A World of Images

Parks Canada

2011-12-31T11:50:00.016-05:00

Parks Canada celebrates its 100 anniversary in 2011 so what a better way to celebrate than to spend some time in the mountains. This is one of the many trips I have taken to the Rocky Mountains as well as one of my favorite places in the world. As Canada was expanding west, the Rocky Mountains were discovered and promoted as a vacation spot to wealthy European travelers who saw images of Canada as a wild and exotic land. The parks continue to attract tourists, adventurists and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. You will want to spend some time to hike, canoe, raft, ride the gondola, camp, ski, or just relax and enjoy the sites, the sounds and fresh mountain air. The national parks between British Columbia and Alberta are divided into 5 parks called Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Glacier/Mount Revelstoke. Must see spots are the village of Banff (ride the gondola, dip yourself in the hotsprings, take a boat ride on lake Minnewanka, eat a sweet 'beavertail' and enjoy is great restaurants and nightlife); Banff has become quite a tourist town and has changed over the years however thanks to regulations the town cannot expand anymore than it is. To have a more rustic and less tourist stay head up to Jasper, less busy and more wildlife. The hottest tourist draw is Lake Louis. A picturesque postcard make by nature. With a few hotels and restaurants you will fall in love with this magical spot. But do not miss Moraine Lake which is very close just as amazing. Fallow the icefields road to see the Glacier. Sadly, the glacier has been receding with the climate changes and could possibly disappear by the next century. Other spots to check out are Emerald lake, Takakkaw Falls, Rogers Pass. Wildlife is plenty however you won't see many animals near the roadside as a fence has been installed over the years to protect animals from traffic. Special thanks to Brewsters. Book excellent tours at: www.explorerockies.com

Just 4 Laughs Festival

2011-12-29T16:17:00.008-05:00

Just 4 Laughs is one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world. Check out the entertainment on the streets and the comic acts in Montreal.

Grafitti Art Competition

2011-12-29T16:12:00.003-05:00

Montreal Mode

2011-12-29T16:06:00.004-05:00

Outdoor fashion show in Montreal.

WBFF Championships 2011

2011-12-29T15:48:00.008-05:00

WBFF championships in Mississauga, Ontario. Bodybuilders and Fitness Models strut their stuff.

Divercite Montreal

2011-12-29T15:38:00.010-05:00

Yeah, life can be a drag sometimes so make sure you check out the wild life during the Divercity Festival in Montreal.

Pride Parade

2011-12-29T15:25:00.009-05:00

Nothing like a party to bring all people together; let your true colors shine at the Montreal Pride Parade.

Toronto Busker Festival

2011-12-28T14:53:00.012-05:00

If you are looking for good cheap thrills then check out the Annual Busker Festival in Toronto during August. Street performers from Canada and around the globe keep audiences glued to their amazing talents. Stunt Double Circus and Flameoz where definitely highlights.

Calgary Stampede.

2011-12-28T14:26:00.015-05:00

Calgary Stampede is one of the biggest fair and rodeos in the world. The friendly people of Calgary know how to put on a great time for a couple weeks every June. Check out the free pancake breakfasts around the city to the huge parade and then the great Grandstand show at the Stampede. The rodeo and chuck wagon races bring out a lot of fans. You will leave with a smile on your face and maybe a cowboy hat on your head. Ye Ha!

Berlin & Potsdam

2011-12-28T13:36:00.017-05:00

Berlin, a creative, energetic and wonderful city to visit. After the fall of the Berlin Wall the city has become quite a tourist destination. Full of life day and night. There is a mix of old and modern architecture, hundreds of people riding bikes, relax in one of the many parks and then enjoy one of the many pubs and clubs until the wee hours of the morning. Visit the Brandenburg Gates, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie as well as the awesome Jewish Memorial and of course the last bit of the Berlin wall. Energetic, liberal and welcoming the city is a must stop in Europe. A fun daytrip from Berlin to the town of Potsdam is well worth the visit. Home to Prussian kings and German Kaisers, the landscaped gardens and the Neues Palace are a must. Also visit the film museum as Potsdam has been home to one of the largest film industries in Germany.

Barcelona, Spain

2010-12-24T13:16:00.011-05:00

Barcelona is a large cosmopolitan city well known for the organic looking architecture of Gaudi. There are plenty of sites to see. In the evening check out the spectacle of water, colored lights and music called the "Magic Fountain". This is a perfect place to spend a few days and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes that the Spanish have to offer.

Krakow, Poland

2010-12-23T00:20:00.022-05:00

It was a dramatic time for another visit to Krakow. On arrival I found out that the president was killed in a plane crash to Russia with his wife and dignitaries. The funeral was held during my visit here. Just after that the world of travel was in chaos with the eruption of the Volcano in Iceland. International and domestic flights to and from Europe were at a stand still. It was not easy to have fun this time around due to the tragedy but I would highly recommend you visit this wonderful city, recognized as the cultural center as well as the capital of Poland...not to mention the home of Pope John Paul II. Ask to hear the story about the dragon when visiting the Kings castle. In the old town square you will hear the eerie sounds of a trumpet player from the top of the church every hour. With a very large student population you will find some amazing clubs and cheap alcohol. Krakow is one of the best places to party in Eastern Europe, however I will warn you not to drink "Spiritous" the closest thing to gasoline (I imagine) that you can pour in your mouth. Stick with the vodka and pivo (beer). Sample the great cabbage rolls and borsch (traditional soup). The Polish are a very friendly bunch as I find it easy to make friends with them. Life if somewhat tough but the ecomony is getting better as Poland joined the European Union.

Rome, Italy

2010-12-22T23:43:00.020-05:00

Bonjourno...check out the Colisseum, the statues, the old town and of course the Vatican. Religious worshipers and art lovers flock to this "town" within the city of Roma. Michaelangelo and the Sistine Chapel...very cool indeed. You will need a full day to experience this place. Yes, we have a perception of the films, the mafia, the wine and pasta but there is a wealth of history, art and culture that attract visitors to this endearing city. I recommend you start the day with an espresso, Take a ride on a scooter, visit one of the wine bars, check out a concert or museum and then go for the home-made pasta or pizza. Oh, I forgot, one must not forget to eat plenty of gelato. The Italian language has got to be one of the most romantic in the world...it is like listening to music on the street when people talk with each other. Feel the relaxed vibes of the city and discover what is around each corner.

Paris, France

2010-12-22T23:24:00.029-05:00

Paris is a great place to stroll. Take one of the free walking tours and learn of the history of the city. The Eiffel Tower, The Cathedral Notre Dame and The Louvre are a must see. Enjoy the line up to see the surprisingly small "Mona Lisa"...the first time I have seen an artist's painting under protective glass at such a gallery. MMMmmm les croissants, les bagettes, les crepes...la vie est beau. The most touristy city in the world, yet a peaceful place to hang out, explore and even get lost in.

Stockholm, Sweden

2010-11-08T15:16:00.008-05:00

Stockholm, a grand city surrounded by islands, water and forests. It was a huge travel route for ships from the 13th century. Sweden enjoys a very modern and high standard of living and I would say it rivals Japan in some ways. Don't try looking for a pay phone...everyone has a cell. But it is not just Ikea and Abba that make Sweden so cool. The locals are very friendly, if not just a bit shy and conservative in nature. There is quite a history to discover, international food and cafes, a huge shopping district and the influence of the arts is everywhere to be found. Bring lots of cash as Scandanavia is quite expensive from our standards. With lots of museums in the city, I recommend the Vasa Museum. It is a royal warship built in the 1600's that sank shortly after departing Stockholm on its route to Poland. The ship was not seaworthy but who was to say "no" to the King at the time. Luckily most of the crew were able to swim to shore. It was discovered, taken out of the sea and preserved for our viewing pleasure. Then take a walk around Gamla Stan, the old town. You can also visit the royal palace...who knows maybe you'll get lucky to see the king and queen around.

Bucharest, Romania

2010-11-08T13:51:00.018-05:00

Bucharest is a fascinating city to walk around. The large scale communist buildings and apartment blocks took away from the original beauty of the city from years ago. It is a bit difficult to navigate your way around especially the numbering system of the housing so I would recommend a map. Life is busy in the capital city with good food, plenty of nightclubs and various parks to take a rest. Gypsies are scattered around the landscape mixing in with the locals. Farmers with their old style wagons and horses roam the country side. I recommend a trip to Sighisoara and Brasov for any tourist wanting to experience the old culture and of course the stories of Dracula (more to come in my upcoming blogs).

Warsaw, Poland

2010-11-07T11:55:00.006-05:00

Warsaw. The largest city and cultural center in Poland. A gateway city from the Northern West to East passage of Europe. The old town, a UNESCO heritage site, is a must see especially in the evening. It is like going back in time...mysterious, elegant and enchanting. For good and cheap home cooked meals visit one of the cafeteria style "Milk" bars which were established during the war time. Have a "pivo" (beer) and sample the local foods such as pierogi and cabbage rolls.

Split, Croatia

2010-11-02T18:51:00.019-04:00

Split...a wonderful historic fortified town, plenty of markets for shopping, a very clean and cozy place to hang out. It is becoming quite a tourist destination now so during the summer the old town will be quite busy. But don't let that stop you from jumping into the refreshing waters of the Adriatic Sea and let the warm air take you away. You can even sample the fresh fish on the menus.

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

2010-10-28T20:19:00.023-04:00

The energy, the excitement, the city of Vancouver came alive to open its arms to the world...I never sang "Oh Canada" so much in my life.

Moments in Montreal

2009-05-11T18:15:00.017-04:00

Check out the local free newspapers with listing for concerts, entertainment and what to do in Montreal...there is lots for everyone so you're going to need to make some plans to enjoy what we have to offer here.

Stroll the streets of Old Montreal...the heart and heritage.

Smoked Meat sandwich...mmmmmm! So good you can't eat just one.

Need your fruits and vegetables, there are plenty of markets to cater to your fine physique.

Tim Hortons, cheap coffee and always fresh like the winter snow.

Nothing like the Canadiens to get the spirits up of the Montrealers.

There is always a feeling of love in Montreal...take a moment for yourself.

Relax and kick back and follow the groovy lines of the Olympic Stadium.

Check out the cool local artist all over downtown...Modern Art without the admission fee!

Go ahead and bang your tam tam, dance, drink and let yourself go at Mont Royal.

The land of stairs, where elevators and escalators are for the lazy.

Montreal:
Feel at home, express yourself and get a taste of how people live in this cool city. Free festivals, variety of music, an excellent metro system, the world renowned food and even the local hangouts like Tim Hortons or you could capture a glimpse of the fanatical fans of Hockey...In Montreal there is something for everyone. Just take a look around you. Living is a not just a word but a way of life here.

Fitness & Bodybuilding Show April 2009

2009-05-04T21:11:00.024-04:00

High Lights Festival (Old Montreal)

2009-03-03T18:56:00.007-05:00

The Old Port of Montreal comes alive in the winter with a great festival full of fireworks, music, artists and food. Try "tire d'erable" (hot maple syrup poured onto snow and rolled up with a stick). Roast marshmellows, dance to the beats, go ice skating and have fun with your friends.

2009-02-06T20:23:00.001-05:00

Hello to all! Salut tout le monde!