Turkey is one of the world’s most popular destinations for tourists, and it’s easy to understand why. The year round sunshine and balmy climes while its European neighbours are battling the biting cold is just one. But the warmth doesn’t just come from the sun; it is also exuded from the Turkish people, who are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people on the planet. From the Blue Mosque and spice bazaar in Istanbul to the Ottoman … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2008
Shurniak Art Gallery Pays Tribute to Canada’s Pioneers
"You will not believe it! It's one of Canada's great museums here in the heart of the prairies." Patricia, a Saskatchewan tourist official commented as we stopped in front of the Shurniak Art Gallery, in Assiniboia, - a small town of some 2,305 souls that caters to a farm population in the surrounding countryside. She went on, 'Would you have thought that this small town would have a fine art gallery?' The Shurniak Art Gallery would not exist … [Read more...]
Guide to Cyprus, the Bridge to the Middle East
One glance at the map will tell you why this tiny Mediterranean country, handy to three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa, has become the playground of the international set. And it's easy to see why for long distance travelers from the U.S., for instance, it's the ultimate vacation add-on to a trip to the Middle East. Prepare yourself for a balancing act when you come to the Republic of Cyprus. This sunny island is so blessed with … [Read more...]
New Orleans
Welcome to Southern Louisiana! Or if you prefer, Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll). Here, in the "south" the people are friendly, the food is amazing and music is an ingrained part of people's daily life. It has been many years since the disastrous events of Hurricane sisters Katrina and Rita. Today there is little evidence of their disastrous swaths - now you actually have to look to find it. Time heals physically but … [Read more...]
Day 1 – New Orleans
Any trip to this part of Louisiana should start with a stay in New Orleans, specifically in the French Quarter. What better a place to call home for a few days than the Hotel Monteleone . This hotel dates from 1886, is still family owned and is located in the heart of New Orleans's French Quarter. It is definitely "the" hotel to stay at in this part of the city. In the mood for decadence and elegance - Hotel Monteleone serves this up by the … [Read more...]
Day 2 – New Orleans
Breakfast Cafe du Monde ,located at 800 Decatur Street, is an ideal location for breakfast. This is the original Cafe du Monde location - with a number of other branches mostly in and around New Orleans, as well as a large international presence exclusively in Japan. The cafe is located near the shores of the Mississippi River in the French Quarter this is where you come for French-style beignet pastries and coffee. You can drive here or … [Read more...]
Day 3 – Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville is a small town along the Mississippi River about 55 miles west of New Orleans. With friendly locals, quaint shops, galleries, two museums (Historical Donaldsonville Museum and the River Road African American Museum & Gallery), a historical district and good restaurants, one can easily spend a half day here. The nation's first African American mayor was elected to office in Donaldsonville in 1868, merely three years after the end … [Read more...]
Day 4 – Plantations, Bayou
Rosedown Plantation is located at 12501 La. Hwy. 10 in the West Feliciana Parish; this is the quintessential Southern Louisiana plantation experience. Rosedown was established in the 1830's by a wealthy couple. At the height of their prosperity this plantation contained over 3400 acres and several hundred slaves. The grounds are gorgeous - in the summer full blooming pink crepe myrtle trees are draped with long hanging Spanish moss. In the … [Read more...]
Day 5 – Breaux Bridge, Music
Travelers who enjoy crawfish and or Cajun and Zydeco music, a visit to the town of Breaux Bridge is mandatory. Restaurants in this town were among the first in Louisiana to offer it on their printed menus, the crawfish etouffe, now common in southern Louisiana was invented here and the annual Crawfish Festival is held in the first week of May. You haven't seen a festival like this one before; features a crawfish eating contest (current record is … [Read more...]
New Orleans – More Info
A must visit site to help with your trip planning is the Louisiana Office of Tourism: Visit - www.louisianatravel.com Click the thumbnail to the right to view a full size map of select locations highlighted in this guide. New Orleans is one of America's most unique and culturally intriguing cities. with it's own 'culture', food and music, the city attracts people from all over the world. Plenty of events are held throughout the year … [Read more...]