Let's Go To The Ex!

I went to The Canadian National Exhibition ("The Ex") last Sunday. I didn't go last year because I wasn't home at the end of August so I was really looking forward to continuing my annual tradition. Unfortunately, all my girlfriends have grown up and none of them really likes going to The Ex so I was reconciled to going alone. Sometimes that works out better for me because then I can go wherever I want.

I arrived around 1PM via streetcar, which takes you right into the exhibition grounds. I had already bought my reduced price pass for $7 at work so I was able to walk right in after they scanned my pass. I headed straight to the Food Building and after a quick look around, I came out the other side and walked right into one of the women from work! What a small world ... she was there with her family. After a quick hello, I headed over to The Better Living Building. Only it isn't there anymore! They're tearing it down or renovating it so I settled on the Arts & Crafts building. Lots of cool stuff in there: jewellery, decorative pillows and lamps, spices, jams, jellies, wood carvings, purses, hats, clothing, candy, etc. etc. etc. I bought some expensive jam. (Get it? JAM bought jam! LOL)

Next I headed over to the Sports and Leisure building. Other than the usual huge bikini retailer (with no change rooms to try on anything!), there were a couple of cheesy sports displays, some massage therapists and one great OBUS forme backpack sales kiosk. I almost bought a HEYS brand mini knapsack for $25. I'm always thinking in advance of my trip to Europe next spring as I've heard the pickpockets in Barcelona are quite prolific! So I need something other than a regular purse to guard my valuables. But I don't want to look like a tourist so the search is on for something chic yet versatile. After a quick browse through an area selling books (4 for $10), a made my way back to the Food Building.

The same people are there every year, selling the same grubb, almost in exactly the same spot! The only difference I noticed over two years ago was that the Tiny Tom Donuts stand was inside instead of outside. There is Greek food, Italian food, Jamaican food, German food, Chinese food, fish & chips, pizza, BBQ ribs and burgers, hot fried waffles served with ice cream and, of course, french fries. I have these so rarely that I always treat myself at The Ex with a small serving. If I bought a large, there is no doubt that I would eat them all. I absolutely love french fries over any other food, including chocolate. Shocking, isn't it?

Finally, I was ready for my favourite part of The Ex: The Direct Energy Centre. It used to be called the National Trade Centre but I simply remember it as the newest (and biggest) building on the Exhibition grounds with four or five separate salons filled people hawking their wares from all over the world. It's like a huge international marketplace with goodies from Brazil, Canada (!), China, Egypt, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, and many others I can't remember right now. I bought a set of hand towels and matching face cloths for $7, a funky necklace for $15 and a pair of earrings for $3. I also saw 50 million other things I wanted to buy but I was getting pretty tired by this point so I called it a day.

I climbed aboard a streetcar to take me home sometime after 6PM, after spending approximately FIVE HOURS walking around The Ex. My feet were sore and my back was aching. I can't wait to go back again on Labour Day Monday!!! *grin*