An excited and happy group left Calgary on September 19, 2007 bound for NEWFOUNDLAND, we were going to spend ten days travelling from east to west across ‘the rock’. We flew into St. John’s where we were met at the airport by a motor coach, and transported to our hotel overlooking the harbor. We rested on our first evening in preparation for the fabulous day that awaited us! Our explorations of St John’s, one of the oldest cities in North America, included Signal Hill, The Rooms (an amazing museum), a city tour and of course that evening we all got “Screeched”, a ceremony which includes a drink of the infamous Newfoundland Screech Rum and kissing the posterior of a puffin and repeating a semi-dialect, slightly risqué recitation. Now we are all ‘Honorary Newfoundlanders’. The following morning we spent time at the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, which is located at the most easterly point of land in Canada, Cape Spear. We carried on to the town of Bay Bulls and after lunch we boarded a catamaran for a marine wildlife tour to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve where we enjoyed watching the puffins as they dove for fish. That evening we were superbly entertained by a local ‘legend’, ‘Stompin’ Darrin Steele’ – a most enjoyable evening included a traditional meal of local ‘fare’. The next day we continued on Gander through Terra Nova National Park. We visited the site of the memorial to the crash on December 11, 1985, of Arrow Air flight MF128– with a loss of all 248 passengers – members of the 101st Airborne Division. We spent time at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum before checking in to our hotel. The following day we spent on Twillingate Island where we enjoyed the museum – climbed to the top of a lighthouse and laughed and learned of the fishing industry at the local fisheries museum. – everyone agreed it was such a fun stop.
Article Published: November 21st, 2007
Of the 60 mostly uninhabited islands that make up the US Virgin Islands, the biggest and most visited are St Thomas, St John and St Croix. The energetic capital of Charlotte Amalie, with its attractive harbor, lies on St Thomas. This island is the most Americanized of the chain, famous for its world-class duty-free shopping. Nearby St John is an unspoilt nature lover’s paradise, with most of its forests, pristine beaches and reefs part of a protected national park. The largest of the islands is St Croix and its remoteness from the others, the historic remnants scattered about the landscape, the pretty Danish-influenced towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted, and the snorkeling at nearby Buck Island are the attractions here. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, these islands boast some of the most splendid coastline in the world, with white sandy beaches, astonishing coral reefs and pristine marine life, secluded coves, and untouched rainforests rising up above the sea-swept landscape. Caribbean color touches every aspect of the islands, blending with the strong Danish influence in the town. Local craftsmen display their unique island art along cobblestone alleyways; busy markets supply the essentials for a delicious cuisine; and the sounds of folk songs and calypso bands fill the air. The Virgin Islands being among the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean has meant that the port towns of Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted are usually swamped with newly arrived passengers in a frenzy of shopping and dining. Main beaches are seldom deserted, and the key reef areas are often a flurry of flippers and snorkels. Luxury resorts and fine hotels share the streets with old colonial architecture. Yet it is still possible to escape the crowds and find that bit of elusive paradise, to relax away from the divers and sailors, the sightseers, the ecological tour groups, and the shoppers.
Article Published: November 7th, 2007
Known for its spectacular natural beauty and biodiversity, Costa Rica boasts over 15 different ecosystems with dramatic changes in landscapes, climate and nature. Magnificent beaches stretch for miles along an unspoilt coastline; high on the mountains, cool and pristine cloud forests are alive with mysterious sounds and below splendid tropical rain forests are packed with life. The country is famous for its progressive approach to conservation and is the prime eco-tourism destination in Central America due to its wealth of protected areas. Over 25 percent of the country is protected, spread between 75 different national parks, wildlife refuges and biological reserves. In such a small geographical area it is surprising how much there is to see and do. There are activities to suit all travelers and any mood, from action to relaxation. These include surfing, snorkeling and sunbathing, horse riding, hiking and wildlife-spotting, deep sea fishing or river cruises. One can also simply enjoy a soak in the hot springs. Travelers are also drawn to the country because of the endearing Tico hospitality. Costa Ricans are known for their incredible gregariousness and delightful ability to pamper guests – whether pointing out the right direction or cooking a typical authentic meal, they will be full of smiles and warmth. All this together with easy accessibility and an efficient infrastructure makes Costa Rica the jewel of Central America and a gem of a vacation destination.
Article Published: October 24th, 2007
Italy dips down out of Europe and into the Mediterranean – Breathtaking. Italians are also known for once having an empire that stretched across the globe, and for having the most spectacular churches, frescos, sculptures and Renaissance paintings in all of Europe. The Italy of today is littered with the relics of more than 3,000 years of history, and an atmosphere that ranges from the Armani-wearing-scooter-driving-espresso-drinking buzz of its cities to the quiet, pastoral existence of its hillside olive farms and seaside fishing villages. From the depths of the canals in Venice, which floats on a series of islands in an Adriatic lagoon, and the bleached sands of San Remo on the Riviera, to the rocky crags of the Alps, Dolomites and Apennines, Italy has everything from beach holidays to luxury mountain ski resorts. Italy’s cities reveal awe-inspiring architecture from the curved arches of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to the crumbling magnificence of the Colosseum in Rome. Home of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Carvaggio and Botticelli, its artworks are a visual delight to all visitors. Nestled into the outskirts of Rome is the independent Vatican City, the seat of the Pope and home to the famous St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The influence of the Holy Catholic Church on the people of Italy is still evident today in a series of holy festivals, carnivals, and parades involving young and old alike in almost every city, town and village.
Article Published: October 10th, 2007
The Cayman Islands are Renowned for beautiful beaches, excellent diving and offshore banking, they are a group of three islands situated between Cuba and Jamaica, only a 90-minute flight from Miami. Most of the population of the Cayman Islands live on the 202 sq km Grand Cayman, and every day thousands of visitors arrive, many of them on cruise liners, to besiege the narrow streets of the island capital, George Town, and delight in the beautiful beaches. The natural attractions are enough to draw the crowds, however, with the coral reefs, clear waters and sandy beaches offering the chance to try out any watersport imaginable. It is hard to believe that among the buildings that line George Town’s harbor there are 500 banks making up the world’s fifth largest offshore financial centre. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are 113km northeast of Grand Cayman and are much smaller and even more relaxed. Visitors don’t come here in suits; the little business that goes on revolves around diving and catering for the world’s best bone-fishing. Discovered by Columbus in 1503 and explored by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, it was not until 1670 that the islands came under British rule. They remain a British territory, and the Queen’s picture is still displayed proudly, but the US exerts the dominant influence over what it considers its backyard. For years the islands were a base for pirates who delighted in the remoteness of Grand Cayman.
Article Published: September 26th, 2007
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An excited and happy group left Calgary on September 19, 2007 bound for NEWFOUNDLAND, we were going to spend ten days travelling from east to west across ‘the rock’. We flew into St. John’s where we were met at the airport by a motor coach, and transported to our hotel overlooking the harbor. We rested on our first evening in preparation for the fabulous day that awaited us! Our explorations of St John’s, one of the oldest cities in North America, included Signal Hill, The Rooms (an amazing museum), a city tour and of course that evening we all got “Screeched”, a ceremony which includes a drink of the infamous Newfoundland Screech Rum and kissing the posterior of a puffin and repeating a semi-dialect, slightly risqué recitation. Now we are all ‘Honorary Newfoundlanders’. The following morning we spent time at the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, which is located at the most easterly point of land in Canada, Cape Spear. We carried on to the town of Bay Bulls and after lunch we boarded a catamaran for a marine wildlife tour to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve where we enjoyed watching the puffins as they dove for fish. That evening we were superbly entertained by a local ‘legend’, ‘Stompin’ Darrin Steele’ – a most enjoyable evening included a traditional meal of local ‘fare’. The next day we continued on Gander through Terra Nova National Park. We visited the site of the memorial to the crash on December 11, 1985, of Arrow Air flight MF128– with a loss of all 248 passengers – members of the 101st Airborne Division. We spent time at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum before checking in to our hotel. The following day we spent on Twillingate Island where we enjoyed the museum – climbed to the top of a lighthouse and laughed and learned of the fishing industry at the local fisheries museum. – everyone agreed it was such a fun stop. 
