Going to Canada worthwhile even for a few hours

Being in Canada is better than not being in Canada, even if that opportunity is only for a few hours.

Thanks to my day job, I got to experience Windsor, if only for a few hours at a time.

In back to back nights, I enjoyed dinner on the Canadian side of the border. On the first night, I added in some grocery shopping for me and friends.

Condensing the normal plan of several days into a few hours isn't fun, but you want to appreciate the opportunities you get in this life.

When I was younger, I certainly made trips lasting a few hours in Windsor. My motivations then had little to do with buying a Globe and Mail or buying Canadian groceries. Back then, Canada was a land where you could drink and watch nude women dance when you were 19 years old. You can still do that in 2014 in Ontario, but my priorities have matured a bit.

Being in Windsor on a business trip required a slower pace, so I took advantage of a downtown cafe. The simple practice of finding butter tarts is more common in Canada, and on the first night, I bought a pecan butter tart for my breakfast the next day, back at work in the States. Eating that butter tart for breakfast the next day in my frantic work state made me pause and think about Canada … and smile.

Even if you can see the Detroit skyline towering over downtown Windsor, you feel like you are in a different place, as the above sign clearly spells out. Stepping into Canada briefly can make a huge difference.

I have found that even being in Canada makes me more relaxed (something I really needed on this business trip), and so the notes I made while sitting in the cafe were more focused than normal).

Crossing even for a few hours might not be worthwhile for some. You have to deal with customs on both sides. It can be a pain.

Quieter, safer, more comfortable: this is what I feel when I'm in Canada. And so if I have that chance, I will go visit Canada — even for a short time, every time.

Comments

[veronica]

Butter tarts are a canadian thing? Really? Who knew. FYI, the coffee shop on the ground floor of 30 St. Clair West, Toronto makes awesome butter tarts. Baked on the premises. $1.25 taxes all in.

[Chad]

My butter tart in Windsor was pretty good for $1.85 + tax. The one in Toronto sounds better, and cheaper. But yes, butter tarts are definitely a Canadian thing. Finding them in the States, even in good bakeries, is a mystery.

[RLF]

You have summed up my sentiments as well. We both share a love for Windsor that I think even the city's residents do not have. I love taking in dinner anywhere in downtown Windsor, and then hitting Dean Martini's or The Loop to see live music. If I'm in Detroit for an overnight trip, you can bet you'll find me on Ouellette Avenue in the evening.

[Chad]

Absolutement. Stroll down Erie Street in the Little Italy stretch and tell me you don't want to stay awhile.