Rome to London Chapter 3

From Venice which we left later in the afternoon and travelled north through Verona, Milan and on to the Italian Lakes where wer stayed at the Continental Hotel. A very nice dinner included this evening and some socializing and good laughs were had by all. We are the off for a good night sleep to start our journey in the morning.
Arrivederci to Italy as we head for Lucerne, Switzerland. Away early to get ahead of the conjested traffic which can easily happen in Europe. A quick stop for washrooms and snacks then on to the Swiss Alps with spectacular views of traditional Swiss farmhouses set on the mountainsides.
We arrive in the village of Stans where we board the open car, funnicular railway and then transfer onto the modern cable car that takes us up to the top of Mt. Stanzahorn at a height of 6300 feet. The panoramic views were amazing, the weather was sunny and clear. We took a little walk past Heidi's cottage, up the paths to see more panoramic views from all sides. There was time to sit and have lunch taking in the views from either the revolving restaurant or outdoors on the patio. On our descent, we passed quaint Swiss farms with Swiss Brown cows and calves eating right along the mountain side.
We are then shuttled 5 minutes away, to board the private cruise line where you could sit inside or up on the top deck where we all chose to sit on such a beautiful day to enjoy the warm, sunny weather, have a drink and enjoy the scenic views of the lake with aqua bluewaters and spectacular homes of the rich and famous. The captain was excellent, speaking of the points of interest along the way and keeping it light with a bit of humor. There was a large statue of Jesus with his arms extended over the shoreline and he explained it was to signify the blessing of the lake and the people of Lucerne, but also being an avid fisherman himself he said they also say it is to let us know the size of the fish caught in the lake which got a good chuckle for all of us.
We docked into the city of Lucerne and a short walk up to our hotel to the Hotel Weinoff, a centrally located hotel in town. After checking in and freshening up we take a stroll to view the points of interest, including the Lion Monument, the old Swiss architecture, the covered bridge and we all noticed how clean and neat the city is. We had time for shopping and looking at the Swiss made merchandise, the most popular being the Swiss watches, army knives and clocks. Our included dinner was wonderful, Beef Stroganauf and a night stroll through the town to walk off all the calories. Once again we say Auf Wiedersehen to Lucerne and Switzerland as we head to France and say Bonsoir to Paris.

Rome to London Chapter 2

Sunday Sept 27
Into Venice after driving from Rome, we arrive to our quaint cozy Hotel El Burchito. Everyone loved this hotel because of its homey feel, filled with comfortable antique furnishings and excellent service as the manager was a five golden key member.
Had time to freshen up and we are off to Venice to experience a Gondola ride with the authentic drivers in their striped shirts and straw hats. We are serenated down the canals with music and champagne.
We then have time for an evening cruise lookin at the rich and famous homes along the canal. Back to our hotel for an enjoyable dinner included with the hotel.
A good night sleep is had by all and we are up for an early start on Monday to see more of Venice by day. We board the water taxi and cruise by some large ships and ferries. They come from the mediterrain and and Adriatic Sea, a four hour ferry to Greece.
Once we land in Venice, we meet our local guide, Guiddo who takes us round the streets of Venice and tells of the most interesting stories of the history of Venice. We cross the famous Rialto Bridge, squares and the residence of where Marco Polo Family lived.
We then come to the famous St. Marks square in time to hear the bells chime that have been ringing for 400 years.
We say goodbye to Guiddo and walk down the lanes and across the bridge into the Murano Glass Company where we see a demostration of glass blowing by master craftsmen. The Venician Glass is magnificent and worth seeing.
Once we leave the Murano Glass shop, everyon has time to shop and have lunch in the square. The ladies were quite pleased as some serious shopping was done. we board the water taxi back to the main land and then hop on our air conditioned coach and head north to the Italian Lakes.
The weather so far on our trip has been magnificent to say the least. The days in Rome and Venice have been 25 to 28 degrees celsius and looks like it should stay like this as we continue on our Journey from Rome to London with Trafalgar Tours, our group of 10 with Deb Peters and other travelling friends that we have met on this tour, a total of 38 passengers.
Our Tour Director, Craig Hill has also been magnificent and we look forward to more exciting days ahead, so stay tuned for the next chapter.

Rome to London

Deb Peters escorted group with Trafalgar Tours

We arrived safely in Rome on Friday, September 25th after a over night flight with Air Canada. Eventhough everyone was tired it was wonderful to be in Europe and for some of us the 1st time. The weather was close to 30 and sunny.

Trafalgar picked us up at the airport and took us through the Ancient Gates of Rome and through downtown to our hotel, The Rouge et Noir.

After meeting our tour director, Craig Hill, we settled into our rooms for a little rest and then it was off to a Welcome Dinner and Rome at Night Highlights.

Everyone slept well that night and we were ready to go after a continental breakfast at the hotel and we were off to see the Collesium. It was amazing. The history with our tour guide Danielle was detailed and very interesting and humorous. After lunch at a Cafe overlooking the Collesium we headed to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. The great thing about our tour was we did not have to wait in any line ups. Michelangols masterpiece was magnificient.

The back to our room for a quick change and then to Dinner and the Trevi Fountain. There were many people throwing their coins into the fountain. One coin to return to Rome, Two to fall in love in Rome and three coins to marry in Rome.

Watch for the next chaper as we are off to Venice.

Denise to Los Angeles

People in LA are so nice, and so helpful, I can't wait to get there; even if it is just for 1 day.

We've booked a Mexican Riviera cruise for January and we're quite excited. Now that the big part is done (cruise and air) it's all about the details. We are going to overnight at an LAX hotel and then go to the port in Long Beach the next morning .

Our first step was figuring out how to travel the 1 hour from LAX to the pier. I always like to know my options, so obviously, the first one is to book transfers from the cruise line. But there was a little hitch in the return so I needed to know about cabs also. I found a cab company online and sent a message. I'm not sure I really expected to get an answer back - I was emailing from a country away, asking how much a trip would cost in January... pretty easy to dismiss a message like that. But, later that day, I heard from the manager of the cab company who not only gave me the estimated cost, but all sorts of helpful details for both parts of the trip, there and back. It was a long and detailed message and I was so grateful I wrote back to thank her for writing quickly and just generally being so great.

Then, we decided that for the afternoon/evening we are in LA we would spend it at the Santa Monica Pier. I searched their site to find out what there is to do. Turns out they have an aquarium but the winter hours are shorter and I was worried how much time it takes to get through. It's possible that after we land, check in, and catch the city bus to the pier we might not have time to enjoy all the fish exhibits. So, I found a contact and emailed them with my concerns. Again, I got a quick reply from the director of the aquarium who explained how long an average visit could take as well as giving me some information on their exhibits, the best days and times to visit, when feedings take place, and all sorts of other good information. So, once again, I was pleasantly surprised at the help I was getting.

Then, I noticed there's a Mexican restaurant at the end of the pier, and we NEVER turn down a Mexican restaurant (we've been known to take a trip to Grand Forks just to get a good burrito for dinner!) Once again, I sent an email from the website, asking if they recommend reservations on Saturdays, or if they even accept reservations. I explained we weren't coming for another 4 months, but I just wanted to work on "my plan". I was worried we would get all the way there and not be able to get in and have to find somewhere else to eat (and it wouldn't be Mexican). Within a couple hours I heard back from the restaurant manager saying that they don't normally take reservations, but for us they would, I could just send him an email the week before we get there. Amazing.

Three for three. You get so used to sending emails to companies that are never returned, and here I had three different responses within hours. And not just generic responses, but honest-to-goodness help. Especially the restaurant manager who's breaking the rules to help us out.

Makes me feel pretty darn good about getting there and meeting these awesome people!
For anyone who's going to the area, here are my recommendations - without even having been there yet.

For cabs, there's Long Beach Yellow Cab.
At the Santa Monica Pier you can visit the Aquarium for only a $2 entrance fee.
For dinner, hit the Mariasol Mexican Restaurant right at the end of the pier.

Oh, an email just popped up on my computer. Now I'm 4 for 4. I emailed LAX because I needed some information that I couldn't find on their site.

This is shaping up to be a pretty darn good trip!

Get to know MB - Lower Fort Garry

Hmm, the things you didn't know you didn't know....

We went to Lower Fort Garry on Saturday morning (beautiful weather, crowds hadn't arrived yet - absolutely perfect) and learned a lot that we had somehow avoided learning over the years! I've probably been to LFG a half-dozen times and thoroughly enjoyed each one, but it's always been on our own time, no tours. What a mistake.

We got there shortly before 11 on Saturday and they told us there was a tour starting in about 10 minutes so we decided to wait and take the tour. Great decision!

This was the last weekend of the year with the costumed interpreters. --For those of you who have not been there before, in the summer they have volunteers in period clothing acting as various members of the fort explaining different aspects of their position or fort history.

Our guide ?Steve? Greyeyes, maybe? (My memory's a bit fuzzy, but his name definitely started with an "S"); my lack of recollection doesn't reflect on his presentation at all. It was an interesting, amusing and informative tour and I can't believe I haven't taken it before. He was absolutely excellent.

Mr. Greyeyes, who is a full time employee of Parks Canada, lead the tour as Governor Eden Colvile who resided at the fort in the early 1850's.

Did you know that the fort served as a penitentiary and an insane asylum?? Or that a blacksmith earned BIG bucks and not just anyone could become one? How about the fact that the walls, in some places are only 6 feet high, but originally were supposed to be built to a height of 14 feet?

All these years we just wandered around the site, enjoyed the accents and stories of the volunteers and never really got deeply into the whole history of the fort.

The usual tour (which is free, you just pay the regular entrance to the fort whether you take the tour or not) is 45 minutes, but because we had kids in the group it was whittled down to 25 - and we still got a great amount of information. Then, at the end of the tour, which takes you around, but not in any of the buildings, you're free to wander through the rest on your own time.

For the oldest intact stone fort in North America it's in amazing shape! Nothing is run-down or shabby looking, and many buildings are filled with artifacts. The store is fun, to see all the goods that were used and consumed back then. The warehouse is another great building, with many different furs to try to identify.

There's even a bakery, where you used to be able to buy bread to take home. And the blacksmith shows you how to make a nail the hard way - and then lets you keep it as a souvenir. And in the Big House (Governor's House) they explain why they have the fire going outside during the summer. At the Men's House, it's divided into 2 sections: one side is where they sleep most of the men (on the tiniest beds you've ever seen), and the other half of the building was for men who had gotten married, but not built their house yet, so they could share some private space with their new wife. I also remember on previous visits, watching the girls at the Guest House or Farm Manager's House making tallow candles.

This season has wrapped up, but you really should put it on your family's To Do list for next summer. It's a great way to spend a few hours, getting a great history lesson right here at home! And a family of up to 7 people (2 adults) can get in for just under $20.

But when you go, don't make the mistake we did. We missed a small sign on the front door of the interpretive centre that said no food or drink. So when we took a midday break to eat some apple slices we were definitely "corrected" by an angry volunteer. :)

From 10 years old to 56, the whole group had a great time. You will too!

Get to know MB - Assiniboine Park Zoo

What a great day Saturday! Warm but not hot, slight wind but not gusting. A perfect day to spend 3 hours at the zoo!

We hadn't been in several years and decided it was time to take a visit again. We live in St. James so we walked over the zoo to begin our adventure.

You may have heard the announcement a while back that the zoo was FINALLY going to be getting much needed upgrades after all these years of decline.

Our first peek at the changes was when we were at the ticket booth and there was a sign that the bear enclosures were closed for renovations. Sad to miss out, but there are so many other wonderful things to see and do.

Turns out there were several things under construction or being prepared for construction, but you should still get out there and enjoy.

First, even with several animals removed and cages empty, there was still enough to fill 3 hours. Plus you can let the kids spend time at the playground or grab a bite at the Carousel Restaurant to extend your day. Second, this is your last chance to see the "old" zoo before the changes really start to take shape.

For instance, the old Panda exhibit is being remodelled and portions torn down to make a brand new Lion home.

And, as luck would have it there were actually a couple bears out, including the white black bear. But, that was offset by the Bison herd that had been moved so we didn't get to see the white bison.

The prairie dog exhibit and Discovery Centre (with those CUTE little meerkats) are always a hit, but improvements are needed and welcome.

I highly recommend a stroll through the zoo during our expected good weather this weekend. Take in a piece of history (the zoo was built in 1904) and watch a new history rise up.

And for anyone who isn't convinced about the good zoos do, with educating the public, breeding endangered species, and such; just look at the animals that they give a home to who otherwise would not make it in the wild. Like the pelican blind in one eye, crocodile blind in one eye, or the birds with broken wings. Each of these likely wouldn't stand a great chance on their own, but here they have a long and healthy life ahead of them. And they are planning on building a bear enclosure for orphaned cubs who have little chance of survival.

All of these exciting changes are expected to take 10 years to complete. You could probably go every year and see a new zoo each time.

And I think I just might!

Pictures:

1 of 2 cougars

Pelican blind in one eye who catches food in his mouth if you drop it on his good side!

White black bear

Prairie Dog

Mother and Baby peafowl

Get to know MB - Mini Golf!!

I know Manitobans are all about the golf, but what about the shorter version - mini-golf? We took a family day this past Saturday and decided to tour the south end of the city and hit all the mini-golf courses. Checked the Yellow Pages and we had 4 to enjoy; and then we were going to cruise into Lorette to have lunch at the Drive In.

First stop, Golfland. It's on Niakwa, just by the Mint. We've been going here for years and years, and it used to be $1.50 to golf. Now it's $4 but they've updated so it's okay. And $4 still isn't going to break the bank. Their theme is The World, and each hole is a different country. They used to have a Mt. Fuji at Japan but it was nearly impossible to get the ball in. It took so many tries you'd finally give up, so they pulled that out. Now Japan is just two little ornaments/statues sitting beside the hole - pretty funny. A good, simple course, nothing really challenging and just great fun for the family. We even had a family tournament here years ago and everybody really had a great time.

They also have a driving range and baseball practice area, but for us it's all about the mini-golf.

Next, we hop on the #1 towards Tinkertown, Fun Mountain and Grand Prix, all close together. But first, we decide we're going to grab lunch. So, into Lorette we go and enjoy burgers and perogies at Brian's Drive In. It was a cool day, but still lots of families out for ice cream.

After lunch, we hit Grand Prix Amusements. Even though they have about a dozen different games/rides, (the biggest and best known being their go kart track) we're just there for the Pirate Golf (you may have seen the Jolly Roger flying high on the ship at the front of the park). But, once I'm standing in line, I can't help but buy tickets for the Balloon Bomb. For $1 you get 3 water balloons. There's three of us, so my step-son and I decide to take 5 balloons against hubby's 4 balloons. You stand under a partial roof and slingshot your balloon to the other side, trying to burst it right in front of them, or else get it through an opening in the roof and drop it right on their head! We did terrible. We either over or under shot and never got him once. Unfortunately, after his first shot landed in the parking lot, he figured it out and we paid the price!

After getting soaked, now it's time to dry off while we mini-golf. This is a really fun course, well laid out and lots of variety in the holes. None of them are so challenging that they're not fun, but none are completely easy either. And we even had a hole in one!

From Grand Prix we head down the highway to Tinkertown and Fun Mountain. They're on the same road so this makes it easy. BUT, while we're driving by we can't see any mini-golf in Tinkertown. And I don't remember seeing it when I was there a couple years ago. So we stop at Fun Mountain first.

They were listed in the Yellow Pages for mini-golf and we're excited to try this course that's new to us. We had no idea they had a mini-course. Up to the ticket window we go and there's no price for mini-golf listed. When I ask the girl behind the counter, it turns out they have a "private" course, for swimmers only!!! You have to pay the $10 (or whatever) entrance fee to the park, and then still pay the $5 for the golf game. Oh no! While I'm trying to reason with the girl to let us in because we're obviously not there to swim and they DID list it in the phone book without any notation about it not being for the general public, but only for park visitors, a security guard comes by and decides to let us in! Yay!!! I didn't get her name, but she showed us the way to the mini-golf course. Thank you! I really wish they could open it up to everyone because it was a super course. It was so much fun, it was the best of the day! After our game, as we're leaving, we stopped by the front to let her know we're on our way out and thank her again for helping us out.
After we leave, we drive by Tinkertown again and still can't see a golf course, and parking is pretty bad, so we decide to call it a day without trying Tinkertown.

Outside of the south, there's only a couple other options that we're aware of - Golf Dome and Tuxedo. Plus I've heard a rumour there may be one in Lockport so we're looking into that. We'll save those for another day!

Get to know MB - St. Norbert Farmer's Market

Mmm, mmm, mmm. 9:30 in the morning and still those deep-fried perogies and Bison burgers are pretty hard to resist. Went to the St. Norbert Farmer's Market (one of several options these days around Winnipeg) on Saturday morning and even in the rain it's still a hoppin' place.

If you've never been, you have to go at least once. If getting your food fresh, local and direct from the grower isn't enough to convince you to check out a farmer's market, then think of the savings. In the store you can pay $3/lb for green peppers and $4-5/lb for coloured peppers; at the market they're all the same price and it's about a buck and a half. They may not be as big, or as pretty, but they're just as delicious!

And it's not just about the food either (got a GIANT handful of dill for $1.50; peas were picked just that morning; fresh smokies from the farm, vacuum-packed; fudge; baked goods; honey products; and on, and on.) There's also plants, with different vendors offering cut flowers, annuals, perennials and Manitoba native plants. And inside the tents are where you can find crafts and other handmade items. I've picked up tea towels with the button to attach to the appliance handle, and there's paintings, baby clothes, jewellery, bird houses, homemade organic dog treats - so much to check out.

If you've never been, it's just down Pembina Hwy, outside the perimeter in St. Norbert. Trust me, you won't miss it. The street is lined with cars and people are dashing across with their bags of goodies. And too, remember to take your reusable bags to throw all your veggies and great finds into.
Open until Halloween this year.
Saturdays 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesdays 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm, July, August, & September.

Paula's Ontario Vacations

I thought we had seen it all but apparently there was more to Sarnia than we thought. We had missed the whole downtown area which turns out is quite nice. We found out in time and went down this morning and just wandered along Front Street browsing in the little boutiques, looking at the local wares. We stopped for a cup of java and a yummy snack at the local Coffee Store, Coffee Culture. They made an excellent Vanilla Latte and homemade raspberry white chocolate scone in a comfy atmosphere with great service. We also picked up some great souvenirs from a quaint used book store that also sold hand made glass jewellery, ornaments and nicknack's which they created right there in the back studio.

After a picnic in the park down on the waterfront we head back home for a nap. The temperature was 28 degrees Celsius today but the humidity is over whelming at times. It's like you have just stepped into a sauna, nothing stays dry. But we are not complaining as we know winter is just around the corner.

Tonight we are heading back to Cantara Park Beach to have one last swim in the lake before we head back to the Peg. And hopefully we'll make it to Ice Cream Galore for a special treat, supposedly a must while here in town.

Until next time, Safe Journeys.

Paula's Ontario Vacation

I can't believe the vacation is coming to an end. Our 10 days have pasted by quicker than I would like but such is life... time flies when you are having fun :)

We have fallen in love with the city of Sarnia. You have everything you need in this quaint little port, Tim Hortons and Starbucks, a play park on every corner, a modern mall with all your major shops and you are never more than 5 minutes from a beach. We spent a few days at Mike Weir Beach Park, turns out Mike Weir grew up in this town. But thats only one choice out of many to catch some rays and play in the waves.

After another amazing home cooked meal last night we headed down to the Bridge to watch the incredible sunset over Michigan. The Bridge is a very popular park here in Point Edwards. A beautiful boardwalk lines the shore with periodic small beaches you can climb down to if you feel adventurous. There are two towering bridges over the St Claire River that connect Sarnia to Michigan. You could swim across if not for the strong current that runs from Lake Huron into the river. Many young local folk jump into the river to see how far it takes them before they can make it back to shore. Point Edwards is also home to a very modern Casino.

Today we spent a fanastic afternoon at the local waterpark where we tried out the bumper boats, a round of mini golf and of course some very scary water slides. Althouhg the humidity in this region is quite high the weather has been absolutely perfect.

We plan on visiting the African Safari Park in Branford on the way back to Toronto. I will post some pics when we get home.