All posts by Rebecca Esther

About Rebecca Esther

Disabled traveller and writer based in Toronto, ON. I love parrots, road trips and blogging at sunrise.

Toronto’s West Queen West: Second-Coolest Neighbourhood In the World

Travel, , ,

I’m proud to be from Toronto, ON, Canada. There are more reasons than I could possibly count (the food, the multiculturalism, the arts…). But here’s one more:

Vogue Magazine ranked Toronto’s West Queen West the second coolest neighbourhood in the world.

On days when I was too anxious (thanks, Panic Disorder!) to get to high school, I’d often take the Bathurst bus and streetcar all the way down to Queen (I lived and went to school in North York) and then the Queen Streetcar across to West Queen West, where I’d people watch, drink lots of coffee and work on my writing or schoolwork.

So I’ve known the neighbourhood’s charm for years, and so have many locals. It’s about time it’s getting worldwide recognition, and from Vogue, no less.

I have to agree with Post City Toronto: “Ultimately, Vogue’s call is another feather in the cap for a city that, for all the incredible things we pump into the world ranging from art to music to fashion to commerce, tends to underestimate itself. Yes, Toronto, we’re the world’s barometer of everything from big ideas to high-end fashion, and now Vogue knows it, too”.

What’s your favourite Toronto neighbourhood?

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5 Southern Towns to Get Excited About This Summer

Travel,

The only thing hotter than a southern summer is this list of must-visit cities and towns below the Mason-Dixon Line. Chosen for attractions like museums and shops, natural beauty, and proximity to bustling big cities, you’ll be tempted to add these destinations to your summer road trip itinerary.

1. Natchitoches, LA. Louisiana’s oldest town is the perfect blend of old South, Creole and Cajun. Shop at Kaffie-Frederick, Inc. (the oldest general store in Louisiana), feed alligators at Bayou Pierre Alligator Park and visit three historic plantation sites in the Cane River Heritage Area. Also be sure to try Natchitoches meat pie, a regional dish from northern Louisiana.

2. St. Michaels, MD. Southern Living’s description of this seaside town is what sold me: St. Michaels “contains one of the largest collections of restored 18th-century buildings in Maryland. Elegant and earthy, St. Michaels knows how to party like a gentleman and a sailor—all at the same time”. Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, take part in the town’s culture of boating and fishing, and top off your visit with a seafood dinner and drinks at one of many local restaurants and bars.

3. Oxford, MS. Named after the British university city of the same name, Oxford, MS is home to University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”). As one of USA Today’s top 6 American college towns, there’s lots to do and see: Tour historic Rowan Oak, home of William Faulkner, shop at indie favourite Square Books or stroll through Confederate Cemetery. Finish your visit with a delicious dinner at one of many locally owned restaurants in “The Square”.

4. Tybee Island, GA. Renowned for its gorgeous beaches and its proximity to sweet Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is a destination in its own right. Swim, sunbathe or picnic on 5 miles of uninterrupted public beach, see dolphins in their natural habitat and peruse local galleries and shops. Also be sure to check out the picturesque Tybee Island Light Station. First used (in its current black and white striped incarnation) in 1916, it is one of just a handful of 18th-century lighthouses still in operation in North America.

5. Tupelo, MS isn’t just Elvis Presley’s birthplace; it’s also home to live music events, over 100 restaurants from down home cookin’ to fine dining, and the Tupelo Auto Museum. Kids and adults alike will love coming face to face with exotic animals from around the world at Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo.

What southern towns are on your must-see list?

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The Spoon In the Road

Being a Digital Nomad, Being a Spoonie

Fork in the road may refer to:
Fork (intersection), the point at which a road branches into two;
Fork in the road (metaphor), a metaphor, based on a literal expression, for a deciding moment in life or history when a major choice of options is required

Dragging my too-heavy luggage as I tried desperately to ignore the throbbing pain throughout my body, I came to a fork in the road. Two options, both terrifying, loomed before me. I popped a couple Tylenol, hoping they’d take the edge off, and considered my choices:

1, I could give in to my illnesses, lay on a couch and mope all my life. I could forget all my aspirations and plans, because that was easier than facing my new identity as a spoonie. Or…

2, I could persevere. Somehow, someway, I could push through the relentless pain and fatigue, make goals (and reach them), and live the life of my dreams.

If you’re here, you’re probably a spoonie, and you’re probably sick of being told (by yourself, others or your illness) that you can’t travel, can’t run a business, can’t do what makes you happy, because you’re sick. Most of all, you’re probably of sick of your illness dictating what you can and cannot do.

Since beginning my journey as a spoonie who lives a happy, fulfilled and as-healthy-as-possible life, I’ve learned something life-changing: You can’t change your illness, but you can change how you live with it. You can work around it!

You might be stuck with antidepressants, a cane, a CPAP machine, or whatever, all your life, but your medical condition and the arrangements or aides it requires has no bearing on whether you can live the life you imagine. I’m living proof.

Welcome to The Spoon In the Road.