“Everyone raise your glasses for a champagne toast!” And with that, my trip to Toronto officially kicked off beginning with a few days at the BlogHouse (which was actually a castle, just for the record).
My trip to Toronto was mainly for work, but as I said before, it was also a very enlightening trip.
A few months ago, I applied to the Navigate Media BlogHouse. After reading about the success of last year’s in Besalú, Spain, I was really hoping for the opportunity to be a part of it this year. To be honest, I was scared I wasn’t going to be accepted. I thought that perhaps my blog wasn’t good enough; I didn’t have enough traffic yet; maybe the senior bloggers wouldn’t think I had what it takes to make it. But when I got the acceptance in my inbox, I was beyond excited and felt like things were finally falling into place.
I’ve had so many questions about what the BlogHouse is, and so here’s my simple answer: an opportunity for junior bloggers to live, eat, breathe, and dream travel blogging for several days. There were 21 of us total–12 junior bloggers and 9 senior bloggers–who stayed in a castle graciously provided by FlipKey. We woke up early and went to bed late, but each day we were given new lessons, met with senior bloggers one-on-one, and had some amazing guest speakers (thanks to FlightNetwork!), and were able to visit local establishments. Most nights I was too amped up to even want to sleep, instead of making lists, tweaking things on my website, anxiously running through new ideas in my head.
I walked away from there after 3.5 days feeling like not only did I have a grasp on my future concerning blogging, but like I’d made a ton of new friends and gained a ton of awesome mentors. Even in the two weeks since I’ve been home, I’ve spoken to almost everyone from the BlogHouse and have continued networking to ensure that this blog goes in the direction I want it to (more on this soon).
After the BlogHouse, I took a short reprieve to actually see some of the city before TBEX began. I won’t get into the TBEX details, but it was a good learning experience and a great way to network with industry people and meet some amazing bloggers.
So, what about Toronto?! Well, here are the few things I can tell you..
Going up in the CN Tower was totally worth the money ($32). I love seeing cities from above–it’s a great way to get a feel for how a city is laid out, to see some of the architecture and landmarks, and to quickly get over your fear of heights (because it’s so beautiful you don’t even care how high up you are). The CN Tower has a glass walkway, which is exactly as it sounds–a glass floor at 1,122 ft (342 m) high. I slowly inched my way onto it as this guy watched me and snickered a bit at my ridiculous fear. But after I did it (and snapped a photo for proof before immediately jumping back onto “solid ground”), I watched him go ghost-white before inching his way out, too.
One night we (as in every. travel blogger. ever.) took a ferry to Centre Island for an Expedia party. The party was great and the food was delicious, but the best thing about the whole experience was the view of the skyline from the island. I think every person at the event was probably outside watching as the sunset over the city, feverishly snapping photos. If you love skyline photos, this is the place to get them.
Sadly, I didn’t get to see much more of the city than that. We ventured out of the BlogHouse a bit to hit up Cheesewerks (since clised), Trios Bistros at the Marriott for an industry night (and fabulous food!), and to Hard Rock for some adult beverages and delicious treats. One night I went out with a few bloggers after the conference and grabbed (a massive) dinner at The Loose Moose before heading out for some jazz.
Toronto seems like a really cool city, and I heard nothing but great things before going. I certainly hope I’ll have the opportunity to go back and see it on my own time, without having other obligations.
Before going, I have to give a nod to all of the junior bloggers. Please check them out if you haven’t already–not only are they great reads, but the bloggers themselves are amazing people and are deserving of your attention: Emma from An Opportune Moment, Cindy from Points and Travel, Alouise from Traveler Ahoy, Melissa from Suitcase and Heels, Stephanie from A Nerd At Large, Alana from Paper Planes, Keryn from Walking on Travels, and Mara from The Mother of all Trips.
And thanks again to all the senior bloggers who made this possible and who put up with my constant questions and need for some help! Cailin from Travel Yourself, Pete and Dalene from Hecktic Travels, Michael from Go, See, Write, Sherry from Ottsworld, Lisa from LL World Tour, Michael from Art of Backpacking, Stephanie from Twenty-Something Travel, Matt from Matt Gibson (who is actually part of FlightNetwork, not Navigate, but was awesome enough to come and help out), and Ayngelina from Bacon is Magic (sadly she wasn’t there in person, but she was there in spirit and offered a helping hand from the Galapagos!)
Note: The companies above did not pay me for mentioning them. I genuinely love and use everything I’ve written about. However, the Amazon and Expedia links are affiliates for which I will receive a small commission if you should purchase something. Thanks for supporting Meganotravels!
It was awesome spending those few days with you and the rest of the crew. Your blog is amazing and it’s now in my bookmarks for my blogs I read on a normal basis. You rock. Can’t wait to see ya the next time!
Kay recently posted..The Kay Days Goes to Rio de Janeiro!
Yay! Thanks, Kay! It was fun being your roomie for a few days. :) And yes, we’ll have to find somewhere to meet up someday. ;)
It was so great to have you at the BlogHouse! I miss our castle. That was a lot of fun and I learned a lot too from all of you guys.
Miss all of you guys! And the cheese sandwiches…
Michael recently posted..Exploring Galapagos with Contiki
Thanks, Michael! I miss our castle too! It was so lovely. And big. And amazing.
And I miss everyone too.. and the cheese. All of the cheese.
It was so great to meet you Megan, and I think you are going to do big things with this here blog. :) And, similar to what Kay said above, you are also now in my RSS so I can stalk you effortlessly.
Dalene recently posted..A Taste of History
I love knowing that you’re stalking me, Dalane. ;) And thank you–I’m certainly going to try to do big big things with my blog. :)
Sounds pretty inspiring!
Jay recently posted..Part II: O Canada, Our Home and Native Land
It definitely was, Jay! :)
So great to have you at the BlogHouse. As you know… feel free to call on any of us from this point forward if you need any help, tips or advice. God knows… we are willing to give our opinions ;)
Michael Hodson recently posted..Big new additions to Go, See, Write
Hahah, I have no doubt that you’ll give me your opinion without hesitation, Michael! But it’s much appreciated. :) Hope I’ll see you again somewhere around the globe!
Wow, that sounds like it was a great experience, good for you and what a gorgeous house!
noel recently posted..Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, a photo essay
Thanks, Noel! It was a fantastic experience and opportunity. And yes, the house was amazing!
The BlogHouse looks fantastic. I’ve been living here for 25 years and did not know about its existence. Amazing! Glad you enjoyed Toronto and you’re welcome back any time. Cheers!
Will, now you’ll have to find it! It was right next to a Catholic school.
And I’ll definitely be back someday. :)
Megan! Great to meet you and have some nice chats. You have some great shots here. Love the misty evening shots of our Bloghouse! See you soon!
Lisa
Lisa | LLworldtour recently posted..Travel is Life Intensified
It was great to meet you too, Lisa! And thanks–Dalene and I coined it the “FogHouse”. ;)
I missed the castle during my first visit to Toronto last month – will be sure to check it out next time around.
I am very interested in applying to such a program!
Murissa
The Wanderfull Traveler recently posted..Win AFAR 1 Year Magazine Subscription
You definitely should! It’s a beautiful building.
And I think they’re hosting another in Dublin before TBEX. When I have news, I’ll be sure to tweet about it so maybe you can apply! :)
Congrats on getting into the BlogHouse; the castle looks amazing! Sounds like a great experience. Wish we could have made it to TBEX–Toronto is a great city! It’s fun to hear about it though. We went to Toronto for a couple days last fall, and had a great time–the CN Tower and the Toronto Islands were so much fun. We need to return again as well!
Jenna recently posted..10 Things to do in Jerusalem
Thank you, Jenna! The castle was amazing–as was the experience.
Hope you get to make a trip back to Toronto soon. :)
Wow! What a great opportunity to learn from each other and connect! Blog House sounds so cool!!
Karisa recently posted..Wat Arun: Bangkok’s Temple of Dawn
It was a wonderful opportunity, Karisa! I felt like I learned so much! (I’m still decompressing from it.)
This sounds amazing! I’m thinking of going to TBEX in Dublin – and wondered if you would recommend it for newbie bloggers looking to grow?
Michelle recently posted..Silent Sunday Three
I think TBEX is great for newbie bloggers. You can learn a lot and network. And as your blog grows, you’ll already have those contacts and will be more confident for future conferences. :)
Love the opening to this post…:)
It was super meeting you and getting to spend some more dedicated time together. I’m a fan!!
You better!! ;) All I hear are your words now when I start to draft a post: “Draw your readers in!”
And yes, it was great! I felt like a got a lot out of your critique, and was really excited to learn from you. :) Hope I’ll see you around!