Posts

Bonjour Montreal,

A big "Bonjour" to Montreal, an international city located in the French speaking province known as Quebec. Situated on the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is easy to navigate whether you choose to bicycle, drive, walk, or rely on the dependable bus and subway system. I recently visited Montreal for the seventh time and I discovered places and things I never knew of in my previous visits. Whether you stay a day, a week, a month, or become a lifelong resident Montreal has much to offer. Let's explore the wonders of M O N T R E A L......... Rue Wellington in the heart of Verdun is  o ne of the coolest streets in the world. It's named for the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. Promenade Wellington is a 1.3 kilometer strip with over two hundred and fifty businesses. It's pedestrian friendly from June to mid September. Begin your adventure with an in-house drink at Cafe Komma Rosta. You can have your caffeine for the day with a mochaccino or enjoy som...

Destination Detroit! The Motor City with Attractions Galore!

Image
DETROIT, THE MOTOR CITY: I was born and raised in and around Detroit and as I get older I realize just how lucky I was to grow up in an international city known for architectural wonders, cultural stimulation, great dining options, Motown music, museums, nature, and proximity to Canada. Detroit, the Motor City has attractions galore. Enjoy Detroit! Here's a little Detroit History: The French word for Detroit is le Detroit, which means "strait." Detroit sits on a deep river named the Detroit River with spectacular views of  Windsor, Ontario, Canada. DETROIT was founded by French explorer Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac and about one hundred settlers on the 24th of July, 1701. Detroit was the first European settlement above tidewater in North America,   What started off as a fur trading city in the 1700's turned into a thriving hub of commerce and industry, eventually turning into a booming auto industry. attracting thousands of people with different ethnic backgrounds wh...

Cancun, Mexico, A Sunny Destination

Image
Today I've survived a major snowstorm that has dumped two feet of snow and brought icy road conditions, high winds, and frigid Arctic temperatures. I was able to walk two hundred yards to a local Mexican cafe to get a burrito and now all I can think of is that trip I took to Cancun, Mexico long ago. Cancun, a Mexican city on the Yucatan Peninsula that borders the Caribbean Sea has impressive turquoise colored beaches, and a numerous amount of resorts and nightlife. At this current moment in mid January it is 79F/26C in Cancun, a perfect temperature for boating, sunbathing, swimming, and walking along the beach. With its swaying palm trees, vibrant coral reefs, and unique archeological sites, Cancun is an ideal place to relax and have a sunny vacation. Top Things To Do In Cancun: 1. Sit on the beach with a refreshing beverage or find a hammock to swing on when you're not swimming in the beautiful turquoise water. 2. Spend time at Nichupte Lagoon, a paradise representi...

Iceland: Feel Some Healing in the World's Safest Country!

Image
                                                            Iceland is an expensive country but there are ways to enjoy it on a budget, such as staying in hostels and shopping for food at supermarkets like Bonus. Whatever your budget, you'll find Iceland to be full of natural wonders. The Icelandic people are friendly and welcoming to tourists. If you like traveling, add Iceland to your bucket list. ICELAN D , the land of ice and fire is a top tourist country destination and for good reason. ICELAND is currently the #1 safest country in the world. In Iceland you'll find plenty of pure air & water, and scenery that will take your breath away. From black beaches to glaciers & geysers, to beautiful healing lagoons and thermal pools, Northern lights, fjords, mountains, and a cosmopolitan city....these are just some of t...

Exploring the prettiest town in CANADA!

Image
This town in the province of Ontario was once named the prettiest in Canada by Queen Elizabeth II. What town is it? It's GODERICH! A port town, lovely Goderich sits on bluffs overlooking the majestic shores of a Great Lake known as Lake Huron. Goderich is an ideal place to spend the summer months. Whether you prefer surfing, swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding, you'll find the conditions the perfect fit for water sports. The sandy beaches allow for lounging and suntanning. Not to be missed is the lighthouse. You'll have to climb some steep steps but it's worth it for the magnificent views.  Goderich, Ontario, Canada happens to have the largest underground salt mine in the world. The Goderich Salt Mine, Compass Minerals salt mine is as deep as the CN Tower in Toronto.  The salt mine is 1,800 feet under Lake Huron. Over on 91 Hamilton Street the staff at Goderich Tourist Information Centre will happily provide all the information you need to make your stay in Goderich ...

ITALY ADVENTURE: ROAMING THROUGH ROME, ON YOUR OWN BEFORE HEADING HOME!

Image
Landing in Roma, Italia on the 10th of September 2022 was the cultural immersion I needed before heading to Italy's Tuscan region to study Italian at  Il Sasso Language Scho ol in Montepulciano. The long transatlantic flight along with jet lag, a delayed train ride from the airport to the city, and walking to my hotel with luggage in the heat made me almost faint from exhaustion. I was delighted when I finally made it to my hotel called "Astoria Garden." It was a cozy and peaceful inside and I was so happy that my room was ready. I had to pay the city of Rome tax and it took me five minutes to find some Euros in my handbag  Once I was officially checked in, I walked up a flight of steps to my room and immediately took a long hot shower. Afterward I opened my doors, stepped onto the balcony and looked at the architecture and lush gardens before me. A cup of cappuccino in the garden beckoned me but I was too anxious to begin exploring the "Eternal City"even thoug...

June Dreaming in Budapest!

Image
Europe is now in its warm season with everything in full bloom and long daylight hours for sightseeing. Filled with elegance, history, beauty, and cultural stimulation, Europe is a continent that ages like fine wine. A summer in Europe is a dream come true and Budapest, Hungary in the summer is a must stop destination.With its Old World Charm, Budapest is an architectural treasure. Bicycling or walking around this city provides one with an abundance of satisfaction. From healing thermal bath waters to a boat ride on the Danube to an evening of opera to eating legendary Hungarian strudel that satisfy your palate, Budapest is a world class destination that's divided in two by the Danube River. Buda is on the west and Pest on the east. Buda has a classier feel to it. It's a calmer side of the city for those seeking a more peaceful environment but it has important attractions; Parliament Building, Opera House, and Hero's Square which has Budapest Zoo, Szechenyi Baths, and the V...