The actual time difference between Austria and Canada might only be six hours, but as far as nature and the seasons are concerned, it seems more like six weeks to me.

In the city (especially in Toronto), it might not be as noticeable. However, around Ottawa, for example, the first leaves of the trees are just coming out of their buds. Moreover, on the walk in Spencer Gorge (about an hour's drive west of Toronto), where my friends took me today, it was freezing cold (12° C, if at all). Both these facts rather make me think of the end of March than mid-May.

However, do not get me wrong: I am having a great time in Canada – one of the main reasons being the warm welcome I got from my friends in Toronto. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their kindness.