Three degrees and hazy today in the 416. I’m taking advantage of my day off to plan the big trip home for the holidays. Got up late – it’s still my day off, after all – and since downing my third cup of coffee, have managed to do a little Christmas shopping online and take out the ol’ yuletide decorations to jazz up the joint. Doesn’t feel like Christmas until I haul out those tiny plastic reindeer with the balding antlers. How do they lose so much fuzz every year?

The traveling part is easy – I’m going to take the train. I have a car at my disposal, but (a) I don’t like killing the planet and (b) I don’t like traffic, slippery roads or other drivers (go figure!). Even if it is a short ride from TO to Kingston, I’d rather be kicking back with a bevvie than worrying if the guy in front of me has winter tires.

Don’t be silly, people – book your train tickets before the holiday rush hits. Seriously.

First, my name is Vivian. I may only exist in pixels, but I still have some great stories to tell.

I was born and raised in Kingston but now live in Toronto. I work for VIA Rail as a service attendant a board trains in the Corridor — for those of you not in the know, the Corridor stretches between Windsor and Quebec City.

Second, why should you read my blog? Easy! My job allows me to see Canada up close – in a way most of you don’t ever notice. Now as much as I love having secret things all to myself, sharing is better. So let me tell you about wicked places to see when visiting Toronto, hilarious stories travellers have told me and excellent vegetarian restaurants located all over.

And – bien sur – how to travel and still leave a small environmental footprint.

Expect lots of photos too!