When I visit someplace for business or pleasure, I often buy something local as a souvenir of the trip.

But except for browsing in bookstores, I’m not much of a “recreational shopper” at home: for myself, I shop only when I need something specific, and I’m as efficient as possible about it. If a friend likes to spend time that way, I’ll go along, but more for the conversation and the fun of spending other people’s money than for any intrinsic enjoyment I get from the activity.

So going to Buffalo just to shop holds no appeal for me. Given the distance from Toronto, I’d think that much of the savings might be swallowed by the costs (in gas, for instance) of the trip itself.

Nah. When I said cross-border visiting, I meant visiting people.