It finally feels like spring in Toronto. The temperature is around 12°C today and the city is getting greener. There is a large park and greenhouse called Allan Gardens near my apartment where the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are in full bloom and the air smells fresh and fragrant. 

Today is Mother’s Day, but many people cannot visit their parents, unfortunately, because Covid-19 cases remain high (over 3,000 per day in Ontario) and a stay-at-home order is still in effect. 50% of Toronto residents have received a vaccine, though, so progress is being made quickly. 

Recently, there have been more news stories about drinking alcohol in public places, like parks. People are hoping that they will be allowed to enjoy alcoholic drinks outdoors this year because many restaurants and bars are closed. While drinking alcohol in public places is still illegal in Canada, the police have said that they will not target people who are enjoying drinks outside responsibly. 

Regrettably, a lot of people do not behave responsibly outdoors in Toronto, and littering (which I recently learned is called ポイ捨て in Japanese) remains a problem. Just yesterday I went for a walk and there was a man enjoying his lunch under a tree beside my building. When I came back, he was gone, but there was a pile of garbage where he had been sitting. I really can’t understand why people do that!

In more interesting news, Netflix opened a new office in Toronto. The news release said:

“Toronto’s talented crews have been essential to the success of international productions such as Jupiter’s Legacy, The Umbrella Academy and The Queen’s Gambit. Netflix has contributed substantially to the development of Toronto’s infrastructure and workforce. With the new office in Toronto, Netflix will expand its commitment to working with Canadian talent. Building on the success of uniquely Canadian shows such as Schitt’s Creek, Blown Away and Anne with an E, Netflix will work with Canadian creators to bring stories from Canada to the world.”

For anyone who likes Anne of Green Gables, Anne with an E is a great new adaptation of Anne’s story, and I highly recommend it!