I’m going in April.  And then I’m coming back home to Gent.

Canada is still home … but it’s looser.  There are places I love – Vancouver, Waterton Lakes National Park, Long Beach on Vancouver Island, and I’ll stay happy if I never see them again.  It’s not about geography.

I miss my friends

And so I go to see them

I like choosing a photo to accompany my posts.  This time, the Internet offered a multitude of classic Canadian scenes.  But they didn’t draw me.  This does:

Philosopher’s Walk in Toronto.  Many a time I’ve strolled the path, sat on the benches and lingered by the memorial to the fourteen women murdered at Montreal’s École Polytechnique in 1989.

As a young man, I stood under the windows of the Royal Conservatory of Music and listened to the melodies descending.

In April I shall return.  May the music return with me.

My life is people.  Places without people don’t interest me.  Nor does having lots of money, being famous or being smart.  Give me the contact, please.

Seven of my sixteen days will be at the bed-and-breakfast of my dear friends Anne and Ihor in Toronto.  The other nine will be sprinkled around the homes of dear ones in the London area, and in Lion’s Head.

Yesterday I texted or e-mailed those whose hearts join with mine:

I have a question, and please, please, please say no if it doesn’t work for you.  May I stay with you for one night sometime between April 7 and 15 inclusive?

Already five of them have said yes!  With joy in their replies.  Makes me happy.

My heart warms towards April.  There will be happy reunions.  Real conversations.  Love.

Across the big pond I will go