Entry FeedEnough is enough already. Minus 17 with the windchill? I am so tired of winter! The cold. The slippery sidewalks. Snow. Ice. Cold. Wind. Grey days. Long nights. It sucks!
Not that I am any happier in the middle of July. I never claimed to be a summer person. Toronto summers are too hot and humid for me. I have asthma, so the smog makes it hard to breath. I like to run, but I am not supposed to when the humidex reaches 30.
Winter is just as bad. It is dangerous and slippery, and the cold can set off an asthma attack as well. Shoveling snow once every few weeks is OK, but any more often sucks. And where to park in the city with snow banks larger than the SUVs?
What to do, what to do.
Any ideas on nice, temperate climates? I want a city with no snow, but pleasant skiing somewhere nearby. Sun is good, but no smog or humidity: and I want a nice hot beach a few hours drive away. I am actually thinking Paris, but it is dirty and French.
My other big considerations are bugs and vermin. Don't like 'em. Raccoon, alligators, mosquitoes, spiders - anything that bites, has the potential to bite, or makes a mess.
I like ethnic food, and I will need diverse cuisine (at least good Indian, Italian, Thai and Sushi). I also like to shop, need good doctors and hospitals, good public transport and schools (assuming I bring the kids). Housing prices should be reasonable, since I likely won't be working.
If I bring the kids to live with me, I will also need sporting facilities, dance studios, and other child friendly entertainment.
Please, if you know of a city anywhere in the world that meets my criteria, let me know!
In the meantime, I may just stay inside for another few weeks. At least until my tree buds and my lawn is free of snow and ice.
Paris is "Dirty and French"????
Ummm... not that dirty and the French thing is a good thing actually.