This post originally appeared on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s blog. That blog has since been deleted, but the original context is viewable on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

The drive to Toronto was great. As we got on 279 North toward Eerie, all three of us basically said in unison, “Wow. What a day for a road trip.” The sun was shining brilliantly and the road was almost ours alone. Conversation centered around to-do items on the Cuba check-list (museums and art, the Hemingway House, a trip to the beach to name a few), a discussion of the popular attraction to outlet mall shopping, and observances of nature as we passed through the western Pennsylvania and New York countryside.

We stopped for lunch at Azteca, a Mexican restaurant in Dunkirk, New York. It was good. MF Lesley can vouch for us – she’s from nearby. After enjoying our burritos and quesadillas, Claudia threw me the keys and I got behind the wheel. But before jumping back on I-90, we needed to get gas. I only bring this up because the gas station we pulled up to offered plastic gloves to wear while pumping so your hands didn’t end up smelling like gasoline. This was the first any of us had seen anything like this. This Dunkirk-area custom is a very nice touch. Owen was appreciative.

Then it was through Buffalo and across the U.S. / Canadian border. We met up with Barbara, Michael and Hilary a few hours later on Queen Street in Toronto. There were some really great antique shops, boutiques and restaurants along this strip. It reminded me a bit of South Street in Philadelphia. We cruised around Queen Street for a bit and then made our way to the Bright Pearl, a fantastic Dim Sum restaurant in nearby Chinatown.

After feasting on Dim Sum (something the culinary community of Pittsburgh lacks – let me know if I’m wrong, any places in the ‘Burgh to get good Dim Sum?), we all realized we were exhausted so we made our way back to the hotel to catch up on email, call our families and write blog posts.

This morning we’re off to Havana. Hasta luego!