The Toronto Conference

Air Canada is an interesting airline. It isn’t my favorite, but traveling to and around Canada it is often the best option. It is reliable, but it lacks some of the service and amenities of United and other U.S.-based airlines. The amenity kit in premium economy was about as basic as it gets. The food was acceptable but nothing memorable. The biggest challenge is the three languages. It is typical that announcements will be made using the languages of the two countries the flight is traveling between. This flight meant all announcements were made in English, French and German. The safety briefing video was extra special with all three languages represented.

The conference itself was in a 43-story hotel in downtown Toronto. Despite being there for six days, I didn’t venture outside the hotel that much. The weather in Toronto was 23-35 deg C and raining most days. This made for great weather watching from my room or the lounge on the 43rd floor.

Lounge privileges for hotels can be purchased or earned. As part of my status, I’ve earned my access. This means I have access to appetizers that are often enough for a complete meal, a quiet place to eat or work, and better overall service. The solitude is often broken when families come in with kids or groups come in who aren’t used to business lounges. For families and less seasoned travelers, the lounge is a luxury. For me and other business travelers, the lounge is a place of refuge. There are typically a few rules of lounges: (1) treat all staff with respect, (2) don’t bring in outside food or drink, (3) don’t take anything other than something small back to your room, like water or chips, (4) be social, but also respect those who are working or relaxing. Please, respect the rules. It helps everyone stay sane and keeps the lounges special.

My hotel in Toronto. The lounge is on the top floor.

A view from the lounge.

Toronto at dusk.

Toronto at night.