sTIFFed

Today a friend reminded me that the Toronto International Film Festival is around the corner. To her shock/horror/amazement, I relayed that I've never been to TIFF even though this will be my third year in the city. Now, my aversion to all things celeb-stalking and Hollywood aside, it got me thinking about how when you live somewhere you tend not to partake in a lot of the tourism activities that go on.

When I lived in Ottawa for example, it was only when family and friends would visit (which by the way was RARELY because no one wants to go to Ottawa) that I'd venture to Parliament Hill, go on a Haunted Walk (which I highly recommend!), or hit up the War Museum (also good, but don't try to do it all in one day, your brain will hurt).

Now that I live in Toronto I find myself avoiding the festivals and events. Well, not so much avoiding as that implies I'm doing it on purpose, but for some reason these things come and go without so much as a nod from me. I've never been to Taste of the Danforth but love Greek food and visit the Danforth restaurants frequently throughout the year. Caribanna fascinates me and is one of the reasons I fell in love with the city, yet the closest I've made to hitting up the sequin-and-feather-clad craziness is hitting up Terroni's on Adelaide. The only touristy thing I've managed to do since I arrived in this fun city is to take my cousin Owen up the CN Tower. True story. Why is it, that when you live somewhere the attractions that make the city the great place it is seem to have no appeal?

I'm on a mission people. TIFF it is. The first celeb-and-tourist-filled event. Wish me luck and please send any recos/advice for this newbie!