We were a busload of older women off on a jaunt on a hot day in July. Departing from a Montreal seniors’ center, we rode off to Mirabel, located in the Lower Laurentian Hills. In less than an hour we arrived at Routes des Gerbes d”Angelica, a collection of 14 themed gardens which are the creation of 20 retirees who have invested their money and the rest of their lives, it seems, into creating and sustaining a sanctuary of natural beauty. Most of … [Read more...]
Top 10 Unique Activites When Visiting Canada
Canada is mostly known around the world for its cold weather and a lot of frozen, barren land. The majority of visitors only visit the major cities of Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, thinking that is all Canada has to offer. Well, there is a lot more to this country than meets the eye! We have picked out 10 unique activities visitors can do on their trip to Canada. But before you embark on the trip, make sure you are covered with IEC … [Read more...]
Top 11 Things to Do in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile
The name of Montreal's Golden Square Mile or Le Mille Carré, a square mile of signature historic blocks at the heart of downtown at the foot of Mount Royal, traces its origins back to 1950s real estate developers promoting the area's prosperity. Today, "Golden" more aptly describes the stellar array of attractions available within such a small radius. In 1983, only 30% of the district's historic buildings survived the wrecking ball due to … [Read more...]
Je Me Souviens Quebec / I Remember Quebec
“Quebec is the most beautiful city in North America I’ve seen.” – Sebastian Bach Leaving aside that Sebastian has quite clearly never been to Puebla, Mexico, I am inclined to agree with him. Quebec, indeed, is a most fanciful city, romantically trapped in an era long gone and full of Old World charm. I first visited it on a day trip from Montreal with my dad fifteen years ago. Dare I steal Quebec’s honored motto of “Je me souviens” (I … [Read more...]
Adventure Travel in Quebec
“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventure.” I admit I only know a little about Quebec, that francophone region located right in the heart of North America. I am aware that it is Canada’s second largest (and second-most populous) province. And that 90% of its population lives within just a couple of hours of the border with the United States. But what about the other 10%? Where and how do they live? What’s there to do beyond … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday Montreal, 375 Years Young!
THE BIG 375 The candles are lit, the streamers are ready – Montréal is officially turning 375 this month. And boy, are we putting on a show! We’re lighting up Jacques-Cartier Bridge, inviting Giants over, celebrating history with Cité Mémoire and the St. Lawrence River with AVUDO, and praising the powers that be with AURA at Notre-Dame Basilica. Won’t you come see? THE STREETS COME ALIVE From July 6 to 30, 2017, Montréal’s already animated … [Read more...]
Wow Air Announces Chicago as its 10th North American Destination
Iceland’s WOW air to begin service from O’Hare International Airport starting at $99 CHICAGO – WOW air, Iceland’s ultra-affordable transatlantic airline, will begin landing in the Windy City July 2017, with the inaugural flight from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on July 13, 2016. It’s true; Chicagoans will have access to low-fare travel to Iceland, and WOW air’s other European destinations, as of this summer. Tickets from O’Hare to … [Read more...]
Expat Advice on Starting a Business in Belize
Belize is all the buzz these days for expats looking to downsize their expenses, live the simple life and retire in a picturesque setting sure to be the envy of their friends and family. So you’ve got the itch to pack your bags, but maybe you’re not ready to hang your hat or your nest egg isn’t quite ready to hatch? If you’re considering the good life in Belize and wondering what it takes to start a business, here’s some advice from 4 expats that … [Read more...]
Varadero, Cuba’s Pampered Tourist Siren
It’s a beautiful resort but it’s not Cuba. More tourists are found here than Cubans. It's only a showplace for tourists", the young Cuban lady guide explained, as she began to give us an overview of Varadero. Her words, more than volumes of reporters' stories, sum up what the local Cubans think of Varadero - the country's top tourist attraction. Everything in this resort of some 20,000 inhabitants is geared toward foreign visitors who are … [Read more...]
The Rift Valley Mountain Trek to Petra, Jordan
Day 1 We began our hike under the 2pm sun from Dana Guesthouse, at about 4,300 feet (1300 meters) above sea level. The beating sun shone down on us intensified by the absence of shade and starkness of our rocky surroundings. Fortunately the hike descended down the side of the rugged mountains until we reached the canyon wash. The three of us were the only ones here - perhaps we were slightly nutty considering really very few people make this … [Read more...]