not too small - it’s just right.

I then took an Uber to the Weta Cave where I watched a video about the company. They are the leading special effects, digital and physical animation and creation specialists in the industry and have won 62 oscars! Not only did they create all the armor, costumes, creatures, sets (including castles using miniatures), and weaponry for Lord of the Rings, but they did Avatar, King Kong, the Avengers, and have teamed up with countless producers, directors, and filmmakers to bring these magical worlds to life. Started by a husband and wife team, it’s expanded drastically and wonderfully to over 4000 employees full of talented artists and visionaries situated right here in Wellington. I’ve always been so passionate about film and learning about all of this BLEW MY FREAKING MIND. What a highlight.

I finished off my time in Wellington with a Thai dinner with a few of the people from my hostel room and had so much fun discussing everything from their countries to our favourite foods, positive mindsets, and of course, dogs. I was finally waking up from my jet lag and felt 100% back to normal.

Iceland, Also Again!

Now, I think the most beautiful thing about this part is how content I was to just let everything be. I was open and ready to experience whatever came my way, with three wishes: 1) I’ll finally see the northern lights 2) find some Icelandic horses 3) take excellent photos. I managed to accomplish all of those things. The northern lights were insanely cool, but you’re unable to see them fully with your naked eye. Instead, I balanced my camera on a rock against 50 km winds and took a blurry, but artistic, photo so I could truly experience them for what they are - I hope I’ll get to see them again in this lifetime.

The thing that I love the most about Iceland is how freaking weird and breathtaking it is. There is so much going on there that no wonder it is a photographer’s dream. The mountains are insane, whimsical, and gorgeous; you have every type of landscape you could imagine, the wind tends to always be blowing in a magical way, and you feel like you’re somewhere in space. It’s the perfect back drop to create something truly beautiful. My clients and I spent most of the time binge eating Icelandic candy, watching Friends, and driving through different landscapes - including going through a tunnel that was completely UNDER THE SEA! I had so many questions - how did they make it? What if it collapses? How is there electricity? I got no answers, but man was it cool.

Throughout my time there, I wore leggings under my pants at all times, got in a thousand puppy cuddles, and full on created magic. I felt so content. I questioned nothing and there was this breathtaking moment on my first full day where I felt completely at peace. We had been location scouting all day, it was windy, cold, and the pup needed to pee. We pulled over as the sun was surrounding the open plain, and the wind was sweeping around us. I took some photos and then E snapped one of me right as I breathed in the frosty air. I felt so alive and so grateful that my life and career led me there and couldn’t stop thinking about how there is so much left for me to explore and discover. That photo is one of my favourite ones ever taken of me, because it’s not just a pretty photograph, but it captures exactly when I felt whole again.

There are a million wonderful things I could say about this portion of my trip, but instead of trying to describe so many feelings, I want to let the photos do it instead.

London, Again!

I spent three beautiful, jam packed days back in London where I explored Camden, Notting Hill, Chelsea, and Abbey Road. My god, trying to get a decent shot on that cross walk is like wanting a death wish with dodging cars, tourists, and double decker buses while perching on a statue in the middle of the road to get the right angle - it was hilarious, and very difficult. We took in a show, 42nd Street, at West End and although the tap dancing was phenomenal, the story line was somewhat lacking. We ate everything in sight for three days, froze our butts off trying to adjust to all of the different temperatures while getting on and off the tube, and I got to have high tea accompanied by so many baked goods that I didn’t think I was going to make it. And yet, I was able to roll myself away to spend the evening finally catching up with an old friend eating Thai food and drinking even more tea.

Lisbon, Portugal - Round Two

Now this time in Portugal, I did things a little differently. I stayed in a new part of the city, decided to skip any further beach time and really explore by walking everywhere. I got lost in the side streets, hiked up the little cobblestoned hills, took in the pastel colored buildings, the graffiti everywhere, the way the city moves, and how the streets wind, while enjoying having no plan whatsoever. It was exactly what I needed.

My new friend met me at the bus station and we had a nice time getting to know each other better while losing ourselves in the streets trying to find our Airbnb. We ordered in and relaxed before a big day of exploring the next day. We woke up early, both so excited to see the sun, dressed in shorts and big smiles to be almost immediately thwarted by the increasingly high winds that basically made me feel like I was back at the Cliffs of Moher. Regardless, nothing was stopping me from finally getting a pastel de nata and seeing the city again. We walk/froze our way to the city center, and I began to re-familiarize myself with the city I hadn’t been to in three years. Every time I thought I recognized something (and I did) we got lost and stumbled upon something equally as beautiful. I pet a lot of dogs, got my hiking and physical activity in each day, but most importantly, I let go and relaxed. I let go of my diet (probably too much), I let go of wearing makeup and feeling the need to go everywhere and do everything - I just let myself be. I completely welcomed the situation and soaked up each moment with an open heart and soul.

We went back to TimeOut Market and I basically tried every snack I could at each stand, before dining out at The Corkscrew Bar for a delicious bottle of Vino Verde, smoked salmon, goat cheese and fresh bread, a delicious selection of cheese and charcuterie followed shortly by flaming orange crepes that were absolute perfection. Not to mention the truly lovely company and conversation. We later sauntered down the street to A Viela do Fado to have incredibly subpar vino tinto, but listened to beautiful Fado music before freezing our butts off in the rain on our way back to our AirBnb.

On our last day, we woke up, dressed much more warmly, went for more pastel de natas (I’m pastried-out - that’s enough, my god), coffee, and a little trip up to the castle and back around to the city to eat at Sea Me. I decided to try all of the weirdest seafood I could, including goose barnacles, some crazy looking sea snails, and sushi with foie gras and eel. The experience was incredibly cool but left my stomach feeling unexpectedly awful. We sat and soaked up the sun, drank tea and beer, and really enjoyed walking through the city and finally recognizing where we were. We were going to samba in the evening but a little case of stomach sickness ruined that plan.

Oh well, looks like I’ll be going back to Portugal at a later date to further explore this incredible country - although how people aren’t 1000 lbs and haven’t died from diabetes seriously confuses me, there are basically no vegetables anywhere.

Lagos, Portugal

Oh, where do I begin? During a lovely plane ride to Faro, I sat next to a woman from the UK and we dove in to an incredible chat about life, family, and travel. I love that about traveling. You can strike up a conversation, build connections with everyone you meet, and it is always so rewarding. Once I left the airport, I felt the heat on my skin and a sense of calm. I felt warm, free, and like a navigational wizard as I led myself to the right bus and through the streets in Faro to an old hotel, to then dine terribly (ugh, again) at a restaurant down the street - I even asked for local recommendations and alas, maybe they just have really crap taste in food. I was seated by the dish area, my food took an hour, and it was just... disappointing. No further details necessary.

After a very brief sleep, I took advantage of the free breakfast at the hotel and it was the beginning of my gluten attacks (although definitely not as bad as in North America), headed to the train station, stopped briefly in Tunes and soaked up more sun while I waited on the platform before arriving in Lagos. The sea air was superb and it was easy enough to navigate my way through the city (although the streets do tend to look the same, yet wind around and end in ways I’ll never understand). I eventually hiked up a small hill where I found my hostel, Orange3. First of all, the courtyard was beautiful with three orange trees, tons of areas to sit and eat, linens drying in the sun, and a beautiful balcony and cozy room upstairs to watch whatever bit of sunset we can get. The light dances off the top of the roofs and the glow against the clock tower is gorgeous and so serene. It’s so peaceful, and a must if you’re staying in Lagos and want the best experience imaginable.

I got myself situated and went instantly to the beach and caves. I soaked up some sun, frolicked and got absolutely taken out by waves, then wandered back through the city streets, slightly soaked, camera in hand, but happy. I didn’t put any makeup on my face for the entire week and it felt brilliant to just be completely natural.

Upon returning to the hostel I went around introducing myself to everyone, asking questions, and getting to know my new gang. There were people from all over the world (mainly Germany), and it was four nights of sharing stories, getting in to the good, deep chats about life, happiness, politics, travel, food, etc. and my soul and mind were fueled. We went out for typical Portuguese fish dinners, drank lots of port, explored the caves in the Algarve and soaked up the sun at the beach (which featured Portuguese men happily launching their naked bodies in to the waves - ah yes, beaches in Europe). For a few nights we cooked back at the hostel (well, the boys cooked and my Astonian friend and I got spoiled), created multicultural family-style dinners, and talked under the stars surrounded by twinkly lights in the courtyard. Just perfect. New people joined every day for more connection, love, and friendship.

Now, for one of the main highlights, yesterday after a mildly frustrating work session back at the hostel (yay that WiFi life constantly cutting out), we decided to open a bottle of bubbles, drink while we worked, talk and basically giggle at how unproductive we were. I finally made up my mind after several hours of deliberation and decided I would head and meet a new friend in Lisbon. We hung out with the boys for a while before I and I (ahaha) went out for the best, most authentic Portuguese dinner I could hope for. I LIVE for these experiences, my god. SO! Let me tell YOU - it’s called Cervejaria Ferradura and it’s owned by the most adorable Portuguese couple and inside is a horseshoe shaped bar, there is football memorabilia all around the walls and ceilings, and a fridge at the front with a bunch of seafood. Before you can even sit down, you point at all the seafood you might want and then this beautiful, super warm and motherly woman cooks for you. We pointed at everything, sauntered up to sit at the bar, where she looks at us and says, “wine?”, we nod enthusiastically (like that’s a question, ha) and she pours us white wine from the tap. She then proceeds to throw delicious, fresh plates of seafood up on the bar, one after the other, each dish increasingly more delicious with homemade sour dough bread to soak up whatever sauce is left.

What adds to the experience even more than the sensational food is that the whole bar is interacting with one another. First it’s led by Gregory, a highly eccentric and hilarious 80 year old Irish man, with his wife Theresa. We cheers each other and discuss how delicious the food is, then continue to yell across the bar at one another with ridiculous quips and banter. I, being myself, eat enthusiastically and share my experience with everyone - asking them questions, speaking different languages, having them share their food with me (I’m the worst, or the best, depending how you look at it). We met an Australian couple, P and S, a French family who shared their clams with me, and a super sexy Spanish couple where we quickly decided in the first 3 minutes that I’m going to visit and photograph them in Murcia (totally meant to be as I have been wanting to go there for AGES). We moved on to drinking port, still mingling and bonding with the other bar-dwellers when two Canadians from Calgary stumbled in and there was a lot of cheering. It was incredible. Those are the nights I live for while I’m traveling and where I truly come alive and show my best self.

I am so grateful I’ve thrown myself in to whatever experiences come up, that I got to know all of these incredible people, and share in something so fun and special - my cheeks have been so sore from my non-stop smiling. Maybe from the full moon being so strong in Taurus, bringing about radical change, perspective, whatever, or just letting myself go and feeling what I needed to feel - it felt like magic.

Toronto, Canada

I love this city. I decided it was best to start here before my next installment of #jordthenomad because it’s a place that brings me so much joy. I constantly want to move out here but I can’t quite give up the beauty of BC.

I am starting to know the city well but I always discover something different each time I’m here, and I think that’s really the beauty of Toronto. There is so much culture, diversity, activities, incredible food, art, and the city just feels alive to me. From endless coffee shops, graffiti, new pop up restaurants, art all over the streets, and a strong sense of community wherever you go - if I need a quick getaway or pick me up, I’m headed to Toronto.

I have been unbelievably stressed and have been throwing myself in to my work (not that I mind, I’m a dedicated workaholic and I love what I do) but lately I’ve had to force myself to do things. I don’t know if it’s mere exhaustion from wedding season and a lot of travel last week, but I could not adjust to the local time and felt like sleeping constantly.

I still made myself do something every day. From venturing out to North York and having a delicious, cozy family dinner with one of my closest friends to walking until my Blundstones gave me blisters around downtown. I always try to explore something new each time I come to Toronto (I swear it will take me 20 years - there’s just so much to DO!) and King St and Front St East were what I conquered this week.

I had the best, unexpected surprise of meeting up with some wonderful friends who just moved out from Kelowna, who invited me to explore the St. Lawrence Market and share treats at Neo Coffee with them. I then wandered down Front Street, past the puppy fountain (!!!!!!!), saw and pet so many dogs, and walked in to Fresh where I sat at the bar, had pancakes, and made friends with the bar staff and the people sitting next to me! The pancakes were gluten and dairy free because my allergies have been the bane of my existence lately - and they were SO GOOD! It reminded me of my solo day in Prague where I ate pancakes, explored the city and spent the day immersed in art exhibits. I then got happily lost about 5 times on my way back to my brother’s apartment where we had snacks, went to the gym, and binge watched The Sinner on Netflix before getting back to work.

On my last full day, I met up with one of my closest friends who also just moved here to open a new restaurant and champagne lounge - it was so cool to see the new space and watch her in action. We then went on a photo excursion, she modeled for me, and we shot some content for my #BunsAbroad project.

We started with immunity shots at Fresh on Spadina (I know, again, but I’m paranoid about getting sick and it’s delicious vegan food), ate what felt like the entire menu, and wandered in the glorious sunshine. That’s right - SUNSHINE! We wandered down King, and up to Kost, the Bisha hotel’s rooftop restaurant to take in a panaromic view of Toronto, soak up some sunshine, and do a mini shoot. I then wandered back to North York for dinner with my great aunt and uncle, and looked at old photos for a perfect rest of my evening.