#(although I would like you to know we have the longest coastline of any country...)

[weirdstrangeandawful]

American people when Canadians mention anything about our geography: 'You know Canada's not as much bigger than the US as it looks on a map, right?' (as though we've never seen a globe before)

English people when Canadians mention anything about our geography: 'You know Canada's not as far north as you think it is, right?' (as though we've never seen a map before)

[torontotravelblog]

3 DAYS IN TORONTO

We begin listening to a growing number of usually regarding Toronto, this city located in Ontario, Canada. I didn't have particular assumptions regarding my 3 days in Toronto, however I had a feeling I would certainly like it. We consistently see Toronto as one of the world's most comfortable cities in numerous rankings. Furthermore, people I understand who saw Toronto before I did mostly all informed me they suched as the city! Toronto is additionally put on the spotlight and also is regularly advertised by Drake. Undoubtedly, he typically admires his hometown. It's time to see what to do in Toronto and also begin my check out to the city.

DESCRIPTION OF TORONTO

Toronto is an English-speaking city. It's the biggest city of Canada, as well as the 4th largest city in The United States and Canada in regards to population after Mexico City, New York and also Los Angeles. We call Toronto "The Queen City", or "The 6" trigger there are six towns in the city: Old Toronto, East York, North York, York, Etobicoke as well as Scarborough. It's a vibrant city, as well as without a doubt it looks great to live there.

Toronto is additionally a cosmopolitan city. Undoubtedly, fifty percent of the people residing in Toronto weren't birthed in Canada! That's an actual fusion! The five most talked languages in Toronto are English (certainly), after that Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi and lastly Italian! French isn't also in the top 5, although there are various other cities in Canada like Montreal where French is the main language!

A great deal of individuals say Toronto is simply a pale duplicate of big US cities, however located in Canada. By the way, in some cases people call Toronto "The little New york city". There are additionally high-rises, an organisation center and also Dundas Square, a location reminding people of Times Square. Toronto is also a city that never ever rests, there's always something to do! A lot of motion pictures apparently happening in New york city are really shot in Toronto!

However there's still this little Canadian taste. Citizens of Toronto are big followers of sport, as well as the most popular one is ice hockey. I heard individuals pay a ticket generally 300 dollars, to see an ice hockey match! If you do not have all this money, comfort on your own and go to the Hockey Hall of Fame. It's a museum dedicated to the history of ice hockey!

The city remains in full growth. When I was checking out the city, there were building and construction sites anywhere, they were constructing brand-new skyscrapers, and so on. From what I listened to, it's been this way for several years, and also it won't stop anytime soon. I likewise heard building and construction and also realty are the two greatest industries in Toronto, and also not every person can live there! The average lease for a one-bedroom apartment is 2200 Canadian dollars (1500 euros!).

WHAT To Accomplish IN TORONTO?

THE CN TOWER

The sign of the city, among the reasons that Toronto is popular, the CN Tower certainly! It's 553 meters (1815 ft.) high, and also it was the world's highest tower for 34 years, from 1976 to 2010, when it was exceeded by Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Pay 36 bucks (25 euros) and you can rise to the 114h floor. You'll take the lift to get to the top in less than a min (58 secs precisely). From there, you'll have a terrific sight of the city. I recommend going there at the end of your stay. You'll have the possibility to identify the different places you saw in the city. It's possible to stroll on a floor made of glass as well as see what's going on in the street, listed below your feet. Some individuals were also terrified to do it ...

For your information to increase to the 147th flooring, but you'll have to pay an added 12 bucks (8 euros). The view from there is also better. For the bravest ones, you can attempt the edgewalk. It's gon na be a thrill, however you need to pay 225 bucks (150 euros)! More details right here. There's also a dining establishment on top of the tower with a 360-degrees sight! Anyway, do not fail to remember to visit the top of the CN Tower, and also preferably go there early in the morning. Otherwise you'll wait concerning one hr to arrive. Alongside the tower, you'll locate the fish tank of Canada however I really did not go, it's not my thing ... It's 35 bucks (24 euros) to enter.

THE DISTILLERY HISTORIC AREA

The distillery area is a historical area in Toronto. You almost feel like you remain in London, with its buildings made of red blocks. For a very long time, this area belonged to a distillery, yet it's now a pedestrian area. There are numerous small stores, cafés, restaurants, art galleries ... It's likewise possible to taste a number of beers of the distillery. It's truly nice to have a stroll there.

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET

A market dating back to 1803! Perfect location to eat if you're hungry! Without a doubt, it's not usual to see in the area a market with pastry shops, a cheese maker, a pork butcher, a fish shop ... However also fruits and vegetables, as well as various other neighborhood products! It's closed on Sundays and Saturdays, otherwise you have to go! FYI, the National Geographic assigned it the very best market on the planet in 2012!

KENSINGTON MARKET

It's not a market but an area, one of the most popular of Toronto. It resembles Camden Town in London, but Toronto design. It's actually a hipster, a little bit bobo as well as hippie. You'll locate pre-owned garments shops there, yet likewise many vegan dining establishments, organic food, stores offering products from around the globe ... Don't wait to visit Graffiti Street as well as Rush Lane, two slim streets. Their walls are covered with graffiti and street art!

DUNDAS SQUARE

Have you been to New york city? If so, Dundas Square will right away remind you of Times, or to a lesser extent Picadilly Circus in London. You'll see big billboards there yet likewise Eaton Facility, the biggest shopping center in Toronto. For your information, Dundas Square is alongside Yonge Road. That's the longest street worldwide, it's 1896 kilometers 1178 miles) long!

NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE

It's quite quick to view as well as admire Nathan Phillips Square, however it deserves the detour! You'll see the old town hall, actually stunning, yet additionally the brand-new municipal government. You'll locate on this square "TORONTO" written in large letters, as well as those letters enlighten at night. There likewise a tiny yard called Peace Yard, opened up in memory of the targets of Hiroshima. From mid-November to mid-March, the lake turns into a skating rink!

TORONTO ISLANDS

Just 10 minutes away from Toronto by ferry, you'll locate the Toronto islands! The islands are not always easily accessible wintertime since the river can be frozen. Otherwise, go to the islands! This is a peaceful place, but most significantly, you have a terrific view of the horizon of Toronto! The weather was truly wonderful when I went there, and it's actually enjoyable since there are no autos there. You can go kayaking, rent a bike, go picnic, there are a couple of beaches if you intend to take a dip ... You need to go to Queens Quay and take the ferry. It's 8 dollars (5.50 EUR), and you can use your ticket all day. There are 3 main islands: Center, Ward and also Hanlan.

TORONTO MUSEUMS

Those that personally understand me currently know I'm very little right into galleries ... That does not indicate I never ever go but I really need to be like "I have to visit this one!" in order to go. That indicates I really did not most likely to any museums in the city but if you're interested, go to the Royal Ontario Gallery, the largest gallery of Canada. It has six millions things associated with natural history and also cultures of throughout the globe, dinosaurs' skeletons ... It's 20 bucks (14EUR) to enter. There's additionally the art gallery of Ontario displaying paintings from Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt ... It's 20 dollars to get in. There's also the Casa Loma, a castle in the north of the city. It's 30 dollars (20 euros) to enter. If you have some time, you can have a stroll at High Park, or Sugar Coastline if the weather is nice.

NIAGARA FALLS

If you have some time, you require to go to the Niagara Falls, 2 hours far from Toronto by bus! It's actually worth the journey as well as everybody states it's a great deal far better to watch the Niagara Falls in Canada (instead of in the US). By the way, here's a schedule for a road trip in Ontario!

I really liked my browse through to Toronto. A vibrant and worldwide city, where there are many things to do. Three days are enough to see Toronto, include another day if you want to see the Niagara Falls. If you most likely to Canada, don't miss out on Toronto!

TORONTO TRAVEL POINTERS

Inspect the visa policy of Canada right here. Most citizens from Western countries can keep up to 6 months visa-free. Take care though. Unless you're a United States citizen, if you get here by air, you are needed to get an ETA ahead of time below. If you arrive by land from the United States, or if you're an US resident, you don't need the ETA.

Do not most likely to the United States without a travel insurance! If something happens, you'll see on your own, clinical expenses are extremely expensive there!

How to get around in Toronto? Take the metro or the metro! You'll notice their trains are long!!! The subway is far from covering the whole city, nevertheless you can go anywhere with the tramways. Buy a suddenly card as well as put money on it (5 bucks, 10, 20, 50 ...). A one-way trip is 3 bucks.

Where to stay in Toronto? There are numerous options, check below.

There are lots of points to do in Toronto. Skip-the-line tickets, go to of the city, bike rental ... Inspect right here what you can do.

3 days in Toronto are perfect, 4 days is far better if you wish to see the Niagara Falls!

The post “ 3 DAYS IN TORONTO “ was appeared first on Been Around The Globe

Vitamin Therapy Toronto - The IV Lounge

[spudandemdotravels-blog]

New Zealand - Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, back to Auckland and HOME!

Bonjour tout le monde!

(Some of the photos are extras from the last couple of posts as we had too many!)

After leaving Gentle Annies campsite, we wound our way north along the south highways 6 and 60 towards Motueka which was to be our last town on the South Island. Thanks to Betsy (our trusty wagon), the drive was yet again faultless and the scenery was now unsurprisingly beautiful. We wound up through mountains and then onto the flatlands in the Nelson area before turning north west towards the Abel Tasman national park.

(The evening view from Gentle Annie’s campsite)

(Gigantic mussel shells on the beach at Gentle Annie’s)

This time round we picked a basic but very cheap ($6 per night) campsite between Motueka and the city of Nelson. We had to tackle cold showers, no washing up facilities let alone kitchen, and no Cow Shed cafe. Boohoo! However, as we were all feeling the pinch budget-wise and didn’t want to isolate ourselves in the national park due to forecast bad weather, the decision was a solid one. As with most of our travel days, we ended up lacking time to do anything other than set up camp by the time we arrived, although (despite a slight hiccup which involved Em ripping off a toenail on a tent peg) Dan managed to squeeze in a quick ‘gym’ session in the kids park before bed as he had energy to burn after being cooped up in the car all day!

Our plan for the next day was to head into the north of Abel Tasman national park, named after an early Dutch explorer who discovered the South Island. The drive was one of the windiest of the trip, and the 60 miles from the campsite to Totaranui took us over two hours. The mighty Takaka Hill tried its best to wind us into a breakdown, but Betsy was having none of it!

The first part of the day was a short walk out to Skinner Point which looks out over Goat Bay and Totaranui beach. This helped to get the blood flowing, so we turned north and make our way to Anapai Beach. The beach was a perfect spot to stop for lunch and to be harassed by the local Weka birds. It reminded us of some of the Asian beaches we had been on, although the climate was a lot different! After lunch we walked on a bit further to another lookout point before turning back for the car. We covered about 12km which we felt was enough to take in the north of the park, and then walked another 4km to the stunning Wainui falls and back on our way back to the campsite.

The next day was put aside to explore the southern part of the national park. We had a more relaxed start to the day, caught up on tasks that needed WiFi in Motueka and then drove onto Marahau, the trail head. The walk was another out and back totalling around 11km. Whereas the north of the park felt very isolated and wild, we felt that this walk was nicer as you follow coastline and are awarded great views at almost every significant turn. We initially stopped for lunch on a tiny beach just further on from Tinline Bay but we found that the tide was coming in at a rate of knots. So as to avoid getting wet cheese and biscuits we scuttled off and found another more accommodating stretch of sand on Coquille Bay which is found down a path that follows a small valley off the main trail. The weather was defying the forecast, so after we finished eating we soaked up some sun before pushing on to Apple Tree Bay, a bigger and more popular beach, which was our half way point.

We woke up to rain the next morning, which wasn’t a disappointment as we had thought for a minute that a hurricane due to hit Australia might be making its way towards us. Thankfully it was just bog standard rain that we had, so we used the weather as an opportunity to spend the day in Nelson city. We initially tried the market in Motueka, but unfortunately there were hardly any vendors. We managed to buy a couple of souvenirs to take back with us, but made our way into the city after an hour or so. By the time we we arrived the rain had stopped. We walked around the city for a while to decide where we would stop for lunch, and settled on a tantalising sharing seafood platter in Cod and Lobster at the top of the high street. We felt like we deserved one nice meal out before we flew back to Blighty, and it didn’t disappoint! In the afternoon we strolled around the small but beautiful Queens Gardens, and the art gallery next door before finding a cafe to kill an hour or two. In honesty, we could probably have explored the city a bit more, but as we had two solid days of travelling lined up, we chose to chill our beans instead!

The next day was the longest day we had had in a while! We were up bright and early to pack down and make our way to Picton in time for our ferry. We arrived with an hour to spare so that we could all follow up on messages relating to the sale of our kit (a burden we were all feeling by this point), and then boarded the ferry for what was to be a nauseating ride across the Cook Strait. As a result of the swells we were put back by a good half an hour and docked in Wellington at around 6pm. By the time we disembarked, ate and filled up with fuel it was gone 7pm and we had at least four hours of driving ahead of us. We made up the driving team; Spud driving and Em co-pilot, and we navigated the route we had taken almost four weeks ago with the utmost skill (modest). Our destination was a free campsite in Taupo that could accommodate tents, but was very popular so we weren’t guaranteed to find a pitch. We arrived at 11:30pm, dog tired, and completely not in the mood for putting up the tent, eventually we found a little patch to squeeze our tent on that wasn’t at a 15* angle! It was gone midnight by the time we got our heads down, and whilst the night sky was magical we knew we were in for a cold one.

We woke up thinking that our noses had dropped off. The silver lining of it being the most basic campsite we had stayed in was that it was a five minute drive from some natural hot springs. We were all struggling with the previous days travel, but managed to dry off the tent, sweep it down and pack it up ready for its sale scheduled for the next day, before making our way to Spa Park for a natural bath. We soaked for a while before refuelling ourselves and the car, and hitting the highway towards Auckland.

(Taupo hot springs)

We arrived at around 3pm, said our goodbyes to Brendan and Erin and cracked on with the days tasks. We were to pick up keys for Tom and Leonie’s flat where we would be staying until the 28th, sell the tent, clean down the kit on the roof, deliver the stove and gas bottle, deliver the mattresses, buy food for us, and then sell the chilly bin all before bed time. I am sure you are not surprised to read that we were well overdue a hot shower, a good nights sleep with real pillows (our cheap ones had all but turned to mush), in a real bed, in an actual building that night. We slept like logs!

Our final full day in Auckland was spent selling yet more of our camping equipment, and preparing for our flight the next day. Oh, and we forgot to mention that we bought a van on eBay that Dan had been keeping an eye on over the last couple of weeks. That’s the transport box ticked for when we get home! By mid-afternoon we were getting cabin fever, so we ventured out into the city to buy some Kiwi hops for Dans beer making venture, and for him to get a haircut after the DIY do’s he had been getting from Em (she won’t be changing career anytime soon!) with his beard clippers over the last couple of months. We rounded up the day with a mini roast NZ lamb which was delicious having only had it on one other occasion whilst in NZ.

(Sunset near Athol)

Again we slept like logs and before heading to the airport we had just a few more errands to run before we returned the car after a grand total of 6700km of driving over the last five weeks. We felt like errand machines by this point but it was great to know that everything was in line for our return to good ol’ Blighty!

What an adventure the last six months have been for us. We have learned so much about ourselves individually and as a couple (naturally, after around 4380 consecutive hours in each other’s company!) and about a plethora of cultures and countries along the way. It has been fascinating to see how different parts of the world function, and bewildering to see that in most of Asia, people seem to get by with little to no obvious regulation by ‘public’ services! Our eyes and horizons have been significantly widened as a result of the trip, and inline with Emily’s facebook post, we sincerely thank all of you who have helped us to be able to do it. We don’t believe that we will be returning as different people. We have heard some people say that they are on special journeys to ‘find themselves’, and have seen (and smelled) people who have clearly got in touch with their more bohemian side, but that’s just not us. What we have done is to vow to make some adjustments to the way we live to minimise our impact on the environment. Seeing more of the world, particularly those areas that are less economically developed that the UK, has focused our attention on environmental and ecological impacts of our behaviour. We have seen the results of horrific natural disasters, mindless use of single-use plastics and unbelievable amounts of plastic debris and general rubbish in some of the most beautiful areas we have ever seen. We really believe that now is the time for a collective effort to minimise the damage that we are causing in both visible and indirect ways. In particular, reducing meat consumption and increasing quality will be focused on, as well as conservation of water, minimising plastic use and recycling/reusing as much as possible.

Anyhow, we both cannot wait to see everyone at home. It will likely take us a little while to catch up with you all, given that we need to find jobs, a place to live, and carry on with the wedding planning, but we promise we will be in touch just as soon as possible!

Spud & Em x

(Soaking up the rays by Lake Wanaka)

[zillowcondo]

On The Hotlist – Top June Dining, Style and Travel Picks

With Summer in full swing, there’s no excuse not to get out and about. From exciting exhibitions to hot new eateries, we’ve rounded up our pick of top June dining, style and travel tips.

CULTURE VULTURE

Even though Chelsea Flower Show and the floral displays around Sloane Square have now finished, there’s RHS Garden Harlow Carr Flower Show in Harrogate, Yorkshire to look forward to from 23-25 June.

Central Saint Martins is world famous for its arts and design courses, but it’s also very accessible to the general public. We recently popped in to their new college in Granary Square, King’s Cross, to see their degree Show One dedicated to fine art. It was fascinating to wander around the college and meet some of the students with their creations. There were even arts performances in the glass lifts! Members of the public are very welcome to attend Show Two: Design from 21-25 June.

The Saatchi Gallery is known for its interesting exhibitions and the upcoming SuperYachtGallery, from 1-3 June, should be a fascinating insight into the world of yachting. Across 2 floors, visitors will be taken on a journey through a series of rooms focusing on the business of yachting, craftsmanship,performance and more.

STYLE FILE

If you’re a fan of Maison Assouline‘s beautiful books, then their London boutique is a real treasure trove. From the chic Swans Bar to their stylish gift collection, I could browse here for hours. They’ve recently launched a pop up bar in collaboration with Vins Extraordinaires, serving special wines by the glass. Until 23 June they’ll be serving prized wines such as Vin de Constance and Sassicaia, which many consider to be Italy’s best red wine.

We recently attended the launch of the new website for Buy Me Once, at The Ned Hotel. This brilliant concept brings together the world’s longest lasting products in one place. There are over 1,000 items ranging from Solidteknics kitchen goods to clothing, toys and tools – all with one common denominator – they’re the most sustainable of their kind.

TRAVEL TIPS

Edinburgh is one of those cities where you feel like you’re in the countryside – from Princes Street Gardens overlooking the castle, to Calton Hill and the peak of Arthur’s Seat, you’re at one with nature. Yet the fashionable restaurants and world class galleries remind you that you’re in a buzzing city. It’s also a perfect base to get out and explore the stunning coastline around Fife and St Andrews, famous for its golf courses. Summer is a great time to visit, whether right now or for the famous Fringe Festival in August. We have lots more to share with you from our Scotland trip so stay tuned!

The Seychelles are a true bucket list destination and worth a visit at any time of year. On 18 June, there’s a National Holiday, with a full programme of sporting events and shows and on 29 June there are Independence Day celebrations.

Thailand is one of those countries that we would happily visit again and again. One place we’ve heard great things about is Chiva-Som, the luxury wellness retreat in Hua Hin. We’ll be sharing more details of the resort as well as images from our latest photo-shoot for Chiva-Som, who partnered with Rolls-Royce and Morpheus London for an unforgettable few days at Ashberg House in Chelsea. Guests including musical legend Sir Ray Davies and chef Raymond Blanc experienced mouthwatering Thai cuisine and wellness treatments in stunning surroundings.

We’ve recently come across an innovative way to save on your travel money, by swapping currency directly with your fellow travellers. WeSwap helps you to exchange currency via a secure platform and gives you the best possible rates. So how does it work? You simply load up your WeSwap Mastercard® with your local currency, by using your debit card or bank account, then choose which currency you need and use your WeSwap card worldwide. There are 18 currencies to choose from including US dollars, British pounds and Euros and you can opt to receive your money instantly, in 3 days or 7 days. Such a great idea, it’s surprising that no one has thought of it before!

JUNE DINING

King’s Cross used to be a no-man’s land for restaurants but Karpo Grill is at the forefront of a new dining scene. Specializing in British produce with a European touch, they serve the most delicious Cornish seafood and Josper Grill steaks. The grass-fed Buccleuch Scottish beef is sourced from Campbell Brothers who supply the Royal Household. It’s beautifully tender and the grill really locks in the flavour. There’s a cool basement bar with regular live jazz evenings and the staff are charming.

One of the hottest places for June dining is The Ned, and we’ve worked our way around most of its eateries on behalf of you, dear reader ;-). From the tasty kedgeree brunch at Millie’s to the raw chocolate cake at Malibu Kitchen, it’s all great fun.

Brunch fans will be impressed with Plum + Spilt Milk, the award-winning restaurant located in the luxurious Great Northern Hotel. Diners can enjoy a truly bargainous champagne brunch, with a bottle of Billecart-Salmon, a brunch dish and tea or coffee for two for only £70. Acclaimed chef Mark Sargeant has designed a menu featuring classics such as a Full English breakfast and Eggs Benedict, sea-reared trout and more. The unusual name, Plum + Spilt Milk, comes from the colour of the Flying Scotsman trains that used to run from King’s Cross Station. There’s actually a signature Plum + Spilt Milk dessert, every bit as spectacular as the name suggests, although the Mango Mess with coconut meringue gave it a run for its money.

When the weather is warm, ice cream is called for and some of the tastiest in London can be found at Gelateria 3Bis in Borough Market, who recently celebrated their 30th birthday. Their artisan gelato are made with organic milk and their sorbets contain over 50% fruit. Doesn’t it look tempting?

Last but not least, the floral Afternoon tea at Ametsa at COMO The Halkin is every bit as stunning as it looks. We hope you’ve enjoyed these June dining, style and travel tips. Do let us know in the comments of any great finds that you’ve made recently, whether a great restaurant or a charming hotel.

The post On The Hotlist – Top June Dining, Style and Travel Picks appeared first on Luxury Columnist.

On The Hotlist – Top June Dining, Style and Travel Picks published first on http://ift.tt/2pewpEF