Germany-here I come

You can read all about my next wonderful travel adventure at my regular blog here. I am soooo excited. Read and you will see why.

Trip cancelled

I was (and am) on vacation in London visiting my sister for the weekend when I got the dreaded call. I have been on TT bulletin boards for a very long time and noticed that some people were complaining that their trips were cancelled despite it being "guaranteed"departure. After a while, I got worried and made a call to my travel agent. This was about a month ago. She told me that all was fine and the next time she calls me it will be for my travel documents. I breathed a sigh of relief and got on with my life.

Imagine my surprise yesterday as I sat in a movie theatre (just about to see the Mommy) and received a text from my other sister at home saying that my agent said to call her asap, as this was urgent. I felt uneasy immediately! The movie finished at 8:45 and I practially ran outside to call her. Sears travel closes at 9pm. When we connected, I got the very disappointing news that due to lack of booking (travelers from the U.S. make up one of the largest amount of travelers for tour companies and the rate has been low for 2008) my trip has been cancelled.

I have to say that I wasn't really shocked. I knew this was the news once my sister said it was urgent. I was presented with another offer of taking a 15 day tour, at no extra charge to me, instead. It is not what I want as I took the time off since February and my part time job makes things difficult in that respect. I don't have the extra time left also at the full time job so I had to say no to that option. I was presented with other options but I budgeted in a way to afford my original 10 day tour. It is all about the time off, the tour location and money. Nothing really works for me. I can't do anything else.

I really wanted this trip as it was my intro into Europe and now it is all gone. I decided I will take my money (full refund including flight as I booked everything thru TT), reinvest it in my ING travel account. I feel that things happen for a reason and for some reason, I am not to take this trip this year.

Trust me, I was not impressed. I was and am really really really sad. I have saved and planned for a long time and now it is all gone. Very sad. I have been looking at different sites to see about booking a trip, possibly to the US, for a few days instead but things are so expensive. I will hopefully get something cheap somewhere. Or, maybe I will take off to Punta Cana or something. Anyway, I am in a really bad mood and unimpressed. Things like this make me question all other avenues I have decided to explore in my life.

Miami in July - Day Three

Last day in Miami.

We were up at 9am and after a gourmet breakfast cooked by Gabore (fresh fruit, eggs and tangerine juice) took a leisurely walk around Biscayne Bay area to view all the stunning homes and greenery. After our walk around the neighborhood where we took in some stunning homes and the wonderful water of the Bay, we hopped in the car and took off to Coral Gables to visit the luxurious Biltmore Hotel. Luxury is the only world that describes the way the hotel makes its visitors feel. We weren’t lucky enough to spend a night there or have the sumptuous brunch spread but we did get to walk around and take in the opulence of the building. Here are some pictures. If I ever return to Miami, I will make sure I save enough money in order to partake of the gorgeous brunch offered. It is $90.00/person!

After the Biltmore, we drove to the Cuban Community section of Miami. It was nice to look around and people watch. Funny, it didn’t really remind me much of my trip to Cuba though. I guess nothing can compare to the real thing. We then went to Publix to get fresh meat and fixin’s for lunch. On the menu today is Goulash!

While our host prepared the lunch, Anita and I took off to take a last walk around his neighborhood as this was our last day in lush Miami. Here are some of the great pictures we took. (Our walk from this morning was nice but we had to revisit for pictures as I forgot my camera the first time. Doh!) When we returned the house smelt wonderful and savoury as the fragrant meat scented the air. The goulash with pasta was heavenly! Wow, Gabor can really cook. We then topped off the meal with left over cake and tea/coffee. At this point, our plans had changed. We were supposed to go shopping but because of the late hour we had to bow out and get ready to head back to Canada. After getting ready, we made the half hour trek to Fort Luaderdale airport. After saying a sad goodbye to Gabor, Anita and I checked in and sat/read/chatted while waiting for our flight. We took Southwest home and although the service was great, the turbulence made me nervous. I kept thinking, I don’t want to die on a plane. Silly me. We landed without incident a whole 10 minutes early. I was overjoyed to be back on terra ferma.

After getting off the plane and changing into warmer clothing, we were freezing, we headed out. At this point, fatigue was rearing its ugly head and I was fighting off lots of loud yawns. After coming up against a traffic jam (at 12:30am!) on the QEW due to road construction, we made it to Anita’s house around 2am. I was so grateful to rest. I was beyond happy to be warm but not HOT and comfortable and sleepy in my country. I love traveling but I love getting home more.

Things I observed about Miami:
-Even on the plane, I felt the heat. It is hot as hell there but great.
-The people are overall very nice and the men are very forward. Yes, we were hit on and honked at many times.
-People love to dress in skimpy clothing and parade their bodies. No one seems self conscious or ashamed to have a few bumps. Everyone showed off their stuff.
-Fake breasts and plastic surgery is HUGE there. It is very common to see size one women sporting DD breasts-surgically enhanced of course.
-The mannequins are even designed to accommodate these large cup sizes as they too sport oversized boobies. See!
-Tattoos are the order of the day. If you don’t have one and you live in Miami-you better get one quick!
-The vegetation is lush and gorgeous and abundant
-Lots and lots of lizards – ew
-Spanish is everywhere
-I had no idea Miami comprised of a bunch of islands
-I was stunned at the size of the Jewish population
-Rain is on the menu at least twice a day for a minimun of 10 minute downpours
-Avocados grow right out people’s bedroom window. This is a novelty for Canadian’s, let me tell you.
-Beautiful people on beautiful beaches
-Ceveche is huge there
-Cookie-cutter, boring houses are NOT allowed. Vivid colors are an order

Enjoy some of my random pictures from pretty Miami

Miami in July - Day Two

Up at 8am and after eating and shower, Anita and I gave Gabor a break by going to his complex pool and chilled for about an hour. We then allwent to a small fruit market for fresh produce. All the fruit were so sweet and delicious as they wer all kissed by the Florida sun.

We then drove to Lincoln Road Mall and took in all the wonders that is Miami. Beautiful plastic people half dressed. Wonderful stores and great places to eat. Oh yes, grand palm trees. We then went to a sushi/thai restaurant for lunch. Gelato was on the menu for dessert. We then made a pit stop to a Starbucks (yuck). We then drove the hour or so the the Fruit and Spice Park.

What a cool place that place is. The park is full of local fruits as well as exotic vegetation including Japanese, African, Brazilian and Caribbean fruit and spices/herbs. Pictures: excotic fruits from the park. The place was wonderfully fragrant and pure.

We spent a good hour and a half there and then went back to Gabore's apartment. We freshened up, changed and headed to South Beach again to enjoy dinner with the two friends we were introduced to the night before.

From this dinner I learned that I am not a big fan of Spanish food but still had a wonderful time. We all then trekked down to Ocean Drive to take in Miami at night. This was a site to see. My eyes were all over the place. Everywhere was lit up beautifully and all the stores and restaurants were jumping even though it was ten at night. Pictures: ocean drive, a very busty mannequin, Versace's house which is now a night club for the uber-rich.

We saw famous places such as the Carlyle, Donatelo Verssace's mansion and the famous and crazy club, Mango. After walking back to our original meeting place. At this point Andreas and his wife bade us good night and the three of us kept walking and taking in the sites. However, after about half an hour of this, Anita and I called it quits. We all climbed back into the car and made it back to his home. Our nightcap included jasmine tea, cookies and a bit of tv. We then retired to our respective beds. Long day.

Miami in July - Day One

So, this weekend my friend Anita and I went to Miami and it was fantastic. Let me share the tale.
Day 1



Our day started off at 3am where we drove from her home in Acton to Buffalo. It was supposed to be a normal drive but of course, there was an adventure to be had. Only with her and I! We couldnt find the correct highway to the Peace Bridge for some reason. We had mapquest and it was correct but the path we were on was just not familiar. We eventually had to ask this guy who worked at a casino on where to go and he directed us. I have tell you that we were a bit nervous because we were scared that we would miss our 7am flight. In any case, we had no need to worry at all. We made it over the correct border in record time and still made it to the airport parking around 5:30am. The shuttle came around and we were dropped off to check in and then security.

We then made it to breakfast at the same place we ate last time we went to the US (New York last year). After all that, we boardered our plane bound for Fort Lauderdale, Miami. I pretty much slept and wrote all the way there.





The first time I noticed about Miami was the heat. While in the air, I felt the tempurature change and was sweating. I have to say, I was super excited. Our host, Gabor, was kindly waiting to take us on our adventure. When we entered his car he had Will Smith's "Welcome to Miami" pumping from the car stereo. Anita and I started cheering and both said, "Well done" at the same time. What a lovely welcome!
We then stopped for gas in Little Haiti which aparently is a little unsafe. I got out of the car and snapped pictures anyway. I was not trying to miss any opportunities while on my mini-vacation.



We then onforwarded to his condo in little Havana which was right on the water. After unloading our bags, we immediately set out to take in his complex. We sat around the pool and then took off to Biscayne Bay. We got some fantastic photos there of lush vegetation and beaches. It was fantastic.


We then re-entered Little Haiti for further driving and viewing. Interesting homes but we didn'tstay long. Next was downtown Miami.

It is like other cities just that the buildings are colorful and pretty or vulgar-depending on your opinion. We then drove to Indian Creek to take in all the wonderful colorful stately homes. We then drove to North Beach for a late lunch.


I finally had seafood caviche at Fifi's Place-Fresh Seafood Dining.





Then we walked like five minutes to North beach itself. All I have to say is...beautiful. Also, the people in Miami are confident! That's all I have to say. We went into the beautiful warm water and just sat being...calm.











After we drove back to Gabore's house to relax as the heat was very draining.


Tonight some of his friends are coming over the Fourth of July dinner and fireworks. This is my first American 4th of July celebration.
Dinner consisted of pork with brown sauce, asparagus and homemade Fresh Pasta! All made by Gabor! Who is this guy?

Well, the fireworks was a bust. It rained for about two hours and all throughout the fireworks themselves which still had to go on. I really wanted to be part of the great U.S. 4th of July celbration but we only got a soaked out show. Too bad because the firework potential was great. After that we made it back to the condo and had reverse black forest cake (which Gabore made) and tea for dessert. It was fantastic!! Then the five of us had spirited discussio on Canadian and American politics, retail centers and health care.


Very interesting and eye opening. We finally made it to bed around midnight.

Miami, here I come

So, I am off to Miami July 4-6. Short, I know but who the hell cares. More on this later.

My NEWEST adventure - to come in Sept 2008

This post is from my regular blog. I am beyond excited about this trip.

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Well, I finally, after many years of patiently waiting and secretly longing, am off to Europe! I just booked a 10 day tour with Trafalgar Tours for Sept 2008. I know that is a while off but I did it this far in advance for a number of reasons. I am so excited I think I might burst. Here is how it all went down.

So, I have wanted to travel extensively for a while. It all really started when I went to Cuba in 2006. I can't believe it was that long ago (sigh). In any case, after my return I said I really wanted to start traveling in earnest and see the rest of the world. However, the countries that I am really interested in are in far away lands, such a Europe. I was really afraid of these countries, let me tell you. Being black and travelling to majority white places can be a mite uncomfortable. It's like going to a rock concert and having people look at you like you don't belong (rolling eyes). But, after reading the Elaine Lee's book on travel and speaking to my friends that have visited countries all over Europe, I felt sssooooo much better. You see, they are all black (the one's I spoke to on this issue) and they had great experiences in Europe. Now, I could care less what people think about me there. I am not trying to live in Europe, only see the beauty of it.

I decided to book the trip early so that I could enjoy the 5% discount off the land-only portion of the trip, if booked 7 months in advance. The countries we will visit are Germany, Austria (very excited about this country), Switzerland, Italy and finally Paris.
I am pretty sure some people may be thinking that it is impractical for me to take such an expensive vacation right before moving in but I have it all worked out. Booking this early will still give me a change to pay off my student loan, pay off this trip and save - all thanks to the part time job - and move in with ease. I figure that once I move, I will not be able to go on any big trips (little, cross-country jaunts, yes) for about 3 or 4 years. I am being practical and will look forward to my next big trip in 2011-2013. I know it is going against my original plans of travel to Austria in 2009 but my whole life has changed drastically since summer 2007 and I intend to live it to the fullest.

Right now, my motivation to keep working at the part time job is in full gear. Now that I have this trip to look forward to, the fatigue will be worth it. Or at least, that is the plan.

This was the wack trip to Pennsylvania. IT BLEW CHUNKS!! I hated every single second of it.
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Well, I accompanied my mom yesterday on this shopping trip to Pennsylvania. I was expecting to have a great time exploring a new city all the while, getting good deals on merchandise. Wrong! I hated it there. Damn that place for it's ugly flat plains, boring as hell stores and crap views. I think I really only went just to nix that state off my "places I have been" list but I was brutally disappointed. I was rolling my eyes A LOT as I thought the whole place (at least where we were) was boring and dull as hell. My camera stayed tucked away as there was nothing important to save for memories. I spent minimal money (which is a good thing) on basically eats. I try to always take something positive from anywhere I go but this time, there was nothing!! The only good things abt Pennsylvania was the no tax thing. Otherwise, that state Blows!!

Ottawa Sept 2006

Here was a small post I did my visit to Ottawa. Yeah I went to school there but my best friend lives there so it was a blast!!

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My Trip to Ottawa!!

Ok, so this week, work was stressful but overall...bearable. I am so looking forward to Word on the Street--The Book and Magazine fair Sept 24. I AM SO EXCITED!! (Books are my crack rock!)

Anywho, I just wanted to update you on my trip to see my bff in good old Ottawa. I can say some really good things about that place and some bad things. The bad are far and few though but when I attended UofO for 4 years, I had more than a few choice words about the city.

On Tangent When I think about it now, I was so young and stupid really. I never took the time to appreciate the beauty of the city or how clean it was, how safe it is (well, relatively), how nice the people are (um...lets not go that far) and how many things there are to do. I mean the night action is not up to par with Toronto's or anything but that can be a good thing sometimes. While I attended university I was like every other student I think, going thru so much so fast that it was hard to breathe and catch my breath. The changes were overwhelming: physically, emotionally, pychologically, metaphysically etc., the list goes on. But the real problem was that I never just said screw it and had real fun. I WAS EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE. I never tried to make new friends and relied on the ones I did have to widen my social circle. That can be the death to any undergraduate in my opinion.

Anyway, now that I am older and wiser I have come to appreciate things in life and make sure that I try to enjoy a little something out of everything that I do. Even while sitting in the back seat of a friends car on the way to a restaurant I see how beautiful the trees are at this time of year and enjoy the easy banter going on in front seats. I enjoy the charm of a nice restaurant and the way food is arranged on my plate. Those little things can actually lighten any mood. It is all in your perception of the itty-bitty, people, trust me.

Off tangent So, when I got to Ottawa, my friend was waiting for me where she promptly wisked me off to a nice rustic place for brunch with another friend of ours. Another tangent: Wow, things have really changed in my friend's lives. I thought to myself privately, I feel like I have done nothing compared to these women. I felt so simple -but in reality I have been busy but I was just focused on other things, is all. I wonder how they looked at me? I hope that me not having kids and not being married was okay??

Off tangent: After that, my bff and I went to her lovely home in Kanata. Very nice community for young families I must tell you. Kanata is not really a happenin' community for singletons, like myself, but for families, it is ideal. If I were married and living in Ottawa with a baby in my belly, I would be tucked away in Kanata for sure. (Huh, I could see my bff everyday-that would be great. I miss her A LOT!) The city is full of green grass, trails and bike paths, good schools, activities for adults and children alike, churches, grocery stores, rec centers all surrounded by calm and safety (once again relatively). After checking in at casa del Desjardins, the weekend began in earnest.

One of the great things we did was head to THE PERTH FAIR. Now, I have never ever been to a fair in my life and to say I was a little nervous was an understatement. However it was great fun. It was cool to see how wool is shaved off a sheep; the biggest pumpkin in all of Perth; taste home fresh honey; see horses trot in a contest; and a real cow herd show (that was cool). I had a blast and took a million pictures (all still in my camera--ppoohh on me).The days to follow included lots of fun activities with so much to do and see. I took so many pics it is unreal. It was like I was seeing Ottawa with a new pair of eyes or something. My bff showed me a wonderfully great time and I will forever be greatful to her and her family for putting up with me for a few days.

I now have a new found respect for Ottawa and it's quirks and flaws. I can look past some of the people and their 'attitude' now and see what a great city it is actually is. I think I might retire there...maybe.

New York Adventure - May 1, 2007

Here is my post I did back last year on going to NYC. I gotta say that this was one of the best trips ever!

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New York Baby!

Well, back from NYC and what a great fantastic time I had. I love NewYork. People complain about the noise, crime and crowds. I thrived on the noise and crowds and we encountered no crime. It was all good.

Friday started bright and early on a trip to Anita's house where we would be using her car to drive to Buffalo. After arriving at 5:50am we were on our way at 6:00am. The drive to Buffalo was full of lots of laughs and revelations about each others lives. All of our fun times came to a screeching halt at the border crossing. The customs agent that we got was a real prick. He literally interrogated us issuing out questions at a record clip. After our encounter with him, we were both left shaken. I mean, we were only going into your country for a few days to shop! I know we do not look like terrorists. It was all very disconcerting let me tell you.

Anyway, after that we drove to the airport. Now, all these I-90's andI-290's was weird. Why can't highways in Buffalo just be simple. It was a bit confusing at times but we made it fine. After dropping the car off at the parking deport, we were whisked off to the airport. This time, airport customs was fine and no one made us feel like we were doing something wrong. The flight to Newark was a bit gross in that there was a lot of turbulence and the woman sitting beside Anita kept budding into our conversations. No one was impressed and no matter how much we tried to ignore her, she would not take the hint.

After that rocky ride we found our shuttle cab that would take us and others into Manhattan. Now, let me tell you, if you have never been driven in New York before, you are in for a real treat. Honestly, I spent like 95% of the ride gasping in horror. I was astonished by the way in which the driver drove! Pedestrians that were crossing in the street were perilously close to being hit. But, as I later learned, that is the culture in New York. No one cares: drivers nor the people on foot. Cars do not follow the lineson the roads and everyone follows their own rules. People sit on their horns as if it is a sport. People crossing the street neither look up nor down while doing so; they follow their own lines. I am surprised that I did not see an accident while there.

After finally checking into our hotel, we were a bit tired but said screw being tired and immediately headed out. After heading into the cool and slightly scary subway, we jumped the 1 train to Times Square. Now, I have tell ya, I love, love Times Square. When I saw the electric billboards, a smile almost split my face. I just couldn't believe I was in New York. I was also marveled at the crowd. There was so much people. Crazy amounts of people. I actually thrive in large crowds so this was entertainment at it's best for me. After snapping a million pics and smiling like a fool, we walked all over the place and settled on a bistro off 5th ave for lunch. I had a Panini for the first time. Then we headed out to shop! Anita had a field day. I promised myself that I would not shop on this trip. I was there to site see and not spend money on clothing etc., only on eats.

After much shopping and picture taking, we landed at a great sushi place on 8th and Broadway for dinner. Great food, great company and great atmosphere. What else could a person ask for. However, after 8hrs of travel and 6hrs of shopping, we were tired. We hopped on the train bound for uptown and immediately crashed at the hotel. Phew, what a day.

Saturday began early. Anita and I had discussed the night before that we would sleep in until like 9 and then head out Saturday morning. That did not happen. We were both up at 6:30! What the hell is that? I guess we were too excited about being in such a fast-paced city to spend our time sleeping. Boring. We were up, showered and out by 8:30 or so. After purchasing a day pass on the Metro, we were off. Today we took the A train down to Wall Street. After eating a quick but very filling breakfast on some small street in the Wall Street district, we headed out. We first hit Battery Park where we had planned on taking a ferry to Liberty Island. Ah, after assessing a line that would result in a minimum 3hr wait, I took a picture of Lady Liberty from afar and headed out on more exciting adventures. There was no way I wanted to spend my morning in some line. Whatever!

Next was walking Wall Street. I was really impressed. I love money so being around this place, set my blood a-runnin'. We finally made it to the location of where the Twin Towers used to stand. Even before I was told by Anita where it was, I felt that we were close. While walking up to the spot, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and cold bumps covered my body. There is just something there. The souls of the thousands that died still linger there. The feeling was surreal. After reading the displays (they have the events leading up to the horrible tragedy that day on mounted on boards on a gate in front of ground zero)I was left thoroughly depressed and sad. I kept looking around and I just could not fathom the hatred one must have in their hearts to inflict so much pain. After a while, I had to get out of there. I was feeling way too much--nothing good. Even though it was depressing, I am grateful to see the progression of the new tower and that yes indeed,the city is on the mend.

We then took the subway into Soho. Now, that was an experience. Soho reminded me very much of Toronto's Cabbagetown. Cabbagetown was a run-down community inhabited by squalors and "undesirables" until the'80's. The city decided to do a Cabbagetown reconstruction as part of a city project. 30 years later, you have to be rich, snobby and wear Birkenstocks in order to live in Cabbagetown. The story is similar to Soho. It is full of rich people who look bored half the time and can drop huge amounts of money like no one's business. I loved being inSoho. There was great art (not that I am into art but it was still fun), great culture and atmosphere.

After Soho, we headed to Rochafella Centre and then Central Park. Since we had such a huge breakfast, we decided to forgo lunch and replace it with healthy ice-cream. Lol. It had to be done. After about 3hrs in wonderous Central Park: I truly think that park is wonderful. You can jog, sit, take buggy rides, walk for hours, get lost, play baseball and other games in acres and acres of green; what is not to like. After we rested and drank in the wonder that was Central Park, we had our ice-cream lunch, then headed out for more shopping. We took the subwayto 76th and shopped for a few hours. It was great. Once again i stuck to my guns and did not buy any clothing.

Tonight we wanted to eat at a nice place so we headed to Times Square again. Once again, I was floored by the place. This time, the pedestrian traffic was so thick, that at one point, for about 30 seconds, we did not move. There was too much people so we were all at a stand-still. Hundreds of us at one corner. I loved it! We found a restaurant on a small obscure street off Times. There they were offering a starter, maincourse, dessert and coffee or tea for $25.00. What is not to like about that? The atmosphere was calming, relaxing and soothing. I had the house salad, chicken parmesan which was served with rotini in a red sauce andfor dessert, chose the chocolate ice-cream and tea.

After we were delightfully full and serene, we once again headed into the hustle and bustle of the city. We then took the B train uptown. After I took some more pics of T.S., we headed to our place, dropped off bags and headed to this great park behind out hotel. I have no idea what the parks name was but it was right beside water, across from New Jersey and was great for walking. We walked and chatted until dark. Then we headed to Starbucks (we had little choice since there is a Starbucks on every other corner-ew) and settled in with soothing cups of tea. Once again we had a great conversation. I don't think I spoke that much to one person in my life! We were there for almost 2hrs! We then headed back to our hotel as our shuttle cab was coming to retrieve us Sunday morning at 5:30am. Yes,part of the great flight & hotel deal we got, included leaving the city super early the last morning.

Walking back to the hotel, I reflected on my time in New York and only had positive great things to say and report on it. At no time did I feel unsafe or scared or threatened. Everyone is too busy and focused on their own personal missions. Even though the beep and blasts of horns were loud and intense, it was still great. If the opportunity ever arrived and I had good accommodations and a super paycheck, I would live in New York in a heart beat.

The next day things went really smooth. The flight was not full so we got to stretch out in our seats. We basically slept the entire way as there was no turbulence. Nice flight. Our drive back to Canadian soil was just as smooth. Our customs officer was severe but nice at the same time. She did her job and we were on our way.

Now, it is back to reality and life in general. I loved it and will return one day. I just have to see more of the world first. All in all,I LOVE NEW YORK!!!

Some pics from my Cuba Trip - Nov 2006

Here are some pics of my wonderful week in Cuba. I really needed this trip at the time. I was on the verge of snapping so, on my birthday I went to Flight Centre and booked my trip. I never regretted this adventure because, 1) I got to get away to breathe and be selfish for a week and 2) It opened a new world to me. The wonderful world of planet exploration.