Where in the World? Week 32 - June 30, 2015

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below.

Check back next Friday (July 3) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

The Alamo Mission in San Antonio
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX
78205


Click here for more information.

My TO - June 30, 2015

The Rogers Centre
1 Blue Jays Way
Toronto, ON
M5V 1J1

The Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose centre in the central core of Toronto.
It is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

While it is mainly a sports venue, it also is used for other events such as concerts, conventions, and trade shows.





One of its most noteworthy features is its motorized retractable roof. This allows baseball to be played outdoors when the weather permits.

There is also a hotel built within the stadium with many rooms featuring views of the playing field.





Click here for more information.

Tea Break

Tea Break - Jenin, West Bank

Traveling tends to...

Thoughts and Tips #47 - June 20, 2015

In this issue:

Should holidaymakers to Greece be worried about a Grexit?
A literary stroll through Paris - Lonely Planet

It's Time To Get Away: 9 Signs Your Wanderlust Is Calling

13 Things Every Tourist Should Do In Toronto
Top 10 Island Cities - National Geographic Travel
Don't Throw Momma From the Boat: How I Survived a Danube River Cruise
World's Most Bizarre Food Etiquette Rules
McDonald's restaurant has a golden facade and spiral staircase


Should holidaymakers to Greece be worried about a Grexit?

Will it happen?

The dramatic game of brinkmanship over Greece's debts, reforms, and bail out funds has been dragging for months. But the rhetoric has intensified to a disconcerting extent over the last few days, and it does finally look as though we are nearing an endgame. What the result will be remains to be seen....
Read more...


A literary stroll through Paris - Lonely Planet

Image by Cultura Travel/UBACH/DELA/Photostock Getty

Paris is loaded with literary sights and stories. Over the centuries numerous brilliant writers, French and foreign, have used the City of Light as their setting. In the 1920s the city sparkled as a centre of avant-garde; and post WWII, the literati hung out in St-Germain des Pres. Take a day or two to transport yourself back in time with this stroll through Paris' literary history.
Read more...



It's Time To Get Away: 9 Signs Your Wanderlust Is Calling

Life can get pretty damn monotonous. On the road to figuring out who we are, we find ourselves becoming victims of routine. Our lives become about habits and schedules and we stop seeing the world in front of us. We live for the days, weeks and months ahead. We let the stress of our jobs, homes and...
Read more...


13 Things Every Tourist Should Do In Toronto

Cafe Diplimatico / © Alexia Wulff

Toronto, a thriving and magical city that resides on the shore of Lake Ontario, is a top destination in North America that brings in traveler from all over the world. This melting-pot booms with shops, nightlife and a restaurant scene that will satisfy any food lover's appetite. With an endless list of possibilities, here are 13 options that no visitor should miss.
Read more...




Top 10 Island Cities - National Geographic Travel

Photo Matthew Williams-Ellis, Getty Images

This list was first published in the National Geographic book The World's Best Cities.

Trogir, Croatia
Take an afternoon stroll with gelato in hand through the medieval maze of streets. Blessed with stunning nature and an easygoing pace of life, this immaculately preserved Adriatic fort may be just the perfect microcosm of Croatia.
Read more...


Don't Throw Momma From the Boat: How I Survive

Photo credit: Kathy Compagno

I am watching the season finale of "Downton Abbey" when my Mom calls to say that she wants to go on a Danube river cruise. Of course she does. It's Pavlovian, the Viking Cruises ad runs before each episode and the bells ring for the servants to attend to the aristocrats of the manor. "Ding, ding," Lady Mary calls for Anna and viewers hypnotically buy cruise tickets. After five seasons the image of the elegant ship sailing past the majestic...
Read more...


World's Most Bizarre Food Etiquette Rules

Illustration: Edwin Fotheringham

You have good manners, right? After all, you (usually) keep your elbows off the table and say "Please pass the salt," right? But when you head abroad, things get a little more complicated. Case in point: Rest your chopsticks the wrong way, and you might remind a Japanese friend of their grandfather's funeral...
Read more...

McDonald's restaurant has a golden facade and spiral staircase

This McDonald's restaurant featuring a perforated golden facade and a grand spiral staircase was designed by Dutch firm Mei Architects to replace "the ugliest building in Rotterdam" (+slideshow).

Located on Coolsingel, one of the city's most popular shopping streets, the two-storey structure was conceived by Rotterdam-based...

Read more...

Where in the world? Week 31 - June 19, 2015

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below.

Check back next Friday (June 26) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1N 9N4

Click here for more information.

PANAMANIA

Get ready for PANAMANIA!

It's the 35-day arts and cultural festival that is part of the Toronto 2015 PanAm/Parapan Am Games. Panamanian will feature music, theatre, dance, visual arts and fashion of the countries participating in the Games. Held at various locations around Toronto, the events are both free and ticketed.

For more information on PANAMANIAN CLICK HERE..

Toronto 2015 PanAmerican Parapan Games are coming.

The largest sporting event in Canadian history.

Featuring athletes from the Americas.

In just over 3 weeks! (July 10, 2015)

Capture the spirit!

Will you be there?

Join us!

Don't miss it!

For more information on Toronto 2015 PanAm/Parapan Am Games CLICK HERE.

Where in the World? - Week 30 - June 12, 2015

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below.

Check back next Friday (June 19) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

Democrary Monument
Bangkok, 
Thailand

Bistro des Artistes - Val David

Every once in a while you make a super find, often by chance...a great vista, great attraction, great accommodation, great restaurant.

I have had this experience in Val David, Quebec, about 100 kilometres north of Montreal. I found a great restaurant - Bistro des Artistes.

Found on the main street of the town, rue de l'Eglise, it sits along with many other nice looking storefronts.

Inside the restaurant is bright. White walls, red accents and great lighting give the bistro great appeal.

The menu has a nice variety of items - salads, burgers, pasta, fish, pizza, and not to be forgotten the 'specialité quebecoise' poutine. The fish and chips are also a highly recommended plate. It is amazing what a little imagination can do to even traditional dishes. Couple any of the items with a choice of wine or beer from their drink list. If you still have room, you can follow up your selections with a wonderful dessert from the dessert menu.

My personal menu choice was "La Poutine Général Tao". Being in Quebec I had to have poutine and I love the flavours of General Tao. I was not let down. The dish was presented with the usual fries and cheese curds. All of this was covered with chicken cooked in a wonderfully tasty, and lighter than many, General Tao sauce. The portion was ample and there was no scarcity of any of the ingredients. I accompanied the poutine with a Boreal lager.

The service was attentive. It began with a large bottle of cold water being places at my spot for my use. Once ordered, my beer was quickly brought to the table. The poutine was also served in minimal time.

The price was good for the quality and quantity - $17.25.

There is a nice sized patio out at the front. Unfortunately the weather of the day (rain) was not appropriate for sitting on it. I am sure in the good weather it is an ideal place to sit, eat, savour, and people watch.

I look forward to returning to the Bistro des Artistes and I highly recommend it for others to try.

Address: 24859 rue de l'Eglise
               Val David, QC
               J0T 2T0

Website - click here 

Thoughts and Tips #46 - June 7, 2015

In this issue:

-Ballooning over the Cappadocia's - Contented Traveller
-Tourists and thieves: Top 5 places to watch your pockets when you travel - Yahoo Finance Canada
-Incredible views from a plane window

-Throught the Eyes of a Traveling Child, Jamie & Felicia - An Epic EducationWagoners Abroad

-Top 5 castle hotels around the world | Fox News

-Leaving Sin City: Iconic Natural Wonders Near Las Vegas

-Trains in Thailand

Ballooning over the Cappadocia's - Contented Traveller




Tourists and thieves: Top 5 places to watch your pockets when you travel - Yahoo Finance Canada

Travel is hugely beneficial as it opens the heart and the mind to new cultures, but tourists should be aware that their minds may not be the only things being opened while they wander the streets of a foreign city.
Read more...







Incredible views from a plane window

It's one of my favourite things to do when I fly: watching the scenery that unfolds outside the plane window. As soon as the plane takes off, I'll turn on the flight tracking on the entertainment system and just gaze out the window. During my travel around the world, I've had the opportunity to see and (photograph) some of the most amazing plane views. They never fail to inspire! This inspiration is sufficient reason for me to book a window seat whenever possible. Six years ago...
Read more...


Through the Eyes of a Traveling Child, Jamie & Felicia - An Epic EducationWagoners Abroad

This is interview number fourteen in our series "Through the Eyes of the Traveling Child". We have more great traveling kids for you to meet!
Read more...

Top 5 castle hotels around the world | Fox News

Gayot

Sleep like a king (or queen) at these regal properties across the planet - literally! From Medieval-style English manors to and Indian palace in the middle of a lake, Gayot's Top 5 Castle Hotels give guest the royal treatment.
Read more...






Leaving Sin City: Iconic Natural Wonders Near Las Vegas

Las Vegas, you'll either love it or hate it.

I really don't think there are many for whom the thought of spending a week or two in Sin City inspires mediocre excitement of mild contempt. However, rest assured that, regardless of your inspiration for visiting Vegas's...
Read more...


Trains in Thailand

For quick reference, a map showing train, bus and ferry service in south-east Asia.
Read more...

Don't tell me how educated....

Get Ready!

Get ready for Toronto 2015 PanAmerican Parapan Games.
The largest sporting event in Canadian history.
Featuring athletes from the Americas.
In just under 5 weeks! (July 10, 2015)

Capture the spirit!
Will you be there?
Join us!
Don't miss it!

For more information CLICK HERE.

Thoughts and Tips #45 - June 6, 2015

In this issue:

-Traveling back in time (Part 2): Havana in pictures
-Should We Avoid Travel To Controversial Countries?
-6 Things That Might Change Your Mind about Cruise Holidays
-10 exotic places you can visit on $10 a day or less | Las Vegas Review-Journal

-5 Things to Discuss Before Your Child Travels with Another Family - Kids are a Trip

-Too Scared to Travel? Don't Be: Reflections on Stepping out of Mainstream Life to Travel The World | Indiana Jo
-29 Cheeses from Around the World - Contented Traveller

Traveling back in time (Part 2): Havana in pictures

Havana is a city with a very special character. I've never found that in any other city before. You feel like you travel back in time. Like time has stood still the last fifty years. You see all those old cars, architecture from the golden times, old style home decorations...
Read more...




Should We Avoid Travel To Controversial Countries?

Around three years ago today both Franca and I were at home sitting at our computers trying to tick off all of the last tasks we needed to complete before started our new life of full-time travel.
Read more...





6 Things That Might Change Your Mind about Cruise Holidays

Photo credit: Fotolia

The old stereotype about cruise holidays suggests that only people over the age of 70 with a penchant for shuffleboard can enjoy a holiday on the seas. However, all the major cruise lines have gone to great lengths to secure the custom and loyalty of families and younger cruisers over the past 15 years.
Read more...





10 exotic places you can visit on $10 a day or less | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Cambodia (Courtesy)

When you combine all of the expenses that go into travel, like airfare, hotels, food, sightseeing and more, the idea of picking up and exploring different corners of the world can seem too expensive for the budget-conscious adventurer. The good news is that some of the most exotic and unique international locations can sometimes be the most affordable.

Read more...

5 Things to Discuss Before Your Child Travels with Another Family - Kids are a Trip

Summer travel season is here, families are planning their vacations, and maybe you are bringing a friend along or another family has invited your child to travel with them. Before you count your lucky stars and agree to send your child off on a fabulous adventure, there are a few things you might want to discuss with your child and the other family.

Read more...

Too Scared to Travel? Don't Be: Reflections on Stepping out of Mainstream Life to Travel The World | Indiana Jo

It was my birthday yesterday, a day that always prompts in me a brief moment of reflection, probably more so than the turning of New Year.

And I have a confession: this year I have reached the grand age of 37. Yes, I know many of you are familiar with my 'travel age', which is 26 (though I think it is in need of revision), but my real age puts me in a peculiar no-mans land of ages. I'm no longer early thirties, not quite reached the petrifying concept of the big 4-0. As I like to put it, I'm on the wrong side of 30 and feel like I'm aging fast.

Read more...

29 Cheeses from Around the World - Contented Traveller

Let me paint you a picture. A bottle of Chablis, perhaps a Malbec, a picnic blanket, a baguette, a blue sky, a river babbling behind you ...and a cheese platter. Of course that someone special has bought prepared this picture for you.

Read more...

Istanbul Turkey Travel Guide - www.lifeisjoy.nl

This video is sure to make you want to book your flight, pack your bag and head off to Istanbul.

Where in the World? - Week 29 - June 5, 2015

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below.

Check back next Friday (June 12) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

Old North Church
193 Salem Street
Boston, MA
02113

Pastel di Nata

Pastel di Nata are a Portuguese treat. Basically it is an egg or custard-like tart. Not only are they found in Portugal, but also in other countries where there is a sizeable Portuguese population.

The story goes that egg whites were used to starch many of the clothing items of monks and nuns. In one monastery, the monks used the leftover egg yolks to make cakes and pastries. When the monastery was closed in 1834 the recipe was sold to a sugar refinery. The owners opened a business to sell the pastel, Fabrica de Pasteis de Belem, which is open to this day.

They are a treat not to be missed.

Thoughts and Tips #44 - June 4, 2015

In this issue:

-Traveling back in time (Part 1): Havana in pictures
-10 of the best museums in Europe... that you've probably never heard of
-4 Canadian Hidden Gems You Should Visit This Summer
-What to do in Daytona Beach, Florida
-22+ International Borders Around the World
-Visiting Mexico City on a Budget
-Getting through Customs - a harsh look at realities
-9 Surprising Passports Facts You Need to Know - SmaterTravel.com

Traveling back in time (Part 1): Havana in pictures

Being in Havana is like traveling back in time. You stroll through streets with beautiful architecture. Buildings are slowly derelicting but you can still feel and see the beauty of the past. Cars of the 50s are driving on the roads. And the atmosphere of this city simply expresses impermanence.
Read more...


10 of the best museums in Europe... that you've probably never heard of

Photograph: Alamy

Head to Europe on a city break and a museum trip is likely, but why not take a detour from the big hitters and try one of these excellent alternatives instead?
Read more...









4 Canadian Hidden Gems You Should Visit This Summer

Feflef | Flickr

Big name destinations like the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls get a lot of attention from visitors to Canada, but there are plenty of other less iconic spots in the country that deserve more love.
Read more...



What to do in Daytona Beach, Florida


As a year round family friendly destination, there is a lot more to Daytona Beach than just the tidal waves, year round sun, and car friendly beaches. In fact, Daytona is famous for hosting motorsports for over 50 years and is not home to the Daytona International Speedway as well as the headquarters for NASCAR and the Grand American Road Racing Association.
Read more...


22+ International Borders Around the World

History (and sometimes, unfortunately, current events) shows us just how easily national borders can change, but we still like to think that they are permanent fixtures. These photos of different national borders around the world show you how both friendly and hostile nations like to fence off their turf.
Read more...


Visiting Mexico City on a Budget

Mexico City is a must, at least, once in a lifetime. It is one of the most populated cities in the world. It is a very beautiful city, chaotic for some, colourful and diverse for others. The people are happy and friendly; the climate is perfect, not too cold, not to hot; it's a multicultural country with 63 indigenous languages; its cultural, natural and historical heritage is classified among the sites of UNESCO; and the food is delicious...
Read more...


Getting through Customs - a harsh look at realities

We have been strip searched in Sri Lanka, been caught in Japan with over the prescribed amount of liquid, been taken to a security room in Sydney, paid a 'bribe' fee in Indonesia, had an elephant take from us because its penis was too big, and been generally through any thing that anyone wants to throw at us.
Read more...













9 Surprising Passports Facts You Need to Know - SmaterTravel.com

Photo: LatitudeStock - Bill Bachmann/Getty Images

Did you know the U.S. government recommends you send your passport application in a special envelope? Or that losing a lot of weight may trigger the need for a renewal? Would you be surprised to find out that some people's passports are longer than short novels? Here are nine impressive, surprising, and vital facts about U.S. passports. You never know when one might apply to you.
Read more...

My TO - June 4, 2015

Florence Moosengale
Intergracare
396 Moore Avenue,
Toronto, ON

Florence Moosengale is one of the moose left over from the 'Moose in the City' exhibition in 2000.  Dressed for various seasons and special occasions, she greets passersby in midtown Toronto.