This past week I jetted up to Canada to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as part of their invited press. While I don't pretend to be a bona fide film critic I can easily spot good direction, acting and writing when I see it and although not celebrity obsessed, I found myself a bit wrapped up with the glitz and glamour surrounding the star-studded event.

Toronto was a new destination for me so I was just as excited to check out the city and see how they rallied behind their festival.I was not disappointed. The entire city was abuzz with locals and visitors alike anxious to catch a glimpse of George Clooney, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly or any number of other big names descending upon the city. The weather was as beautiful as the people with cool breezes and sunny skies, only adding to the energy of Toronto.

Never having covered a film festival before, I was caught off guard by the lack of sleep I was about to experience. Endless hours of rushing off to movie premieres, party hopping and sightseeing consumed the days. From a Variety Magazine private event, a red carpet interview with Hugh Hefner (see video below), to attending a baseball game, I managed to squeeze in one activity after another between screenings. This city lives and breathes the movies during TIFF. Even the restaurants get into the act with special cocktails paying homage to the festival. My favorite? The Fairmont Hotel's "Festival Buzz" consisting of champagne, peach puree and honey made from their rooftop honeybees. (Yes indeed, they have beehives on the roof).

As I dashed to the airport to catch my flight back home I realized there was one movie which struck a cord with me; George Clooney's "Up in the Air," revolving around a businessman's obsession with collecting frequent flier miles. Hmm.I wonder why?

Safe Travels,
Lisa

Lisa Loverro is an independent travel journalist exploring the world for new and exciting adventures. She shares her experiences with us every Thursday through her column, Boarding Pass. Have a comment or question? Email her at Lisa@area-daily.com.