Story: Next destination in winter 2021

After I came back to Vancouver, BC from Montreal, QC in September 2021, I have become an all-access member at WeWork. It was 40% off in 3 months. Therefore, I am thinking to go somewhere in December, during a holiday.

Shortlists:
– Seattle, WA
– Los Angeles, LA
– San Francisco, LA
– Toronto, On

According to the government announcement, the US border opens for fully vaccinated people on November 8, 2021.

CBC: U.S. to open border to fully vaccinated travellers starting Nov. 8

Air travellers will need to show proof of vaccination on arrival in the U.S. but will still need to show a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of boarding their flight.

Non-essential travellers crossing at a land border will be required to show proof of vaccination or attest to their vaccination status upon request by a border agent — but unlike air travellers they will face no requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test.

*For the non-essential travellers(bus), I need to show negative PCR test results when I back to Canada from the United States.

Work is the first priority for me wherever I trip. I need the WeWork office at my destination. Going to Seattle is very cheap by bus. It’s convenient for Vancouver residents, but it’s the United States. I don’t willing to pay for a negative test. So, I have only 1 option, Toronto, Canada.

How to get Seattle from Vancouver

It’s October 29, 2021. I don’t know whether I can get to Seattle by bus or not.

It’s November 7, 2021. The border, Canada and the United States, open tomorrow. I checked the bus once again. I could find a ticket.

WeWork in Seattle

Headquarter of Amazon, Microsoft, The Boeing Company, etc. There are many WeWork office in Seattle.

Airbnb in Seattle

I could not find affordable accommodation close to downtown, Seattle. I am not sure how convenient about transit, bus or train.

COVID testing site in Seattle

I will be able to find the location and get a PCR test. However, I don’t want to take it. It is just wasting money. I am still not sure how Omicron influences the travel policy between Canada and United States in January. I could not decide to go to Seattle, WA at this time. 😔

How to get to Toronto

*Update: December 12, 2021

I checked the flight from Vancouver to Toronto. The price spikes during the Holiday season. So, I slid my plan to January, 2022. This is a benefit of a freelance, flexible. Why I could slide the schedule is that WeWork price in January 2022 was the same as December 2021.

I booked a flight by Air Canada, around $235. It’s acceptable. It’s an overnight flight when I go to Toronto. I am not good at night. I will sleep the whole flight, and I wake up at 4 or 5 am.

WeWork in Toronto

I can find a good amount of  WeWork locations. I am going to visit all of the locations during my stay, in 2 weeks. I don’t know how the transit is efficient in Toronto during the winter. Toronto is the largest city in Canada. Many people live there. So, I will be okay, I hope.

Airbnb in Toronto

I am going to stay at Airbnb from January 18 to 31. It costs $700. Not so affordable.

*Update:2022.1.16

A few days ago, my booking was canceled. Because one of the host families got COVID. It made me anxious, but this is travel. I found other accommodation. It was a similar price, a little close to downtown Toronto.

*Update:2022.2.1

I am writing a note after I got back to Vancouver. The location was good to commute WeWork office every day. It was a little stressful to share a bathroom and kitchen with other tenants during COVID. I take shower at 5-6 am. So, I did not want to bother others as well. If the fee for 2 weeks costs $750, I may consider finding accommodation on Craigslists next time.

*I was stolen apple juice on the first day. It is experience, but no way, generally speaking.

Preparing for the travel

It’s always anxious before travel. I prepared Vaccination proof. The provincial version looks official.

I got an email from the BC government about a booster shot on January 15th, 2022. The shortest booking day was the 19th. I cannot get it before the travel.

Lists before travel
– Passport (& copy) ✓✓✓
– Tickets for an airline (& print out) ✓✓✓
– Drivers license
– Health insurance card
– Foreign currency ✓✓
*Check the passport and expiration date as well.
*In my experience, WiFi at the airport is unstable. Printout is at ease.

– Suitcases, backpack
– Maps and directions (print out if need)
– Travel pillow
– Sleeping mask
– Earplugs
– Travel locks
– Luggage tags
– Pens and paper
– Snacks and empty water bottles ✓✓✓
– Small pocket knife (not in a carry-on!)
– Rope(expandable clothesline) ✓
*Snacks and empty water bottles save money at the airport.

– Cellphone, charger
– Laptop, iPad or Tablet, E-reader
– Chargers ✓✓✓
– Travel adapter and converter
*I always think that I need an iPad only during travel.

– Underwear
– Socks
– Sleepwear
– Shirts, polos
– Jeans, trousers, shorts
– Dresses, skirts
– Shoes, sneakers
– Flipflops, slippers(in accommodation) ✓✓
– Jackets, coats, raincoats
– Belts, ties
– Scarves, hats, gloves
*I don’t think no one forgets clothes. Less is better.

– Toothbrush, paste
– Deodorant
– Tweezers (not in a carry-on!)
– Soap, shampoo, conditioner
– Towels ✓✓
*Some hotels or Airbnb does not have towels

– Nailcare
– Tissues
– Skin products
– Glasses, contact lenses
– Vinyl bags ✓
*These products above are always in the small pouch after travel. No need to care.

– Swimsuit
– Walking shoes
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Umbrella ✓✓
– Daypack
– Books, e-books, magazines ✓

Check in

I did check-in online before the flight. Air Canada asked document of the vaccination. I printed it out yesterday. So, I had a PDF. It was smooth.

I know there is no requirement for a negative test, but I still worry about whether I can board without an issue or not. I did I can do everything. I am ready on January 17th, 2022.

The flight was canceled on the day, 8 hours before the flight. This is the first time for me. Air Canada sent me a text and email. It proposed an alternative flight, but it was 1 stop and takes 10 hours. I did not choose this one, of course. I watched the weather forecast in the US this morning. I did not think that it influences my flight, but safety is the best.

*Update: 2022.1.19

After all, my flight was the next day, midnight January 18, 2022,  and departure was January 19, 0:20 midnight. Toronto is 3 hours ahead of Vancouver. When I woke up, it was 30 minutes before the landing, 7:13 am.

*Update: 2022.2.1

During the return flight, I watched the movie, Dear Evan Hansen, on the flight. I like to find a new movie which I have never seen before. I decide what I watch based on the title and image. It was the right choice, but the online evaluation is not so great.

Weather forecast

A few weeks ago, Vancouver was quite cold, but Toronto is colder than that.

*Updated: 2022.1.22

Just in 3 days experience in Toronto, -15 degrees is really cold. However, if you use public transit, I think everything is okay. I, as a tourist and short-stay nomad, walked from Airbnb to downtown every day, around 30 minutes. It’s cold and windy. You don’t have to do that. Before that, you don’t have to come to Toronto during the winter under the pandemic.

*Updated: 2022.2.1

I thought I don’t feel cold by 0 degrees anymore after the experience of Toronto. However, Vancouver was chilly, to be honest. I don’t have to use earmuffs and gloves though. Vancouver is not an exciting city, but better for work.

Transportation

As the largest city in Canada, Toronto’s transportation is well organized. After the landing, I did not lose my way. The sign to the platform is clear. I could buy IC card before I rode the train quite easily.

*PRESTO is valid 2 hours from the first ride.

An unlimited weekend day pass is just $10. $15 for 2 days.

*Updated: January 30, 2021

The last weekend of staying in Toronto, I hopped onto the train. I used a weekend day pass. It’s only available online. I bought Union Station to Niagara Falls for just $10. I could use it train and bus. From Exhibition Go(station) to Niagara Falls, it takes around 3 hours. After I arrived at the Niagara Falls bus terminal, I had to walk to Niagara Falls for 50 mins. This is the cheapest trip, I cannot complain about it.

Travel guide

I am learning about locals during travel. I did not check much before the travel. I walk a lot during the break between work. Then, I watch YouTube about the Toronto tour at night. Watching YouTube on TV and laptop is a different experience. I do not need a login to my account. Therefore, algorism recommends different channels. Now, I generally understand the street and direction. 1 week is short, 2 weeks is enough, 1 month is maybe too long.

*Update:2022.2.1

I passed by many museums, but I could not visit there. All closed under the Omicron. I wanted to experience at Van Gogh Exhibition.

YouTube

©Venture Addicts: Toronto Canada: Cool Things To Do // Destinations Explained

©Noahvde: Toronto Travel Guide – Things to do in Toronto!!

WeWork 

From the landing at the airport to the WeWork in downtown Toronto, it was seamless. I did not feel it was so cold even though the temperature is 3 to -15 today. I arrived at Union Station at 8:30 am. I chose the closest WeWork from the station, 1 University Ave. I can see the CN Tower from the desk. It’s nice. This location has 6 floors, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 14. I looked at all floors, but 4 to 14 are the same layout and I was not so impressed.

I recommend working at the 3rd floor.

*Update:2022.2.1

My flight was 6 pm. I spent time at WeWork at University 1 until 2 pm. I don’t have to worry about a carry-on suitcase. That’s convenient.

From Airbnb accommodation to downtown, Toronto, it took 30 mins on foot. It’s around -15 degrees at 7 am. The windy day 2 days in the low. I don’t know whether it’s common or not. Anyway, it’s really cold. I need to prepare an ear cover or face cover. Just a surgical mask is also helpful, but glasses fog up and it froze.

I arrived at WeWork before 8 am. I chat with the receptionist. This location has 2 floors, 5 and 6. She feels cold as a local resident. So, it’s really cold today. She recommended me Hudson’s Bay location. I will visit there tomorrow.

I walked around this location since I came to Toronto, but I did not know there is a WeWork office here. I can see the iconic place, Fountain at Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto Old City Hall.

I arrived at the WeWork HBC at 7:30 am. No one here. According to the receptionist, Laocoon is the symbol of Toronto. I haven’t seen it yet. This is a huge office, so many tables and sheets. I chose the sheet near the window. It’s been just 3 days since I arrived in Toronto, but almost beautiful weather every day even though the temperature is brutally cold. The phone booth is quite large compared to Vancouver. Yesterday, I visited CF Toronto Eaton Centre. I can go there through Hudson’s Bay. It’s convenient.

From edge to edge, I am sure that it’s over 200 mm. There are 2 floors, 6th and 7th, but the 7th floor is rented to the select company. Surely, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft or Google class of company. I imagine that over 1000+ people can work keeping a distance on one floor. Really huge…

WeWork changes the business direction, not only small companies and freelance, but also the corporation. BtoB is a good strategy for WeWork. A long-term contract makes the WeWork business more stable.

*Updated: January 23, 2022

I came to WeWork HBC at 7:30 am, Sunday morning. The door(outside of the building) did not open by keycard. I booked at 6:16 am, over 1 hour in advance. So, it’s not the booking issue. When I was searching Starbucks, a security guard came to the entrance and I could enter the building. It’s a -6 degree and windy morning. Please.

In January 2022, I can choose only 4 locations of WeWork on weekends. Above 3 locations plus today’s location, 1050 King St W. I got here at 7:10 am. I did a tour myself. Here is not a work(or office) environment. So many couches. I can see west elm across the road. I don’t know how people use this location. I can see the residential condominiums around this building though.

I checked the ground level and 1st floor. The interesting shape of a building. I am not sure whether there is another floor or not. The lighting of the washroom is too bright. It looks like video shooting.

*On weekdays, this location often desks run out. Please book earlier. Before 7 am, the light may not turn on.

I could not visit only this location frequently. Because the business hour is only 8 am to 5 pm. I visited WeWork at 240 Richmond St W during lunch and talked with a receptionist. If you want to work at night at this location, you can come here before 5 pm. You can use the desk after 5 pm.

*Please be cautious. After 5 pm, once you get out of the building, you cannot return until the next business day.

On January 21, 2022, I canceled the WeWork membership. This is the benefit of the month-to-month contract. I fully used WeWork benefits in 3.5 months. I visited many locations in Vancouver and Toronto. I do use WeWork when I need it again as an on-demand member.

*You have to cancel 5 business days before the end of the month. Please keep in mind.

It’s on January 31, 2022. WeWork already removed an account even it’s still January. I changed my plan. I traveled by street train until WeWork opens. I did short sightseeing to Queen St. West. It looked attractive neighborhood, but I did not have time today. In addition, I cannot spend time in a local cafe. I will discover the city of Toronto next time.

I got the WeWork at University 1, in front of Union Station, and asked the receptionist to unlock the card today until 2 pm. She understood the situation. I printed out the boarding pass. I took a small lunch before I got to the airport. I worked until 2 pm.

If I were rich or had some membership, I could work at a lounge at the airport, but I am ordinary. WeWork was much enough in 3 months and during this trip. I can’t afford the luxury.

*WeWork at the airport sounds very nice. I want to ask it.

During the 2 weeks, I could not concentrate to work without WeWork. There was no choice to work at a library or local cafe. So, I cannot choose a location that does not have a WeWork(or at least a co-working space). If you are flexible to work, don’t have to commute to the office, please try WeWork as an experience sometime in the future. If you are a designer, you will like the experience.

🌎 WeWork.com – WeWork® – Work Where & When You Want

Photo diary in Toronto

I did not have a plan for a specific sightseen. I did not intend to go to Niagara Falls this time(I went there after all…). Working in the City of Toronto changes my feeling enough. I walked every single day in 2 weeks even a -15 degree morning and walked downtown Toronto for 1-2 hours during working, from 8:30 am to until 7-8 pm. It was seriously cold. Now, I feel that 0 degrees is comfortable winter.

I visited the food court. No seat, no eat-in. I felt that people have not returned to downtown for work yet. I did not see many workers. I saw a rush hour. It was a heavy traffic jam as CBC mentioned. I felt that the financial district is the center of Canada, not the capital city FYI. Everything is big, such as buildings, shopping mall, and underground path. It was Canada.

One surprise for me is that people are relatively kind even in the largest city in Canada.

I saw a few designing condos. It was fun. Next time, I want to see King Toronto by Westbank. It was under massive construction and it will be completed in 2024.

Conclusion: Just in case, always

I was planning to go to Seattle or Toronto in December. However, my teeth cracked during the Halloween weekend. It is estimated at $1426 for replacing the crown. This is destiny and my priority has changed. I searched for a solution, back to Japan for treatment, or treat it locally. Japan requires the negative results of the COVID test. It’s a rip-off price in Canada, $200-$300. Flight ticket, Vancouver to Japan, is not so affordable, over $1K. I will likely treat it at local, $1426.

Freelance does not have welfare compared to a corporate worker. It’s insecure more than you think. Therefore, we have to make enough cash flow for an unexpected event. I am going to prepare mulch revenue sources and sales funnel in 2022.

*Updated: 2022.1.23

It’s so cold every day, but people are living in this city. I can survive. If I use Path(underground) and public transit, I don’t need to feel cold.

I checked Craigslist > room share, I could see a variety of prices, $450 – $1800. I don’t know their minimum requirement, but I felt it’s cheaper than Airbnb. If you consider staying in Toronto for over 1 month, finding accommodation on Craigslist is one idea. You can do this in another place as well.

The financial district is massive. I saw a lot of Toronto-Dominion Bank. I am a TD customer, but I have no reason. If you are a finance-related expert, Toronto will be the destination.

I visited the library in Yorkville, but there was no place to work. 2-4 floor was closed. 5 floor is appointment only. A residential building is so high and the architecture is unique. I searched it. It calls One Bloor. According to the research, $2,400 per month for 1 bed.

*Updated: 2022.1.26

-10 degrees with a windy day is quite torture. 30 minutes walk for commute got me sick(not a real sick). I ate a hotdog, $3, for the lunch in front of Nathan Phillips Square. Birds gathered around me to get a piece of hotdog. My hand was frozen. In addition, it was just so-so, no pickles no onion. So sad.

*Updated: 2022.1.27

When we stay for a while at local, we have to find affordable grocery stores. I visited 3-4 places, such as metro, Independent and Loblaws, etc. Based on my consumption behavior, Loblaws was the best. I compared them to No Frills in Vancouver, Canada. I bought bagels, tuna can, cream cheese, sparkling water, apple juice, potato chips, instant noodle, frozen foods, etc. It’s a sober life.

*Updated: 2022.1.29

I met fellow Toastmasters this afternoon. He has not changed and doing well. He was in Vancouver until April 2019. He got a corporate job and moved to Toronto. I chatted with him for 2 hours at a restaurant. It was a good moment.

*Updated: 2022.2.1

I realized the value of travel. It is not visiting a sightseeing spot. Look at people’s life at local, visit neighbors and local streets, talk with local people, eat local food(spend money at local).

Reference:

🌎 Destination Toronto: Visit Toronto
🌎 Work everywhere in the world at WeWork