Where's the Party?

As we continue on this never ending vacation, I wonder how many more quiet visits I can endure. I’m doing my very best to be polite and quiet, yet I’m bursting at the seams for some noise, lets have a party, I need to feel alive again!

We found some time today to visit with Lieu, Mikes mentor from 20 years ago. We met up at his shop. He’s been running the same business for decades, as one of the best stereo installers in the Greater Toronto area. He wanted to treat us to his favourite Vietnamese restaurant. I never say no to Pho. As we drove through town, I was treated to the Jane and Finch area. Apparently this place is notorious for gang violence. Sure, I’d love to take my very Caucasian self out of the vehicle and enjoy lunch!?! Unlike Mike, Diane and Lieu, I’m not trained in any martial arts. My only defence is a big sarcastic mouth, and that’s more of an offensive weapon. Once I decided to trust Mike and Lieu, I relaxed and enjoyed the best Pho of my life.

Our visit was cut way too short, as we had to get back to Aunt Daisy’s to pick up Daisy and Mom for a family dinner. Time to meet Aunt Faye and Uncle Carl, another of dad’s brothers. Living with them is their daughter Nicole, her husband Steven and daughter Ashley. OK, I can do this. I’m ready to face the quiet. Well much to my delight, we’ve found the black sheep of the family. A whole heard of ‘em. Can I stay here for the duration of our visit? We had ourselves, a rip roaring great time. Laughter to split your sides. I ate it up, it was like fuel for my soul. Thank you Lord for people who live life with a joie de vivre. While we were all relaxing after filling up on some fantastic Jamaican food (no White Fungus and tofu) I could not hide the fact that I was still suffering from this never-ending headache. Immediately Aunt Faye grabbed the 150 proof Jamaican Rum and ‘wet up me head’ (as in pour it onto my head and rub it into my hair) and then had me inhale the fumes. I love this woman! I could have partied all night. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and the in-laws and Daisy needed rest from the pandemonium. Aunt Faye made it very clear that next time we are in Toronto we are to stay with her. OK, no problem mon! In dis house we all be irie!