Monday, 28 April 2014
Toronto - Ontario
We decided to get on the double decker tourist bus today. Wandered down to the stop and a double decker came along. I said to he who has lost it, let's hop on. No he says it's not our bus. Hmmmmmm
I thought, (not convinced). I suggested he go and ask the information desk, no...not necessary says he. He goes on to explain there are two companies, one has buses that are red and yellow and the other company had all red buses.
As I watch people board the bus, I get a little worried we may be left behind, so I suggest again to go and check with the lady in the information booth. Back he comes and says let's hop on the bus, there is only one company.
The tour was terrific, it took 2 hours to go from start to finish, and we had a terrific guide who had an excellent sense of humour. I was in stitches at times.
We went to visit the Casa Loma Castle. It is a Gothic style home built in 1906 by a wealthy business man.
Photo of the outside of the castle
I thought, (not convinced). I suggested he go and ask the information desk, no...not necessary says he. He goes on to explain there are two companies, one has buses that are red and yellow and the other company had all red buses.
As I watch people board the bus, I get a little worried we may be left behind, so I suggest again to go and check with the lady in the information booth. Back he comes and says let's hop on the bus, there is only one company.
The tour was terrific, it took 2 hours to go from start to finish, and we had a terrific guide who had an excellent sense of humour. I was in stitches at times.
We went to visit the Casa Loma Castle. It is a Gothic style home built in 1906 by a wealthy business man.
Photo of the outside of the castle
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Toronto - Ontario
We travelled on the Greyhound bus from Ottawa to Toronto, a pleasant 4 hour trip. We were able to experience a lot of the country side that we wouldn't normally see. What sticks in my mind is the number of rivers and lakes they have. They are magnificent. To give an idea of their size, the Canadians would probably cal our Yarra river a trickle of water!
Poor Greg, not only has he lost his excellent orientation skills but he has started losing other things too. While in Montreal, he purchased a nice synthetic fur hat. We put the new hat in the back pack and went off sight seeing. We returned to the hotel and I told him his new hat wasn't in the back pack.
He must have pulled some items out at one stage and left the hat on some bench.
For our trip on the bus to Toronto, we especially went to the shops to purchase some snacks. We had them in a plastic carry bag. During our trip I asked him to pass me a snack, you guessed it, the bag is nowhere to be seen. He must have put it down somewhere and left it behind.
Our hotel is once again is in a central position. It is so big that they have particular lifts for nominated floors. We catch the green lifts, there is also red and blue lifts. Oh and there is a talking robot in the foyer, I haven't had a chat yet but will do today.
Poor Greg, not only has he lost his excellent orientation skills but he has started losing other things too. While in Montreal, he purchased a nice synthetic fur hat. We put the new hat in the back pack and went off sight seeing. We returned to the hotel and I told him his new hat wasn't in the back pack.
He must have pulled some items out at one stage and left the hat on some bench.
For our trip on the bus to Toronto, we especially went to the shops to purchase some snacks. We had them in a plastic carry bag. During our trip I asked him to pass me a snack, you guessed it, the bag is nowhere to be seen. He must have put it down somewhere and left it behind.
Our hotel is once again is in a central position. It is so big that they have particular lifts for nominated floors. We catch the green lifts, there is also red and blue lifts. Oh and there is a talking robot in the foyer, I haven't had a chat yet but will do today.
Friday, 25 April 2014
Ottawa - Ontario
Today we walked to the Museum of Civilisation. It is done really well and explains about the indiginious people. The life size wax figures look so real. On one of the floors a complete town was built!
A section of the town in the museum.
We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and became educated in the process that local aboriginals followed when dealing with the Europeans
This is the bridge we walked across to get to the museum.
The Canadian Indians believe spiders are good luck. This sculpture is near the museums.
We have enjoyed Ottawa. It is easy to navigate your way around and people have been very friendly. Plenty of various eating places at reasonable prices. I do suggest that you never buy a cappuccino in Canada. I have tried several and they are not too flash.
Next stop Toronto.
Canada and Alaska Itinerary
Itinerary:
April
12th - Depart Melbourne - Honolulu. Stay overnight to get some sleep
13th - Honolulu to Seattle - stay for 5 days
18th - Seattle - Montreal - stay 5 days
23rd - Montreal - Ottawa - stay 3 days
26th - Ottawa - Toronto - stay 3 days
28th - Toronto - Winnipeg - stay 4 days
May
3rd Winnipeg - Saskatoon - stay 3 nights
6th - Saskatoon - Edmonton - stay 3 nights
9th - Edmonton - Calgary - stay 5 nights
14th - Calgary - Vancouver - stay 3 nights
17th - Vancouver-Anchorage 8 days cruise
24th - Anchorage overnight
25th - Anchorage - Homer - Tutka Bay Lodge 4 days
28th - Homer - Anchorage - stay 4 days
June
1st - Anchorage - Fairbanks - Alaskan Odyssey Tour 11 days
11th - Fairbanks - Anchorage - overnight
12th - Anchorage - Seward - stay 5 nights
17th -Seward - Juneau - stay 5 nights
22nd - Juneau - Skagway - stay 5 nights
28th - Skagway - Juneau - couple of nights rest
30th - Juneau - Vancouver - 1 night
July
1st - Rocky Mountaineer Round Circle Trip
13th - Vancouver - Honolulu - overnight
14th - Honolulu - Melbourne
16th - Home Again - start planning the next trip.
April
12th - Depart Melbourne - Honolulu. Stay overnight to get some sleep
13th - Honolulu to Seattle - stay for 5 days
18th - Seattle - Montreal - stay 5 days
23rd - Montreal - Ottawa - stay 3 days
26th - Ottawa - Toronto - stay 3 days
28th - Toronto - Winnipeg - stay 4 days
May
3rd Winnipeg - Saskatoon - stay 3 nights
6th - Saskatoon - Edmonton - stay 3 nights
9th - Edmonton - Calgary - stay 5 nights
14th - Calgary - Vancouver - stay 3 nights
17th - Vancouver-Anchorage 8 days cruise
24th - Anchorage overnight
25th - Anchorage - Homer - Tutka Bay Lodge 4 days
28th - Homer - Anchorage - stay 4 days
June
1st - Anchorage - Fairbanks - Alaskan Odyssey Tour 11 days
11th - Fairbanks - Anchorage - overnight
12th - Anchorage - Seward - stay 5 nights
17th -Seward - Juneau - stay 5 nights
22nd - Juneau - Skagway - stay 5 nights
28th - Skagway - Juneau - couple of nights rest
30th - Juneau - Vancouver - 1 night
July
1st - Rocky Mountaineer Round Circle Trip
13th - Vancouver - Honolulu - overnight
14th - Honolulu - Melbourne
16th - Home Again - start planning the next trip.
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Alaska and canada
Ottawa.
Today has nicer weather, still a bit chilly but sunny. We were out and about for 5 hours. First stop was to the historic Rideau Canal Locks. Went thru the museum and discovered how it was built, very interesting.
Continued on and found the Bywood market, had a very nice hot chocolate. Found another church, the Basilique-Cathedrale Notre Dame D'Ottawa ( still hasn't helped the knees) and finally the Canadian Mint. Did you know this mint makes Australia's coins? There was a gold nugget
in the gift shop valued at $500k. Greg picked it up and he was so happy holding $500k that his teeth showed when he smiled!
I had purple potatoes for tea. Not just purple skin, purple all the way through. Something else I didn't know existed.
Today has nicer weather, still a bit chilly but sunny. We were out and about for 5 hours. First stop was to the historic Rideau Canal Locks. Went thru the museum and discovered how it was built, very interesting.
Continued on and found the Bywood market, had a very nice hot chocolate. Found another church, the Basilique-Cathedrale Notre Dame D'Ottawa ( still hasn't helped the knees) and finally the Canadian Mint. Did you know this mint makes Australia's coins? There was a gold nugget
I had purple potatoes for tea. Not just purple skin, purple all the way through. Something else I didn't know existed.
Alaska and Canada
Ottawa
Caught a plane from Montreal to Ottawa. Shortest plane trip I have ever experienced. I was greatful it was short because the plane was small and had propellers!
Once we checked in to the hotel we went outside to get our bearings, it was freeeeezing. I am sure the bitterly cold wind came straight from the North Pole.
We found their Parliament building and had a tour. What stunning Architecture inside and out. The building is massive.
Some of the architecture inside Parliament House.
Caught a plane from Montreal to Ottawa. Shortest plane trip I have ever experienced. I was greatful it was short because the plane was small and had propellers!
Once we checked in to the hotel we went outside to get our bearings, it was freeeeezing. I am sure the bitterly cold wind came straight from the North Pole.
We found their Parliament building and had a tour. What stunning Architecture inside and out. The building is massive.
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Alaska and Canada
Old Quebec City
This is the front entrance of Parliament. The dot on the right is Greg.
More of Parliament House
Alaska and Canada
Quebec City:
We took the train from Montreal to Quebec City. It was a pleasant and smooth 3 hour journey. I couldn't believe the difference in weather from Montreal, it was freezing.
We decided to walk from the train station to the old city, it took about 30 minutes but I didn't count on the very steep up hill slog! Anyway got to the old part and it is very pretty, not real big but has a lot of character. We headed for the Citadel (fortress). It started being built in about 1650 and is famous for battles between the French and English. It is still used by the 22nd regiment.
The museum is set up well and is informative and interesting. Apparently there are still people in this part of Canada who can not speak or understand English.
Oh, did I mention it was raining. We were all rugged up with our brand new raincoats standing at the lights waiting to cross the road when there was a splash. A car hit a puddle and it went all over poor Greg from his feet up to his face. He couldn't believe what happened and stood there stunned for a few moments and I was laughing. I have seen this sort of thing occur in the movies, I never would have believed it would happen in real life.
By the time we got to the bottom of the hill on our way back to the station, we were both feeling a bit cHilly and wet so stopped in a very nice bistro and had a bite to eat and a nice cup of tea.
We took the train from Montreal to Quebec City. It was a pleasant and smooth 3 hour journey. I couldn't believe the difference in weather from Montreal, it was freezing.
We decided to walk from the train station to the old city, it took about 30 minutes but I didn't count on the very steep up hill slog! Anyway got to the old part and it is very pretty, not real big but has a lot of character. We headed for the Citadel (fortress). It started being built in about 1650 and is famous for battles between the French and English. It is still used by the 22nd regiment.
The museum is set up well and is informative and interesting. Apparently there are still people in this part of Canada who can not speak or understand English.
Oh, did I mention it was raining. We were all rugged up with our brand new raincoats standing at the lights waiting to cross the road when there was a splash. A car hit a puddle and it went all over poor Greg from his feet up to his face. He couldn't believe what happened and stood there stunned for a few moments and I was laughing. I have seen this sort of thing occur in the movies, I never would have believed it would happen in real life.
By the time we got to the bottom of the hill on our way back to the station, we were both feeling a bit cHilly and wet so stopped in a very nice bistro and had a bite to eat and a nice cup of tea.
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Alaska and Canada
Old Montreal. (continued)
It was very busy in the old section, people everywhere. Most of the shops are either souvenir shops or restaurants and cafés. On our way back we saw..... Bet you can't guess....another church. This one is called the Marguerite Bourgeoys Chapel. Marguerite was born in 1665 and tried for 25 years to get permission to build the chapel. To the horror of my knees, the tour included going up about 70 steps on a spiral staircase to get to the top.
Here I am going up, up and up.
It was very busy in the old section, people everywhere. Most of the shops are either souvenir shops or restaurants and cafés. On our way back we saw..... Bet you can't guess....another church. This one is called the Marguerite Bourgeoys Chapel. Marguerite was born in 1665 and tried for 25 years to get permission to build the chapel. To the horror of my knees, the tour included going up about 70 steps on a spiral staircase to get to the top.
The view at the top was worth the pain.
Alaska and Canada
Montreal:
Greg was kind to me today, we walked for only 5 hours. We headed to "old" Montreal and the "old" ports. Cirque de Soleil is all set up at the old port, the tents are humungous.
When you enter the old section, it is like being in a completely different City. It is rather cool the way the modern Montreal has been built about a 45 minute walk away.
Cirque de Soleil at the old port in old Montreal.
Went int another church the "Notre Dame". Another spectacular setting. I have been putting holly water on my knees hoping for a miracle, hasn't happened yet!
Greg was kind to me today, we walked for only 5 hours. We headed to "old" Montreal and the "old" ports. Cirque de Soleil is all set up at the old port, the tents are humungous.
When you enter the old section, it is like being in a completely different City. It is rather cool the way the modern Montreal has been built about a 45 minute walk away.
Cirque de Soleil at the old port in old Montreal.
Went int another church the "Notre Dame". Another spectacular setting. I have been putting holly water on my knees hoping for a miracle, hasn't happened yet!
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Alaska and Canada
Down town Montreal. If you walk down 1 block and turn left there are hundreds of people . It is hard to believe how crowded it is from this photo.
Tomorrow we are going to visit "old" Montreal.
Alaska and Canada
Montreal - Quebec
After another plane flight we have arrived in Montreal. We lost 3 hours flying here and our internal body clock is still having difficulty adjusting.
First impression of our hotel is wow ( Fairmont Queen Elizabeth) it is sooooooo fancy pansy when you walk in and it is huge. Then you walk down the large wide corridors to your room go inside and there is not enough room to open both suitcases and put them on the floor, so we have to put one on top of the other. The room is lovely and the bed and pillows are ever so comfy it is just very squishy.
We went for a walk to the downtown area and checked out some shops. Lovely clothes and shoes can be bought at reasonable prices. Then went to the Maree Reine du Monde Cathedral. It is a replica of St. Peter's church in Rome. After that went underground to see the many underground shops. There are passageways that connect to larger shops, food shops, pharmacy and many, many more.
Maree Reine du Monde
Cathedral. >
After another plane flight we have arrived in Montreal. We lost 3 hours flying here and our internal body clock is still having difficulty adjusting.
First impression of our hotel is wow ( Fairmont Queen Elizabeth) it is sooooooo fancy pansy when you walk in and it is huge. Then you walk down the large wide corridors to your room go inside and there is not enough room to open both suitcases and put them on the floor, so we have to put one on top of the other. The room is lovely and the bed and pillows are ever so comfy it is just very squishy.
We went for a walk to the downtown area and checked out some shops. Lovely clothes and shoes can be bought at reasonable prices. Then went to the Maree Reine du Monde Cathedral. It is a replica of St. Peter's church in Rome. After that went underground to see the many underground shops. There are passageways that connect to larger shops, food shops, pharmacy and many, many more.
Maree Reine du Monde
Cathedral. >
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Alaska and Canada
Seattle
Decided to go for a trip to the Seattle Zoo at Woodland Park. The grizzly bears just came out of hibernation, they are so a awesome, . There was also some white wolves, I wouldn't want to be around when they are hungry, they don't stand still, constantly on the prowl. The birds on display are beautiful, most of them I have never seen before.
Caught the bus back to the monorail, jumped on and went to the famous Space Needle. A great view of Seattle and you can see how well set out it is.
For those who like crab legs, this is the place to be. Every second restaurant on the wharf sells them.
We were told by the tour guide that Seattle is the home to the "deadliest catch" boats.
Next stop Montreal.
Decided to go for a trip to the Seattle Zoo at Woodland Park. The grizzly bears just came out of hibernation, they are so a awesome, . There was also some white wolves, I wouldn't want to be around when they are hungry, they don't stand still, constantly on the prowl. The birds on display are beautiful, most of them I have never seen before.
Caught the bus back to the monorail, jumped on and went to the famous Space Needle. A great view of Seattle and you can see how well set out it is.
For those who like crab legs, this is the place to be. Every second restaurant on the wharf sells them.
We were told by the tour guide that Seattle is the home to the "deadliest catch" boats.
Next stop Montreal.
Alaska and Canada
14/4/14
Seattle:
There is something about Seattle that I really like. Maybe it's the lack of traffic, the slower pace, the natural friendly people, the layout of the city and the neighbourhoods!!!!! Sweet Seattle has now gone onto one of my favourite places list.
We did a tour to the Boeing factory today. It takes about 45 minutes from the city to get there. Can you believe they have an assembly line when building the planes. It is absolutely fascinating to see. The factory is the largest in the world, it is bigger than Disneyland. Once the planes are finished they are lined up outside waiting for pick up. We saw about 15 big jumbos lined up. It reminds me of a car yard only the on a much larger scale.
We saw the new 787 Dreamliner. Apparently it is lighter so therefore saves on fuel. The pilot window is larger as is the windows on each side of the plane.
Not allowed to take any photos, security is tight. Can't even take your purse inside.
Came back to town and went to the Police Museum. It is set up well and has many artefacts. It isn't very popular, we were the only customers we both enjoyed it. We walked back to the hotel (about 1.0 hr) . Made a stop along the way to Maceys. I luv Maceys........luv, luv, luv. Didn't buy anything, no room in the suitcase.
Across the road from our hotel is the best grocery shop in the whole world. You can buy scrambled eggs, pizza, chicken dinners, spaghetti, gourmet sandwiches an much much more. They have a little area for customers to sit and eat or just relax and have a cappuccino. We have decided to have breakfast
there and will purchase meals as required.
Still can't put photos here, I seem to have every adaptor ever made but can't work out how to do it on the iPad.
Seattle:
There is something about Seattle that I really like. Maybe it's the lack of traffic, the slower pace, the natural friendly people, the layout of the city and the neighbourhoods!!!!! Sweet Seattle has now gone onto one of my favourite places list.
We did a tour to the Boeing factory today. It takes about 45 minutes from the city to get there. Can you believe they have an assembly line when building the planes. It is absolutely fascinating to see. The factory is the largest in the world, it is bigger than Disneyland. Once the planes are finished they are lined up outside waiting for pick up. We saw about 15 big jumbos lined up. It reminds me of a car yard only the on a much larger scale.
We saw the new 787 Dreamliner. Apparently it is lighter so therefore saves on fuel. The pilot window is larger as is the windows on each side of the plane.
Not allowed to take any photos, security is tight. Can't even take your purse inside.
Came back to town and went to the Police Museum. It is set up well and has many artefacts. It isn't very popular, we were the only customers we both enjoyed it. We walked back to the hotel (about 1.0 hr) . Made a stop along the way to Maceys. I luv Maceys........luv, luv, luv. Didn't buy anything, no room in the suitcase.
Across the road from our hotel is the best grocery shop in the whole world. You can buy scrambled eggs, pizza, chicken dinners, spaghetti, gourmet sandwiches an much much more. They have a little area for customers to sit and eat or just relax and have a cappuccino. We have decided to have breakfast
there and will purchase meals as required.
Still can't put photos here, I seem to have every adaptor ever made but can't work out how to do it on the iPad.
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Alaska and Canada
Melbourne to Honolulu
We have finally arrived at our overnight stop in Honolulu and what an experience it has been!
We were delayed for 1 week due to dad's illness, as usual he has come through with flying colours, so off we went on 12th April. The later departure men's we will not be visiting Nova Scotia or Torronto. Not to worry, there will be other trips.
Got to the airport (as per instructions) 3 hours beforehand and headed to the Jet Star check in. There were people everywhere, it looked like utter kaos. We were informed the plane the night before was cancelled and those passengers have first option for a seat. We had to stand in a queue and wait and wait and wait for 21/2 hours, standing in the one spot.
Finally the delayed passengers were all processed but of course there wasn't enough seats left on the plane. We waited about 45 minutes while staff counted the number of seats available? I was about to offer them the use of a calculator but thought best of it. In the meantime the ground staff are asking for volunteers to be off loaded until the next day, departing from Sydney and the carrot was a $500 voucher for each person.
We were lucky and got seats, headed to the departure lounge for take off, oh oh delayed boarding. All ok, we got on the plane got ourselves buckled in ready for an immediate take off and there was another delay. The pilots didn't have all of their paperwork so more delay. It took about 45 minutes for the paperwork to arrive, I was really beginning to think we weren't meant to go on this trip
It was a smooth flight to Hawaii and all passengers were given full service free of charge as an
apology for the disruption.
So here we are at our airport hotel. We had a shower and went straight to bed.
Next stop Seattle.
We have finally arrived at our overnight stop in Honolulu and what an experience it has been!
We were delayed for 1 week due to dad's illness, as usual he has come through with flying colours, so off we went on 12th April. The later departure men's we will not be visiting Nova Scotia or Torronto. Not to worry, there will be other trips.
Got to the airport (as per instructions) 3 hours beforehand and headed to the Jet Star check in. There were people everywhere, it looked like utter kaos. We were informed the plane the night before was cancelled and those passengers have first option for a seat. We had to stand in a queue and wait and wait and wait for 21/2 hours, standing in the one spot.
Finally the delayed passengers were all processed but of course there wasn't enough seats left on the plane. We waited about 45 minutes while staff counted the number of seats available? I was about to offer them the use of a calculator but thought best of it. In the meantime the ground staff are asking for volunteers to be off loaded until the next day, departing from Sydney and the carrot was a $500 voucher for each person.
We were lucky and got seats, headed to the departure lounge for take off, oh oh delayed boarding. All ok, we got on the plane got ourselves buckled in ready for an immediate take off and there was another delay. The pilots didn't have all of their paperwork so more delay. It took about 45 minutes for the paperwork to arrive, I was really beginning to think we weren't meant to go on this trip
It was a smooth flight to Hawaii and all passengers were given full service free of charge as an
apology for the disruption.
So here we are at our airport hotel. We had a shower and went straight to bed.
Next stop Seattle.
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