Recent posts

A friend recently asked me for Lisbon recommendations, so I thought I'd share them here in case they're useful to someone else planning a trip. I stayed in Lisbon's historic district, and most of the places I enjoyed were within walking distance. One of my favorite memories was watching the sunset from Miradouro de Santa Catarina. The view was beautiful, and it had a really relaxed atmosphere (complete with student chatter, wine and guitar music) For food, I liked O Arêgos, O Tachadas, and Varina da Madragoa (fill up on seafood). I also found Do Beco Santos, a bakery with more of a French than Portuguese style, which I really enjoyed. I stopped by Time Out Market as well. It's definitely touristy, but I still thought it was worth visiting. Another place I liked was LX Factory, which reminded me a bit of Toronto's Distillery District. One thing I didn't get to do, but wish I had, was see a Fado performance. More than anything, I enjoyed simply walking around the city. Some of my favorite moments came from exploring without much of a plan. P.S. I can confirm I consumed an unreasonable number of pastéis de nata.

I recommend Peru if anyone here is a climber and looking for an awesome international climbing destination! There are amazing routes, awesome local developers and guides. Feel free to connect with me if you want my local contacts!

Today was our third swimming class with my 10-month-old, and she had the best time! 🏊‍♀️💦 Sharing a few things I’ve learned for anyone thinking about introducing their little one to the pool: 1. Register early The City of Toronto offers affordable parent-and-baby classes ($53.76 CAD for 9 classes), but spots fill up quickly. Check your city for similar programs and be ready when registration opens! 2. Scout out the pool first If you can, visit before registering. Check the cleanliness, changerooms, change tables, pool temperature, and overall vibe. The little details matter when you have a baby. 3. Arrive ready If you’re nearby, wear your swimsuit and dress your baby before arriving to save changeroom time. If you’re travelling farther, be prepared for a surprise swim diaper situation 😅 4. Follow your baby’s cues At this age, it’s about building comfort and confidence in the water, not perfecting skills. If your baby wants to splash instead of practice bubbles, go with it! 5. Bring help if you can A partner, family member, or friend who can help with changing afterwards makes the experience so much easier. Just my personal experience, but I hope it helps another parent feel prepared. Stay safe, follow your baby’s lead, and have fun!