Jazz & Rib Fest

From North Bank Park, festival goers can rent kayaks or canoes

  Becoming an annual staple for the hungry Halli, the Jazz & Rib Fest has mouth watering ribs from all over plus the sweet sounds of jazz.  This year we listened to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and sampled the ribs from Buckeye Back BBQ (www.buckeyebackribs.com) and from a place out of Mansfield called Hog Wild Barbeque (www.cantbeatjoesmeat.com). Since we arrived on Sunday after the awards had been given, some places were giving out free stuff - time to pack up and head out, right?  We enjoyed a free bologna sandwich and nachos from a nice rib team called Sweet Swine O'Mine.

The crowds were impressive probably due to the temperate weather conditions. 2011 was so incredible hot that you wanted to jump straight into the Scioto River!   Last year, we had also sampled a lot more ribs but had such a difficult time comparing we cut back this time.

The security measures of a mounted police force

Toronto

Another summer trip but this time we needed our passports!!

Our motivation to travel eight hours to Toronto, Ontario, was purely based on our desire to see the Cleveland Indians at an away game.  Which we did. Twice.  Friday's game was a win for the Tribe and Saturday was a very exciting game with a final score of 11-9, in favor of the Blue Jays.

We met many nice Canadians at Rogers Centre (formerly the SkyDome).  We sat next to some gentlemen that thought "these were real nice seats, eh?  Look at Bautista, right there, eh?" and next to a bachelorette party who had traveled from Sault Ste. Marie for the game and continuing bachelorette festivities.  Since we were near right field, we were also surrounded by a large quantity of Asians cheering for Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland's Korean right-fielder.  What an experience!

A ride up the CN Tower, a late night restaurant in a trendy part of town, and a Greek dinner in Greektown with my dad's cousins rounded out our international travels.  Now if I can just figure out how to spend my left over Canadian currency, I'll have it made.

Crossing the border.

The CN Tower

A quintet outside the Rogers Centre.

Looking down on the stadium from the CN Tower observation deck.

The street scene outside our hotel.  Notice the street car and speed limit sign.