The only place in Toronto where you cannot find good food

Still catching up on backdated posts...

December 6

On the way back from London ON after an interview at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. This is probably the only place in Toronto where you cannot find good food. Well, go with the crowd. Casey's On Stage looks like the busiest. Not too bad after all.

Looks like the couple sitting next to me was thinking the same way. Apparently they missed their connection to St. John NB while returning to Canada from Miami. They were quite excited to hear that I was originally from Singapore as their son has married a Thai girl and moved to Thailand, where they have since visited a number of times.

I also learn that it is possible to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs play in Tampa Bay for only US$20 during the regular season. Wow! That's really cheap compared to the tickets for home games at the Air Canada Centre, or games at the Corel Centre in Ottawa.

Calgary to Ottawa on Westjet

I appreciate the humour exhibited by the Westjet crew, "In the event of cabin depressurisation, the panels overhead will open up, releasing Donna's* phone number." ... laughter ... "So I see you're listening after all, but of course the oxygen masks will..." It sure does give the impression that they love their job, which is always a good thing.

*(name of other flight attendant, not her real name.)

The only problem on this flight was that the satellite TV system would fail above 30000 ft (it worked on take off and on the final descent... duh!), and they had charged $1 for the headset. I was almost tempted to be a prick and return it for my precious loonie, but I figured I might be able to use an extra headset around the house anyway. www.westjet.com

Toronto to Calgary on Westjet

Some observations on why Westjet is successful:

(1) High staff morale. They can be quite funny and it does help to brighten up an early morning flight.
(2) Monetisation of the smallest things, e.g. the cups are sponsored by Coke, the napkins have Travelodge ads on them.
(3) Cool leather seats and satellite TV system.

And a tip: When asked whether you want the pretzels or the cookies, go for the cookies (assuming you like shortbread). I asked for pretzels the first time, only to feel a little outclassed holding on to an unnamed package of pretzels vs. Peek Freans shortbread cookies. www.westjet.com