007 in 2007??
Ariyanto left the hostel yesterday. It’s a rather unusual name; it’s? Javanese in origin. Backpackers come from all over the world to the Canadiana.? Ariyanto is ethnically Chinese but born in Indonesia and? he is right up there among? the most remarkable characters to visit with us at the hostel. He is, at the same time,? both the scion of wealth and a self-made man. Actually, he’s a bit of an industrial spy. (More about that later.)
When he finished school back home, his wealthy father presented him with a bill for $200,000. It was the estimated cost of his rearing and education. He has cleared that account; “Every last cent plus interest.” It was an exercise in “tough love” to ensure that he would not become a wastrel as many who inherit wealth often are.
Ariyanto? began by investing? in real estate; starting with small prperties in marginal (read: dodgy) and inexpensive areas and gradually purchased larger holdings. Among his properties he now owns a luxury beachfront hotel on on Bali’s exotic beach. As a? Christian in the most populous Muslim nation on earth, He has sought to give back to the community and his country. He has built (and helps to sustain) a large Orphanage in the capital city of Jakarta. He has turned the management of the facility over to the Catholic Church of which he is a parishoner.
Oh yes, I said he was a spy. Ariyanto was toying with the idea of starting a backpacker’s hostel in Vancouver where he now makes his home. He had heard that the Canadiana had been voted the Best Backpacker’s Hostel in North America and he came to see just how we operate. The Canadiana is Toronto’s largest Backpacker’s Hostel; inspite of what our competitors claim and advertise. It consists of eight renovated Victorian houses (circa. 1889) and can? accommodate? more than 200 guests. We are located in the shadow of Toronto’s most famous landmark, the? CN Tower making us the most centrally located hostel in Toronto.
He liked what he saw but plans to make his hostel “more modern”. Big mistake. It is the “Old World” charm that makes our hostel unique and provides the homelike ambiance that travellers find so appealing. Whatever Ariyanto decides, we wish him well.
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Hey people just to let you all know, the pub crawls were? quite a success , thanks to everyone who participated! Especially on \\\”drag\\\” night. It\\\’s not my thing (honest) but if dressing up as a woman can make others have a good? time then my work there was done. But in all fairness, we did make for some very scary looking women. It was a very funny night looking back on it. I? really enjoyed? organizing an? event night and I plan to go back later in the year to do them again. Gand thereat hostel and good time`s. Until then…
all the best,
PEARCEY