Category: travel

  • What’s it Like to be in a Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake?

    What’s it Like to be in a Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake?

    In 2003, my family’s idyllic vacation in Puerto Plata turned into a frightening experience when a powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck. I vividly recall the eerie rumbling and violent shaking that threw us into chaos. As aftershocks rattled our nerves, we sought safety outside, away from potential falling debris. The devastation in the surrounding area…

  • On Travel: Newfoundland & Labrador

    On Travel: Newfoundland & Labrador

    The author shares their first trip to the East Coast of Canada, traveling to St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, excited by a deal. Highlights include a visit to historical sites, local cuisine, a concert, and experiences during Hurricane Earl. The trip emphasizes the region’s rich culture, friendly people, and stunning landscapes.

  • On Travel:  Jasper, Alberta, Canada

    On Travel: Jasper, Alberta, Canada

    This blog post recounts a spontaneous trip to Jasper, Alberta, and the experiences encountered during the visit. The journey begins with a last-minute decision to stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge staff accommodation, courtesy of a friend. I share details about the scenic drive from Edmonton to Jasper, the amenities at the lodge, and…

  • SUV Camping – Manitoba to South Western Ontario

    SUV Camping – Manitoba to South Western Ontario

    I embarked on a 5-day road trip from Dauphin, MB to Kitchener, ON, opting for SUV camping to break up the long drive. On the first day, I explored Gimli, MB, visiting the Viking Statue, Harbour Wall, and Gimli Glider Museum. Later, I camped at Rushing River Provincial Park near Kenora, ON. The second day…

  • Amazing Feat of Flying:  Visiting the Gimli Glider!

    Amazing Feat of Flying: Visiting the Gimli Glider!

    Gimli is the cultural heartland of Icelanders in Manitoba and the country as a whole. Gimli’s first European settlers were Icelanders who were part of the New Iceland settlement in Manitoba.  In Norse mythology Gimli is known as the most beautiful place in the after life, where only the worthy will be transported after death.…

  • On Travel: Churchill Good Eats

    On Travel: Churchill Good Eats

    During my stay in Churchill, I savored the local dining scene. Tundra Inn impressed with its regional arctic twist, featuring the famous Beyond The Borealis Veggie Burger and delightful Spinach Dip. Seaport Hotel served up decent pub-style fare, with a highlight being the club sandwich. Churchill Chinese Food offered authentic, delicious Chinese takeout, while Caribou…

  • On Travel: Exploring The Marvels of Churchill, Manitoba!

    On Travel: Exploring The Marvels of Churchill, Manitoba!

    In Churchill, a town of endless adventures and cultural richness, visitors are spoiled for choice. The town is famed for the spectacular Northern Lights, best observed from the Inukshuk or aboard the Beluga. Additionally, witnessing polar bears during their migration, exploring the SS Ithaca shipwreck, visiting the Itsanitaq Museum, and learning about the history of…

  • On Travel: Stay here in Churchill

    On Travel: Stay here in Churchill

    This trip to Churchill was superb, thanks to the amazing hosts at Iceberg Inn. I found them through Booking.com and Trip Advisor, and they truly lived up to the glowing reviews. Angela and Bill, the owners, went above and beyond to ensure a wonderful stay. The B&B is conveniently located, offers comfortable rooms, and delightful…

  • On Travel: Last Stop, Churchill – My Journey to the Far North

    On Travel: Last Stop, Churchill – My Journey to the Far North

    Churchill, Manitoba, is a frontier town on the edge of the Arctic, known for its polar bears, beluga whales, and the Northern Lights. With a population under 900, it’s a remote destination accessed only by train or plane. The town’s unique position attracts wildlife seekers and adventurers from around the world. Visitors should be prepared…

  • Trekking 20K in the Dead of Winter to Raise Awareness of the Risks of Exposure for Homeless Citizens

    Trekking 20K in the Dead of Winter to Raise Awareness of the Risks of Exposure for Homeless Citizens

    In February 2020, I joined a 65 km non-stop trek in the dead of winter to raise awareness and funds for The Working Centre to support homeless citizens. With the help of a not-for-profit organization, sponsors, volunteers, and trail angels, we raised over $40,000. Last year’s experience was a big deal for me as a…

  • On Travel: Awesome Day Trip! Big White, BC to Greenwood, BC

    On Travel: Awesome Day Trip! Big White, BC to Greenwood, BC

    The blog details a journey from Big White to Greenwood, BC, passing through Beaverdell, Rock Creek, Midway, and other notable spots. Beaverdell, known for its mining history, offers a convenient gas station and interesting tidbits. Westbridge showcases the impact of a past wildfire, while Rock Creek, once a gold rush site, now boasts a serene…

  • Urbex: 102-Year-Old Abandoned BC Copper Company Smelter Ruins

    Urbex: 102-Year-Old Abandoned BC Copper Company Smelter Ruins

    Yesterday, I checked out the BC Copper Company Smelter Ruins in Greenwood, BC which has been abandoned for over a century! Planned a trip to Penticton, but bad weather sent us in the opposite direction. Greenwood is a cute city with a rich history. The smelter, closed in 1918, was once a bustling operation processing…

  • Monster Hunt: My Search for the Ogopogo Lake Monster

    Monster Hunt: My Search for the Ogopogo Lake Monster

    The post describes a walk around Kelowna, BC, in search of the legendary Ogopogo, a creature said to reside in Lake Okanagan. Ogopogo is often compared to the Loch Ness Monster and is a subject of fascination for cryptozoology enthusiasts. The post details the characteristics and sightings of Ogopogo and emphasizes the beauty of Lake…

  • COVID-19: My 12 Month Trip of a Life Time Was Canceled, I Quit My Job, Sold My Car & Rented Out My Condo !

    COVID-19: My 12 Month Trip of a Life Time Was Canceled, I Quit My Job, Sold My Car & Rented Out My Condo !

    The post reflects the writer’s experience in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on their planned year-long adventure in South East Asia. They describe the emotional journey of adjusting to the unexpected change of plans, and their decision to make the best of the situation. This includes enrolling in online courses, facing…

  • Only 4.5 Months Til I Leave for SEAsia!

    Only 4.5 Months Til I Leave for SEAsia!

    It feels just not too long ago I had posted that I was traveling all over South East Asia and here it is ONLY 4.5 months away!  I can hardly believe it! I have changed my departure date so many times – it was originally end of February and then I had postponed it to…

  • I’d Rather Have a Passport Full of Stamps

    I’d Rather Have a Passport Full of Stamps

    I never used to think this way. I used to be of the belief that I wanted the great house, the awesome vehicle, a closet full of name brand clothes – have a Louis Vuitton on my shoulder and Louboutin’s on my feet … I have all that and more. And, guess what? …. it…

  • On Travel: Vietnam – What I Loved and What I Didn’t

    On Travel: Vietnam – What I Loved and What I Didn’t

    I’ve been back from Vietnam for about 2 weeks now.  I have to admit it’s been tough being back – to the cold, the snow, back to working 9-5, not traveling … Today I want to share a little about my overall experience in Vietnam.  What I loved, things I wished I had done, and…

  • On Travel: 24-hour Transit Into Guangzhou, China Without a Visa

    On Travel: 24-hour Transit Into Guangzhou, China Without a Visa

    As I write this, I’m home, in bed, it’s 3:00 AM, and I cannot sleep.  My body still thinks it’s 3:00 PM, jet lag sucks!  So I thought, what better time than to start my layover in China 🇨🇳 blog. The process was a lot easier than I imagined, so I thought I’d share in…

  • On Travel: Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    On Travel: Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    lời chào hỏi! I’m into my third week traveling through Vietnam.  It has been such an experience – one that I am so glad I decided to undertake – I’ve learned so much about myself during this trip. I’ve learned to push myself outside of my comfort zone by: 1)traveling solo for the first time…

  • On Travel: Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam

    On Travel: Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam

    Xin chào!   I hope all is WELL with all of you —- I’m continuing my travels through Vietnam this week – in Đà Nẵng and the ancient city of Hội An. I am more than pleased with my trip to Vietnam to date.  It’s truly a beautiful country, steeped in a long, difficult history…

  • On Travel:  chúc mừng năm mới from Vietnam!

    On Travel: chúc mừng năm mới from Vietnam!

    I’d been planning this trip for months -> months of research, watching YouTube vlogs, booking hotels, finding places to sightsee- which cities to visit?  What to see while I was there? Did I want to start in the North and travel South or vice versa? I decided to fly into Ha Noi and travel South…

  • On Travel:  Beautiful Vancouver, BC and Area

    On Travel: Beautiful Vancouver, BC and Area

    Good afternoon, good morning or good evening, folks, wherever you’re reading this from.  I’m writing this today from beautiful British Columbia (BC) – it’s so true that they immortalize it on their license plates.   I’m out here visiting my youngest daughter and her boyfriend, who moved here a few months ago to enjoy a…

  • On Dreams: my plans to move to south east asia

    On Dreams: my plans to move to south east asia

    If you’re new to following my blog (thank you for supporting my journey, I do truly appreciate each of my followers -and please feel free to tell a friend, I try to keep my topics relevant and authentic to me as a person and life), then you likely know that I am …. wait for it…

  • On Travel: Cuba, Authentico!

    On Travel: Cuba, Authentico!

    It’s miserable out as I write this – it’s cold and snowing.  To think, just yesterday I was in Cuba and today … back to reality. I hadn’t been to Cuba in about 17 years, but my best memory is that of an aqua blue ocean, sugar-white beaches and mojitos, so, I was anxious to…

  • On Travel: Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love

    On Travel: Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love

    🎶 “In West Philadelphia not born nor raised, in Kdub is where I spent most of my days 🎶” which is why I decided to take my next  trip to Philly.  I love to travel, I love history – all kinds of history and Philadelphia is steeped deep in American history. The primary reason for our trip to…

  • On Travel:  My Tokyo Experience

    On Travel: My Tokyo Experience

    こんにちは – Kon’nichiwa Life can be so complicated at times can’t it?  My life in particular has been nutty as of late …  and at the spur of the moment, I made a decision – we all have choices and decisions to make each day of our lives in the betterment of ourselves, our lives, our…

  • Monster Hunt: My Search for the Manipogo Monster

    Monster Hunt: My Search for the Manipogo Monster

    Pseudoscience: The study of and search for animals, especially legendary animals, usually to evaluate the possibility of their existence. I’ve always been intrigued with folkloric creatures like the Loch Ness monster, Sasquatch, Chupacabra, Abominable Snowman, Kraken, Sea Serpents, The Mothman, Thunderbirds, and the Jersey Devil, just to name a few. Today I am an acting cryptozoologist!…