On the last day of our safari we left the Serengeti and headed for Ngorongoro Crater National Park. The crater is a must stop on the northern safari circuit in Tanzania. It is a unique natural wonder and one of the few places where it is possible to see the entire Big Five in a single game drive. Over two million years ago the crater was formed when the cone of a large volcano collapsed into itself. It left behind the world's largest intact caldron. It's 20 km's across and takes up a total area of 259 square km's. An unbroken 610 meter high wall provides the protection for a world of … [Read more...]
Is Beijing The City Of Bad Haircuts?
It seems you can't walk more than a few feet without spotting a barber shop in Beijing, or almost any city in China for that matter. We were warned that anyone and everyone thinks they can cut hair here. There are supposedly less than one hundred professional salons in this largely populated city. The rest are unqualified people who own scissors. Check out this advertisement we saw in a salon window. I guess it is supposed to entice people to come in for a new look? After getting a recommendation from an expat travel forum we chose a shop that looked like a quality place. It was … [Read more...]
Lions Of The Serengeti
A group of lions appear more like giant kittens basking in the sun. One of our largest spottings was a group of lioness and their cubs. It was getting quite hot at mid-day so they were lazing by some bushes in the shade. Our timing was just a few seconds too late to witness the take down of a wildebeest. I'm not sure if we would have wanted to witness it anways, but we got a good taste of the event. The group of lions were still running with adrenaline from the kill. The two cubs finally stop running around and settle for a few moments by a tree. They look back at the … [Read more...]
Sometimes A Private Airport Lounge Is Worth The Price
This was our first time using a private airport lounge and if our budget allows it we may use them more in the future. Some lounges belong to a specific airline, access can be limited to passengers flying with them or their affiliate partners. The lounge we used in Toronto's Pearson Airport can be used by anyone, at a cost of course. We managed to get a coupon from an airport worker to bring the cost down. We had a little under three hours to waster before our next flight. We paid around $20 CDN each to spend that time in the lounge. Considering that included a meal I think it was a … [Read more...]
An Evening Of Traditional Khmer Dancing And Food
We were told that a visit to Siem Reap would not be complete without seeing a sample of traditional Khmer dancing. The Aspara Theatre was recommended as one of the nicest venues to see this type of performance. It's a beautiful building with an interior of rich wood and many intricate relief carvings. Aspara and other traditional Khmer dances are an ancient art form. They have played an important role in Cambodian culture for over a thousand years. The traditional Khmer dances were nearly lost forever during the Khmer Rouge regime. Due to a renewed interest in Cambodian culture they have … [Read more...]
Chocolate Induced Coma At Montreal’s Juliette & Chocolat
You can get your cacao fix in several different forms at Montreal's Juliette & Chocolat. Their creations are made from high quality chocolate that is imported from several different countries. They offer a variety of brownies, crepes, sundaes, pastries and other heavenly desserts smothered in chocolate. If you really need a strong hit you can have a shot of rich drinking chocolate with or without alcohol. There are also food options on the menu such as savory crepes and creative salads. … [Read more...]
Lay In Bed While You Watch Jumbo Jets Take Off
Sit and soak in the luxurious bathtub or curl up in bed while you enjoy the views of jumbo jets taking off and landing. Does this sound like an advertisement you would see on a hotel brochure? It could be used by the Fairmont at the Vancouver Airport. This isn't a budget hotel, but the convenience of the location can not be beat. It is literally right inside of the Vancouver International Airport, situated directly above the U.S.A. departure terminal. The International check in area is also within easy reach. … [Read more...]
Three Kings Day Celebrations
The date of January 6th is Los Tres Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day. It is just one of the many celebrations in San Miguel de Allende. The holiday is to commemorate the three wise following the star to baby Jesus. This is when children receive the majority of their gifts rather than Christmas Day. Several markets hold toy sales the evening before that go late into the night. … [Read more...]
A City Of Non-Stop Festivals And Celebrations
You will never get bored for lack of entertainment in San Miguel de Allende. I don't think we have ever been in a place with so many festivals and celebrations. There are over 75 religious and civic holidays throughout the year. The numerous celebrations for Christmas start around December 20th and carry on through the New Years and into February. Check the calendar of events for whatever time of year you are visiting, you never know what might be going on. … [Read more...]
Summer Palace, A Pleasant Escape In Beijing
The Summer Palace was a second residence for the emperor of China, it was used to escape the summer heat of the city. The location is just fifteen kilometers from central Beijing making it easily accessible by local bus. Unlike the barren flat grounds of the Forbidden City, this site is full of trees and greenery. The palace stopped being used as an Imperial Garden in 1924 and was turned into a public park. The nearly three square kilometer area is situated around Kunming Lake and dominated by the sixty meter high Longevity Hill. The top of the hill offers impressive views of the lake and … [Read more...]
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