Here’s another entry about “friendships” made here at the Canadiana.
When people “meet” fellow travelers at a resort or a hotel they almost always become like “ships that pass in the night”. Brief encounters that live on in memory only.
But often – very often, in fact – people meet here at the Canadiana and true friendships are made.One summer, our guests included two very nice English couples. Lydia, or Lyds, or Tins? (don’t ask) was a Police Detective from Cheshire who was just completing a year-long, round-the-world adventure and was meeting here in Toronto, Andy (her significant other), a Police Sergeant (soon to be Inspector, we hope!) from the Cornwall Constabulary.
They met another English couple from the north of the UK named Keith and Mandy – Mands, for short – who were just beginning a year-long trip. Keith is a mechanical engineer originally from Northern Ireland and Mands is in Marketing. They really hit it off during a week long stay here in Toronto.
They then went their separate ways. Keith and Mands on their way to Oz via LA, Fiji and New Zealand. Tins and Andy on their way home.
It’s been a year-and-a-half and Mands and Keith have returned to the UK and have moved to Swindon in the South. The point of this entry is that these two nice couples have become fast friends and visit each other as often as they can, distances not withstanding.
They last got together during the Rugby World Cup (won by South Africa) when Andy and Tins drove to Swindon to watch the games on the “telly” at Mands and Keith’s new home. More than a few laughs had; more than a few pints downed; quite a few more memories safely banked.
These two couples have become fast friends and are not like ships in the night. And how do I know, you might ask? Well, they are all friends of the Canadiana’s too and we are also still in touch on a regular basis.
We’ll see you all for a drink when we get to the UK guys! Cheers!
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The two English couples enjoying “Dim Sum” in Toronto’s Chinatown. In the center (l. to r.) Andy, Tins, Keith and Mands.

A reunion in Cornwall last summer.
“Good Morning” from Cornwall, UK. Quite often the word ‘Stay’ is repeated in a friends vocabulary and in my opinion, TRUE friendships withstand distance, time lapses and general life getting in the way; you simply pick up where you left off. I loved Bills most recent entry and thank him from the bottom of our hearts again for making our time in Toronto extra special. A man of multiple, far reaching talent whose personal worldwide address book I’m personally a little envious of. He’s right though, when travelling, the ‘passing ships’ scenario is often the case. However, when we meet with our friends Mand & Keith, Bill is never forgotten and a glass (or a few) is always raised his way xx
Helloooo from freezing Swindon!!
Geeee, what can you say after that?
All we can say is how we appreciate the firm friendships we have made with Bill, Andy & Lyds we love every moment we spend with you guys and hopefully we will all get back to Toronto soon to catch up with Bill for Dim Sum brunches and beers galore!!! Love you all…Mand n Keith xoxox