Sifting Through a Global Microcosm

Toronto never fails to disappoint.

This bustling Canadian metropolis of over five million people (in the GTA, that is) is apparently home to more cultures than there are countries in the world. There's a vibrant Uruguayan and Ghanaian community here, and you don't even have to look that hard.

This weekend we were here for DECA, a business competition that I have only familiarized myself with very recently. Aside from our fashionably late punctuality, there were a few things that really stood out. For one, the entire conference was pretty much Brown or Asian. A white person is definitely an anomaly here.

In that sense, Toronto was an escape to a global microcosm, a journey that transcends national and cultural barriers, sifting through a demographic mosaic that works wonders if you only looked around.

The weekend was also a chance to go revisit the Korean barbecue restaurant that I visited less than a year ago. Carcinogens aside, it was one of the most fulfilling experiences one could ever desire. Remember to order kim-chi.

And of course, Kareoke. A place in Chinatown that in every way resembles the China that I left only a few months ago. We were in Suite 7. That's lucky only by Western Standards. I sang to such patriotic songs as 走进新时代 (Into a New Era) by Zhang Ye, songs that defined pop culture like 不得不爱 (Have to Love) by Wilber Pan, and classic western hits like "This Love" by Maroon 5. Quite a range.

On the way there I tried to read Malcolm Gladwell's Blink, it was a slightly nauseating experience (even now when I think about it) reading on a bus.

DECA U was held at the Sheraton hotel downtown, where you can get lost in the mismatch of elevators for 20 minutes before you arrive at your destination. Our room had a prominent view of Toronto City Hall as well as the skating rink nearby. Steven says this is a prime location for partying on New Years for Torontonians. I am inclined to make a case for the Travelodge on Circle Drive in Saskatoon. But that is a whole other story.