Happy 90th Birthday, ROYAL YORK HOTEL. (Toronto, part 3)

This was a case of “right place, right time”. Reviews of the Royal York Hotel opposite Toronto’s Union Station, like anywhere else were mixed, some full of praise, others not so complimentary. I found no problem with the temporary location of reception, nor with my accommodation which spanned 500 square feet. I had been invited and encouraged to attend the opening of the re-styled lobby, at which several dignitaries including the Mayor would be in attendance. The opening would coincide with the the 90th anniversary of The Royal York Hotel’s opening on 11th June 1929, roughly the same time that my grandparents moved into their new home in Catford, which remains in “family ownership.” (I digress!). Those staying for the whole event “quaffed” champagne and “gorged” on birthday cake. We chose to “pass” on that!Ron and Tom had planned breakfast for the three of us. I was keen to be at this glitzy opening, thus, breakfast morphed into lunch! We positioned ourselves on the mezzanine and enjoyed a good elevated view of the proceedings. Because my stay at the Royal York had been extended due to the retiming of The Canadian, I was required to check in for a further night. By coincidence, and much to my delight, I was told that I was the first person to check in at the new reception area. I spoke briefly to a reporter/travel writer, and perhaps I may appear in the Hotel’s archive years from now!Instead of breakfast, we had lunch at a lovely French restaurant in the fascinating Distillery Area of the city, a location I was unaware of. (below)I was then shown the Head Office of a company I once worked for, Canada Life as well as both old and new City Halls, all within walking distance.We enjoyed supper at the Library Bar of The Royal York, little changed from when we were there in 2014.It was now time to pack for the three night journey on Via Rail Train No.1, “The Canadian.” However, I was ready for some sleep, and reconfigured my packing in very good time early the following morning; I was advised to check in between 7.30 and 8.00am, which I did.(Written Thursday 13th June in the Dome Car of The Canadian, 11.45, GMT – 6.)