Strange Characters in the City

Living in a large city has its pros and cons. I grew up in a much smaller city halfway between Toronto and Ottawa for about 20 years before going to university (in another small city). I have very few memories of seeing "odd" characters roaming around my hometown. 

An actual street in Toronto

In the past 5 years I have lived in Toronto (I can't believe it's been 5 years!), I have seen my fair share of interesting people. I've learned to just smile/laugh in my head and keep on walking. 

I thought I'd share a few with you today!

Disclaimer, I know that some of these individuals may have mental health issues or have had a troublesome past/life. I do not mean to poke fun at that aspect of their life.

Snortin' George. 

Friends, I don't even know what to say about this character. I initially saw him about a year ago and since then I usually see him 3-4 times a week at my subway stop in the morning. He will sit in the subway tunnel with all of the other commuters reading the newspaper. When the subway arrives, he will get up and walk over to the doors and get on. What happens next, every single time, basically makes my week. He will start snorting with his nose so loud and sing "MY NAME IS SNORTIN' GEORGE *SNORT, SNORT*, MY NAME IS SNORTIN GEORGE!" The expressions the other riders give are priceless. Sometimes I will be a few cars away and then I will hear him! Just stop and picture yourself, peacefully riding the subway and this happening. Hilarious.

The best part is that I know he is going to do it, whereas most others don't think anything of him and are so confused when he starts. 

George, you are just priceless and sometimes make my Monday mornings that much more enjoyable.

Believe in the Lord guy. 

Again, I want to preface by saying I am a Catholic and DO believe in the Lord and am a strong supporter of talking about your faith, so I am just putting a disclaimer out there that I am not poking fun at that. 

There is this man who stands at the corner of one of the busiest intersections in Toronto (Young/Dundas). He stands there silent as hundreds of people pass by him. Every few minutes or so, when someone walks by extra close to him, he will SHOUT at the top of his freakin' lungs - BELIEVE IN THE LORD!!!! It startles everyone. I've learned to prepare myself when I walk by him, but even still, startles the heck out of me. 

Girl who walks around with a bald eagle like it's normal.

I saw this girl back in the summer walking down a major street and thought perhaps it was part of some educational series. She looked like an ordinary teenage girl but was carrying the largest eagle/bird/SOMETHING on her shoulder. She had it's foot attached to a leash which she then held onto with her hand. The wing span on this creature was probably larger than my own. I have since seen her one other time and have come to the conclusion that she is not part of an educational series but rather just likes to walk around with it. Is that even legal??? Seriously.

Our Mayor. 

I don't follow politics that much. In fact, I actually really don't enjoy politics but I thought this post wouldn't be complete without putting Rob Ford in it. Even if you aren't from Toronto, I am sure you have heard of how wonderful our city mayor has been lately. He has made headlines all around the world, has had mentions on Jay Leno and every other night show possible as a result of some interesting controversies. 

For a synopsis of all the scandals and controversies, feel free to check this timeline out:

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/photos/rob-ford-a-chronology-of-controversies-1383234617-slideshow/mayoral-candidate-rob-ford-photo-1383237201588.html

I still don't understand how he is mayor (even if none of those controversies are true). He REALLY bothers me. 

Do you have any strange people you see regularly in your city?