Amelia and I are visiting my parents in New Brunswick. We arrived yesterday afternoon, after a two-day stopover in Toronto/Mississauga. My apologies to those of you in Toronto whom we were not able to see. The time was just too short.
This is the first time we’ve been back in Canada for nearly a year. Amelia was very good on the flight from the UK, contrary to my expectations. She played with the toys I brought and read her books, but she didn’t sleep until we were starting our descent, which was at midnight our time. Then she looked up at me, closed her eyes, and flopped over. She slept through the landing, the long shuttle ride around the airport periphery, customs, and getting the luggage. Lucky for her! I was surprised that we had to get a shuttle – due to the ongoing construction, I guess. The young guy at customs was very friendly and welcomed us back to Canada. He was a complete contrast to the American customs officer we encountered in Boston in June. That one was a big heavyset guy called Buckley who chewed gum and only spoke to us in monosyllables.
As we were landing in Toronto, our wheels down and gliding toward the runway, the engines suddenly revved back up and we jerked abruptly up and around. Having experienced quite a few landings, I thought to myself, “That’s not supposed to happen.” Sure enough, the pilot came on a few seconds later and told us we’d have to go around again as he’d had to “execute a missed approach due to traffic on the runway.” Nice.
Our stay with our friends in Mississauga was lovely. We landed in hot, muggy weather, which we’re not used to. My first impression, from the air, was how ugly Mississauga is. Not fair, really. There are some leafy green parts. But a lot of unattractive ones, too. It was great to see our friends. Amelia had a wonderful time playing with the children. Thanks to Dave and Jackie for your hospitality, Gerald and Veruschka for the pool party, Jackie and Eva for the rides from and to the airport, and everyone else for reminding me what friends are for.
Chilling out down here in NB for the next 10 days. Weather is lovely. Visiting with my parents, and with my sister and brother-in-law, who are expecting a baby next February. We’ll visit my friends Kenda and Mike and their children in NS before flying back out of Halifax next week. Hopefully Ian will have finished his dissertation by then!
