travelling jd

2009-03-04T22:32:00.007-05:00

Still going strong

Break dancers in Central Park

Sunday on 7th Avenue

New York 30 Years Later

Some things have changed since I was last in New York City, 30 years ago.

Thirty years ago there was a garbage workers strike, and the streets of NYC were lined with piles of stinking garbage that only NYC rats could appreciate. Of course the World Trade Centre stood proudly in lower Manhattan. We took a taxi 3 blocks because we were afraid of being mugged around Times Square. Subway trains were completely covered in graffiti, even new cars not yet in service.

When we visited NYC this past autumn I was impressed by how clean the city is now, and also by the fact that people feel safe walking in the streets day and night.

I was astonished to ride on a subway train with absolutely no graffiti. I could actually see out the windows. Amazing! Churches now occupy space that once housed bars and dance halls.

I was impressed by the pride that New Yorkers take in welcoming the hoards of tourists that flock to NYC all year long.

The city has moved on from the disaster that was the World Trade Centre. New, smaller towers are rising on part of the site, although not where the original twin towers stood.

There is some evidence of increased security with armed officers at the entrances to subway stations in Manhattan, and Times Square Security guards in evidence in this busy tourist area, to increase security, but also, more impressively, to help tourists with information and directions.

Well done NYC! You are a great city.

2009-03-04T15:15:00.009-05:00

Love the Nicks and the Nets at MSG

A Bridge in Brooklyn

AUTUMN IN NEW YORK CITY

Central Park

Please, God, make this thing into an umbrella

before it rains again!

Autumn in NEW YORK, NEW YORK

2009-03-04T15:09:00.001-05:00

2006-11-19T19:57:00.000-05:00

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

MAUSOLEUM OF HALICARNASSUS
THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA
THE HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON
THE STATUE OF ZEUS AT OLYMPIA
THE TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS AT EPHESUS
THE COLOSSUS OF RHODES
THE LIGHTHOUSE AT ALEXANDRIA

VOTING IS CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE TO DECIDE ON A NEW " 7 WONDERS" LIST.www.new7wonders.com/index.php

2006-11-16T19:34:00.000-05:00

ATHENS, GREECE

A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT FROM THE MIDDLE OF APRIL, ON- THE RAINS END

Athens. A magical city. The city with the most glorious history in the world, is worshipped by gods and people. The enchanting capital of Greece has always been the birthplace of civilization. It is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise men of ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through superb architectural masterpieces. Who doesn't know the Acropolis of Athens? www.greece-athens.com

2006-10-24T18:46:00.000-04:00

Palma De Mallorca,Majorca, Balearic Islands
WINTER IS APPROACHING AND MY MIND HAS WANDERED TO PLACES WHERE I WOULD LIKE TO BE DURING THAT SEASON. HIGH ON MY LIST IS PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN.

Location: On the south coast at the centre of the wide Bay of Palma. International airport of Son Sant Joan is 5 miles east. (See Maps)(TOURISTIC CITY MAP .PDF FREE)

Telephone IDD code from UK: 00 34

Position: Built on undulating land, extending into pine-clad foothills to the west. Flatter agricultural land to the north and west. (Link)

General description: The island's capital city with a population of 325,000 and a sizeable port, Palma offers a rich mix of history, culture and nightlife. There is also ready access to the nearest resorts of Ca'n Pastilla (5 miles) and Cala Mayor (4 miles). Fascinating central area with narrow streets between the high walls of ancient buildings. This compact, easy to walk historic core of the city extends inland from the commercial port and the most prominent of landmarks - the cathedral (pics 360Âº:1-2-3)and royal palace. These fine monuments were built over the sacked remains of the Moorish Alcazar and mosque, razed to the ground when the Christians regained the island from the Moors. ( MALLORCAWEBSITE.COM)

2006-10-22T16:18:00.000-04:00

Fares must rise to curb air travel

Air fares should be increased to curb frivolous air travel, according to a report issued today

should be increased to curb frivolous air travel, according to a report issued today

... but airlines cut fares as oil price drops

Virgin and Singapore among airlines to reduce fuel surcharges, but BA is yet to budge

2006-10-22T16:10:00.000-04:00

Melbourne's global gourmets
It may not have the glitz and glamour of Sydney, but Melbourne more than makes up for it with its café lifestyle, high culture and sports-loving attitude 18/10/06 12:06 AM(Globe and Mail)

2006-10-22T16:09:00.000-04:00

Queen-sized holidays

Do new movies like Marie Antoinette and The Queen make you want to live -- or at least vacation -- like royalty? Deanna MacDonald visits the former home of a Laotian regent, a Tuscan castle complex, and other imperial residences that have been revamped to welcome paying commoners 14/10/06 11:24 AM (Globe and Mail)

2006-10-22T16:03:00.000-04:00

It's up anchor and around the world on these cruises
Oct. 21, 2006. 01:00 AM (Toronto Star)

2006-10-22T16:01:00.000-04:00

It's Bath time
Oct. 19, 2006. 10:28 AM The Romans were a clean lot, it seems, even when they travelled.

2006-10-22T15:59:00.001-04:00

Channel your energies on these island golf gems
Oct. 21, 2006. 01:00 AM
JERSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS—While watching the Ryder Cup last month I couldn't help noticing that victorious European captain Ian Woosnam seemed to have grown about a foot over the three short days it took his boys to dismantle the U.S. side and retain the Cup at the K Club.
(Toronto Star)

2006-10-22T15:57:00.000-04:00

London calling with AC flight pass
Oct. 21, 2006. 01:00 AM
Air Canada gone international with its "Flight Pass" deal. The new London Pass consists of six pre-paid, one-way trips between any destination across Canada and London Heathrow, and offers flexibility and value for frequent travellers to Britain.( Toronto Star)
A deal, maybe.

2006-10-22T15:48:00.000-04:00

Catching some Rays

Oct. 21, 2006. 01:00 AM
GREEN TURTLE CAY, THE BAHAMAS—Brendal Stevens expertly eases his boat out of his dock at White Sound Harbour, then flashes a mischievous smile. (The Star)

I've done this. It is fun.

2006-10-16T22:35:00.000-04:00

THEATRE On and Off the Great White Way in New York in October...
The Phantom of the OperaRemember your first time? Now's the time to see the longest-running show on Broadway...for the first or the tenth time! Mamma Mia!A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!WickedAudiences are cheering for this new musical hit inspired by the beloved story of The Wizard of Oz!
The ProducersMel Brooks' humor rocketed this show to legendary status, winning the most Tonys in Broadway history!
ChicagoVaudeville killers Roxie and Velma face off in this Tony-winning razzle dazzle hit.
Movin' OutThis one-of-a-kind Tony winner tells an all-American story with the well-loved songs of a pop icon.
RentSee Drew Lachey as filmmaker Mark Cohen in this rockin' award-winning musical now through April 10.
The Lion KingDisney's beloved movie comes to brilliant life through the magic of Julie Taymor.
Beauty and the BeastA healthy dose of Disney magic makes this long-runner a favorite for family audiences.
42nd StreetTime is running out to see this acclaimed production of a musical theater legend!
The Clean HouseA great show at the Mitzi E.. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center
Vivian Beaumont TheaterThe Classic 'The Coast of Utopia' at this Lincoln Center Theater
more new york city theatre..
NEWYORK.COM'S 'Fabulous Fifty' Top 10 Lists! New York is the world's capitol of so many things, so who better than the World's Greatest WebsiteTM to assemble a fabulous list of the very best that New York has to offer.
more lists...

2006-10-16T22:32:00.000-04:00

Museums in New York in October
There are about 80 museums in New York City. Most of them are in Manhattan, and nine of those museums are located along what's called Museum Mile, along Fifth Avenue; among the latter are Metropolitan, Guggenheim and Jewish Museums which you'll find below.click here for more..

2006-10-16T22:24:00.000-04:00

Shopping Atlas: When in Rome, feast
The Campo de' Fiori is the classic tourist stop, for its photogenic locally grown fruit and flowers fit to brighten the most Spartan of hotel rooms. But the open-air market is no longer a trove of knockoff designer sunglasses and handbags -- it has recently become illegal not only to sell, but to buy fakes, and visitors who do so may be heavily fined. The European Union wants you to pay full price.
SPOIL SPORTS!

2006-10-12T19:12:00.000-04:00

Going Dutch

Greetings from Amsterdam, where the locals' innate talent for taking the everyday and making it supercool has ushered in a new golden age of design (Travel and Leisure)

2006-10-12T19:08:00.000-04:00

A Distant Shore

In search of the authentic Fiji? Discover a tropical Eden where dreamers and bare feet are always welcome (Travel and Leisure)

2006-10-12T18:53:00.000-04:00

Planning ahead can be a real bonus
Oct. 12, 2006. 01:00 AM
Sunquest's 2007 Mediterranean Cruising brochure hits the stands this week with a "first come, first save" early booking bonus on the first 1,000 cabins.(Toronto Star)

2006-10-12T18:50:00.000-04:00

Artists' solar energy

Oct. 12, 2006. 01:00 AM
Star columnist Peter Goddard travels along the Mediterranean coast, through a sun-drenched landscape that inspired a group of visionaries to change the course of modern art.

2006-10-09T17:32:00.000-04:00

Q. What's Italian for 'A fitness team is meeting in the pub'?

From Richard Owen
A. 'A fitness team is meeting in the pub' say Italians worried about the increasing invasion of English
An Italian academic has sounded the alarm over the “infiltration” of his national language by English terms — but admits that “the battle has probably already been lost”. (TIMES ONLINE)

2006-10-09T17:27:00.000-04:00

Neighbourly New York
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Most visitors to New York will go to the top of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, the grand shops on Fifth Avenue, and Radio City Music Hall. They will take away from the visit an impression of an awesomely large, monumental city. While that is an accurate impression, there is another New York, one that is smaller and downright neighbourly.
(GLOBE AND MAIL)

2006-10-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

Top of the Rock to reopen in NYC
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
One of the best places to view Manhattan's urban landscape will reopen Nov. 1 in New York City. Top of the Rock, the historic observation deck on the roof of the 70-storey Rockefeller Center, has been redesigned with major improvements such as a glass ceiling and panels of floor-to-ceiling non-glare safety glass. The 360-degree view includes a panorama of Central Park and clear sightings of Times Square, the Chrysler Building (pictured above), the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. (GLOBE AND MAIL)

2006-10-09T17:23:00.000-04:00

Skyline meets fly line in NYC
Saturday, June 17, 2006
To the list of exotic destinations coveted by globetrotting anglers, add New York Harbour. Fishermen who spare no cost or hardship to stalk bonefish in the Bahamas, tarpon in Costa Rica and billfish in Baja can now hunt striped bass beneath the Statue of Liberty and false albacore within sight of Deno's Wonder Wheel Park at Coney Island. (GLOBE AND MAIL)

2006-10-09T17:20:00.000-04:00

When in Rome, feast
This historic city has become a centre for culinary abandon (GLOBE AND MAIL)

2006-10-09T17:18:00.000-04:00

St. Petersburg says it all"

Second city" first for Russian art, elegance and historyGlorious on one block, dismal on the next, St. Petersburg is a chalice holding the extremes of Russia's history. (TORONTO SUN)

2006-10-09T17:08:00.000-04:00

ISN'T THE SECOND AMENDMENT GREAT FOR DEMOCRACY! EVERY 13-YEAR OLD IN THE U.S.A. CAN HAVE AN AK-47 - IT IS THE LAW.

Boy, 13, open fires in school
Oct. 9, 2006. 12:41 PM
A 13-year-old student in a Missouri town fired an AK-47 inside his middle school Monday morning after confronting two others students and his principal, but no one was injured, authorities said.

2006-10-05T21:59:00.000-04:00

SPOTLIGHT ON... SPOTLIGHT ON...

Free tours, free jazz,, free dancing, free movies or how to have quality time in New York City... Here's what NewYork.com picked out for you. For your own selection and more info on the events below go to click here

2006-10-05T21:55:00.000-04:00

Here is our "Top 10 Broadway Shows" List from the NEWYORK.COM 'Fabulous Fifty'!:

1) The Producers Mel Brooks' humor rocketed this show to legendary status, winning the most Tonys in Broadway history!

2) The Lion King Disney's beloved movie comes to brilliant life through the magic of Julie Taymor.

3) Mamma Mia! A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!

4) The Phantom of the Opera Remember your first time? Now's the time to see the longest-running show on Broadway...for the first or the tenth time!

5) Wicked Audiences are cheering for this new musical hit inspired by the beloved story of The Wizard of Oz!

6) Chicago Vaudeville killers Roxie and Velma face off in this Tony-winning razzle dazzle hit.

7) Rent Catch this legendary muscial on stage before it hits the big screen this fall. Rent is the smash hit musical that's infusing and reinventing Broadway nightly with its own brand of youthful energy.

8) Hairspray This tuneful Tony-winning triumph is just as big as the hairdos that inspired it! With big girls, big hair, and even bigger laughs, comes Hairspray, a splashy new musical based on the 1988 John Waters film that starred Divine and a then-unknown Ricki Lake.

9) Beauty and the Beast A healthy dose of Disney magic makes this long-runner a favorite for family audiences.

10) Movin' Out This one-of-a-kind Tony winner tells an all-American story with the well-loved songs of a pop icon.

2006-10-05T21:52:00.000-04:00

Here is our "Top 10 Coffee Houses" List from the NEWYORK.COM 'Fabulous Fifty'!:

1) Starbucks-There is over 100 Starbucks locations in Manhattan.You can always find a good cup of coffee (hot or iced) frappucinos, cappuccinos and lattes. Carries a broad selection of beans in a variety of roasts also has assorted pastries and biscotti to satisfy your sweet tooth. A nice place to chat with a friend or simply sit and read a book. They also carry gift items such as packages of chocolates, coffee mugs, and coffee accessories. 1290 Third Ave. New York, NY 10021 (and seemingly everywhere else in New York)

2) Dunkin' Donuts-Like creating a fine wine, there are countless steps involved in producing coffee; and Dunkin' Donuts coffee experts travel around the globe to ensure quality at each turn. Dunkin' Donuts is America's largest retailer of coffee-by-the-cup, serving nearly 1 billion cups of brewed coffee each year. Dunkin' Donuts serves a variety of doughnuts, muffins, bagels, coffees and fruit drinks. 2 Penn Plaza New York, NY 10121

3) Le Cafe at L'Occitane-This French cafe features coffees organic breads and pastries, brunch, gourmet open-faced sandwiches and salads, baker's pizzas, and wine and beer daily. 92 Prince St. New York, NY 10012

4) Grey Dog's Coffee- This slightly ramshackle, colorful cafe evokes instant nostalgia-right down to a Green Peace t-shirted waiter, it's just like a favorite college cafe of old. The tomato, chicken and artichoke soup is excellent other great items on the menu include New England clam chowder, winter veggie stew and steak chili. 33 Carmine Street New York, NY 10014

5) Sensuous Bean- House brands of special coffees and blends to suit every taste. They also carry a large selection of rare and exotic teas. Once you have purchased 10 pounds of coffee you will receive one pound of coffee free. 66 W 70th St. New York, NY 10023

6) Lexington Coffee Shop- The service is great, the staff treat everyone like a long lost friend, plus the food and coffee are breath taking and will give anyone an energy boost!! 125 E 23rd St, Between Park Ave S & Lexington Ave New York, NY 10010

7) Maxmile Cafe- Serves Cappuccinos, Mochaccinos and Cafe Lattes daily. Other menu favorites include salad platters, bagels with lox and cream cheese, homemade lasagna and a variety of baked goods. 642 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 11209

8) Dean & Deluca- Cappuccino, pastries, and salads. Nestled in Ian Schrager's Paramount Hotel and Rockefeller Center. The television show Felicity main character worked here, the set was actually based upon the SoHo cafe. And the flagship cafe has become the silent star of The Today Show. The offerings extend the culinary excellence that emanates from their parent SoHo store, with a variety of the best coffees, teas and pastries available in the city. 9 Rockefeller Center New York, NY , SoHo Store 560 Broadway (at Prince Street), and New York, NY 10012

9) Kudo Beans-This is one of the best cafes in New York City! All the employees are kind and always go the extra mile to help you get your coffee the way you want it. This cafe has an overall great atmosphere. 49 1st Ave. New York, NY 10003

10) Eureka Joe-Everything for the coffee addict in you, great coffee, indulgent sweet treats and delicious sandwiches. Wine served in the evenings to accompany the free live music. 168 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010

2006-10-05T21:43:00.000-04:00

Hip meets history

Hip meets history
Lower East Side is being touted as Manhattan's up-and-coming neighbourhood, writes Susan Pigg
Aug. 19, 2006. 01:00 AM
SUSAN PIGG (Torontoi Star)

New York City is a great place to visit any time of year, except maybe Winter.

2006-10-05T21:39:00.000-04:00

Here goes the neighbourhood

Here goes the neighbourhood
Walking with Chafin Elliott shows you the old Harlem ain't what it used to beGreeter gives newcomers an insider's look at his New York
Aug. 24, 2006. 10:45 AM (Toronto Star)

2006-10-05T21:28:00.000-04:00

Sniffing out some raw facts about good health

Some health tips for travellers, from Jamaica.

2006-10-05T21:23:00.000-04:00

Hunting for buried treasures

Oct. 5, 2006. 10:14 AM
Intrepid trifolau and their dogs scour the forest for rare and expensive white truffles, John Moore writes. Most searches take place at night to hide the location of gourmet delights.
(Toronto Star)

2006-10-02T18:21:00.000-04:00

Elephant kills British honeymooner in Kenya

Oct. 2, 2006. 12:37 PM
ANTHONY MITCHELL
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NAIROBI, Kenya — An elephant trampled and killed a British man on his honeymoon in Kenya, officials said Monday.
Patrick Smith, 34, was killed in front of his wife, Julie, in the Masai Mara National Reserve on Sunday, officials said. His wife managed to leap out of the way.
"He was trampled by an elephant while on a nature trail with his wife," said Connie Maina, spokeswoman for the Kenya Wildlife Service. "This is a terrible accident.''
The couple had been married for just a week, Maina added.
They had arrived in Kenya for their honeymoon and were staying at the luxury Richard's Camp lodge in the game reserve. The camp is on the edge of a forest in the Masai Mara conservation area, about 160 kilometres southwest of the capital, Nairobi.

2006-10-01T00:15:00.000-04:00

Paris style that's on the inside Museum des Arts

2006-10-01T00:13:00.000-04:00

Circus Maximus set for an overhaul

2006-10-01T00:04:00.000-04:00

Get a room in... Palma

David Wickers finds five of the best places to stay for all budgets on a break in the gorgeous Majorcan capital

2006-10-01T00:02:00.000-04:00

Tourism slump worries US

The sharp decline in visitors to the US since 9/11 has been blamed on the country's strict entry rules

2006-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

US relaxes hand baggage rules
Change to bag rules will confuse UK travellers heading to the US, says Ginny McGrath

2006-09-30T23:50:00.000-04:00

A taste of Paris
What do Parisians miss most about home? It would appear to be warm, crusty bread

2006-09-30T23:47:00.000-04:00

There's gold in that thar Tuscany John Follain, Florence
THE tranquillity of rural Tuscany, where British holidaymakers go to enjoy pastoral harmony and unspoilt landscapes, may be shattered in a gold rush.
Adroit Resources, a Canadian mining firm, has applied for licences to prospect for gold on 16,000 acres of land to the west and south of the medieval town of Siena.
NI_MPU('middle');
Environmentalists and tourism officials warn that mining operations would ruin the peace and quiet of the coastal region of Maremma. More rugged than “Chiantishire” to the north, it is popular with British expatriates who cherish its pine and oak forests and its remnants of ancient Etruscan and Roman civilisations.
The presence of gold in the area has been known since Etruscan times, but it was only in the mid-1980s that tests were first carried out. “We’re convinced there is gold in this area,” said Giacomo Biserni, a geologist and consultant for Adroit. “The tests are promising.”(Times online)

2006-09-30T23:39:00.000-04:00

An amorous ode to cocoa
Condoms and nipple spread, pizza and ravioli — at the annual Eurochocolate Festival in Perugia, Italy 29/09/06 11:16 PM (from the Globe and Mail)

2006-09-30T23:38:00.000-04:00

Italy's ‘Green Heart' pleases the stomach
Abruzzo may be known as the 'new Tuscany,' but the isolated region's artisan producers of pasta, wine, olive oil, and cheese are anything but trendy 29/09/06 11:46 PM (from the Globe and mail)

2006-08-08T22:37:00.000-04:00

PARIS, ROME and...... HOW ABOUT LONDON NEXT

NOW WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LONDON?

In Rome they speak Italian, but in London do they speak english? Not bloody likely!

http://www.explore.ca/europe/london/london1.htm ( Europe's Canuck Connections), has a chart comparing Canadian and Cockney expressions.
EG. Asshole= wanker / bloody wanker
Sexy girl = nice bird, etc

2006-08-06T12:52:00.000-04:00

Louvre forced to rethink glass pyramid

Atrium can no longer cope with a record 7.5m visitors a year and the museum has been forced to recall its architect ( London Times Online)

Personally, I like the atrium. It was not crowded when we visited. It is hard to envision any kind of entrance which could look like this during peak periods. How many visitors are enough?

2006-07-03T00:03:00.000-04:00

ARRIVEDERCI ROMA!

2006-06-27T23:04:00.000-04:00

MORE STATUES OF ROME

2006-06-27T22:55:00.000-04:00

STATUES OF ROME-SOME

2006-06-05T22:54:00.000-04:00

WHEN IN ROME...

WHEN IN ROME... HAVE FUN. FORGET THE PASTA; EAT BREAD. FORGET THE SUBWAYS OF PARIS; RIDE THE BUS. DON'T WALK ON THE PAVEMENT; WALK ON THE COBBLE STONES.

2006-05-29T23:29:00.000-04:00

" I KNOW THAT MOUTH OF TRUTH IS AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE" WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T LET ANDREW LOOK TO HIS LEFT.

"AND AT THAT MOMENT THE SKIES OVER ROME DARKENED..."

THE MOUTH OF TRUTH or HOW MUCH IS THIS HAND WORTH?

TRUTH OR LIE , HAND OR NO HAND. GIVE IT A GO WHEN YOU ARE IN ROME.

2006-05-25T19:08:00.000-04:00

YOU BETTER NOT BE A SLEEP WALKER IF YOU LIVE HERE

LUNCH AT SORRENTO OUR DRIVER AND GUIDE, VINCENZO MARRAFFINI

MORE PHOTOS

2006-05-25T18:55:00.000-04:00

MOUNT VESUVIUS GENNARO, OUR GUIDE AT POMPEII

SOME PICTURES -POMPEII, SORRENTO, AMALFI

2006-05-25T18:28:00.000-04:00

POMPEII, NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COAST

HEY, THROW IN SORRENTO AND YOU HAVE A LONG AND INTERESTING DAY.

WE BOOKED A TOUR WITH VINCENZO MARRAFFINI, WWW.VINCENTRAVEL.COM. It COST E 650.00 FOR THE DAY, FOR 4 PEOPLE, AND I FELT WE RECEIVED GOOD VALUE FOR OUR MONEY.

VINCENZO, A TORONTO RESIDENT FOR 5 YEARS, PICKED US UP AT OUR DOOR AT 8:00 AM, AND DROPPED US OFF AT ABOUT 9:00 PM .

ONCE WE CLEARED ROME'S MORNING TRAFFIC IT WAS CLEAR SAILING TO POMPEII. WE HAD A 2 HOUR TOUR, PART OF THE PACKAGE, ALTHOUGH ADMISSION TO THE SITE WAS NOT, GIVEN BY GENNARO, A RETIRED TEACHER WHO WAS GIVING HIS FIRST TOUR SINCE BEING OFF FOR A YEAR WITH A BOUT OF CANCER. HE HAS LIVED IN THE AREA ALL HIS LIFE, AND WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT POMPEII. GENNARO_PETRCCANO@YAHOO.IT.

FROM POMPEII WE TRAVELLED TO A RESTAURANT, OVERLOOKING THE MEDITERRANEAN, AT SORRENTO. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL SPOT FOR LUNCH ON THE PATIO WITH THE SEA IN THE BACKGROUND.

WE TRAVELLED THROUGH THE OUTSKIRTS OF NAPLES, A CITY WHICH HAS A VERY BAD REPUTATION IN ITALY, FOR BAD DRIVING AND CRIME.

WE HEADED TO AMALFI, ALONG AN OLD ROMAN ROAD CLINGING TO A CLIFF 300M. ABOVE THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. THE SCENERY WAS AMAZING AND THE ROAD WAS VERY NARROW. WE DROVE THROUGH AMALFI. THE MAIN ROAD IS SO NARROW THAT THEY HAVE TWO STREETS THROUGH THE TOWN AND BOTH ARE ONE WAY ( OBVIOUSLY IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS).

THE DRIVE BACK TO ROME SEEMED MUCH LONGER THAN THE DRIVE TO AMALFI. AMALFI HAS BECOME A MAJOR TOURIST SITE. IT HAS MANY HOTELS OF VARIOUS GRADES.

2006-05-19T16:02:00.000-04:00

MAYBE IT IS ALL IN THE TREVI ( THREE COINS IN A....) FOUNTAIN

CHANGE IN ITALY - ITS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT

COUNT

A PENNY FOR YOUR... OR IS THAT 2 PENNIES? IN ROME IT SEEMS THAT MONEY IS VERY PLENTIFUL, EVERY THING IS EXPENSIVE, BUT IF THE BILL COMES TO E 2.75, THEY WILL LIKELY HAVE A TOUGH TIME COMING UP WITH THE 0.25.

UNDERGROUND ECONOMY, SMALL BUSINESS, MINTING RESTRICTIONS, COIN- EATING RODENTS ( OR TOURISTS )? WHO KNOWS, BUT IT CAN BE FRUSTRATING IF THE SIGN SAYS "EXACT CHANGE", AND YOU DON'T HAVE ANY CHANGE.

2006-05-15T19:02:00.000-04:00

IS IT ME OR ...? THESE BOOTS ARE NOT MADE FOR CLIMBING

NOT THE EIFFEL TOWER

MORE DOME

2006-05-15T18:35:00.001-04:00

A VIEW FROM THE TOP.. OF ST. PETER'S

OH THOSE STAIRS. THE TOP OF ST. PETE'S DOME IS SOME 520 STEPS ABOVE A HORRENDOUS LINEUP. YOU CAN CHEAT THOUGH, AND TAKE THE ELEVATOR UP THE FIRST 200 STEPS - COSTS MONEY BUT IT IS WORTH IT. THEN 320 STEPS TO THE TOP AND I COUNTED EVERYONE.

THE ELDERLY POLISH LADIES, IN WHO'S MIDST I FOUND MYSELF, MADE ME FEEL THAT ANYTHING LESS THAN THE SUMMIT WAS AN ADMISSION OF WEAKNESS, SO ..UP I TRUDGED. I AM STILL AROUND TO WRITE ABOUT IT SO OBVIOUSLY I SURVIVED.

WE THEN WALKED DOWN ALL 520 STEPS - PIECE OF CAKE!

THE VIEW WAS PRETTY SPECTACULAR, BUT THE SPACE AT THE TOP IS PRETTY LIMITED AND VERY CROWDED. I THINK EVERYONE HAS TO REST FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE THEY VENTURE DOWN.

I HAVE NEVER WALKED UP STEPS THAT FORCE YOU TO LEAN SIDEWAYS AS YOU CLIMB. YOU ARE CLIMBING A DOME AFTERALL.

WALKING DOWN IS ALSO INTERESTING AS MANY OF THE STEPS HAVE A DOWNWARD TILT TO THEM - A LITTLE EXTRA MOMENTUM.

2006-05-14T20:08:00.000-04:00

YOU MIGHT HAPPEN UPON A MIGHTY
ROMAN WARRIOR HAVING HIS
SANDWICH FOR LUNCH

ANCIENT ROMAN VISITORS

THE FIRE BRIGADE'S FINEST HOUR - EXCEPT
FOR THAT ONE SCREW-UP

THE COLOSSEUM

EVER WONDER WHAT THE ROMANS USE THE COLOSSEUM FOR BESIDES A TOURIST ATTRACTION. THE ROMAN FIRE BRIDGADE WAS USING IT FOR A DEMONSTRATION OF THEIR SKILLS WHEN WE WERE THERE.

THE COLOSSEUM WAS PRETTY CROWDED, BUT IF YOU GO TO THE PALENTINE HILL AND BUY YOUR TICKET ( ONE TICKET FOR BOTH SITES) YOU MISS THE BIG LONG LINE TO BUY TICKETS AT THE COLUSSEUM. IT IS AMAZING THAT PEOPLE DON,T KNOW, OR DON,T BELIEVE THIS, BUT THEY DON,T.

NO LINEUP AT PALENTINE; HUGE LINEUP AT COLOSSEUM.

ARE THEY WORTH VISITING? BY ALL MEANS. WE WENT TO BOTH TWICE WHILE WE WERE IN ROME.

THE FIRST TIME WE DIDN'T HAVE A GUIDED TOUR, AND PAID 11 OR 12 EUROS TO GET IN. THE SECOND TIME WE WENT WAS MAY 1. IT COST 1 EURO TO GET IN BECAUSE IT WAS A HOLIDAY, AND THE TOUR COST 12.00 EUROS - ONCE AGAIN NO LINEUP.

DID YOU KNOW THAT CHRISTIANS WERE NOT KILLED IN THE COLOSSEUM? I DIDN'T UNTIL I TOOK THE TOUR.

DID YOU KNOW THAT MARBLE FROM THE COLUSSEUM WAS USED TO BUILD ST. PETER'S?

2006-05-11T20:36:00.000-04:00

DIANNE, MEREDITH AND ANDREW - BREAKFAST

SWORD FISH FOR LUNCH ANYONE?

ACCORDIAN WITH THAT CABBAGE?

THE NEWS STAND

CAMPO DI FIORI - FIELD OF FLOWERS

CAMPO DI FIORI IS THE MOST LIVELY PIAZZA IN ROME. IN THE MORNING IT IS A FARMERS' MARKET, IN THE AFTERNOON IT IS A LIKE A FLEA MARKET, AND IN THE EVENING IT IS CROWDED WITH PEOPLE HANGING OUT, DRINKING IN THE CAFES AND BAR, AND WALKING THROUGH.

OUR PLACE WAS ONLY A SHORT BLOCK AWAY, SO WE WERE ABLE TO VISIT REGULARLY.

2006-05-09T23:06:00.000-04:00

CAPO DI FERRO APARTMENTS-ROME

IN 1492 COLUMBUS SAILED ..., AND OUR APARTMENT BUILDING WAS NOT NEW. THAT BEING SAID, IT WAS GREAT. IT WAS RECENTLY RENOVATED, FURNISHED IN IKEA MODERN, AND WAS PERFECT FOR OUR NEEDS. THE CAPO DI FERRO APARTMENTS ARE LOCATED WITHIN A BLOCK OF PIAZZA CAMPO DI FIORI, AND ABOUT 2 BLOCKS FROM THE TIBER RIVER. IT IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE PALAZZO SPADA MUSEUM. OUR APARTMENT WAS SPACIOUS, CLEAN AND ON THE 3RD FLOOR. THIS WAS NOT A PROBLEM, BUT IT SURE WAS A GOOD CONDITIONER. ONE MAJOR ADVANTAGE OF THE APARTMENT WAS THAT IT IS NOT LOCATED NEAR ONE OF THE MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS SUCH AS THE SPANISH STEP, WHERE THERE ARE WALL -TO -WALL TOURISTS.

WE ALSO HAD AN INTERNET CAFE AROUND THE CORNER, LITERALLY, AND A GROCERY STORE ABOUT 3 BLOCKS AWAY.

THE LOCATION WAS GREAT FOR EVERYTHING, BUT THE TERMINEE CENTRALE- NOT A MAJOR LOSS. WE WALKED EVERYWHERE, THE COLISEUM, FORUM, PIAZZA NAVONA, SPANISH STEPS, VATICAN AND MORE - THE PRICE WAS E140.00 PER NIGHT - GOOD VALUE.

2006-05-08T18:54:00.000-04:00

THAT EARLY MORNING DEPARTURE..ZZZ

THE ALPS WERE SPECTACULAR ON THE WAY OVER

WE TRAVELLED ON AN AIRBUS 340 - GREAT LEG ROOM

( THIS IS NOT AN A340)

WE ARE HOME - FROM ROME

WHERE TO BEGIN? WE TRAVELLED AIR FRANCE BOTH WAYS AND THE SERVICE WAS VERY GOOD. WE HAD SOME TICKET PROBLEMS, RELATED TO OUR TRAVEL AGENT, AND AIR FRANCE DEALT WITH THEM QUICKLY, PLEASANTLY AND EFFICIENTLY, SO HATS OFF TO AIR FRANCE.

OUR ONE REGRET WAS THAT WE DIDN'T ARRANGE FOR A DAY OR TWO STOP OVER IN PARIS ON OUR WAY BACK- OH WELL.....

PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIR PORT GAVE US OUR BIGGEST HEADACHE OF THE TRIP. UPON OUR RETURN IT TOOK US 1.5 HOURS TO CLEAR CUSTOMS LINEUPS - INCREDIBLE!

2006-05-04T15:28:00.000-04:00

Rome pictures when we get home

I WILL DO MORE POSTS WITH PICTURES AND COMMENTS WHEN WE GET HOME. MEANWHILE CHECK OUT MEREDITH'S SITE AT

http://WWW.LAMBERRYMER.BLOGSPOT.COM

FOR PICTURES AND EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

2006-05-01T13:48:00.000-04:00

MAY DAY ROME

TODAY IS MAY 1, A NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN ROME, THAT IS THE EQUIVALENT OF LABOUR DAY. ALL THE SHOPS AND BUSINESSES ARE CLOSED AND MOST OF THE MUSEUMS.

THE TOURIST SITES THAT ARE OPEN ARE VERY BUSY EG. THE COLISEUM AND THE PLALANTINE HILL. THERE IS A VERY LARGE, FREE CONCERT IN ON OF THE PIAZZAS THAT 1000,S ARE ATTENDING, SO THE OTHER SPOTS ARE NOT QUITE AS CROWDED AS THEY MIGHT BE OTHERWISE.

TODAY WE MADE OUR SECOND VISIT TO THE COLISEUM AND THE PALANTINE, AND WENT ON A GUIDED TOUR OF BOTH. THE TOURS WERE QUITE GOOD. WE WENT IN REVERSE ORDER TO LAST TIME, AND VISITED THE COLISEUM FIRST AND THEN THE PALANTINE.

2006-04-26T11:53:00.000-04:00

Rome Rome Rome

We have been in Rome for 3 days. Today I allowed myself to be scammed out of €20.00 in a rather ridiculous way. Enough said at this point.

The computer keyboard is only slightly different than ours so that is a bonus.

We have visited most of the top 10 sights in Rome. The overall impression is wall-to-wall people. Yesterday was a bank holiday, in honour of "liberation day"( WWII). As a result you have all the Italian tourists added to the foreign tourists. The Italians say that they have never seen so many people at St. Peters. We met an English lady who was here last year at this time, and she said there a 2x the number of people this year compared to last year.

The weather has been great! It has been 20-24 degrees C and sunny. We had a little misty rain this morning, but otherwise bene.

The food is great, and our apartment is likewise. I doesn't look like much from the outside but is very nice inside, and is in a great area, close to many of the attractions of Rome.

2006-04-15T00:09:00.000-04:00

Return of the emperor
Marcus Aurelius and other historical treasures are pulling in the crowds in Rome, Desmond O'Grady reports. more

2006-04-11T21:16:00.000-04:00

Italian Grappa

rappa is a distillate made from grape skins and residues after pressing.
The history of grappa goes back to 1000 A.D. when the Medical School of Salerno codified the rules for the concentration of alcohol through distillation and prescribed its use as a cure for various diseases. Since grape residues were cheap and widely available, they were immediately used for distilling spirits.
The earliest mention of acquavite (brandy) dates back to the 1400s, but the first documented research on the topic dates to the 1600s and was carried out by the Jesuits.
For many centuries no distinction was made between distillates obtained from grapes and those obtained from other kinds of fruit. Only in the early eighteenth century, did grappa became a distinct product with its peculiar characteristics. Today, grappa is an excellent Italian product protected and regulated by both national and EU laws.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ITALIAN WINES VISIT
http://www.italianmade.com/wines/home.cfm

2006-04-10T23:23:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEREDITH

APRIL 11

2006-04-10T17:12:00.000-04:00

TOUR THE JEWISH GHETTO OF ROME

E-mail from Micaela

Dear ...
I would be glad to show you the Jewish ghetto, the synagogue and as much as Rome is possible when you'll be in town.
We'll visit Jewish Museum, the Ghetto Area, we'll make a stop at the jewish bakery the Ghetto is very populated by the jews who consider it as a meeting point.
The tour will take 2 and a half hours and will cost 250 euros for the 4 of you (entrance of the Synagogue/Museum not inclueded 7.50 euros for adults and 3 for the kids).
We can also do a full day wich starts from the jewish Ghetto and stop at lunch in the Ghetto to try the famous jewish roman cooking then after lunch we can do the the Ancient Rome, focusing on jewish aspects.
The ancient Rome tour costs 300 euros and it lasts 3 hours
I also offer "My selction of Rome tour".
This walking tour is about sharing the passion and the Love I feel for my city, it's not a Japanese style tour.
It starts from Campo de Fiori (a market in one of the most beauiful sqaures of Rome) then to palazzo Spada to see the illusory prospective by Borromini, then we'll stop in Piazza Navona, the elliptical square, jewel of Baroque art, with the Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini, then the Pantheon from the inside, Caravaggio's paintings in the church of Sain Luigi de Francesi, the amazing Frescos of Saint Ignazio (with the flat dome, another illusion) we we end at Giolitti, the best gelateria in Roma and we give ourserlves a prize for the effort...
It's not a touristic tour, is for poeple who like to be amazed by art and don't wont to get boared, it costs 300 euros for more than 3 hours.
Check on my web site www.jewishroma.com and look also at the Vatican Tour focusing on jewish aspects, with access to the closed to the public Lapidario Ebraico (marbles and sarcophagi from Jewish heritage) it costs 300 euros for 3 hours.
REVIEWS FROM TRIP ADVISOR

"The Roman Jewish Ghetto - Don't Miss This Tour" A TripAdvisor Member, Aiken, South Carolina, Oct 26, 2005Tour of the Jewish Ghetto We just returned from Rome after being there during the first week of Oct....
"Great tour of Jewish Rome" A TripAdvisor Member, New York, Jul 22, 2005Micaela's tour of the Jewish Ghetto was very interesting, and as a tour guide, I found her to be knowledgeable,...

"A wonderful tour guide!" A TripAdvisor Member, Boston, Massachusetts, Jul 13, 2005My family and I (6 people) were fortunate to have found Micaela Pavoncello as a guide. She is charming,...
"Best Guide for the Jewish Ghetto" A TripAdvisor Member, Indian Wells, California, May 22, 2005Just returned from a week in Rome, and one of the outstanding tours was the Jewish Ghetto with Micaela...
"Fabulous tour of the Jewish Ghetto" A TripAdvisor Member, ann arbor, michigan, Mar 30, 2005My husband and I along with our friends were treated to a wonderful tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome....
"Rome - Jewish Ghetto Area" A TripAdvisor Member, Sf Bay Area, California, Jul 1, 2004Great area of the city to stay in. Feels small town in the middle of such a big city. You will still...

2006-04-06T16:26:00.000-04:00

SHUTTLE SERVICE, ROME

HEADING TO ROME? THE SERVICES LINKED BELOW COME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY PREVIOUS TRAVELLERS. JUST BOOKED WITH ROMASHUTTLE.COM

http://www.airportshuttle.it/

http://www.airportconnection.it/

http://www.romashuttle.com/

2006-04-02T18:54:00.000-04:00

The charm of Ravello
Founded in the 6th century by the poshest of refugees, it has never lost its upper-crust charm, says Frederic Raphael
No wonder Gore Vidal made his home in Ravello: from its eyrie in the mountains, you can look down on everybody.
After landing at Naples, we rented a car for what should have been an easy run, south and west, up and over the Monti Lattari (the Milk Mountains) to Ravello. Instead, we were fed into a new and elaborate road system so clever that before we knew where we were, we didn’t. The elaboration is due, in good part, to the fact that the Camorra — the Neapolitan criminal conglomerate — is big in the cement business. The fancier the new roads, especially the elevated sections, the bigger the budget, and the bungs.
The Camorra used to be more disorganised than the Mafia. It was based less on “families” and pyramidical discipline than on individual enterprise: smuggling tobacco and drugs always beats being unemployed. Crookery became epidemic, and big, big business, only after the violent earthquake of 1980. The disaster was an ill wind that blew bundles of cash southwards from Rome for “reconstruction”. As an ongoing result, enough concrete has been mixed to make ring roads around the ring roads. http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,10318-2090521,00.html to read more

2006-04-02T18:14:00.000-04:00

Cinema in Rome

Sexy Sharon e Action Bruce
I film in uscita Quattordici anni dopo il film che l'ha resa famosa in tutto il mondo, Sharon Stone torna a vestire gli abiti sexy di Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct 2. Bruce Willis è protagonista del film d'azione Solo due ore, nel ruolo di un poliziotto che ha perso l'entusiasmo. In uscita anche Due volte lei con Charlotte Rampling e Il grande silenzio
Nella strampalata scuola di Terkel
Altro che il politicamente scorretto dei 'Simpson' o di 'South Park'. Il più irriverente dei cartoon arriva dalla Danimarca. E dal 7 aprile sarà nei nostri cinema, forse con divieto ai minori di 14. Elio e le storie tese doppiatori d'eccezione LO SPECIALE
Spike Lee: "Il Brasile vincerà i mondiali"
Il regista di Inside man, il film che ha incassato cifre record al box office Usa e che uscirà in Italia venerdì 7 aprile, confessa ad Arianna Finos la sua passione per il calcio. "Spero che il mio Brasile possa battere la Germania e aggiudicarsi il titolo mondiale"

2006-03-29T13:19:00.000-05:00

The Bounty of Rome

By MIMI SHERATON
Published: March 26, 2006
HOW does Rome taste? An odd question perhaps, but the sort that comes to mind when I read travel accounts that define cities by sights and sounds, colors and tempo. What about the flavor, I wonder, meaning that more literally than figuratively.

The Bounty of Rome

Chris Warde-Jones for The New York Times
At Volpetti, a delicatessen in the Testaccio neighborhood, from top: Emiliano Volpetti, the owner, sniffs a Parmesan cheese; a pizza out of the oven.
Say Rome to me and my first thoughts are not of the swirling traffic around the marble wedding cake that is a monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, nor of the eaten-out stone melon that is the Colosseum, nor of the "Dolce Vita" set as immortalized by Fellini. Rather, I think first of the creamy foam, or spuma, that tops lightly sugared espresso at the always jammed Sant'Eustachio around the corner from the Pantheon, the coffee bar that I still consider this city's best.
(from the New York Times)

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/travel/26rome.html

2006-03-27T13:04:00.000-05:00

WE ARE RENTING OUR COTTAGE

GO TO

WWW.COTTAGERENTALS.COM

TO SEE MORE PICTURES ( BIG GULL LAKE )

CLICK ON ONTARIO;NEW THIS YEAR

AND LOOK FOR BIG GULL LAKE, PLEVNA

2006-03-26T17:41:00.000-05:00

LONDON, ONTARIO

SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS: Lamplighter destination
shines

No matter how stormy and cold it may be outside, the atrium at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn is like a tranquil tropical lagoon.

2006-03-26T17:03:00.000-05:00

Conquer your fear of flying

Conquer your fear of flying

Air Canada pilot offers seminars to help aviophobes

By VICTORIA AHEARN -- Canadian Press

Carole Chandonnet, shown at Trudeau airport in Montreal, suffered from aviophobia all her life until the spring of 2001. That was when she decided to conquer the fear so she could travel to China to pick up her newly adoptive child. (CP PHOTO/Ryan Remiorz)

Carole Chandonnet's self-esteem is literally soaring these days thanks to a Canadian-run program that helped her ground her persistent fear of flying.

The 47-year-old Montreal resident suffered from the phobia for much of her adult life until the spring of 2001, when she faced a difficult decision: conquer the fear or risk not being able to unite with her newly adoptive daughter in China.

"I needed help because that adoption process was the centre of my life," says Chandonnet, who chose to adopt from China because, as a single mother, her chances of adopting here were slim.

"Having a kid was a big dream for me so the purpose of this trip was so special." (from the Toronto Sun)

2006-03-22T14:43:00.000-05:00

On the run in Rome

With a Lycra-clad tour guide by his side and a heart monitor on his wrist, Matt Rudd tries out a speedy new kind of sightseeing - a one-hour guided run past the highlights of Rome

2006-03-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

Tidal restoration for Mont-Saint-Michel

France's government has given the green light to a project to restore the unique tidal system around Mont-Saint-Michel, the Gothic abbey perched high on a rock off the Normandy coast.
(from the Toronto Sun)

2006-03-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

Scan 'n' fly

Biometric screening is taking off in airports, with Canada's largest set to launch a U.S. company's security system. The upside: fewer delays for passengers. But is there a privacy downside? Douglas McArthur reports Read More 2:00 AM
Related: Amtrak Fast-tracks passport rules
Related: Biometrics beyond airports
(from the Globe and Mail)

2006-03-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

VISIT ONE OF CANADA'S UNIQUE NATIONAL PARKS
Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada
Visitor Information
Salt deposit at the Salt Plains © Parks Canada / WBNP j-2-a / P. McCloskey
Welcome
Welcome to Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada's largest national park and one of the largest in the world. At 44,807 km2, it represents a stunning example of the northern boreal plains — a symbol of spacious wilderness and precious world resources.
Bison roam freely; endangered whooping cranes nest. In the Peace-Athabasca Delta, millions of waterfowl converge on one of the largest inland freshwater deltas in the world. The park's unique combination of land, life and water led to its World Heritage designation in 1983 as "an exceptional natural site ... forming part of the heritage of mankind."
The park offers a variety of visitor experiences — from short strolls on secluded forested trails to rugged canoe trips on the wide meandering rivers of the boreal plains. As you explore the park's secrets, keep in mind that Wood Buffalo is part of a larger system of national parks and national historic sites administered by Parks Canada.
We invite you to experience the wonders of Wood Buffalo National Park ... and we hope that you enjoy your visit.

2006-03-19T19:47:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRENT!

trentacinque(35)

2006-03-13T22:41:00.000-05:00

BANFF NATIONAL PARK: SUMMER IS COMING. TIME TO PLAN A VISIT TO ONE OF CANADA'S GREAT NATIONAL PARKS.

Banff National Park of Canada
In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destination spots.
Learn More

2006-03-11T13:55:00.000-05:00

RE-ENACTMENTS YOUR THING? CHECK THIS OUT.
Mark your calendars (TORONTO SUN)
Special events tied to landmark anniversaries always make travelling worthwhile. Often, as in the examples below, there's free admission, or a chance to see once-in-a-lifetime re-enactments. Here are some highlights in North America in the next few months: Full Story

2006-03-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

Blasting into the future at Kennedy
Mar. 11, 2006. 01:00 AM
NASA's next shuttle launch may be delayed at least until May 10, but that's not stopping the folks at Kennedy Space Center from having a blast. (Toronto Star)

IF YOU ARE IN FLORIDA ITS WORTH A VISIT.

2006-03-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

When in Rome prepare for Mediterranean cruise (TORONTO STAR)
Mar. 9, 2006. 11:06 AM
KATHRYN FOLLIOTT
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
When cruising overseas, it's always a relief to get at least one hotel night under your belt before heading out on ship. Not only can you do a bit of sightseeing, you can also shake off the worst of your jet lag before trying to master Life Jackets 101 during that all-important safety drill in your first hours onboard.
Sunquest's newly added May 20 and May 27 Mediterranean sailings onboard Costa Romantica both include a pre-cruise overnight in Rome complete with sightseeing, dinner and four-star accommodation. The May 20 sailing, taking in the western Med with ports including Catania, Tunis, Gabes, Libya and Malta, is priced from $1,999 a person including air, cruise and the Rome overnight. The May 27 eastern Med sailing visits Catania, Patmos, Mykonos, Izmir and Santorini and starts at $2,199. See http://www.sunquest.ca

2006-03-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

REALITY BITES. TRAVELLERS BE AWARE AND BEWARE!
`Out of Canada, you have no help'
Mar. 11, 2006. 01:00 AM
Deep in your heart, don't you really believe your government will be there for you in a crisis if you are travelling inernationally? Linda Diebel investigates. (toronto star)

2006-03-06T17:52:00.000-05:00

MOLLY

2006-03-02T14:24:00.000-05:00

SPRING...TRAINING IS IN THE AIR

Jupiter's great green spots

Globe golf columnist Lorne Rubenstein warms up his clubs — and his baseball banter — in one of the fairway-filled Florida towns hosting spring training Read More 9:12 PM

2006-03-02T14:07:00.000-05:00

The Health Risks of Travel
By far the most common complaint while travelling is diarrhea, or 'turista'. This is usually caused by the differences in water purity. Canada's municipal water supplies are treated to remove most waterborne organisms, but some less developed countries may not do this. Travellers may have diarrhea while travelling abroad if they drink the local water or food prepared with local water in these countries.

VISIT THE SITE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/life-vie/travel-voyage_e.html

2006-03-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

CANADIANS
Travel in Europe
The member states of the European Union—minus Ireland and the United Kingdom, plus Norway and Iceland—form the Schengen area, a region in which regular border controls between these countries have been abolished to create a single external frontier.
Canadians do not need visas for short-term visits to Schengen countries, but some member states require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. Moreover, some recently joined Schengen countries are still subject to regular border controls. It’s important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities.
For more information, consult our Country Travel Reports. For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, contact the embassy or consulate of the countries you wish to visit.

2006-03-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

Shadow of the African sun

Why the solar eclipse is the perfect excuse to visit Ghana.
Country profile: Ghana

2006-03-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

Keep the wealthy at home

George Monbiot: We all know the damage aviation does, but the government and the airlines want to turn the country into Airstrip One.

Climate change? Don,t expect Goerge B. and Tony B. to change.

2006-03-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

World Cup fans learn how to mind language
Germany has come up with a novel way of educating England supporters ahead of the World Cup by teaching them the meaning of Blutgrätsche (really horrible sliding tackle).
Fans launch World Cup travel zine

2006-03-01T10:58:00.000-05:00

Fayed's high hopes for hotel on an oil rig

Mohamed Al Fayed's dream of building a luxury hotel on an oil rig moved a step closer to reality yesterday when an oil company agreed to decommission a platform off eastern Scotland.

2006-03-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

International Driving Permit

Canada is a signatory to the 1949 UN Convention on Road Traffic. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has been granted sole issuing rights of the International Driving Permit (IDP) by the Canadian Federal and Provincial Governments as it relates to this Convention.

If you are Canadian and would like to apply for an international driving permit follow the link below. It leads to an application form on the CAA site.

www.caa.ca/english/travel/documentation/idp.html

2006-03-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

Other Las Vegas distinctive destination

They used to hang outlaws from a windmill in the plaza in Las Vegas, N. M.

2006-03-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

Montserrat goes green for St. Patrick's Day

Top places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day outside of Ireland include New York, Boston and Savannah, Ga.
Full Story

2006-03-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

Canada tightens borders to halt bird flu
Mar. 1, 2006. 05:12 AM
Canadian customs officials have beefed up inspections at entry points for travellers arriving from Europe, especially France, to keep bird flu out. Rita Daly reports.

2006-02-27T16:21:00.000-05:00

An overhaul due for oversized bags in overstuffed bins?
Jane Engle
Checkpoint templates, strict size rules and a one-bag limit are among ideas. Some business travelers object

I don,t object. Some people are ridiculous about what they try to shove into overhead compartments.

2006-02-27T16:15:00.000-05:00

On the Amalfi Coast, a high life on the cheap

Life moves at its own pace at Maria Casola's tiny country store, just as it does all over this pastoral mountain village of old stone houses, steep stairways and narrow lanes barely capable of accommodating the occasional passing mule.