Back in Time: Romantic Skating at Cedarena in Markham, Ontario

cedarena skating rink, cedar grove, markham, ontario

It is with fond memories that Bob and I recall skating on the woodland skating rink called Cedarena.  Nestled into a valley along Little Rouge Creek in what is now Rouge National Urban Park, this skating rink provided the most whimsical experience when visited on a Tuesday evening. Read more

Our Visit to The Ancient Hill of Tara in Ireland

the hill of tara, county meath, ireland

After finishing our picnic lunch at Newgrange, there was time to make one last stop in County Meath to round out our 2-week stay in Ireland.  Near Skryne, the ancient ceremonial and burial site called The Hill of Tara was worthy of exploration. Read more

Our Unforgettable Zulu Experience at Shakaland in South Africa

sign for shakaland, kwazulu-natal, south africa

Bob and I arrived at Shakaland in South Africa around noon after driving from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.  We were delayed several times with various animal sightings that had us stopping for photographs. Read more

Traveling Down Memory Lane – Punting on the Avon River in Bath

bob punting, avon river, bath, england

After indulging in a full English breakfast at the Kennard Hotel in Bath, England, Bob, our son and I set off in search of the Bath Boating Station.  Our aim was to rent a punt and pole ourselves along the Avon River. Read more

“Into Africa” – Someday in the Post-covid World

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to make this video as part of my wife’s, Jean’s, birthday gift.  As you will see, this video highlights our travels to South Africa, and it features Jean.

Hopefully, you all enjoy it, and in a small way, you are able to take a short virtual tour of South Africa with Jean.

For now, because of the pandemic, we remain “Out Of Africa”.  Hopefully someday, Jean and I, and all of you, will be able to head back “Into Africa”.

 

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Our Travels to South Africa

zebra and giraffe, south african

After tucking several years of travel experience under our belts, Bob and I made plans for a self-guided tour of South Africa where we would complete a circular route taking us from Johannesburg, through Swaziland, along the Indian Ocean, across the Kalahari Desert and back to our starting point.  It was an awesome trip that we will never forget!! Read more

Harrowing Drive through Swaziland

border entrance sign into Swaziland

A harrowing drive through Swaziland was the result of a planned shortcut through that country in order to eliminate 2-3 hours of driving time in South Africa on a road that gives a wide berth around Swaziland’s borders.  We left Kruger National Park at 7 a.m. expecting to arrive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve on the coast in about 7 hours.  What we did not expect was the condition of a 50-kilometre stretch of mountain logging roads and how it would impact our schedule. Read more

Our Walking Tour of Florence, The Birthplace of the Renaissance

florence, italy across river arno

Who wouldn’t want to visit Florence to look upon some of the most famous sculptures in the world:  Michelangelo’s sculpture David, Bartolomeo Ammannati’s Fountain of Neptune, and Donatello’s heraldic lions?  The artistic and architectural heritage of Florence goes far beyond those sculptures and led to this city, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, being called the birthplace of The Renaissance. Read more

The famed Ponte Vecchio medieval stone bridge in city of Florence

ponte vecchio and river arno in florence, italy

Of particular interest to both Bob and me when we visited Florence, Italy, was the famed medieval stone bridge known as Ponte Vecchio. Read more

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