Today I had a meeting with my Moneyville editor. It was the first time meeting him. He took me on a tour around the Toronto Star building. I met a few people, and then we went for lunch. I got some great article ideas, as well as feedback for my writing so far. Everything was positive, and I’m happy. Writing for a large audience like that still has me on edge, but I’m really enjoying it and I’m learning so much from everyone else there.
I also really like the city of Toronto. It’s clean and friendly. I like the layout of the downtown area too, and the interesting buildings. I’ve also decided that I would much rather this cold weather than the rainy mess we have back in Vancouver (less hair frizz, need I say more?). But maybe I’m just saying that because it’s a gorgeous day outside, and I walked down to the Toronto Star office this morning instead of taking a cab. It was about a 25 min. walk each way. And on my way back, I saw a pan handler sitting outside. I don’t carry cash on me, so I had nothing to give him. But then I remembered I had a $20 Tim Horton’s gift card that my mom gave me for Christmas. I was saving it, because I can use it to buy at least 6 or 7 french vanillas or a few lunches while I’m on my Lunch Challenge, and that will come in handy throughout the year. But as I walked away from him, I thought about how self-indulgent and selfish I was being. So I walked back and gave him the gift card. He looked surprised, then happy, and then he thanked me. I don’t like that warm feeling you get when you do something nice for someone, but I got it anyway. It makes me angry – like there’s just so much more I could have done. But that’s what happened. And I wasn’t even going to mention it, except for the fact that it is PF-related.
Side story (not PF-related)
I got into Toronto late last night. Miraculously, my luggage was the first one out of the luggage carousel - when does that ever happen!? Anyway as I was walking outside to catch a cab, some guy near the door asked if I needed a cab. I said yes, and he took my bag and led me to his cab. Except that it wasn’t in a typical cab line up? It was parked in the parking lot, and it didn’t have any taxi cab signage on it. Thinking this was a bit weird, I asked if he was a cab driver. He said yes. I asked if he had a meter, and he said it would cost me no less than $100,000 and I thought he was seriously trying to extort money out of me. But he was joking, apparently and explained that it was a flat rate to downtown Toronto – which makes sense … but you see, I have a huge thing for watching murder mystery shows like Cold Case Files, 48 Hour Mystery or American Justice. So I started to get kind of weirded out. I mentioned I was going to a trade show in town, and he said that he liked going to car shows to look at all the pretty girls. It was then that I made sure to note the make and model of the car, his facial features, and if I could make a quick getaway if necessary. I also made sure to size him up if – could I beat him up, and am I faster than him? I decided, yes, I was. As we got closer downtown, he asked if I thought Toronto was a safe city compared to Vancouver, and then I seriously thought he was going to drive me somewhere and murder me. But then he dropped me off at my hotel. I paid by credit card. The end. Ha.
P.S. I changed up the header on my blog earlier this week. So if you’re reading this in your RSS reader, pop by and take a look. Do you like it?
39 Responses to “Obvious statement: it’s cold in Toronto”
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Toronto is a safe city! I've lived in and around the city most of my life, and it's home.
I hope you enjoyed your stay, and got to try some of our good eats. I still prefer the Vancouver food scene. More seafood. Sushi…. Toronto doesn't quite compare on that front. But I love how it's not dreary… Give me snow over rain any day.
Yeah I'm a huge seafood/sushi fan too. I can't wait to try the eats here in Toronto though. The last time I was here, my friend took me to some fabulous places. Including this one dessert place… it was amazing.
That's a very nice gesture :) To give you Tim card to the homeless man :) Betcha it warmed your heart right up in cold Toronto
About the cab….. I think I'd have freaked out and ran away from the guy by the time I saw that the car had no cab signage. You are so brave!
P.s. I like your new header :D
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I love the header!
I had a similar experience with a cab driver in Chicago. I think women are prone to these trains of thought, unfortunately. :(
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You're brave to go with the weird cab guy. I don't know if I would have done it, given the cirucmstances. All's well that ends well, I suppose. The giftcard was a good idea-getting some hot coffee or soup will definitely be appreciated by the person you gave it to I'm sure.
Er.. those cab drivers do that to poach clients from other cab drivers btw.
There's a line up there, and they should all go in order at the taxi stand of who got there first, not who got the customer first by standing at the door.
Unless of course he was the first one in line at the taxi cab stand, then it's all good
I'm glad you're enjoying Toronto! SUCKS I can't be there :(
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Oh and the header is great. More like you than your old one. I like that pic of you — it's like your avatar, your torso.
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The same thing happened to me back in November! My bf and I got off our flight and because it was 3 in the morning we were just anxious to hop in a cab and go home. This guys was yelling “last call for a taxi” so we decided to take it and followed him out to his car. But when we got there, we realized that it was just a regular mini van and started to really doubt taking the ride. We decided to take it since we were so exhausted and everything turned out ok. It was a flat rate, tip included.
I’m glad you are safe most importantly!! But you realize
you were scammed right? You used the services of an illegal cab…
There are alot of rule surrounding who and how cab drivers can
operate around the airport. I would double check my credit card if
I were you!
I’m glad you are safe most importantly!! But you realize
you were scammed right? You used the services of an illegal cab…
There are alot of rule surrounding who and how cab drivers can
operate around the airport. I would double check my credit card if
I were you!
Hi Krystal,
I’ve never heard of people soliciting in arrivals for cab rides into Toronto. Rarely do I take cab from the airport, unless its late at night (you can take the TTC for $3 and get downtown in no more than an 1 hour).
Personally, I find it of concern, especially if he took your credit card info… I trust you keep an eye on your statements.
I too have watched too many episodes of Unsolved Mysteries… I wouldn't have taken the ride from a non-cab, but then again, I have done ride share (with a friend) once and that was fine.
Enjoy the city.
An hour might be a touch optimistic… we do that trip quite a bit (Eg West subway station to Pearson) and I don't think we've EVER made it in less than 90 minutes.
The best compromise we've found is to take the hotel shuttle (20 bucks, is it?) to downtown and then the subway fare up the line. Cheaper than a taxi, but less of a pain in the butt than the all-TTC route.
I dream of the day they extend the subway line…
All of my expenses are paid for, since it's a work trip. So that's why I took a cab. Normally I take a hotel shuttle, and I've even taken a bus from the bus station downtown Toronto once.
Sketchy cabbie! I definitely would have paid cash rather than credit card
Kudos to you on the Tim Card though, that was very generous of you :)
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You are a brave one for getting in the car with the driver. People are very crazy these days and I would be more careful. On another note, I do like the new blog header.
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OMG Krystal, you are nuts! After reading that, I'm so glad you're safe.
And I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your visit so far. Can't wait to see you out there in May!
It's called gypsy cab and they are in most major cities – I've seen gypsy cab drivers at JFK and in Miami, most recently. They usually are OK but, as the above commenter noted, they are illegal and not regulated. They are also not tracked. There are warnings all over the major airports about this – maybe it's a fairly new thing at YYZ. Absolutely watch your credit card statements!
Love the new header!
I always always watch to get into an official taxi, especially during international travel. As a young woman traveling alone, I would have been terrified in that cab! Glad it worked out ok in the end!
I'm in Sydney Australia (about once a year we here stories of people ending up in Sydney Canada!) and there are signs at the aiport warning people that are approached by “cab” drivers. I'm glad you were safe – surprised he actually took a credit card and didn't demand cash!
Question – are cabs generally expensive in Canada? I travelled a fair bit last year and made me realise how expensive cabs in Australia are.
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Nice header, but…i guess i might be the only one, but isn't kind of weird that you just mostly have your body in the pic? kinda weird imo. Or maybe that's not my style?
Anyway, glad your safe and sound!!!
Yeah, I originally used that photo when I first started blogging – as I was an anonymous blogger. I used it on every website. Now, nearly 4 years later, I find it hard to change it because it's so associated with this blog. At least for long-time readers. I can always change out the photo from time to time. Perhaps once I get a new head shot for my other blog, I'll just put it on this one too.
Now it makes sense. Well i'm a noob around here, so seeing a pic of just a central body kinda scares me in this anonymous blogosphere.
giving your tim hortons card away warmed my heart!
i just recently found your blog (avid online toronto star reader), and I love it! you've inspired me to tackle my debt and set goals for myself! thank you!
p.s. enjoy toronto! also, check out airport express, it's an inexpensive and fast way to get to the airport, i used it all the time when i lived downtown, i think it was $15 or $20 one way….it has pick ups at most hotels in downtown toronto (it's a coach bus)
I am shocked that you would pay by credit card in a shady cab! You never know what can happen with your credit card info in the hands of someone who is less than savory!
I am shocked that you would pay by credit card in a shady cab! You never know what can happen with your credit card info in the hands of someone who is less than savory!
that is way too sketchy! LOL im surprised you even got in!!
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If you had walked about 20 more feet you would have seen the line for the regular cabs (also a flat rate, but slightly cheaper). and they have a sign on the cab that says “airport taxi” . I made the same mistake as you the first time I flew into Toronto. guys sounds like a creep.
If you had walked about 20 more feet you would have seen the line for the regular cabs (also a flat rate, but slightly cheaper). and they have a sign on the cab that says “airport taxi” . I made the same mistake as you the first time I flew into Toronto. guys sounds like a creep.
I don't think brave is the word I would use for getting into that cab – but glad everything worked out okay. I do agree with watching your credit card statements in the future. Perhaps a new blog topic could be about how to protect your payment information and avoid be frauded. It has a strong connection to managaing your personal finances and can happen to anyone even if they dont' really do anything that could be risky. It would be a great reminder to everyone on how to identify skimming devices at ATMs and where might not be the best place to use your credit card – apprently grocery stores are not – who knew!
As others have said – it is illegal for that guy to poach rides and troll for customers at the airport. Next time go to the taxi stand!
Glad you're enjoying my city!
Love your new header.
About the taxi ride I would have run for the hills, it would have totally freaked me out, and I agree keep an eye on your CC
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Ummm. I wouldn't say Toronto is “safer”
It is bigger… And so there is crime and whatnot. But it's still not horrible. People are generally friendly.
I'm glad you arrived in Toronto safely. I hope you bundled up. We're getting 5 cm of snow this weekend.
Also, it was very nice of you to donate the card. Sadly, there's many homeless people on the street this winter.
I also love the new header.
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Hey Krystal, better make sure your Tim card isn't on “auto reload”! (Have you heard that commercial on the radio?)
Hey stop dissing Vancouver- you know you love it here (c'mon, Seymour mountain any day you want, hiking trails, beaches, coean!)! (haha.. you did miss the rainy mess in Vancouver that was this morning, but it did clear up later in the day).
Have fun in the T-dot!
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By the way, I had that same experience/ thought when I went to Peru and was taking a cab by myself to the hotel…. AND he tried to trick me into paying him more. I thought I was going to be murdered, and I envisioned the newspaper headlines in my head “Canadian girl traveling by herself murdered in Peru”.
I'm glad you're safe :)
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had to laugh after your cab story….I'm exactly the same way. I recently went to NYC and was shocked at how vulture-like the cab solicitors are…and they get snappy when you tell them no! Glad to hear you came out of it alright though. (Which reminds me of my hitch-hiking adventure story….perhaps I'll tell it sometime on my blog.)
You should definitely write about your hitch hiking story on your blog! I would love to hear it. :)
How much did you pay for your cab from Pearson to downtown? I paid $50 the last time and I just think that's blind robbery! I loathe paying for cabs in this city! Toronto is a great city, yes. But our cabs are damn expensive!
I think I paid just over $60, but it will get reimbursed to me by my company so I'm not too worried. But yes I totally agree. Cabs are SO expensive. I've been able to walk everywhere so far this trip, but tomorrow morning I'll have to take a cab into work because I will have all of my luggage.
My partner and I took one of those cabs once, in a minivan with 4 others, each stop was charged $50. The driver made $150 on a $50 journey. We didn't know any better at the time though.. they are safe enough, just trying to make more money and avoid paying the airport fee for taxis.
Still the cheapest way to travel from Airport to downtown is by TTC which is only $3!