Coffee at Fika Cafe in Kensington Market Toronto

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I know many of you are enjoying a day off today, while we in Canada had our three-day weekend last week (for Victoria Day). So on the holiday Monday I met Meghan for a little poke around Kensington Market.

This is a great part of the city that I’ve been going to since I was a teen, beginning when an art teacher was brave (and cool) enough to take a class of suburban kids to there to sketch when I was in 9th grade. (Btw, when someone in Toronto says they’re going to the market, they mean they’re going to this part of town, and not to a grocery store, which I believe are known as ‘markets’ in many places.)

I met Meghan at the pretty cafe she introduced me to during the winter (Fika, shown in this post.)

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Although it looked very much like it was going to rain and actually did sprinkle on us a bit, we sat out back on their patio. It was only a very light shower so we braved it and just as our treats (a Cardamom Latte and Gingerbread Cookie shaped like a Dala Horse for me, and a Quinoa Salad and Green Tea for Meghan) were being brought out to us, the sky cleared up and the weather turned nice. According to Meghan, “we passed through a portal and something better awaited on the other side”. I love the way this girl thinks!

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↑ My friend Meghan ↑

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After a nice long chat (we hadn’t seen each other since February and were overdue!) on the comfortable patio furniture we headed to the streets and took a little stroll around. Here were some of the sights …

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↑ this man was playing classical music beautifully ↑

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↑ if only we could buy it in a shop ↑

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We came upon a fellow with a table of necklaces that he made himself so I bought one as a souvenir of the day …

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Victoria Day is considered Canada’s kick-off to summer and if this fun afternoon is any indication, it’s going to be a good one. Hopefully you’re thinking the same thing. Well, unless you live in Australia in which case I hope your winter is being gentle.

Thanks for reading,
xo loulou

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