Tag: Travel

Venice Wowed Us at First Sight

 

 

elsa, Agriturismo Forzello, rovigo, italy

On our last morning before heading to Venice from Agriturismo Forzello in Rovigo, Italy, Elsa the farm cat was pummeling the shutter of the kitchen window at the crack of dawn. Read more

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

sign for shakaland, kwazulu-natal, south africa

Bob and I arrived at the Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village 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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Exploring the Ruins of Old Sarum in England

Salisbury Cathedral, New Sarum, Wiltshire, England

After reading Ken Follett’s novel, “Pillars of the Earth”, which loosely parallels the construction of Salisbury Cathedral, New Sarum, and having completed Edward Rutherford’s book about Sarum, it was a consensus between Bob, me and our son that we should visit Old Sarum, the location of the original Salisbury Cathedral in England.

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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

Notre Dame Cathedral, The Symbol of Paris

notre dame cathedral, paris, france

Our tour of the French countryside provided respite from our first few days in the bustling urban environment of Paris, but soon enough, it was back to the City of Light before returning to Canada.  I won’t say that we saved the best for last, but our final sightseeing did include a visit to famous Notre Dame Cathedral, an evening spent at Moulin Rouge, and a romantic boat cruise on the Seine River. Read more