Canada, sitting just north of the United States of America, consists of ten different provinces and three territories. It stretches to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean on the west side, and spans almost ten million square kilometres, making it the second largest country by total area. It’s a pretty fantastic place – although it was explored and settled by British and French forces from the … [Read more...]
Our Family Glory in the Holiday Attributes of Punta Cana
Thinking of the sun and palm trees, one snowy and stormy weekend in Toronto, I decided to take my daughter Muna, along my grandson Mazin, and his wife Margarita, as a belated honeymoon gift, to the Dominican Republic. Now as we explored the huge Bahia Principe resort complex in Punta Cana, the Republic's resort par excellence, we were living our dream. As we walked the white sandy beach, Mazin remarked, "A great trip! I love your … [Read more...]
Meredith – New Hampshire
If you're at all familiar with the Lakes Region in New Hampshire, then chances are you know the town of Meredith. Or did know it. If you haven't visited the tiny little community on Lake Winnipesaukee in the past 20-plus years, chances are you wouldn't recognize the place. What was once a sleepy little mill town - where an asbestos factory once loomed and was mostly just a cut through to the White Mountains – is now a bustling tourist … [Read more...]
Touring Toronto: Bruce Bell best man for the job
In 1966 Toronto, you could smoke in elevators, but men had to doff their hats. In the early 19th century, when Canada was very much British, you could be hanged if caught singing the pro-United States protest song "Yankee Doodle Dandy,". In the now super-trendy and expensive Yorkville section of the city, folk legends like Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot got their musical start during that neighborhood's edgy bohemian days. And … [Read more...]
Varadero Golf Club – A Paradise for Golfers
"I must come back and enjoy this golf course!" my colleague sighed as we stood beside the 'Xanadu Mansion', the Club House of the Varadero Golf Club - Cuba's only 18-hole golf course. He went on, "Imagine we can combine a holiday by everyday romping on this beautiful beach with its talcum sand and relaxing waters then play [playing] a game of golf. It will be a perfect vacation for golfers seeking a fulfilling holiday." My colleague had a … [Read more...]
Enjoying Sea and Sand in Varadero: A Catamaran Seafari
Through the years while visiting Cuba's resort spot Varadero, I have participated in its, many land and sea activities, but I had never taken a catamaran sea tour. However, today, this was to be remedied. I was on my way to join a catamaran safari - one of Varadero's top tourist offerings. Everything in Varadero, a town of some 8,000 inhabitants is geared toward foreign visitors. A spread-out town edged by 22 km (13.5 mi) of sugary- white … [Read more...]
Rambling Through Quebec’s Eastern Townships
I was glad the bus was air conditioned as our group of eight drove on that hot July day, through Quebec's Eastern Townships - a part of Quebec famous for its tourist appeal. I was happy and content. Inside it was cool and comfortable and outside it was a scenic world. The countryside was covered with flowers, greenery as well as cultivated fields. At times we drove through rolling hills; at other times through flat and fertile landscape. As … [Read more...]
A Safari through Cuba’s Wilderness Island
I felt content as our catamaran gently sailed through the gentle waters of Bahia de Nipes on our way to Cayo Saeta, located 120 km (75 mi) southeast city of Holguin in eastern Cuba. The bar on the catamaran was open and everyone in our group with drinks in their hands was enjoying the massage of the soothing breeze. We lazed in this glorious do-nothing atmosphere, thinking of the day we would soon spend on a pristine island, literally … [Read more...]
Exploring Havana: Queen of the Caribbean
To fully discover Havana both old and new, we decided to explore the city in two stages. In the morning, we would explore the new part by auto and in the afternoon roam through the old section by foot. I had visited Havana numerous times before, but I had not truly discovered the city. This time it was to be different. We began our exploration of Havana by car in the Miramar district, with its foreign embassies and plush hotels, in the new … [Read more...]
Relishing the Mountains and Forests of the Dominican Republic
Not that I was not enjoying the pleasures of Playa Dorado -Puerto Plata's chief resort area. In spite of all the tourist facilities a traveller could ask for, from casinos, fine restaurants to enticing sands, I developed the urge to explore the nearby region in the Dominican Republic. After studying what the numerous organized tours offered, I decided on the Santiago- Jarabacoa excursion - a trip which included the city of Santiago, … [Read more...]