This Canadian wordsmith appreciates tall glass buildings. I've seen alot of great sights from them. This one, in the center of everything supposedly has a great gym, according to one of its regular customers. But, we didn't see the gym since we were only focused on eating and sleeping while we were in the hotel. And that was fully provided for. I especially am a fan of the Sheraton club floor program. Because we are almost always four people, and two of those have small stomachs, being able to rely on a certain standard of regular food service really helped to simplify our time in Vancouver. Especially in the morning, where, even in the isolation of the rains, we can warm up together in a well lit, well appointed room for a provision of most kinds, including information and interaction.
My kids love that there is always some kind of cereal for them, with cold milk, too. I love that they carry Tazo tea; a large stash of their selection. My husband picks the national paper up from outside his door and carries it directly to the coffee station.
Parking prices were a competitive rate, $40 a night.
And the views, oh the views. There aren't many cities more beautiful in North America, or anywhere, perhaps, that are more enjoyable than English Bay and beyond. Pure Pacific.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
AWAKENING AS ONE : VIMEO
A trilogy of inspiration, speaking to body, mind and spirit, these films are "the awakening" in a nutshell. They are FREE and you may drink the knowledge and be transformed by the power of the transmutation of information. Its penetration through the ganglion in your brain will excite dendrites. Watch these films to ignite with us our ignition: conscious determination regeneration of our species. Purposely focusing on the light helps us gain a recognition and become uniquely and completely inspired. Living free of fear, we inspire, deeply. We can stand in calm as the old world expires as we birth the regenerative cycles. Living free.
Keith Wyatt: at telling the story imploringly: you're hired.
Don't stay mired in confusion, afraid of the dark. Get up stand up, and do the work.
Please?
Thank You!
Keith Wyatt: at telling the story imploringly: you're hired.
Don't stay mired in confusion, afraid of the dark. Get up stand up, and do the work.
Please?
Thank You!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Travelarts/culturefooD: 1000 Flowers, formerly Matricaria - Gras, France
Travelarts/culturefooD: 1000 Flowers, formerly Matricaria - Gras, France: "Europe has exquisite and interesting black licorice which is much different than North American flavours. For us, the depth is much more su..."
1000 Flowers, formerly Matricaria - Grasse, France
Europe has exquisite and interesting black licorice which is much different than North American flavours.
For us, the depth is much more superficial and alot of its novelty is lost to sugars. Where it is salted, you find much more concentrated dark tones.
So, imagine the pairing with patchouli and other indigenous essences, and then having it arive upon your senses through the nose. That is just a rudimentary introduction to Reglisse Noir.
Wearing it on the body is like a divine experience, feeling the wafts of an almost tribal religious flavour on the palate of the mind.
The only drawback is that, due to its purely intrinsically natural form, it arrives, it changes, it lingers and then, there is nothing left of it. Re-application required.
I found that misting the accompanying applicator actually made the scent smell different than when I just poured it on my wrist or kneck. Lovely both ways.
This isn't the first natural perfume from 1000 flowers, Boy is also a favorite. Both of these fragrances are perfect for either sex.
After originating the chocolate truffle body bar in her labs, 1000 flowers, as a company, has pared down to this one signature perfume, at this time.
Since you can't buy stocks in her company, buy this Perfume as the eco product market share is only compouding on its rise in the marketplace.
For us, the depth is much more superficial and alot of its novelty is lost to sugars. Where it is salted, you find much more concentrated dark tones.
So, imagine the pairing with patchouli and other indigenous essences, and then having it arive upon your senses through the nose. That is just a rudimentary introduction to Reglisse Noir.
Wearing it on the body is like a divine experience, feeling the wafts of an almost tribal religious flavour on the palate of the mind.
The only drawback is that, due to its purely intrinsically natural form, it arrives, it changes, it lingers and then, there is nothing left of it. Re-application required.
I found that misting the accompanying applicator actually made the scent smell different than when I just poured it on my wrist or kneck. Lovely both ways.
This isn't the first natural perfume from 1000 flowers, Boy is also a favorite. Both of these fragrances are perfect for either sex.
After originating the chocolate truffle body bar in her labs, 1000 flowers, as a company, has pared down to this one signature perfume, at this time.
Since you can't buy stocks in her company, buy this Perfume as the eco product market share is only compouding on its rise in the marketplace.
Continental shift
I don't think we really knew that we'd be back here, in Nelson BC after 8 years of being away. We loved Vancouver, and even, after awhile, we found we'd tapped deeply rich resources of Moncton, New Brunswick.
And yet, here we are, again. The kootenays are as friendly as ever, even though the faces are only familiar in small smatterings.
I am Here, like upon arriving at Mecca.
Complete arrival,
is that when you unpack all of your suitcases?
This move journals like this:
Moncton
Halifax
Calgary
Canmore
Nelson
Vancouver
These are all of the ways in which we have searched for our perfect product placement,
and I think our new version of Canadank has formed.
And yet, here we are, again. The kootenays are as friendly as ever, even though the faces are only familiar in small smatterings.
I am Here, like upon arriving at Mecca.
Complete arrival,
is that when you unpack all of your suitcases?
This move journals like this:
Moncton
Halifax
Calgary
Canmore
Nelson
Vancouver
These are all of the ways in which we have searched for our perfect product placement,
and I think our new version of Canadank has formed.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Calactus Vegetarian Restaurant
It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend and I have in my mind to bake some pumpkin pies. But, of course, what comes to mind is a recipe that I don't have, but may have to research and emulate, because Calactus is on the other side of the continent from me.
I'm sure that there is rice flour in the crumbly crust because it has that texture of fine rice. But maybe it is nuts and coconut, I just don't know what makes it so smooth.
I was told once that all the desserts at Calactus are vegan, so the delicious texture of their seasonal and incredible pie is somewhat of a mystery, to me. However, the exact right amount of nutmeg is ground onto the tofu cream for a delicious, nutritious, and spellbinding post meal victory.
When they had it on the freshly posted special board, I would find myself there again,in another day or so, just to ensure that I got two slices.
I wonder, if I had their recipe, maybe I'd get three.
I'm sure that there is rice flour in the crumbly crust because it has that texture of fine rice. But maybe it is nuts and coconut, I just don't know what makes it so smooth.
I was told once that all the desserts at Calactus are vegan, so the delicious texture of their seasonal and incredible pie is somewhat of a mystery, to me. However, the exact right amount of nutmeg is ground onto the tofu cream for a delicious, nutritious, and spellbinding post meal victory.
When they had it on the freshly posted special board, I would find myself there again,in another day or so, just to ensure that I got two slices.
I wonder, if I had their recipe, maybe I'd get three.
The Wedding Planner
When it comes time to think about your wedding day,( should you and your significant other go that way,) think in terms of color, first. When thinking red, is it a symbol of luck to you, or fire and passion?
Green and gold is what I went with, based in our literary concept from poetry that everything green turns gold. I also love that white and Grecian blue for an aquatic or fruit de mer fruitful union. A couple, I mean.
Now, go inside yourself and dream a dream about your long journey together and build around you from what is within your reach. This is the antithesis of a Big Fat Greek Wedding; this is your day.
And in that journey, feel the colors and bring them to the table and ceremony. For us, we had September pears (paired) from the tree behind the Shediac Inns we were evolving with, at that time in our lives. They were both green and gold and kept a few of the autum leaves with them in a glass bowl.
For our invitations, we printed with green ink, instead of paying for embossed gold. I mean, lets face it, we had a one year old and had just purchased our first house and we were alot more green than gold, more fresh than established.
Flowers are a huge expense. How do you spend money together as a couple? We felt very blesssed to receive the few freinds we invited who took long journeys to participate with us. So, what seemed like the best value for our florist money, we pinned exquisite orchids to everyone, which looked beautiful in the pictures. One word to the wise on that one, our under 8 bunch didn't utelize that cost at all, and destroyed them instantly!
A passion I share with my husband and our family is a passion for quality food. For us, a big spread of premade foods wasn't gonna cut it, so we plated our small group in an Inn on a bay in New Brunswick and were feasting on lobster. The restaurant let us cork our own champagne, so we were able to splurge and treat our group to a beautiful tasting of Veuve, Dom, and others.
We had what I would call a downmarket wedding, and sometimes, cutting costs felt a bit difficult - since we want to show our budding love. But, having money after the wedding and no debt sure made us appreciate our time together, even more. A strong financial start makes sense for the couple who are in it for the long run.
Green and gold is what I went with, based in our literary concept from poetry that everything green turns gold. I also love that white and Grecian blue for an aquatic or fruit de mer fruitful union. A couple, I mean.
Now, go inside yourself and dream a dream about your long journey together and build around you from what is within your reach. This is the antithesis of a Big Fat Greek Wedding; this is your day.
And in that journey, feel the colors and bring them to the table and ceremony. For us, we had September pears (paired) from the tree behind the Shediac Inns we were evolving with, at that time in our lives. They were both green and gold and kept a few of the autum leaves with them in a glass bowl.
For our invitations, we printed with green ink, instead of paying for embossed gold. I mean, lets face it, we had a one year old and had just purchased our first house and we were alot more green than gold, more fresh than established.
Flowers are a huge expense. How do you spend money together as a couple? We felt very blesssed to receive the few freinds we invited who took long journeys to participate with us. So, what seemed like the best value for our florist money, we pinned exquisite orchids to everyone, which looked beautiful in the pictures. One word to the wise on that one, our under 8 bunch didn't utelize that cost at all, and destroyed them instantly!
A passion I share with my husband and our family is a passion for quality food. For us, a big spread of premade foods wasn't gonna cut it, so we plated our small group in an Inn on a bay in New Brunswick and were feasting on lobster. The restaurant let us cork our own champagne, so we were able to splurge and treat our group to a beautiful tasting of Veuve, Dom, and others.
We had what I would call a downmarket wedding, and sometimes, cutting costs felt a bit difficult - since we want to show our budding love. But, having money after the wedding and no debt sure made us appreciate our time together, even more. A strong financial start makes sense for the couple who are in it for the long run.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Boardwalks - Brighton VS. Brooklyn
In this corner, we have Brighton. Harvested by the rich for centuries for its healing air and oceanic breezes, a pinnacle in English culture.
In this corner, Brooklyn, and Atlantic Avenues own Brooklyn Promenade, a refuge to immigrants and big dreamers.
And the winner is...
In this corner, Brooklyn, and Atlantic Avenues own Brooklyn Promenade, a refuge to immigrants and big dreamers.
And the winner is...
98th Avenue Coffee - Vancouver, BC
There is, within our sense of taste, our taste of smell. And there is, within the perfect bean, a perfect roast. Within that roast, a grind. That grind, its extraction method. It is up to you what you do with Diabolique. You have been brought to the edge of perfection. Now, go forward and define perfection for yourself within this cup of coffee.
Once you`ve done that, check out the full line of estate coffees and discover the world and its harvests in your cup.
It doesn`t matter that I sent you there, it only matters that you have now discovered.
Once you`ve done that, check out the full line of estate coffees and discover the world and its harvests in your cup.
It doesn`t matter that I sent you there, it only matters that you have now discovered.
The Calgary Stampede - Calgary, Alberta
Yeehaw - at Stampede time in Calgary, all you regular folks can come on down and have a hoedown and all ya have to do is dress up like a cowboy. Aw heck, even if ya don`t , just wear your shorts or your jeans and have a knee slapping, pancake eatin, horse watchin good time.
The whole city puts their best boot forward for this 10 day stretch of summertime every year. Country music up and coming stars jostle the stage with Nashville names to win the hearts of big, well fed crowds all over town, and at any time of day. The free pancake breakfasts hosted by major shopping malls and wealthy oil companies are well planned and well attended. Booze has taken a backseat at most of these, but not all.
The true blue rodeo action is played (on tv`s) and played up in content and in ceremony, everywhere.
I guess this otherwise conservative metropolis will never lose its wild west heritage since they spend so much energy using their history to propel them past another year in the book of business.
Calgary doesn`t boom and bust, anymore. It just goes boom, boom, boom.
The whole city puts their best boot forward for this 10 day stretch of summertime every year. Country music up and coming stars jostle the stage with Nashville names to win the hearts of big, well fed crowds all over town, and at any time of day. The free pancake breakfasts hosted by major shopping malls and wealthy oil companies are well planned and well attended. Booze has taken a backseat at most of these, but not all.
The true blue rodeo action is played (on tv`s) and played up in content and in ceremony, everywhere.
I guess this otherwise conservative metropolis will never lose its wild west heritage since they spend so much energy using their history to propel them past another year in the book of business.
Calgary doesn`t boom and bust, anymore. It just goes boom, boom, boom.
Toronto - Ontario
There are so many interesting places to go in Toronto, and in all of Ontario, but my favorite is the distillery district.
Being a western Canadian, I am interested in the history and holdings of the Bronfman Family, and that is who enriched the city with this area. Once, obviously, a distillery, and now an exceptionally trendy place -even for Toronto, who has plenty of uber and under trendy places to explore or ignore.
You could visit this place as an historian or in search of something new in D&G.
Coffee, check. Restaraunts, check. Chocolatier, check. Boutiques, check. Cobblestone streets, check. Urban industrial minimalist modern design, checkcheck.
Being a western Canadian, I am interested in the history and holdings of the Bronfman Family, and that is who enriched the city with this area. Once, obviously, a distillery, and now an exceptionally trendy place -even for Toronto, who has plenty of uber and under trendy places to explore or ignore.
You could visit this place as an historian or in search of something new in D&G.
Coffee, check. Restaraunts, check. Chocolatier, check. Boutiques, check. Cobblestone streets, check. Urban industrial minimalist modern design, checkcheck.
Vancouver - Greyline Bus Tours
I`m sure the people who take cruise ships must appreciate an in depth tour that takes as little as a half a day, when exploring new. They are who Greyline must have had in mind when they designed their tours. If there is anything you wanted to explore in the Vancouver region and you are stopping in, they have the ability and team to take you there.
My favorite was the day trip to Vancouver Island to see Butchard Gardens. The renovated quarry is a testament to the rainforest nature of the Pacific Northwest. Glorious.
I enjoyed crossing the ferry twice in one day and we were even joined by some playful looking dolphins at sunset.
Greyline tours will take you to any part of the city of Vancouver, too. The stories of Stanley Park, which are normally silently resting among the giant trees become animated and memorable.
My favorite was the day trip to Vancouver Island to see Butchard Gardens. The renovated quarry is a testament to the rainforest nature of the Pacific Northwest. Glorious.
I enjoyed crossing the ferry twice in one day and we were even joined by some playful looking dolphins at sunset.
Greyline tours will take you to any part of the city of Vancouver, too. The stories of Stanley Park, which are normally silently resting among the giant trees become animated and memorable.
Kootenay Lake Ferry - Kootenay Lake, BC
The Osprey 2000 is a gem of a boat who shuttles its passengers between Crawford Bay and Balfour all day long, seven days a week, for free.
The locals of the east shore stay connected with the business center of Nelson, and for them, it is a neccessity that is provided for. At least, for now.
It takes about a half hour to cross and you have never seen a more fjordlike lake in Canada. Largely untouched by anything but logging, the countryside is natural and expressive.
Although you would add another day of driving if you take this road between Calgary and Vancouver, it`s definitely worth it.
Experience the vastness of the Kootenay Rockies.
The locals of the east shore stay connected with the business center of Nelson, and for them, it is a neccessity that is provided for. At least, for now.
It takes about a half hour to cross and you have never seen a more fjordlike lake in Canada. Largely untouched by anything but logging, the countryside is natural and expressive.
Although you would add another day of driving if you take this road between Calgary and Vancouver, it`s definitely worth it.
Experience the vastness of the Kootenay Rockies.
Barbés Restaurant - 21 East 36th St @ Madison Ave NY, NY
The thing about the recession, is that it has made some restaraunts big and empty like wastelands. But Barbes is so small, so tucked in, that the locals who cherish this place will sustain it. We found it in our hunt for the french culture wherever we go. Moroccan feasting always sounds appetizing and it especially is after a full day of navigating a family of four around a place referred to only as " the City".
The city is amazing and amazing is what we found when we stopped in here; warm and warmly lit with a downstairs kitchen to bring us in from the cold and dark. It is like its own little tajine, full of aroma and sensuality. Narrow and pungeant, I wanted to sit from the moment I entered and I was full and glad to have rested here as I left. Nothing was left out or off of our table and no one lacked for service. The strong survive.
The city is amazing and amazing is what we found when we stopped in here; warm and warmly lit with a downstairs kitchen to bring us in from the cold and dark. It is like its own little tajine, full of aroma and sensuality. Narrow and pungeant, I wanted to sit from the moment I entered and I was full and glad to have rested here as I left. Nothing was left out or off of our table and no one lacked for service. The strong survive.
The Study Hotel - New Haven, Conneticut
My mind keeps on bringing me back to New Haven, so that I can return to the Study Hotel. In my experience, there isn't another hotel more suited to me. If you've never had a reason to visit Yale, let me describe what I love about it.
First of all, it is on the same street as the campus. For those of us not determined or fortunate enough to have entered the domain of an ivy league school, this campus has mysterious secret societies and also amazingly open forums. We went to 2 free art galleries within blocks of the hotel, showcasing Picasso and Charles Darwin, no less.
Even if you never left the hotel and forgot to look at New Haven or Yale, you could still learn something. Our room housed a hundred books on shelves that invited you to rest there in 2 reading ready armchairs. Books and hourglasses, on surfaces everywhere in the hotel, remind you to take the time to learn. Read something!
The stunning and small hotel bar hosts professors and parents of students, and feeds them in the way they've become accustomed to in New York and Boston. The staff was more than friendly, they were genuine, like people who see you again and again. It was perfect food, drink and engaging conversation.
Big thanks to Paul McGowan for his incredible vision for this boutique hotel. It has won all of our favors.
First of all, it is on the same street as the campus. For those of us not determined or fortunate enough to have entered the domain of an ivy league school, this campus has mysterious secret societies and also amazingly open forums. We went to 2 free art galleries within blocks of the hotel, showcasing Picasso and Charles Darwin, no less.
Even if you never left the hotel and forgot to look at New Haven or Yale, you could still learn something. Our room housed a hundred books on shelves that invited you to rest there in 2 reading ready armchairs. Books and hourglasses, on surfaces everywhere in the hotel, remind you to take the time to learn. Read something!
The stunning and small hotel bar hosts professors and parents of students, and feeds them in the way they've become accustomed to in New York and Boston. The staff was more than friendly, they were genuine, like people who see you again and again. It was perfect food, drink and engaging conversation.
Big thanks to Paul McGowan for his incredible vision for this boutique hotel. It has won all of our favors.
Oso Negro Cafe - Nelson, BC
I'm not the only person who refers to this latest location for the Oso Negro crew as the 'Mecca' of coffee. It isn't just because the line up continues out beyond the door at any given moment, on any day, with desire for the center of the experience palpable. Mostly, it has to do with the primal design of the non smoking back gardens as they spiral up past waterfalls to the pinnacle point like a merging with the soul of experience. Also, Oso Negro has steadily been building a religious-like following since its inception around 1995.
Not content to educate its followers about the origins of coffee, its sustainability and its ethics, they also provide a showcase for local gourmand to express their originality through ready to eat flavourful foods. We love the pizza, the curried chick pea triangles and the spanikopita for savory, and peanut butter bliss balls, cinnimon buns and date squares for sweet. There are dozens of displayed items, warm and cold.
This steadily growing business roasts in an old brewery building blocks away from the more downtown cafe and that is all there is to it. Although grocers and restaurants sell and serve it all over the place, the 2 owners seem to be content with their provision of fair wages and pursuit of excellence; you won't see them franchising any time soon.
So, leave the comfort of your familiar cafe and make the pilgrimage to Oso Negro, on Victoria Street in Nelson. Feel the love. Enjoy the blessings.
Not content to educate its followers about the origins of coffee, its sustainability and its ethics, they also provide a showcase for local gourmand to express their originality through ready to eat flavourful foods. We love the pizza, the curried chick pea triangles and the spanikopita for savory, and peanut butter bliss balls, cinnimon buns and date squares for sweet. There are dozens of displayed items, warm and cold.
This steadily growing business roasts in an old brewery building blocks away from the more downtown cafe and that is all there is to it. Although grocers and restaurants sell and serve it all over the place, the 2 owners seem to be content with their provision of fair wages and pursuit of excellence; you won't see them franchising any time soon.
So, leave the comfort of your familiar cafe and make the pilgrimage to Oso Negro, on Victoria Street in Nelson. Feel the love. Enjoy the blessings.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
URTH CAFE - Santa Monica, California
Some people demand more than mediocrity out of life. The beautiful people of Urth cafe, seem to me, to be these kinds of people.
But their cafe is not complicated.
Simply put, it is about coffee and tea, and eggs with salad. They do what they do and they do it well. Sure you can get bagels and muffins and all that, but the warm food from the downstairs kitchen, splayed out full on the plate is so satiatingly satisfying, it made me want it every day.
Just a few blocks uphill from the beach, you can use the valet parking or just drop a few coins in a nearby meter. It has indoor and outdoor seating, of course, and everyone seems keenly aware of how close we all are in our search for the daily grind. This isn't a cafe suited for the idle; someone is always ready to take your table. So pull up a little bistro chair and enjoy what a dedication to coffees sustainability can feel like.
I loved the Mexican Omelette and ordered it because I saw a mexican staff member truly enjoying it. If staff can still eat where they work, that is one star for the food! It took up a full half of my plate while the other leafy half was everything you would expect in the worlds most envied growing country. That salad was as delectable as a freshly picked in season strawberry - morselicious!
Oh, and the coffee was delicious and rich. But more importantly, just dropping in there for a couple of barrista challenges to go made me feel like I was a part of something greater. It made me want to check my emails. It made me wonder "isn't that the producer of..." and "wasn't she in..."?
Don't feel like a tourist in California, go to Urth Cafe.
But their cafe is not complicated.
Simply put, it is about coffee and tea, and eggs with salad. They do what they do and they do it well. Sure you can get bagels and muffins and all that, but the warm food from the downstairs kitchen, splayed out full on the plate is so satiatingly satisfying, it made me want it every day.
Just a few blocks uphill from the beach, you can use the valet parking or just drop a few coins in a nearby meter. It has indoor and outdoor seating, of course, and everyone seems keenly aware of how close we all are in our search for the daily grind. This isn't a cafe suited for the idle; someone is always ready to take your table. So pull up a little bistro chair and enjoy what a dedication to coffees sustainability can feel like.
I loved the Mexican Omelette and ordered it because I saw a mexican staff member truly enjoying it. If staff can still eat where they work, that is one star for the food! It took up a full half of my plate while the other leafy half was everything you would expect in the worlds most envied growing country. That salad was as delectable as a freshly picked in season strawberry - morselicious!
Oh, and the coffee was delicious and rich. But more importantly, just dropping in there for a couple of barrista challenges to go made me feel like I was a part of something greater. It made me want to check my emails. It made me wonder "isn't that the producer of..." and "wasn't she in..."?
Don't feel like a tourist in California, go to Urth Cafe.
ATLANTIS RESORT: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Correct me if I'm wrong, but, isn't the most important aspect of travelling what you take from it? Of course, I mean your souvenirs, but also, tapping into the power of our experiences.
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas has the second largest open air aquarium in the world. This was a big deal for us when we chose it as our destination. That plus the multitude of accommodation, pools and superlative dining choices had all the appeal we needed to get ourselves there.
You have to fly into Nassau, which is fine, but also pretty dodgy. Everyone knows all about the resort and it not only employs leagues of Bahamians, it also has its doors and beaches open for the cruise ship visitors or other hotel guests to wander. At this resort, they took out the option of doing nothing. There is too much to do. You may even have to buy into fractional ownership just to really take a bight out of all there is offered.
We did our best by starting with getting over to Starbucks near sunrise and walking along the docks to take in the multimillion dollar yachts and the peaceful marina. I can still feel that Bahama breeze (not the drink), it is like heaven. So pure. The beaches are luxuriously that "perfect" color, temperature and flow. Sit back on the upmarket covered beach chairs (which an employee will gladly haul around to any particular spot for you), and purchase coconuts filled with whatever. Stroll your eyes over trinkets or stare out to blue sea. Wonder for yourself, what do I want to do today?
Swim with dolphins? Go rock climbing? Eat at a huge buffet? Go diving? Shopping? Waterslides? Lazy rivers - fast or slow? Maybe take the shuttle over to the Cove to sit at the outdoor bar and celebrity watch? Gamble in the casino? Explore the Dig; the fantasy construction of an archaelogical dig for the ruined city of Atlantis? Maybe watch them feed the hammerhead sharks? Or maybe, study the murals in the Hall of Great Waters and discover the myth and mythology of the entire project.
None of those things listed to do makes me feel tired; there's no traffic jams - no cars, no hustle or bustle - no need. We didn't encounter any long lines for anything and the foods were plentiful and selective. I was concerned going into this exclusive resort that we may lack for true cultural experience due to contrived surroundings. But it never happened. I was in awe of it for the entire week. The completeness of the artistic expression and vision truly blew me, and my family away. The truly valuable experience of the all - permeating sealife, given sanctuary in the massive tanks, penetrated my psyche the way a fishing charter or beachside chalet never could. This experience was rich, well thought out and truly unique.
So what kind of souvenir best represents a week of bliss and soulful expansiveness? Not the french milled soap from our room, although it was divine. Not the conch shell jewelery, because I later saw it for less at a farmers market at home in Canada. Not the locally produced cd of jump up junkanoo that later sounded flat and cheesy. It was a childrens book. A book that describes certain features of the many types of sealife we experienced there, together. It has the amazing ability to bring to life in our memories the joyful discoveries we made and to remind us of our own stories, the ones now enriching and enhancing our experience of life together. Like the Lost pool of Atlantis... the one with the Godlike figure holding the triton that only a 3 year old could find. Together, we treasure our trip to the Bahamas so much that I realized, for future travels, spend less on souvenirs and more on complete experiences.
If you can, go to Atlantis in this lifetime and tap into the fabric of our human nature, where we are one with the waters, deep in the heart of our lost worlds.
PS - Apparently there is one in Dubai, too.
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas has the second largest open air aquarium in the world. This was a big deal for us when we chose it as our destination. That plus the multitude of accommodation, pools and superlative dining choices had all the appeal we needed to get ourselves there.
You have to fly into Nassau, which is fine, but also pretty dodgy. Everyone knows all about the resort and it not only employs leagues of Bahamians, it also has its doors and beaches open for the cruise ship visitors or other hotel guests to wander. At this resort, they took out the option of doing nothing. There is too much to do. You may even have to buy into fractional ownership just to really take a bight out of all there is offered.
We did our best by starting with getting over to Starbucks near sunrise and walking along the docks to take in the multimillion dollar yachts and the peaceful marina. I can still feel that Bahama breeze (not the drink), it is like heaven. So pure. The beaches are luxuriously that "perfect" color, temperature and flow. Sit back on the upmarket covered beach chairs (which an employee will gladly haul around to any particular spot for you), and purchase coconuts filled with whatever. Stroll your eyes over trinkets or stare out to blue sea. Wonder for yourself, what do I want to do today?
Swim with dolphins? Go rock climbing? Eat at a huge buffet? Go diving? Shopping? Waterslides? Lazy rivers - fast or slow? Maybe take the shuttle over to the Cove to sit at the outdoor bar and celebrity watch? Gamble in the casino? Explore the Dig; the fantasy construction of an archaelogical dig for the ruined city of Atlantis? Maybe watch them feed the hammerhead sharks? Or maybe, study the murals in the Hall of Great Waters and discover the myth and mythology of the entire project.
None of those things listed to do makes me feel tired; there's no traffic jams - no cars, no hustle or bustle - no need. We didn't encounter any long lines for anything and the foods were plentiful and selective. I was concerned going into this exclusive resort that we may lack for true cultural experience due to contrived surroundings. But it never happened. I was in awe of it for the entire week. The completeness of the artistic expression and vision truly blew me, and my family away. The truly valuable experience of the all - permeating sealife, given sanctuary in the massive tanks, penetrated my psyche the way a fishing charter or beachside chalet never could. This experience was rich, well thought out and truly unique.
So what kind of souvenir best represents a week of bliss and soulful expansiveness? Not the french milled soap from our room, although it was divine. Not the conch shell jewelery, because I later saw it for less at a farmers market at home in Canada. Not the locally produced cd of jump up junkanoo that later sounded flat and cheesy. It was a childrens book. A book that describes certain features of the many types of sealife we experienced there, together. It has the amazing ability to bring to life in our memories the joyful discoveries we made and to remind us of our own stories, the ones now enriching and enhancing our experience of life together. Like the Lost pool of Atlantis... the one with the Godlike figure holding the triton that only a 3 year old could find. Together, we treasure our trip to the Bahamas so much that I realized, for future travels, spend less on souvenirs and more on complete experiences.
If you can, go to Atlantis in this lifetime and tap into the fabric of our human nature, where we are one with the waters, deep in the heart of our lost worlds.
PS - Apparently there is one in Dubai, too.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Moncton New Brunswick
WHO- Moncton is rich in cultural dichotomy, as long as your cultures include English and French. The local dialect is a perfect mixture of those 2 languages, called Shiac. Acadian culture survives with full flavour as does the Scottish heritage of the typical maritimer. Expect to hear Great Big Sea like music at markets and on street corners, with lots of fiddling and foot stomping. And listen intently to the easy flow of the people who speak both English and French without an interfering accent in either language. It sounds superb.
WHEN - Go to Moncton especially in the summer and autumn. Shediac and its coastline is on a sand shelf which makes for the most swimmable Atlantic waters north of the Carolinas. Every summer the beaches fill up with Quebec vacationers, known as "the Quebecers", who revel in long days in high heat and humidity, and gorge on sunburns and red lobster by the pound.
The autumn is perfect for enjoying the bountiful harvests of the region along with the huge amounts of fresh seafood dished out including apples, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, squash and all those Canadian bounty foods. Especially celebrated is the apple harvest where local families join together to load bags and bags of the local varieties to be shared for weeks to come. The empire is an especially tasty treat.
WHAT - If you're looking for highbrow arts, or foodie culture, you may have to lower your brows for a more down home visit. However, if you're looking for the perfect cappuccino, then you need look no further than Clementine Cafe on St George Blvd. Clement and his studious team make sure that every cup flows through its process with unprecedented success.
Conservationists may be interested in the fact that their team won in a long debate about the flow of the Petticodiac River which is being closely monitered for its recovery since its recent dam release. Watch the tidal boar as it recovers its steam to its (hopefully) pre damned velocity. The river rises and recedes with the tides of the great Atlantic tides from the Bay of Fundy, known for its flower pot rocks and the highest tides in the world.
Fundy National Park has great wildlife and hikes as well as sea floor walks which are great in the summer heat, since it can be around 10 degrees cooler, there.
WHY - Moncton is considered the maritime hub, these days, and people from Prince Edward Island, Halifax and Nova Scotia, and northern New Brunswick small towns all go there to harvest the shopping and eat out.
I recommend a half hour trip to Sackville to see Mount Allison University and its beautiful outcropping town from its pretty marshes.
French Africans and caribbean peoples make their way to the U de M, and so the spin off of African choral music and even french rap makes for some stimulating finds for this out of the way, and yet decidedly Eastern small city.
Fashion is funtionable and is extremely influenced by magazines, malls and New York streets. Punk is not dead, here, either. French women have that je ne se quois. I love their high heels, make up and confidance.
Also, the farmers markets are amazing because they are so very well attended, and because there are two of them: one in downtown and one in Dieppe, the veritable French Quarter.
WHERE - Stay at the St James Gate if you don't mind some pub/bar vibe along with your boutique hotel. The Chateau Moncton is right on the tidal boar side of the river and you won't believe how easy it is to fly into their airport (run by YVR) or drive in on the pristine divided highway. Generic hotels are being built every year to accommodate the blossoming summer concert circuit.
Put your highbrow away and enjoy the low prices, maritime openness and franglais infused beaches.
ON THE OTHER HAND...
the mosquitoes seem to have one season and that is whenever there isn't snow piled up around your butt...
WHEN - Go to Moncton especially in the summer and autumn. Shediac and its coastline is on a sand shelf which makes for the most swimmable Atlantic waters north of the Carolinas. Every summer the beaches fill up with Quebec vacationers, known as "the Quebecers", who revel in long days in high heat and humidity, and gorge on sunburns and red lobster by the pound.
The autumn is perfect for enjoying the bountiful harvests of the region along with the huge amounts of fresh seafood dished out including apples, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, squash and all those Canadian bounty foods. Especially celebrated is the apple harvest where local families join together to load bags and bags of the local varieties to be shared for weeks to come. The empire is an especially tasty treat.
WHAT - If you're looking for highbrow arts, or foodie culture, you may have to lower your brows for a more down home visit. However, if you're looking for the perfect cappuccino, then you need look no further than Clementine Cafe on St George Blvd. Clement and his studious team make sure that every cup flows through its process with unprecedented success.
Conservationists may be interested in the fact that their team won in a long debate about the flow of the Petticodiac River which is being closely monitered for its recovery since its recent dam release. Watch the tidal boar as it recovers its steam to its (hopefully) pre damned velocity. The river rises and recedes with the tides of the great Atlantic tides from the Bay of Fundy, known for its flower pot rocks and the highest tides in the world.
Fundy National Park has great wildlife and hikes as well as sea floor walks which are great in the summer heat, since it can be around 10 degrees cooler, there.
WHY - Moncton is considered the maritime hub, these days, and people from Prince Edward Island, Halifax and Nova Scotia, and northern New Brunswick small towns all go there to harvest the shopping and eat out.
I recommend a half hour trip to Sackville to see Mount Allison University and its beautiful outcropping town from its pretty marshes.
French Africans and caribbean peoples make their way to the U de M, and so the spin off of African choral music and even french rap makes for some stimulating finds for this out of the way, and yet decidedly Eastern small city.
Fashion is funtionable and is extremely influenced by magazines, malls and New York streets. Punk is not dead, here, either. French women have that je ne se quois. I love their high heels, make up and confidance.
Also, the farmers markets are amazing because they are so very well attended, and because there are two of them: one in downtown and one in Dieppe, the veritable French Quarter.
WHERE - Stay at the St James Gate if you don't mind some pub/bar vibe along with your boutique hotel. The Chateau Moncton is right on the tidal boar side of the river and you won't believe how easy it is to fly into their airport (run by YVR) or drive in on the pristine divided highway. Generic hotels are being built every year to accommodate the blossoming summer concert circuit.
Put your highbrow away and enjoy the low prices, maritime openness and franglais infused beaches.
ON THE OTHER HAND...
the mosquitoes seem to have one season and that is whenever there isn't snow piled up around your butt...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)