All Posts

Ausable Chasm is known as “The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” It is a sandstone gorge that is about two miles long, carved by the Ausable River through the 500-million-year-old Cambrian Period Potsdam Sandstone around 10,000 years ago. The Ausable River runs through it and empties into Lake Champlain and is fed at the south end by the 91-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. Though not as grand as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, this chasm boasts of a continuous exposure of a section of

I love mountains and lakes. And if there are places with both, like those beautiful lakes in the Rockies or the Northern Cascades that I visited in the past, it’s even better. My husband always teases me that my love for mountains is sort of like a peripheral love. I love going to mountain resorts, driving along mountain roads, and staying in cities with a mountain backdrop, but I am not really into hiking and mountain climbing. Since he is a hiker, his definition of “love fo

Tokyo, Japan’s capital and most populous and busiest city, seems always in a rush. At least, that’s how it is depicted in media – bustling metropolis, flashing neon lights, high-speed trains, crowded streets filled with cars and pedestrians moving at their own rapid pace. But I know that behind its ultra-modern accouterments lies a rich history and an array of ancient traditions. And that’s what I had intended to see first on my first visit. It was short and sweet, just brief

The “Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds” is inarguably the highlight of our EMP museum visit (please see previous article for details), that is, for our husbands. I am not exactly a “Trekkie,” but I must admit that this exhibit was quite impressive. It spanned three floors and not only did it have an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, but it also had fully immersive displays that would transport anyone to the Star Trek universe. The artifacts included more than

Let me begin by saying that this mini excursion is what all geeks dream of, and I firmly believe that each of us has a spark of geek in us, even the self-proclaimed dilettantes. The EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum, standing in the shadow of the Space Needle, embodies all things geek, but also, all things cool. This futuristic building, composed of five wrinkled curvilinear structures, clad in stainless steel and aluminum panels, and painted in bold colours, is one of th

We headed out to Pike Place Market, but since we found parking close to where the big malls were, we were sidetracked. I think one of the kids said they needed to go to the washroom. We naturally looked for one in the mall and got stuck there for a couple of hours browsing the shops. We spent most of our time in specialty boutiques selling local products (highly recommended when you go to Seattle) – coffee, spiced tea, chocolates, goat-milk candies, cheese, beer from microbre

We started our first day in Seattle with a Sunday Mass at the Saint James Cathedral, the oldest church in Seattle that was built in honour of their patron saint, Saint James the Greater. Located in the city’s First Hill neighbourhood, it is considered the mother church of the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Seat of its Archbishop. After a quick breakfast of cereal, milk, eggs, and coffee, we headed to Ninth Avenue. We were fortunate to find parking at the back lot of a church.

On our most recent trip to the West Coast, my cousin and I had planned on going south and crossing the border into Washington State, just to add some variety to our Vancouver visit. We had thought of going to Seattle for sightseeing, dining, and (window)shopping. Though I had gone to the Pacific Northwest of the United States (Portland, Oregon for a short pilgrimage with my aunt, and then Redmond, Washington for a week-long training for work) in the past, I had never really s

During our time living in Vancouver, my husband and I availed of a couple of cruises out of the many that the city offers both to tourists and locals. The two that we did were completely different from each other, but equally enjoyable. Sunset Harbour Cruise Since Vancouver is a seaport, another interesting way to appreciate the city is through a harbour cruise. Seeing the city from the water gives you a perspective that you simply won’t find on land. From this viewpoint, you

If you are looking for a quick, but relaxing getaway from Vancouver, let me introduce you to a hidden gem – Bowen Island. Bowen Island is a charming, relaxed island in Howe Sound that is easily accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, or about an hour if you factor in the drive or bus ride from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay. It is a perfect daytrip – a scenic drive, a relaxing ferry ride, and a quiet island vibe. You have the option to

Vancouver’s North Shore refers to the scenic, mountainous region across the Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver. It comprises the North Vancouver and West Vancouver. It is known for its blend of dense urban living and rugged wilderness, offering easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing. Think of it as a cluster of peaceful, family-oriented communities, often affluent, with the world’s most beautiful nature at your backyard – three ski hills (Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour,

A Vancouver attraction that has since become staple for visiting guests is the Flyover Canada. It was launched in 2013 at a facility inside Canada Place. This “flying theatre” experience takes guests on a virtual flight across Canada via seats that are lifted high and that swing to immerse into a 20-meter spherical screen. The ride employs wind, mist, and scents to enhance the experience. The 4D flight simulation lasts only for eight minutes but it is considered the longest f

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

I lived in Vancouver for nine years before moving to the East Coast. My husband was born and raised in Montreal but lived in Vancouver with me for almost four years during the early part of our marriage. I consider Vancouver as my home city in Canada and for my husband, it is his second home. Now, we have a new home in Ottawa. Our son was born in Ottawa and frequently visits Montreal with us. However, Vancouver, for him, is something unfamiliar and far away. When we took him

Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is another popular destination in North Vancouver for avid hikers. At more than 9,000 acres, it is the largest of 22 regional parks in Metro Vancouver. And yes, you heard it right…there is that much greenery and wilderness around the city. That is why Vancouver stereotypes include such things as a healthy lifestyle; a wardrobe that consists mostly of yoga pants, leggings, and biking shorts; fast-paced walking even along downtown streets; and adap

Warm, sunny weekends in the summer and crisp, cool days in the fall call for a short trip to Vancouver’s North Shore…at least that’s what we used to do when were still living there. We were fortunate that way – if we wanted to get away from the city and be close to nature, we didn’t have to drive very far. Mountains, nature trails, waterfalls, cliffs, and beaches are within a stone’s throw away from the city centre. One such place is Lynn Valley. Tucked between mountains in N