MEXICO - DECEMBER 2007
In December of 1997 I embarked on the journey of a lifetime to visit the incredible country of Mexico. For 15 days I discovered first-hand, the people, the history and the culture of our neighbours to the far south.
The first week of my stay was spent in Mexico City where I had the chance to experience, first-hand, the diversity of one of the world's largest cities. Day trips to the archaelogical sites of Teotihuacan and Xochicalco enlightened me to a time long gone by. A two hour drive to the south of Mexico City, brought us to the tiny silver mining town of Taxco. Nestled in the mountains, Taxco has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever set my eyes on.
Week two was indescribable. My travelling companions and I set off to destinations unknown to us at the outset of our trip. Our travels eventually took us east to the city of Puebla where we toured the great pyramid at Cholula. This pyramid, buried under a hill to protect it from the Spanish conquest of Mexico, is, in fact, the largest pyramid in the world—even larger than the great pyramids of Egypt!
Soon we were heading south to the beautiful state capital of Oaxaca, Oaxaca City. From there we endured a treacherous journey by bus through the Sierra Madre Mountains, south to the small town of Pochutla, and from there, via taxi, onto the Pacific costal resort of Zipolite. An overnight stay in Zipolite and we were once again on our way, this time following the Pacific coast north to the resort city of Acapulco. Two days on the beach was the perfect climax to the ultimate vacation, before heading north and back to "Cuidad de Mexico".
EUROPE - SEPTEMBER 2004
The time came for me to finally leave the western hemisphere and depart on a hastily arranged solo mini-tour of Europe.
Upon landing at Schipol Airport, I was immediately awestruck with my first glimpse of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I checked into my hotel in the Museum District and set out to explore the city. My grandmother had instilled in me a love for this country, as she had travelled here when I was young, and I had studied it in school, but somehow, physically being here—well, it was all so different. I spent the first few days exploring the city from top to bottom. I met a couple of people from Toronto and we took a canal tour together. I also visited the Anne Frank house and explored the restaurants, cafes and nightlife.
On Day 5, my friend Sam picked me up and we travelled to his home in Deerlijk, Belgium. From there we travelled to the nearby city of Kortrijk for a brief tour. Soon after we met up with Sam's best friend, Jos, and his boyfriend, Peter, and the four of us headed across the border to the northern city of Lille, France. This wasn't on my original agenda, so I was quite excited at the chance to add another country to my itinerary.
The following day we visited my first-ever windmill in Deerlijk, Belgium (pictured above), which was a definite highlight! From there we drove to the historic town of Bruges—one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen. We climbed the Belfry Tower (built in the 12th century) which stands some 300 feet and enjoyed a spectacular view of Bruges and vistas as far as the North Sea. One of my most lasting impressions of Bruges, was the number of Canadian flags that flew throughout the town. Canada's liberation of Belgium during World War II is still held in high regard by the Belgian people.
From Bruges, it was on to Brussels—Belgium's largest and most cosmopolitan city. We once again met up with Peter and ventured out on a sightseeing expedition, visiting the Royal Palace, shopping, patio drinks and dinner. After a long day we headed back to Deerlijk.
It was an early morning on Day 7 as I caught the train in Kortrijk to travel back to Amsterdam via Antwerp, Rotterdam, and The Hague. I made my way around Amsterdam like a seasoned veteran this time around, purchasing a few last minute souvenirs and visiting a few more sights.
My European trip was more than I could have ever imagined and look forward to heading back sometime soon.
EAST COAST - SEPTEMBER 2006
It was now time to explore a little of my own country of Canada. Heading off to Montreal with friends, Jamie and Wahn, we spent a great weekend in my second favourite city.
Following the weekend, Jamie and Wahn flew home to Toronto and I continued on my own, driving from Montreal straight through to Saint John, New Brunswick—with brief stops in Edmunston and Fredericton. After spending the night in Saint John and exploring the city during the following morning, it was off to visit my friend, Kelly, in Halifax.
Along the way, I had to stop in Springhill, Nova Scotia and visit the Anne Murray Centre! Once the task was complete, I continued the drive to Halifax, arriving in time to meet Kelly and some of her friends for dinner and a tour of the harbourfront.
The next day it was off to PEI to meet up with Kelly's family in North Rustico, PEI. The drive across the Confederation Bridge was a real highlight and upon arriving on the Island, I was struck by the richness of its red soil and picture-postcard beauty everywhere I looked.
PEI was fantastic! We travelled to nearby Cavendish, where we visited "Green Gables"—made famous by Lucy Maude Montgomery in her novel Anne of Green Gables—and then enjoyed an afternoon at Cavenish Provincial Park.
Charlottetown was on the iterinary the following day, where we visited Province House—the site of Canadian Confederation—an important stop for this proud Canadian!
A whirlwind trip through 5 Canadian provinces—3 of them visited for the first time—soon ended and the drive from North Rustico to Montreal was a long one. A quick overnight stop in Montreal and then another gruelling drive home to Toronto began.
Newfoundland and the prairie provinces—next on the list!
