tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48816661053315625242023-11-16T02:45:58.602-05:00Its My Life...From time to time, from place to place...John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-22065078453176500342023-02-06T13:17:00.003-05:002023-02-06T14:56:10.507-05:003 Days in Arizona: 3 Seasons in 3 Hours (Drive)<table border="0">
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</table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIHrvZJ0mvPc5FlGyBS3Yk66hS2hgjhw4yhrP76GPza9ic8ox2456Tkt35lv_dxLRSIvQ71rWsX4XamTRR6neRIq15E5Op0uHWP1pTndesGL666ai2dR9dI4nW6FyDPwK3_YwHuek1iWx12ixb9gJv1XuvFi2UlJ6NqfeatUP0T7Hh5eEUrbaep00/s4000/20230129_114743.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIHrvZJ0mvPc5FlGyBS3Yk66hS2hgjhw4yhrP76GPza9ic8ox2456Tkt35lv_dxLRSIvQ71rWsX4XamTRR6neRIq15E5Op0uHWP1pTndesGL666ai2dR9dI4nW6FyDPwK3_YwHuek1iWx12ixb9gJv1XuvFi2UlJ6NqfeatUP0T7Hh5eEUrbaep00/w150-h200/20230129_114743.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div><div>With the COVID-19 restrictions now behind us, it is time to dust off our backpacks, and head out into the world again! </div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend, we have decided to do a quick trip to Arizona, to enjoy the much-needed warmth. Since Sedona and Grand Canyon are only a short drive from Phoenix, which is serviced by direct flight from Canada, we have planned to spend a day exploring each. This quick excursion exceeded all expectations, and I felt that others will benefit from our 3-day itinerary in Arizona.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>After spending the first night in Phoenix, we rented a car and drove to Sedona Desert. Sedona is only an hour or so away from Phoenix, and it is a beautiful and easy drive. While Phoenix treated us to a balmy 18C, the temperatures were climbing down as we were climbing (driving) up nearer to Sedona. Our first stop was <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55230" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bell Rock Vista</a>, where we planned to hike/climb up the Bell Rock and walk around the Courthouse Butte. After paying 5 USD for the daily parking, which is valid for other Red Rock Country trails, we headed up. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnPTLfH-R3jZf4O4iQ9-CJEjj1Y9YXk9-84h-nUbDYQubFEqgbVNwhHDQAoJ7FkZLsW4z1e8JvjMXzTiC0dtGsvx8hGjOPE2j9f9eRsCAW0mHCaZ36wHYB3CJSFdx77uM9Jqnt1GTEski1Bscn4qbVKEYiBjTdzu-atkgCMXm0N17TMyKeVha7xdt/s2000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-01-27%20at%207.13.16%20PM.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnPTLfH-R3jZf4O4iQ9-CJEjj1Y9YXk9-84h-nUbDYQubFEqgbVNwhHDQAoJ7FkZLsW4z1e8JvjMXzTiC0dtGsvx8hGjOPE2j9f9eRsCAW0mHCaZ36wHYB3CJSFdx77uM9Jqnt1GTEski1Bscn4qbVKEYiBjTdzu-atkgCMXm0N17TMyKeVha7xdt/w150-h200/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-01-27%20at%207.13.16%20PM.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div><div>The climb up Bell Rock was somewhat tricky as we did not bring proper highking shoes, and the melting snow (yes! snow in the desert!) made the rock a little slippery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiiPt7goKO4nAnzZjKmYcXvGsRaF_cVR7JJq2g9xzPSuyfLsYtVej6a7ifr8-rOFUenyEPhLHcqUrirzZPb99-qGkaX9yI6L3Bs3LbGfVfjoEM456EIFpvCiLYxgqU00skGXTxwpRjvDTuoclYqjuktjBy1eWq7ykEE5nT7GIcRnF8BVWZgLhAhuI/s4000/20230127_141734.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiiPt7goKO4nAnzZjKmYcXvGsRaF_cVR7JJq2g9xzPSuyfLsYtVej6a7ifr8-rOFUenyEPhLHcqUrirzZPb99-qGkaX9yI6L3Bs3LbGfVfjoEM456EIFpvCiLYxgqU00skGXTxwpRjvDTuoclYqjuktjBy1eWq7ykEE5nT7GIcRnF8BVWZgLhAhuI/w150-h200/20230127_141734.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The trail around the Courthouse Butte is easy to follow and has some of the best views! As we walked by, there were many people who were meditating, praying, etc. Not surprising, as the energy around the Bell Rock, which has a number of healing vortexes drawing people from all over the world, is out of this world (pun intended)! <div><br /></div><div>While the walk is not challenging, it takes about two and a half to three hours to complete. Even though the temperatures were very comfortable - around 12C, it was clear skies and the sun was beating down mercilessly! It is important to have enough water, and drink often! Plus, we took a few packs of dry fruits and nuts, which were very handy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANDO8V-tFkmJtYz039jAKlUkYfaXnaVFqXfc5wX23-FxD2rW2IU4Wad4uMzznrM6yCIWeLyvcrAZhVNWAKlHFyfkdcjosCPvIzxnYf1L3RD9IfoimWHkOmt9OOJftvso7iaQhuqRmCHPl-slyA1prfYmsPY0Xy-3qZGuiZIfrvtXlfh7-YWyfiI6X/s2000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-01-27%20at%207.13.10%20PM.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANDO8V-tFkmJtYz039jAKlUkYfaXnaVFqXfc5wX23-FxD2rW2IU4Wad4uMzznrM6yCIWeLyvcrAZhVNWAKlHFyfkdcjosCPvIzxnYf1L3RD9IfoimWHkOmt9OOJftvso7iaQhuqRmCHPl-slyA1prfYmsPY0Xy-3qZGuiZIfrvtXlfh7-YWyfiI6X/w150-h200/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-01-27%20at%207.13.10%20PM.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><div>After completing the loop around the Courthouse Butte, we headed to the <a href="http://chapeloftheholycross.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chapel of the Holy Cross</a>. It is a chapel located atop the red rock buttes, which has incredible views of the Sedona area. We were lucky to arrive during the service and enjoyed the spiritual singing and the scenery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-8EUGGNyjFUk_J4Ht2urgIlIKu4swe6dMYhYUZn9oaKVjqg_F5ppgPfZAKeJLyVpprbd8WwXf01ePjScDkXeN1EKwIZgxVIgIEqT4BxEldCFOI-2jCD7dIZ0V3WAIXs_Pze12J5m8JGtMS14fL6fhb1wsAFLRlnqC3pNs1H5nz1iUKrxnErtwQDN/s2000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-01-27%20at%207.13.10%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-8EUGGNyjFUk_J4Ht2urgIlIKu4swe6dMYhYUZn9oaKVjqg_F5ppgPfZAKeJLyVpprbd8WwXf01ePjScDkXeN1EKwIZgxVIgIEqT4BxEldCFOI-2jCD7dIZ0V3WAIXs_Pze12J5m8JGtMS14fL6fhb1wsAFLRlnqC3pNs1H5nz1iUKrxnErtwQDN/w150-h200/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-01-27%20at%207.13.10%20PM.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><div>The town of Sedona has many options to eat and drink, and is very pleasant to walk around for an hour or so. As the evening was drawing in, we had to leave this stunning place, and drive to Flagstaff where we planned to stay overnight. The 89A highway takes you through Coconino National Forest and is absolutely beautiful. With better planning, we could have stopped at <a href="https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slide Rock State Park</a>, but alas, it was getting dark.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Yz6dhMXXYk_NJeOpqnpNiot9tlWhRPl3HuZpXCITAuwY-UbIlcw3AFL6T4OpnKYku-Y0SUDOjbToiQXF04RlNNp3zI12F4WWaNgirQ4R-VavK1Nb1UpMmupGe2V7fp7SGE9NBWdi5V-1uY9JlSVWP75tIvlKMRba7WiErJEz3ns6ecd9uwFuvOkq/s4000/20230128_113903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Yz6dhMXXYk_NJeOpqnpNiot9tlWhRPl3HuZpXCITAuwY-UbIlcw3AFL6T4OpnKYku-Y0SUDOjbToiQXF04RlNNp3zI12F4WWaNgirQ4R-VavK1Nb1UpMmupGe2V7fp7SGE9NBWdi5V-1uY9JlSVWP75tIvlKMRba7WiErJEz3ns6ecd9uwFuvOkq/w200-h150/20230128_113903.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>After having a fix of tacos and margaritas at <a href="http://www.salsabravaflagstaff.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salsa Brava</a> (highly recommended to make reservations!) on the famous Route 66, and a good night's sleep and hearty breakfast in <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2684394-13301634" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Country Inn by Radisson</a>, we headed to Grand Canyon. Coming here in winter gives it a different vibe! Maybe it is the snow-covered tree tops and the cliffs, or maybe it is the lack of crowds, or maybe it is the French onion soup after a high at the legendary <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/el-tovar-hotel.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">El Tovar</a> hotel. Regardless of what it is, it was magical!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LX6yXdlKN0rY5D8Y54qHaEKlb_3RSmgHbJA467k3YJNf04e6JLuOJqDAOIXX92AkHTIYo7lAvIHBGgNr9wpvagWzFU7rTwwJxJkrJKpcCY3XmgvrmaDv3GmRWeCtGlmAgBYTTx1e_l4F4BDCbs4r9eoPnBIQXisFmaKuvVZfo5KhWYhUmFJ7PBA1/s1024/el-tovar-dining-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LX6yXdlKN0rY5D8Y54qHaEKlb_3RSmgHbJA467k3YJNf04e6JLuOJqDAOIXX92AkHTIYo7lAvIHBGgNr9wpvagWzFU7rTwwJxJkrJKpcCY3XmgvrmaDv3GmRWeCtGlmAgBYTTx1e_l4F4BDCbs4r9eoPnBIQXisFmaKuvVZfo5KhWYhUmFJ7PBA1/w200-h150/el-tovar-dining-room.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grand Canyon park</a> provides a number of options for hiking, climbing, canyoning, backcountry camping, snow-shooing, eating, drinking, shopping, lodging, etc. It is possible to explore the pack using your own car, however, the park operates free shuttle buses that are clean, heated, and run very frequently (plus, reduce CO2 emission). The entry fee of 35 USD is valid for a week, and there are unquestionably enough activities. There are numerous signs that suggest 2-hour, half-day, full-day, and multiple-day itineraries, or the park rangers can suggest a customized plan.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbTHlm5n8A0RvGW4aA1BaPlI8rjkGEd2BR9APYtQBNuBtVjFqexB3zyDEvT0yh526iEvGCFyUCRTPfUMXnfX_LIqgD5CHtIX3LsSzwUqAfrbiWUTvvGgvpesPcW9wwi_TjwVMvlo8u6_7xCf9o9J-stzQcL5t2huaBC_AR1lG1uw9PiwyS5n21jHQ/s4000/20230128_114638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbTHlm5n8A0RvGW4aA1BaPlI8rjkGEd2BR9APYtQBNuBtVjFqexB3zyDEvT0yh526iEvGCFyUCRTPfUMXnfX_LIqgD5CHtIX3LsSzwUqAfrbiWUTvvGgvpesPcW9wwi_TjwVMvlo8u6_7xCf9o9J-stzQcL5t2huaBC_AR1lG1uw9PiwyS5n21jHQ/w200-h150/20230128_114638.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>We have decided to follow the suggested half-day itinerary, have a meal at the legendary <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/el-tovar-hotel.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">El Tovar</a> hotel dining room, explore the village, and head back afterward. With temperatures barely above 0C and 5ft of snow a few days before, the less traveled trails were covered with snow and ice. It made the experience even more spectacular!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQBrEAFae_OMC9iQM93s7qMhILKr_hNGVezsBEdCRmdWVPF7xu7jVQ_XEelAhVMcVsbyy4jpyV-iAVlhi9flQ1wf5JN03fAbK72WC6VC7CTP_ifxjDT3VDtIBbH208Sxf8LKK3vIv3qQf6-vxhAvoBlZCMRj93gEaCZXKzaSvJqqsFOErrAnONbDC/s11584/20230129_120722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2704" data-original-width="11584" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQBrEAFae_OMC9iQM93s7qMhILKr_hNGVezsBEdCRmdWVPF7xu7jVQ_XEelAhVMcVsbyy4jpyV-iAVlhi9flQ1wf5JN03fAbK72WC6VC7CTP_ifxjDT3VDtIBbH208Sxf8LKK3vIv3qQf6-vxhAvoBlZCMRj93gEaCZXKzaSvJqqsFOErrAnONbDC/s320/20230129_120722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The original plan was to return to Flagstaff for the overnight stay, but we wanted to soak up the heat before heading back. Therefore, the decision was to change the hotel reservations and drive straight to Phoenix. On the way, we stopped at <a href="https://valleluna.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Valle Luna</a> for another "fix" of good quality Mexican food.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEGBXBlY5-ODwwUYif5v-Dx5yy7vWp9rOugBq5bUM7-SvpR1WKDK-oCRTqQfOoxByq5pyxzgk4F3L4LRvhUS1LHDKrRU4QphBwrruOac_95ldDkhS0xTzNEACkTEIIbj2RB3xDO2s16HYYKpSMGskuiWSn1Ntu6Ocn1mxbiweEppTtQLSOhNT-4DH/s4000/20230129_114703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEGBXBlY5-ODwwUYif5v-Dx5yy7vWp9rOugBq5bUM7-SvpR1WKDK-oCRTqQfOoxByq5pyxzgk4F3L4LRvhUS1LHDKrRU4QphBwrruOac_95ldDkhS0xTzNEACkTEIIbj2RB3xDO2s16HYYKpSMGskuiWSn1Ntu6Ocn1mxbiweEppTtQLSOhNT-4DH/w150-h200/20230129_114703.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>On the last day, we wanted to see as many cactuses as we humanly could, and <a href="http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">South Mountain Park and Preserve</a> aaa<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g0iPGq_LxvxW5M_675hPYqJly2lTqhK-LyDHcCLJBHtr5etmj7sDRWD6HioMk9H-OUkGY4_9U9lcdI46GrB_kAylKTEIsJiWW4IhNEGy9IhMAL4R64BHhfgQqpa_0MGgqrIvy-RWK4f88Eqa4Fbg4FROTSk0HeNglxd4z2FU-z3HdzleBEkuQ6CY/s4000/20230129_114743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g0iPGq_LxvxW5M_675hPYqJly2lTqhK-LyDHcCLJBHtr5etmj7sDRWD6HioMk9H-OUkGY4_9U9lcdI46GrB_kAylKTEIsJiWW4IhNEGy9IhMAL4R64BHhfgQqpa_0MGgqrIvy-RWK4f88Eqa4Fbg4FROTSk0HeNglxd4z2FU-z3HdzleBEkuQ6CY/w150-h200/20230129_114743.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-6839087768341896052018-07-19T10:37:00.002-04:002018-07-19T10:50:07.522-04:00A Week in Azores...There are beautiful places, there are amazing places, there are places with fantastic food, there are places with welcoming people... but there are rare gems that have it all and Azores is one of those places!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD0QafN57V82OCXrjgon0N6PP0lOcLrP_eHNU7ccw279DuRyitSKCNm-QW4SpHsWe8hb7934toyb5Ap7p3JU4JdTuWEwQB9sqIngBCvTwWHLpLROwV4MPJUJXV6074kz_UMAcHuRfRg8/s1600/MVIMG_20180318_114032.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD0QafN57V82OCXrjgon0N6PP0lOcLrP_eHNU7ccw279DuRyitSKCNm-QW4SpHsWe8hb7934toyb5Ap7p3JU4JdTuWEwQB9sqIngBCvTwWHLpLROwV4MPJUJXV6074kz_UMAcHuRfRg8/s320/MVIMG_20180318_114032.jpg" width="320" /></a>From Toronto, there is a very convenient service, direct flights operated by Azores Airlines (previously known as SATA). The flight takes only about 5 hours, which is great when you are traveling with smaller family members who are anxious to get out and explore... the fellow passengers' patience limit.</div>
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The prices of the flight, accommodation, food, and drinks are more than reasonable! One thing I would recommend is to definitely rent a vehicle - even though the island is small, you will be able to see and experience more if you have a means of transportation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq2TcQN92jabedxLYdBUBtq0ZENC8QwlG8QXG5keVcoPjZrk5uHDZ3DHCxbLURV8rXwEplI964NCjDRhCFTh8Lxi-kS-7DW-MJRBxiG_03CErkofXIpc-dHrAxtv1rmNGxisG2lvNJ5A/s1600/MVIMG_20180318_101556.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq2TcQN92jabedxLYdBUBtq0ZENC8QwlG8QXG5keVcoPjZrk5uHDZ3DHCxbLURV8rXwEplI964NCjDRhCFTh8Lxi-kS-7DW-MJRBxiG_03CErkofXIpc-dHrAxtv1rmNGxisG2lvNJ5A/s320/MVIMG_20180318_101556.jpg" width="320" /></a>As for the itinerary itself, we have decided to take it slow on the day of arrival and simply wandered through Ponta Delgada.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yv_DV4fmh3EVu88bZgAsfBhxubV4sRDH-DvemCSsa7Od6Sl3qgck7Uw-_qFEUJtxMqCiWJzCRaH8v6eHy2FBp9MAjlqVALBQx057bjTZFZ9zEK3ixIWpUW-d1jLg8QnOcV19Z5yRZKc/s1600/MVIMG_20180319_113509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yv_DV4fmh3EVu88bZgAsfBhxubV4sRDH-DvemCSsa7Od6Sl3qgck7Uw-_qFEUJtxMqCiWJzCRaH8v6eHy2FBp9MAjlqVALBQx057bjTZFZ9zEK3ixIWpUW-d1jLg8QnOcV19Z5yRZKc/s320/MVIMG_20180319_113509.jpg" width="320" /></a>For the following 5 days, we have followed the absolutely excellent "Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary in São Miguel Island, the Azores" (link: <a href="https://www.theintrepidguide.com/sao-miguel-island-itinerary-azores-travel-guide/">https://www.theintrepidguide.com/sao-miguel-island-itinerary-azores-travel-guide/</a>), and the remaining days we spent in Ponta Delgada minus "Swimming with Dolphins and Whale-Watching"...<br />
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<h2>
A few tips:</h2>
</div>
<div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK200pj3spvZYj9GdUzT3Q2Xk6qJ09fe8EsHAkf81XDpHwdh1U2VqJ3RPJF8z6TMNYmEyNxuOqH0Jxc2bCi_1E6j_Gww47IfXJ16GyaY5aQdhmAeR2FbyqIHFVW6V2OeDIbqfclRySabM/s1600/20180319_160640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK200pj3spvZYj9GdUzT3Q2Xk6qJ09fe8EsHAkf81XDpHwdh1U2VqJ3RPJF8z6TMNYmEyNxuOqH0Jxc2bCi_1E6j_Gww47IfXJ16GyaY5aQdhmAeR2FbyqIHFVW6V2OeDIbqfclRySabM/s320/20180319_160640.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>Rent a car! and don't take shortcuts through a gravel/mud road and check and doublecheck where GPS takes you. That is especially important during or after a rainy day!</li>
</ul>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlbkKHHL9y9uXEUVSThJsp2YKOsXZzETE1qnFOqAzNURrP9HndaITAtyofqEJ-VZnFgi45fXFP_U8XkfziYPAdLUHhRwnJR5dfC5l1CkHxkPdVg53Za4tTdgZwd9SKYTncPy_t1V0e34/s1600/20180321_120332_HDR-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlbkKHHL9y9uXEUVSThJsp2YKOsXZzETE1qnFOqAzNURrP9HndaITAtyofqEJ-VZnFgi45fXFP_U8XkfziYPAdLUHhRwnJR5dfC5l1CkHxkPdVg53Za4tTdgZwd9SKYTncPy_t1V0e34/s320/20180321_120332_HDR-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>In Furnas, I would definitely recommend trying Cozido das Furnas in Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. The guide (link above) recommend a few other places, BUT... even though Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is only 2-3 EURO more expensive, the restaurant itself is by far better and it gives you free parking and free access to the Terra Nostra park and the thermal pool (8 EURO).</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD26a4a0pTf1sKVDAGWKm-zMfRtoW32CDc3w2Fe98RGwDm7klM_nEUtOt2G3DJy2CZmufm52UcN-muY40ziBJiWyWFMmdhFs0lEdfKVvKq423svpCKtvBsk8E4NNQ8Sn9sukUCS-ptr4/s1600/MVIMG_20180319_153342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD26a4a0pTf1sKVDAGWKm-zMfRtoW32CDc3w2Fe98RGwDm7klM_nEUtOt2G3DJy2CZmufm52UcN-muY40ziBJiWyWFMmdhFs0lEdfKVvKq423svpCKtvBsk8E4NNQ8Sn9sukUCS-ptr4/s320/MVIMG_20180319_153342.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA48qSJHwWIASW4D2a9E64bV7_QlA4F8fOFH6kH6qWBAGlQnz9ooWVvb9v0MxA9A9fa5N7xONddTbggwufcHdfHCOLNwsYZ5dPzjMkvKnN90NL5zIdZnvaOwSz-rJU6NvbYPyj4Xb03O0/s1600/20180319_203950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA48qSJHwWIASW4D2a9E64bV7_QlA4F8fOFH6kH6qWBAGlQnz9ooWVvb9v0MxA9A9fa5N7xONddTbggwufcHdfHCOLNwsYZ5dPzjMkvKnN90NL5zIdZnvaOwSz-rJU6NvbYPyj4Xb03O0/s320/20180319_203950.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Unless you are cooking yourself, it is highly recommended to book restaurants ahead of time. Even in slow season, the popular restaurants are filling in quick! In Ponta Delgada, I can recommend the following: A Tasca, Taberna Açor, Casa da Rosa and Armazéns Cogumbreiro (breakfast and light lunch). Try to work in a lunch Lagoa Azul when exploring Sete Cidades.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAWkNKgweKuCfuHnwLP4p8M7wwjgoOLwVuZH0RB3JTkZDn-9CEr6282UjbmzlMW5s1_KRsbBICraN4a5qCsWM8Qq1TiIfuZlNqWj8YgusHRlwMu7q6swND-_XVNx77mWrXzbsPqVftq8/s1600/MVIMG_20180320_141046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAWkNKgweKuCfuHnwLP4p8M7wwjgoOLwVuZH0RB3JTkZDn-9CEr6282UjbmzlMW5s1_KRsbBICraN4a5qCsWM8Qq1TiIfuZlNqWj8YgusHRlwMu7q6swND-_XVNx77mWrXzbsPqVftq8/s320/MVIMG_20180320_141046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If you see a thermal hot pool, stop, park and relax for an hour or two...</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6L1tsb0RTDfGjFezJqLnPh_IimIhovRrwGb1Ofgja7Wr2I733eqqsMFUT3pwKCbSrJiYZcIG2LczpdmIFofIM1VLbE2KniEPeEKM_iig36OLiLkYx-9VKxQHt6mgU50aN3ljbzxRgGw/s1600/20180323_185509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6L1tsb0RTDfGjFezJqLnPh_IimIhovRrwGb1Ofgja7Wr2I733eqqsMFUT3pwKCbSrJiYZcIG2LczpdmIFofIM1VLbE2KniEPeEKM_iig36OLiLkYx-9VKxQHt6mgU50aN3ljbzxRgGw/s320/20180323_185509.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>... and the most important tip: DON'T RUSH AND ENJOY THE ISLAND!</li>
</ul>
</div>
John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-39521101070881321832017-02-25T11:44:00.002-05:002017-02-25T16:45:51.747-05:00... and Another Phase of Renovation Has Been Completed!<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td>This year, we have focused our attention on the ground floor, namely the (my) office, dining room and the entrance hallway (which included the staircase and the hallway on the second floor). The staircase was the most time consuming as it required restoration of the original wood and carvings, as well as original baseboards. Here is the end result:</td></tr>
<tr><td><h3>
Entrance and the Staircase</h3>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><br />
<img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUjVXRw9ZNKqUJE5074DC4A8OFMPpiy6Q7uHs1uMxXT4KEaV8E-iFWHoyNWufchUpK-xIzWwquxyoysaTaHodxL71428M7YjeXwtGNIHfkobtZzyUn56yUsuClnFbaMNYM1XjQ_jJQQo/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenkziBITRnzY39e6imAGjG4UgKD7tLtxNuOujhH9aF5dFLNPP7WUVRwXv9SBt6Mr4UxipYG9-kSwEMInFYj7ZQW7lVVXUUsCOr2b882774Yqt9Vb1QIav2ZmmxfSpX7lPR1B3aw6cxsE/s400/3.jpg" width="225" /><br />
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5Km8C4a7cmjuhSKFCzfLZoc0AFwZ5wOkx4_T7VmoUlsQjrQD50PoUrTakNhA86FM0AqenGYDpc2Wv8KyXPET-jxU7qsIb21PVvsPYgAAYE-854w3Pz6Tu7rLq1IXddIO3NTYN91js98/s320/3.jpg" width="180" /><br />
<img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar07Uk2JP5yjo83QdF-jA9HslZ_zh8zddZ21FDhXJ52qgyJRZFo_qrfpVSNlHGhhIgZpS0WjnhMgku-D5Zb2w2fh6VnNjtxXxoedhRES9N7vMvIUC9v6gBm2vB6JkAYWkA9G7eOzH9j4/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8svJDyYAj4y3VrEG8vnCyBiSPlimX1AazRQ705ww75uRA_zuwkrw6gfnJ_sFoG0RDohD1qm4CDm1bHA7tlQm1BHler8D0LMU_DGX42YW-rzK6XizqeD4OiNmCR3vESZG1oteI5vPOaHE/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td><h3>
Dining Room:</h3>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIkObLW9TSdogYGy28HtMf-p2nsGJChlBXmUoEoM010npk_TuNRGSnhQEuZ7Pjfkda2IbbW3Nz1aJlh0I9HlO63SIcGbqdVQSmVnmrq5KCae59GKkl4c3n0pKLkP9V2NcvcWiO1l1YtA/s400/4-1.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0Wm9sYHDWE0B3rrgLSGp-VNLdrc6jgFbwQw9t3kH0L-wGAHqgzGA9OmO89ZiA3BxZpNX3FzVx-R0g4gdW9taZZ6vrwu6WDsBrWLZgwyack9SBVuAKx5iDEAxUABHyIPsJoFBLl8VDOQ/s400/5-1.jpg" width="400" />John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-38440552423268709212017-01-16T12:40:00.001-05:002017-01-16T16:17:19.713-05:00Easy Ciabatta Recipe<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideVtkVZUksjXY6gbLtvLWsCPuNAi5p2ESvoWjrEEUok8ec8NcCyIGbZ0trxbz_nGTGu3o8tsQayf9LmhEDo4SczJOO_t3kD9DI9mX4FK9WAooE-w8j9_b5HZplmIZTQ1EejM5EHyTzeU/s400/bread.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td>Oh, the smell of fresh bread! It is simply irresistible! Today, I will share with you a very quick and easy Ciabatta recipe I have tried (and perfected) over the weekend...</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>Warm Water (100-110F) - 2 cups</li>
<li>Sugar - 3 tbsp (or slightly less, if the bread is too sweet)</li>
<li>Salt - 2 tsp (or more, if you prefer the bread more savory)</li>
<li>Olive Oil - 2 tbsp</li>
<li>Flour - 4 cups</li>
<li>Dry Yeast - 1 3/8 tsp</li>
</ul>
</td></tr>
<tr><td>1. Place all the ingredients (in order) listed above in a mixer (or bread machine) and let it knead for approximately 5 minutes. If using an automated bread machine, simply select "dough" option and skip to step 3.</td></tr>
<tr><td>2. Let the dough stand for approximately one (1) hour in a warm place, covered with a wet towel. Resist the urge to lift the towel, as it will dry (and chill) the air.</td></tr>
<tr><td>3. Divide the dough into two halves and shape it as desired. Slightly dust with flour and let it stand for additional 15-20 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.</td></tr>
<tr><td>4. Preheat the oven to 425F, and bake the bread on a middle rack for 25-30 minutes. During the first 5-10 minutes, moist the top of the bread (with a water bottle or simply sprinkle with your hand) to let it rise to its full potential and to have the delicious golden crust.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Enjoy the freshly baked bread responsibly! </td></tr>
</tbody> </table>
John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0Burlington, ON, Canada43.3255196 -79.79903189999998943.1408696 -80.121755399999984 43.5101696 -79.4763084tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-55848612491380553842015-12-07T09:01:00.000-05:002015-12-07T09:38:19.891-05:00Renovation is going strong...<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr><td>It is a second year we are renovating our house. So far, we have completely remodeled the kitchen (including excavating the ground beneath it, rebuilding foundation and the floors) and a washroom on the ground floor. Here are a "make over" of our kitchen:<br />
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John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-18324739459851565542014-01-05T12:32:00.001-05:002014-01-05T12:32:33.523-05:00Roasted Eggplant Pate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a delicious and easy-to-make spread, made by my beautiful and gorgeous wife. It resembles some of the Baba Ganoush recipes without cumin and parsley leaves often found in the ingredients. <br />
<h4>
Ingredients</h4>
2 Chinese (or regular purple) eggplants<br />
2 garlic cloves <br />
Olive oil (3-4 table spoons)<br />
Lemon juice (3-4 table spoons)<br />
Tahini (1-2 table spoons)<br />
Salt and paper<br />
<h4>
Preparation</h4>
First, score the skin of the eggplant (without piercing the flesh) and bake until soft (roughly an hour and a half). When cool to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the flesh into a bow. Then, using immersion blender, blend with the rest of the ingredients. As an alternative, it is possible to mash the flesh of the eggplants thoroughly, then "beat in" the rest of the ingredients using a fork. John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-46979916065946646762014-01-04T15:23:00.001-05:002014-01-04T15:24:41.214-05:00Grilled Portobello Mushroom and Halloumi Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes, you really want something fried... or grilled... or something really messy. This one will hit the spot!<br />
<h4>
Ingredients</h4>
Ciabatta Bread <br />
Portobello Mushrooms<br />
Halloumi Cheese<br />
Tomato<br />
Avocado<br />
Spring Greens Mix<br />
<br />
Mayonnaise <br />
Onion, Honey and Mustard Sauce (or simply Honey Mustard will do)<br />
Roasted Garlic & Chili Aioli Dipping Sauce <br />
Frank's Hot Sauce<br />
BBQ Sauce<br />
<h4>
Preparation</h4>
Marinate portobello mushrooms and thickly cut halloumi cheese in honey mustard dressing, mixed with a bit of Frank's Hot Sauce and BBQ sauce. Then grill the mushrooms (on both sides) and when done, halloumi cheese. We want it grilled, not melted...<br />
<br />
In the meanwhile warm ciabatta bread, cut in half and spread mayonnaise on one side and roasted garlic and chili aioli sauce on the other side. When the mushrooms are ready and the cheese is on the grill, put everything on the bread, top it up with the grilled halloumi cheese and... Bon Appétit!<br />
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All the ingredients, except portobello mushrooms and halloumni cheese can be easily substituted. For example, instead of ciabatta bread it is possible to use gluten free bread, or instead of mayonnaise it is possible to use humus and tahini sauce.John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-16479766952683086852013-09-03T09:00:00.003-04:002013-09-03T09:05:34.346-04:00Recipe: Fettuccine Marinara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjnKCT0BM7LvzjDcEs9cKAZUlWVIPmoH7Y_Qn5GeHZmScW81dGlJkgDyfMXNAK9grJXkcWdG4CjIV_MyzGc5RjFkWFoSNrXvDETABm8UqMcUKbnJXt4kUPoqVNl1A0D2L665dooipT_Q/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjnKCT0BM7LvzjDcEs9cKAZUlWVIPmoH7Y_Qn5GeHZmScW81dGlJkgDyfMXNAK9grJXkcWdG4CjIV_MyzGc5RjFkWFoSNrXvDETABm8UqMcUKbnJXt4kUPoqVNl1A0D2L665dooipT_Q/s320/IMG_0130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This recipe is inspired by <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/" target="_blank">Gena</a>'s <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/zucchini-marinara-and-the-power-of-friendship/" target="_blank">Zucchini Marinara</a> and adopted to use the ingredients available in the cupboard or grown in the backyard. As with previously published recipe (<a href="http://personal.inteliident.com/2013/08/recipe-buddha-bowl.html" target="_blank">Buddha Bowl</a>), it is extremely easy to make (literally takes a few minutes) and tastes great.<br />
<h4>
Ingredients (2 servings)</h4>
1 Zucchini <br />
1 large red or yellow bell pepper<br />
1 large Heirloom tomatoes<br />
Sundried tomatoes<br />
Fresh thyme, oregano, rosemary and basil <br />
Olive oil<br />
Salt<br />
<h4>
Preparation</h4>
Take two plates and using potato peeler skin zucchini (minus the skin) into long stripes (kind of like Fettuccine). When it is done, blend the rest of the ingredients until nice and smooth. Pour the sauce over "Fettuccine" and enjoy it.John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-2039200788859878422013-08-31T21:29:00.002-04:002013-08-31T21:32:21.859-04:00Recipe: Buddha Bowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtMt_HfdQPo_3uLigAZeYVpJxx4kQybqzbc8GM-zPjFOHUlzHZ06DMV0lJ1jW9cu4cdylLHdxwWWAeWBshuF1OjtXnG83bDGIc_l3nDUs-aN4BLOIZ14R8lIInfu-4VGpmtxtvCAI888/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buddha Bowl" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtMt_HfdQPo_3uLigAZeYVpJxx4kQybqzbc8GM-zPjFOHUlzHZ06DMV0lJ1jW9cu4cdylLHdxwWWAeWBshuF1OjtXnG83bDGIc_l3nDUs-aN4BLOIZ14R8lIInfu-4VGpmtxtvCAI888/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" title="Buddha Bowl (I swear there is rice underneath)" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a truly quick and easy vegan recipe which is unbelievably tasty and nutritions. Why is it called Buddha Bowl? I have no idea as it is my own adaptation of Happy Buddha Bowl served by <a href="http://www.kindfood.com/" target="_blank">Kindfood</a> in Burlington, ON so hence the name.<br />
<h4>
Ingredients (2 servings)</h4>
I had a really easy time with this recipe as everything was found either in the fridge or in the cupboard:<br />
<ul>
<li>Organic brown and wild rice - 1 cup</li>
<li>Sweet potato - 1 medium potato</li>
<li>Diced red onion - 1/4 medium red onion</li>
<li>Diced tomato - 1 large heirloom tomato (yum! yum!)</li>
<li>Sliced avocado - 1/2 avocado</li>
<li>Fresh cilantro, rosemary and basil</li>
<li>Olive Oil</li>
<li>Soy Sauce</li>
<li>Raw Almonds</li>
<li>Sunflower seeds</li>
<li>Italian herbs</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Preparation</h4>
I am a happy owner of a rice cooker so it was taken care of. While the rice is being cooked, peel and slice sweet potato, put on a baking paper, sprinkle with olive oil, fresh rosemary and Italian herbs, and bake for about 20 minutes on 200C (~400F).<br />
<br />
In the meanwhile, dice and slice red onion, tomato, cilantro and basil.<br />
<br />
When the rice is ready, top it up with the diced veggies, baked sweet potato and sliced avocado. Then sprinkle with soy sauce, olive oil, sunflower seeds and almonds.<br />
<br />
Hmm... that is it.<br />
<br />John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-27136027007143798202013-08-01T01:26:00.001-04:002013-08-01T01:29:13.131-04:00Word's Largets or Something Else?<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td>I am about to renew a domain name I have, and looking for alternatives. So far, I have found <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2684394-10516827">GoDaddy.com</a><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2684394-10516827" width="1" height="1" border="0"/> as the best option.</td></tr>
</tbody> </table>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-74786916238810677382012-09-17T13:55:00.002-04:002016-05-09T11:35:48.755-04:00Ali Express (by Alibaba.com)So you walk into Walmart, Target or Superstore, find a product you like, turn it round and see Made in Chine. Unsurprizing really... But how about buying directly from Chinese suppliers? <script language="javascript" src="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/lr82cA6wy-296z-CLONOMVVRP?target=_blank&mouseover=Y" type="text/javascript"></script>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-14025771931603354212012-06-25T16:15:00.000-04:002012-06-25T16:35:56.020-04:00Bistro 1847! Oh, you will be jealous!<table border="0">
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I have found a vegetarian/vegan restaurant here in Manchester. <a href="http://www.bistro1847.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bistro 1847</a> - a hidden gem! Located not far from China Town, it has a good selection of vegetarian, vegan and Gluten free options, and of course everything is made of fresh, organic, locally sourced and non-genetically modified ingredients cooked to order. Did I miss any other trendy buzz words of a model health conscious <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sociopath" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sociopath</a>? LOL!<br />
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For a starter I had Whole baked Blacksticks Whitehaven with crudités & breads...</div>
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...and as a main, I had beer battered halloumi, hand-cut chips & minted mushy peas (but instead of peas I have opted out for steamed greens).</div>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-87422868861918248922011-08-03T06:19:00.001-04:002011-08-03T06:34:54.668-04:00Brewmaster Beer Kit!<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2684394-10508151?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrbeer.com%2Fcategory-exec%2Fcategory_id%2F181&cjsku=20629" target="_blank"><img alt="MR.BEER Brewmaster's Select Beer Kit" border="0" src="http://www.mrbeer.com/images/products/596b-REG.jpg" /></a><img border="0" class=" yvajcvgdexrurwnrfswq yvajcvgdexrurwnrfswq" height="1" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2684394-10508151" width="1" />
I definitely would like to try this...John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-4587362348222523062011-01-22T14:38:00.001-05:002011-01-22T15:35:10.468-05:00-17C, The "Cool Cat" Walk and Ethiopian Cuisine in Toronto<table border="0">
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<tr><td>While the thermometer indicated -17C outside, we have decided to go for a <a href="http://www.toronto.com/attractions/article/661848">Cool Cat's stroll</a> in Toronto. Although the name and the description on the toronto.com website suggest a very "sexy" evening out, in the nutshell it is a stroll down the Queen St. ("it" street in Toronto) from somewhere around University Ave. down to Roncesvalles Ave. Don't get me wrong, it is a very nice stroll with many contemporary (not your everyday "mom and paps" places) eateries and shop, and Toronto at night has its own charm.</td></tr>
<tr><td>After a while, we stabled upon <a href="http://www.addisababa.ca/default.asp">Addis Ababa restaurant</a> specializing in Ethiopian cuisine. We were cold, hungry and never tried Ethiopian cuisine before, so we went in, into the sound of live jazz music and smell of Ethiopian coffee. The menu is quit simple with equal selection of vegetarian and meat dishes, the decor included portraits of generals, woman making bread in clay ovens, giraffes and other animals, with soothing soft (live) jazz music in the background. The food itself is served in a traditional flat Ethiopian bread, not too spicy (not too blunt either) and very tasty. We tried <i>Yeson Beye Ainetu</i>, a selection (sample) of all vegetarian dishes, and finished with traditional Ethiopian coffee and fried banana. And the coolest thing about the place is that everything is eaten with your hands...</td></tr>
<tr><td>Till the next time.</td></tr>
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</table>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-6856495041330207822010-12-24T17:37:00.004-05:002010-12-24T17:41:58.361-05:00Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZULC02DbwUr49Cj2UOHVverseWX2VYvswsyyBSlvMjNS9EIHgYR6lIn8sjEuphQGSstWH7QyuHS4ktRugq15oMfZzdNZMlXkOJV62NwHNdhEb3q0Xk_u4GuPeoRGn9gTObUv_I8R7sxm/s320/incident.png" width="380" />John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-44454476354243732862010-11-03T18:28:00.003-04:002010-11-03T18:29:17.264-04:00EUROPEAN UNIONThe European Union commissioners have announced that agreement has been reached to adopt English as the preferred language for European communications, rather than German, which was the other possibility.<br />
As part of the negotiations, the British government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has been accepted a five year phased plan for what will be known as EuroEnglish (Euro for short).<br />
<br />
In the first year, "s" will be used instead of the soft "c". Sertainly, sivil servants will reseive this news with joy. Also, the hard "c" will be replaced with "k". Not only will this klear up konfusion, but typewriters kan have one less letter.<br />
<br />
There will be growing public enthusiasm in the sekond year, when the troublesome "ph" will be replased by "f". This will make words like "fotograf" 20 persent shorter.<br />
In the third year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expected to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible. Governments will enkorage the removal of double letters, which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling. Also, al wil agre that the horible mes of silent "e"s in the language is disgrasful, and they would go.<br />
<br />
By the fourth year, peopl wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" by "z" and "w" by "v". During ze fifz year, ze unesesary "0" kan be dropd from vords kontaining "ou", and similar changes vud, of kors, be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.<br />
<br />
Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German lik zey vunted in ze forst plas...<br />
<br />
[source: Unknown]John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-52176301722264537172010-10-23T10:14:00.000-04:002010-10-23T10:14:27.061-04:00Night out in Downtown Toronto<table border="0">
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<tr><td>Now, that is why I like Toronto: small enough to get by, big enough to shine like a star during the night... After parking my "shiny" car, which was incomparably easy to Manhatan, Brooklyn, London and even Tel Aviv, I've met with the Professor (no name... right?) and we headed in search for a pub worth our presence.</td></tr>
<tr><td>The first place was a "local" dump; I don't even know its name, only that it is located at the west side of Front St., between Downtown and the Distillery District. There was a corporate event (at least we assumed it is) and some 20+ woman, after having questionable quantities of alcoholic beverages, were singing loudly Karaoke. It was fun, but...</td></tr>
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Since we were hungry (for food), we went on in a search for a decent place and that is when we found "Le Petit Déjeuner" located on 191 King Street East. What a gem...! It is a small place (when you compare it to the typical sport bar) but with such an ambiance - high ceilings, exposed brick and soothing red and brown colours. The cafe is run by a (very friendly) Belgium owner with whom we had a lengthy chat, and it serves a good selection of European and local beers and excellent food (my mussels were fantastic).</td></tr>
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From there (it was after 11PM), we headed back to Union Station when P.J. O'Brient got our attention. It is an Irib pub located on 39 Colborne Street, a small alley between King Street and Wellington Street, and boy... they know how to have fun! There was a live band playing Irish tunes, tough bartender (the one that has a baseball bat under the counter), a huge selection of Irish, European and local beers on a tap and a lot of good looking (all Irish) people having fun (dancing, singing, etc).</td></tr>
<tr><td>Then, even the traffic went to bed...</td></tr>
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</table>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-32838809258789685272010-06-07T08:11:00.001-04:002010-06-07T17:36:16.392-04:00The Mill Street Lemon Tea Beer Challenge<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://contest.millstreetbrewery.com/video/83?language=en"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWtvAdvF2aVg7yztg9B7DvNTxRcDVbhwl3DOuuzeCCimSB6gz3FqqrXliy15WqDu6iwUjccG_KyCHN5JdLBgxUPW6Byy5tQpoSFr7nw2BnDJzMolZGzb6rY_oq5QWZ1ZeOugrPl220TI/s320/Lemon+Tee+Beer.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Enjoy the speech (click on the picture) and... vote for us! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody> </table>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-47398346019129088992010-06-05T13:10:00.013-04:002010-06-19T11:23:34.495-04:00Long Weekend in Finger Lakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a joy! At the moment, I'm sitting on a sunny patio in the Liberty Village (Toronto), sipping cold cider and trying to recall all the details of the last weekend in Finger Lakes.<br />
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We left Mississauga around 6AM on a cloudy Saturday morning with 4 hours of driving ahead of us. Crossing the US border was much quicker this time (compare to previous time we drove to NY) and soon we were driving on American soil. We stopped at the very first petrol station because we were driving on fumes rather than petrol - the yellow warning light was blinking ferociously...<br />
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We met our friends on the outskirts of Ithaca and after hugs (man) and kisses (girls) headed for the Robert H. Truman State Park. The park was everything you could expect from a state park: immense and very green! We were quickly given a key to our cabin.<br />
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After unpacking and drove 5 minutes to the upper park to do hiking and take a glimpse at the Old Mill and the 115-foot Lucifer Falls (catchy name).<br />
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Later that evening, we made (vegetarian) BBQ and headed to Ithaca to explore the city. Ithaca is a home of Cornell University and the Ithaca College (according to Wikipedia, with almost 20,000 students) so there was abundant night life to satisfy even the most hardcore clubber.<br />
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The following day we walked the walk! After cooking and eating (our friends were well prepared) late breakfast we soldered the Rim Trail (2.25 miles), the Red Pine Trail (½ mile) and the Gorge Trail (2.25 miles), not without incidents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUWEGajnfKMw37guSUbTveeWfIdDbBaBcBMufHPYMxktVH6oiuK3fm44X7oDx9J30nwoeFoBwRAAULFB4my_INR24asYGpqALO6zDYoTxnvTjL4-ihbVM5cBSL3o-iv_JHDNg20751yU/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUWEGajnfKMw37guSUbTveeWfIdDbBaBcBMufHPYMxktVH6oiuK3fm44X7oDx9J30nwoeFoBwRAAULFB4my_INR24asYGpqALO6zDYoTxnvTjL4-ihbVM5cBSL3o-iv_JHDNg20751yU/s320/IMG_4955.JPG" /></a>On a way to Upper Park (that would be the Rim Trail), girls were obsessive about cameras and lenses.<br />
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They literally took picture of everything that moved, grew or just happened to be in the park, and that included a beautiful red gecko.<br />
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On a way back, they had a chance to take a photo of two fat snakes (I think those were Mississauga snakes) that happened to be on our path but instead they demonstrated their vocal abilities (yeah... screaming on top of their lungs). <br />
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Later that day, we drove (again) to Ithaca to stroll on the waterfront promenade, quick visited Cornell University and finished our day with a very nice dinner at the Boat Yard Grill restaurant (<a href="http://www.boatyardgrill.com/">http://www.boatyardgrill.com/</a>).<br />
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On our third (and last) day, we have decided to rent kayaks. After a morning discussion of Russian foreign policy and whatever Latvians are too nationalistic (there is nothing like politics for breakfast), we headed to Puddle Dockers (<a href="http://www.puddledockers.com/rentals.htm">http://www.puddledockers.com/rentals.htm</a>).<br />
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Our friends took a single kayak each and we decided to share a tandem version. Of course, after the excitement died out, I was the only “engine” to put that kayak (which was big enough to be called a “barge”) across the lake. It was sunny and we have managed to sneak two bottles of apple cider and cherry beer... IT WAS FUN! Then followed locally sourced, organic, non GM lunch and we headed home. This time the border crossing was 2 and 1/2 hours long, but who cares...John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-64385962919284363162010-05-30T17:46:00.001-04:002010-05-30T17:49:53.267-04:00"High-flyer" (18th floor) Garden<table border="0">
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<tr><td>Today, I have planted the seeds of what will become my own home grown food (it doesn't get more organic than this)! Since I don't have any access to a yard to plant my garden in, I will use my balcony that gets enough of sun. Of course, it also means that I will be on a war with local (Mississauga) pigeons... </td></tr>
<tr><td>As it is my first "adventure" in gardening, I am starting small. What I have at the moment are onions, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, rosemary, basil, dill and mélisse.</td></tr>
<tr><td>I know there are some holes in my gardening knowledge, so feel free to comment with advice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-20300083703583778222010-05-10T20:15:00.151-04:002010-06-02T21:23:38.058-04:00Bruce Peninsula and Five National Parks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj10hhyphenhyphenygYf_ZP6sGMf8eF8nXleEgy-P9zUTqz_EAO0iDz6BEnEEg8Y2Uq5EAtUTo_rFxqrr7hjU4eGxUBSRPWUcyELdQI7lKcAXDAkcL8pn8LcFflVJ41Ua4E36melylRqWwrqQjjYss/s1600/DSC04220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj10hhyphenhyphenygYf_ZP6sGMf8eF8nXleEgy-P9zUTqz_EAO0iDz6BEnEEg8Y2Uq5EAtUTo_rFxqrr7hjU4eGxUBSRPWUcyELdQI7lKcAXDAkcL8pn8LcFflVJ41Ua4E36melylRqWwrqQjjYss/s320/DSC04220.JPG" /></a></div>Who could have know that after a hellishly hot week there will be a freezing weekend? We were planning to spend a lazy weekend on a Sauble beach and maybe... maybe doing a short trail. I assume that due to our luck of prayer (yeah, we have been skipping it lately), it was not meant to happen...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPXAcCoyi3fvAegsCNQONDdJHWu25E0gIMTChGUJHJcvV7I29v57Q6Py8aU3fAAP_ZkpQAFayQZjFU3XLdZik8myUF1JW8xQ3FLlKk0uZ8V0slQ7sMZeXGuj8l9GotB4WNmxOuS2injo/s1600/our-first-and-last-diner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPXAcCoyi3fvAegsCNQONDdJHWu25E0gIMTChGUJHJcvV7I29v57Q6Py8aU3fAAP_ZkpQAFayQZjFU3XLdZik8myUF1JW8xQ3FLlKk0uZ8V0slQ7sMZeXGuj8l9GotB4WNmxOuS2injo/s320/our-first-and-last-diner.jpg" /></a></div>When we left Mississauga on Friday it was raining and by the time we reached Tobermory (300 km north west) it was snowing, quite heavily. After checking in into our luxurious cabin (<a href="http://www.peacockvilla.com/">Peacock Villa</a>) which was upgraded due to late cancellation (normal people, who stayed home), we went to explore the wonders of the town. Located on a shores of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, it is a standard summer town. It had one (decent) pub, one (decent) restaurant, one (decent) diner, one (decent) supermarket and a bunch of tourist-ware. Basically, everything you need on a vacation... After having the freshest white fish fillet and a pint of locally brewed ale at the <a href="http://www.crowsnestpubanddeli.com/">Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant</a>, we ploughed our way back to the cabin in the snow (whole 300 meters) dreading the next morning (the weather forecast was not favourable at all)...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf43gdtKaU5YT9oKm8z23koqAzrFVcq73dkbI7WhKGMW4mYPvrZgKJfa1y0tqAZsxVGqhv-Yl_dxdRSNUifLS2MyTzSYj3nZxMYmT8yJc75TOHT3s2PtrjcgwlQ6rzheiRkKomDGZa1fg/s1600/DSC04281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf43gdtKaU5YT9oKm8z23koqAzrFVcq73dkbI7WhKGMW4mYPvrZgKJfa1y0tqAZsxVGqhv-Yl_dxdRSNUifLS2MyTzSYj3nZxMYmT8yJc75TOHT3s2PtrjcgwlQ6rzheiRkKomDGZa1fg/s320/DSC04281.JPG" /></a></div>The next morning, we went to have breakfast in the only (decent) diner in the town. Since the temperature was below zero and we were wearing everything we had (layers and layers of summer clothes), the only thing I remember about breakfast is the fact that it was hot!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuXtQGPEuK4XoA3dzYbFWQYyT1_YI_5jsWcjFftmQf2AzY7cwneG0B9FLl2OMyTjLOgZxyXzWAWRyFW_OOsHfGgimbXyamu6lzRQFrjSlrvmcIFrabu2jwygB8k1EQoW000mC8Clo3zg/s1600/DSC04233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuXtQGPEuK4XoA3dzYbFWQYyT1_YI_5jsWcjFftmQf2AzY7cwneG0B9FLl2OMyTjLOgZxyXzWAWRyFW_OOsHfGgimbXyamu6lzRQFrjSlrvmcIFrabu2jwygB8k1EQoW000mC8Clo3zg/s320/DSC04233.JPG" /></a></div>After breakfast, we did some quick shopping (food), we drove to Tobermory lighthouse located right on the shore of Lake Huron. Although the rain has almost stopped, it was really windy and the waves were spectacular! Since the weather was still quite bad, we have decided to make Saturday's hike short and spend the rest of the day in the cabin... cooking. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BMW1EcdukWQhBT9fL1USXQNN81w1FI4SDgA7ZUvr3kxcDoybYKvUasZ65zJB8e-Lqho1BXFf0B_m0lsuEkaSh7AH9xvZrSn0THSTQU5gwkbrDT2bqDaY0eIljs3ELTyAbDimak068xA/s1600/DSC04247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BMW1EcdukWQhBT9fL1USXQNN81w1FI4SDgA7ZUvr3kxcDoybYKvUasZ65zJB8e-Lqho1BXFf0B_m0lsuEkaSh7AH9xvZrSn0THSTQU5gwkbrDT2bqDaY0eIljs3ELTyAbDimak068xA/s320/DSC04247.JPG" /></a></div>As I have mentioned before, Tobermory is located on the shore of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, home of a <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/index.aspx">Fathom Five Marine National Park</a>. The park itself is spread along the lake shore. The nearby islands can be reached by ferry. After paying the admission fee of $5.60 per person for two days we made a short trail (~5km) and headed back to our cabin for the rest of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LJ8DbxFCf56hpAheCh0G_joat40FKp8JoALxMuWou1SrKLUxq4FnIDGbleXtzdNVBpnVOBscFun5BFaK4bn5umRHnunzpcytlsvbSmGHCVCvfdODWtj71RimfdouKI3pe5Zb743ZMV4/s1600/DSC04350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LJ8DbxFCf56hpAheCh0G_joat40FKp8JoALxMuWou1SrKLUxq4FnIDGbleXtzdNVBpnVOBscFun5BFaK4bn5umRHnunzpcytlsvbSmGHCVCvfdODWtj71RimfdouKI3pe5Zb743ZMV4/s320/DSC04350.JPG" /></a></div>On the next morning, we were greeted by a cloudless sunny day! After having “home cooked” breakfast, we headed to <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/bruce/index.aspx">Bruce Peninsula National Park</a> (~14km from the Tobermory and $11.30 entrance fee per vechicle). This time, we wanted to explore as much as possible. We started on a “Horse Lake” trail, switched to “Bruce” trail (leading to the Grotto) and returned on the “Cyprus Lake” trail, about 6km in total.<br />
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It is extremely hard to describe the beauty of the region in words, therefore I will let the images do it for me...<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
John.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwqW2Fe2DoOmMsHvm-G5zHbO9DNjK11nVsM5x-BfKrdYkHIrfdOi195ESYqPfJoBahe0zJ5q7BlWDvgbR6J_yvjMP7bprinIgWTXnLSTiu21fOrGxXx6CtC1nar92kzgzKQ389Db_tj8/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwqW2Fe2DoOmMsHvm-G5zHbO9DNjK11nVsM5x-BfKrdYkHIrfdOi195ESYqPfJoBahe0zJ5q7BlWDvgbR6J_yvjMP7bprinIgWTXnLSTiu21fOrGxXx6CtC1nar92kzgzKQ389Db_tj8/s320/IMG_4590.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heron Nest on a Horse Lake</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT25zoeSxRV-Q15uwwmxC62H-D73NbDASBNF4__DkRyPq1IHlPw_3DIlrjB588Dj0OoRPP5aMgVFsP0gfrswdmviUqRD-lSkNpvkWjlPPGoYTRRQoKVrkSQbQjQfJHE7JftXhf0EnoFM/s1600/DSC04356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT25zoeSxRV-Q15uwwmxC62H-D73NbDASBNF4__DkRyPq1IHlPw_3DIlrjB588Dj0OoRPP5aMgVFsP0gfrswdmviUqRD-lSkNpvkWjlPPGoYTRRQoKVrkSQbQjQfJHE7JftXhf0EnoFM/s320/DSC04356.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Georgian Bay Stone Beach</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaFDR_549q5Vadt45BQ_S8H74tZP4wLNVLYAj7KjpWODlmFDnojGStnfwmJZpdR3IHjHlOHR7wxVEhkHm0eR6hJlC6MYbyPJYLI0FkB4rXw9mOCNjgeJjBdXBL_ke1rFNVf2aY0ROhfk/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaFDR_549q5Vadt45BQ_S8H74tZP4wLNVLYAj7KjpWODlmFDnojGStnfwmJZpdR3IHjHlOHR7wxVEhkHm0eR6hJlC6MYbyPJYLI0FkB4rXw9mOCNjgeJjBdXBL_ke1rFNVf2aY0ROhfk/s320/IMG_4608.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Georgian Bay</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgozNWxP3yU-Hh8YQqhucTYKLheXpPVIGqzlIjL_3v9OkR80ICa8lqdgbv8khV6PZ9uGdS7EvtG5OTB7el_EhwB2YDXdp29XTgUu8L6Vne-sefHBRdSyRg3tlCXYTQd7Fhw4dU7ypCTQ/s1600/DSC04417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgozNWxP3yU-Hh8YQqhucTYKLheXpPVIGqzlIjL_3v9OkR80ICa8lqdgbv8khV6PZ9uGdS7EvtG5OTB7el_EhwB2YDXdp29XTgUu8L6Vne-sefHBRdSyRg3tlCXYTQd7Fhw4dU7ypCTQ/s320/DSC04417.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overhanging Point over Georgian Bay</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RvIjgQ4YT8PZ40wUo8r1CoX6swOczoZQdKevMh8b8lGpQJ0_tyCUjckNVbiANlpKMHwNmFpxu4V4j61NXCLrCO3NiAJlsMN22fhyvNm2gkFdVM9i5oHgaDYboKvqUt0TffgO2Xqant8/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RvIjgQ4YT8PZ40wUo8r1CoX6swOczoZQdKevMh8b8lGpQJ0_tyCUjckNVbiANlpKMHwNmFpxu4V4j61NXCLrCO3NiAJlsMN22fhyvNm2gkFdVM9i5oHgaDYboKvqUt0TffgO2Xqant8/s320/IMG_4646.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cliffs over Georgian Bay</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfUybsxijL1NeQ5Tv2gvTonpV0rkDJ2m-RoGpSPTuL43dmiWTe_yNOA-NRMCvp5h-w_0QWz8S2-YKU514vonVes9bPTspBGSqIhlG5XLnBgXLj7E6ntb1OB1Sl1fuM2DWRVxTf76Bzaw/s1600/DSC04405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfUybsxijL1NeQ5Tv2gvTonpV0rkDJ2m-RoGpSPTuL43dmiWTe_yNOA-NRMCvp5h-w_0QWz8S2-YKU514vonVes9bPTspBGSqIhlG5XLnBgXLj7E6ntb1OB1Sl1fuM2DWRVxTf76Bzaw/s320/DSC04405.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "Grotto"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BHsF1AY0bU-7aWDCsjiWnv-x0NgwuFqjfDUJ5Dfs0Bc9cCpe0KmONqqzeKkXSSJMWPkcY5eaY6jNd3ZohV-3duiC8muW4QbIPQUf-gLMOU305bBKOFpTgF_HjSBcRBU0iBSq1UkhKH8/s1600/DSC04433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BHsF1AY0bU-7aWDCsjiWnv-x0NgwuFqjfDUJ5Dfs0Bc9cCpe0KmONqqzeKkXSSJMWPkcY5eaY6jNd3ZohV-3duiC8muW4QbIPQUf-gLMOU305bBKOFpTgF_HjSBcRBU0iBSq1UkhKH8/s320/DSC04433.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Georgian Bay</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzONk0V9wgeZH7Yy42bIBCQvp9zCZRv6vt6qU51gevM_K-hCz9dMVmwddgUzM0qxx1jH2ANSpoZNIK5E-aQo151hFOxxDTWWS8vGDMFhz732Xe8mnKn_LqXEcV4ykoKumdAr3UqOHyxY/s1600/DSC04436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzONk0V9wgeZH7Yy42bIBCQvp9zCZRv6vt6qU51gevM_K-hCz9dMVmwddgUzM0qxx1jH2ANSpoZNIK5E-aQo151hFOxxDTWWS8vGDMFhz732Xe8mnKn_LqXEcV4ykoKumdAr3UqOHyxY/s320/DSC04436.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Marr Lake</div>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-62110811200186787842010-04-12T17:45:00.025-04:002010-05-25T12:25:22.899-04:00Moving to the (far) north...<br />
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5i4RYHavOlMkoLfqWus0Iy4B71vZuXo36eVHDHiZWD5X3iAd-kYDUvLVEmrY0ZFuE74y95Og-58YbkhMVlAMPV-GM4VKRo8-tFcsgASEsvYxaWi6wAdapapmPyBM2cC9QffvdOxTAU8/s200/august_maple_leaf-708002.jpg" width="187" /></div>
After three month in Canada, I think it is about time I write about our experience moving here. As surprising as it may sound, it was quite easy. I got a job which did not require Labor Market Opinion (<b>Human Resources and Skills Development Canada</b> <a href="http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/itexemp.shtml">http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/itexemp.shtml</a>) and within a month and a half we were parking our heavily loaded KIA at an underground parking in Mississauga. Three months later, we have Ontario Health Insurance, Ontario Driving License and Social Insurance cards... <br />
There are two ways to apply for Work Permit (<b>Citizenship and Immigration Canada</b> <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/work/index.asp">http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/work/index.asp</a>): before and after arrival. In my case, I have decided to take a chance and apply upon arrival at the airport, and although it sounds as a huge gamble it is not as long as you have all your papers in order (passport, job offer letter and evidences of qualification). I also had a pre-filled Work Permit application and, B4 and B4A (Goods to Follow) forms for the Canadian Custom (<b>Canada Border Services Agency</b> <a href="http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/menu-eng.html">http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/menu-eng.html</a>) to go through the process quicker; so after 15 minutes with immigration officer and a $150 fee, I had my Work Permit and was ready to go.<br />
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Although it is possible to agree with a private landlord, I have opted for a property management company. There are many of them, offering apartments for rent throughout GTA (<a href="http://www.rental.ca/">http://www.rental.ca/</a> and <a href="http://www.myhood.ca/">http://www.myhood.ca/</a>) but the main disadvantage is that you are tied to it for a year. On the other hand, staying in hotel for a month or more could be quite expensive, and the fact that you are “forced” to eat in the restaurants does not help. In addition, most of apartments are rented unfurnished so you will need to consider that as well. In the first couple of weeks, we have literally sponsored IKEA but it is possible to get second hand furnishes from friends/relatives (if you have those), Kijiji or Craigslist.<br />
But the biggest change for me was the banking system.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFrEqouqIyQOoib9siUkXI1ei6PpaF3oUuKFizzCR_jg-XAeWWbvPsFvsdbv0PxfAy4opEYIvK5ogngj4AMkIKE-KJOnBxbCkLKl-oYjBCesDOYXIa2mX4ityBU_Amis0_XCPnkO5Nkk/s1600/i127479960013453298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFrEqouqIyQOoib9siUkXI1ei6PpaF3oUuKFizzCR_jg-XAeWWbvPsFvsdbv0PxfAy4opEYIvK5ogngj4AMkIKE-KJOnBxbCkLKl-oYjBCesDOYXIa2mX4ityBU_Amis0_XCPnkO5Nkk/s200/i127479960013453298.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
While in UK, basic bank accounts were (usually) free, in Canada a large majority of banks do not offer fee-free accounts. Although the fee is not exceptionally high (I have lived in Israel and the fees charged there are twice higher than in Canada), I still think it is not fair. After doing a short research, I have found a financial institution (<b>PC Financial</b> <a href="http://www.pcfinancial.ca/">http://www.pcfinancial.ca/</a>) which offers fee-free banking account with unlimited transactions per month but everything is done via Internet or ATMs. To move money between UK and Canada, you can either user your bank (expensive) or company specializing in currency trade (<b>HiFX</b> <a href="http://www.hifx.co.uk/">http://www.hifx.co.uk/</a> or <b>XE</b> <a href="http://www.xe.com/">http://www.xe.com</a>). The later option is (usually) free and (again, usually) provides better exchange rate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zVOPLC90NeaayClQXnE99-qu3haC7twDqLHr8u-vebrZbWcMacyb6Vh5M7ue2A1yQOXMRse0q3F85ZDaLUAiEZL-aYdUNA9IQz28zW7BDi7xRPTEGH8PyP-C4jUhtBPLI8wpjqu1I08/s1600/101ontario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zVOPLC90NeaayClQXnE99-qu3haC7twDqLHr8u-vebrZbWcMacyb6Vh5M7ue2A1yQOXMRse0q3F85ZDaLUAiEZL-aYdUNA9IQz28zW7BDi7xRPTEGH8PyP-C4jUhtBPLI8wpjqu1I08/s200/101ontario.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
After sorting out accommodation and bank account, the next step would be a driving license and Social Insurance Number. In Canada, each province has its own driving license authority and even if you move from British Columbia to Ontario you will be required to exchange your license within 3 month. In Ontario, you can exchange your driving license if you are from Canada (other province), US or number of countries with reciprocal exchange agreement. Th rest have to take a written and practical driving test (<b>Ontario Ministry of Transportation</b> <a href="http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/drvlicen.shtml">http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/drvlicen.shtml</a>). The Social Insurance Number is much easier; all you have to do is to fill a half page form (<b>Service Canada</b> <a href="http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml">http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml</a>).<br />
The last thing is to apply for OHIP (Ontrio Heath Insurance Program). Most Ontario residents are eligible for provincially funded health coverage but it becomes effective only three months after the date you establish residency in Ontario (<b>Ontario Ministry of Heath</b> <a href="http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/default.aspx">http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/default.aspx</a>).<br />
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I hope my little post was informative and helpful.<br />
JohnJohn Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-37886877157309044882010-02-07T22:30:00.001-05:002010-02-07T22:52:14.527-05:00Recipe: Chushki Burek<table border="0"><tbody><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB_eXSfO7mKG9si3Hj_p9Dnh9AFIgQzHnkq5wj4Mi6GXyTFBXnathJ0cRCo9Y1R9Oq1xXR6mVn2aC1Twf7uhTrXdwFxJvHRTbESkM4mhNjjK3XSFD10eNoc1qJ9dSlTlblUCJIdDqAZU/s1600-h/IMG_3303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB_eXSfO7mKG9si3Hj_p9Dnh9AFIgQzHnkq5wj4Mi6GXyTFBXnathJ0cRCo9Y1R9Oq1xXR6mVn2aC1Twf7uhTrXdwFxJvHRTbESkM4mhNjjK3XSFD10eNoc1qJ9dSlTlblUCJIdDqAZU/s320/IMG_3303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td>Don't ask my why my first Canadian post is about food, but...</td></tr>
<tr><td>There are endless versions of Chushki Burek which is a Bulgarian "Stuffed Peppers". To prepare them (my version) we will need:<ul><li>4 green bell peppers</li><li>1 red bell pepper</li><li>1 small onion</li><li>1 large ripe tomato</li><li>2 bunches of flat leaf parsley</li><li>300gr feta cheese</li><li>2 tbsp olive oil</li><li>sweet paprika, freshly grounded black pepper and salt</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>First, we need to boil the green peppers in a large souse pan for approximately 5 minutes, until they are soft. Then, split them in half, deseed (remove the seeds), clean and leave to dry.</td></tr><tr><td>While the green peppers are in water, finely chop everything else (including red peppers) and mix it with spices and olive oil.</td></tr><tr><td>Finally, fill in the halfs with the mixture and bake it at 180C for approximately 30 minutes.</td></tr><tr><td>Enjoy,<br />
John.</td></tr></tbody></table>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-19114682000212968882009-12-31T03:53:00.003-05:002010-01-02T07:53:20.162-05:00Happy New Year - Year of the Tiger<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.sha.swisscham.org/sha/images/tigerchinese.gif" width="312" /><br />
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<tr><td>A quick update on what is going on: at the moment, we are in Latvia, getting ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations (cooking, cleaning and... chopping wood for the "heating system" and Banya). Two of our friends gave birth, so yesterday we went to see two newly born babies - a boy and a girl. The girl is three and the boy is five weeks old - so tiny and so soft (I am still so fascinated by how a woman has a living creature in a belly for nine month).<br />
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<tr><td>Alright, it is time to go to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dacha">Dacha</a>, so Happy New Year - Year of the Tiger - everyone! Wish you all what you wish for yourself - may everything come true!<br />
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</tbody></table>John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881666105331562524.post-87882519912792741812009-12-21T13:15:00.007-05:002009-12-21T17:59:54.299-05:00Goodbye England, Hello Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tJXk4AwCmAuJEA1POd79an2o5yJwiZcd7e_r6d6pF-Lo83_wnboBmL09DZ6PgY9pkQGT1BsAjlCqMJODAZT9STn2baQ-cxq54M-I0vF1FbwTa_0jQzAb1PW7BAFyJ-A9bKjXVIqisOM/s1600-h/IMG_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tJXk4AwCmAuJEA1POd79an2o5yJwiZcd7e_r6d6pF-Lo83_wnboBmL09DZ6PgY9pkQGT1BsAjlCqMJODAZT9STn2baQ-cxq54M-I0vF1FbwTa_0jQzAb1PW7BAFyJ-A9bKjXVIqisOM/s320/IMG_2165.JPG" /></a></div>For the last couple of days, London was covered in white - kind of saying "goodbye" before we finally move to Canada. Considering the last two cold winters and really rainy summers, "Global Warming" theory does not work...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSjlcgWw1GwkSmLQe53ts3TDl-4xcwMs2musUaZdHDGlmMbM0y7KjTtUbu1z5Dj8RdfdnvNgeTbwTDLxaLZwPNNBao0DVKtVpR37U-Vfc5RB6qlVzyzwDauEzYU3jnjn51OLgRjpVd5E/s1600-h/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSjlcgWw1GwkSmLQe53ts3TDl-4xcwMs2musUaZdHDGlmMbM0y7KjTtUbu1z5Dj8RdfdnvNgeTbwTDLxaLZwPNNBao0DVKtVpR37U-Vfc5RB6qlVzyzwDauEzYU3jnjn51OLgRjpVd5E/s320/IMG_2169.JPG" /></a></div>This time around, the transport was working quite well (I guess local councils learned a lesson from <a href="http://jmarkh.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-live-in-ski-resort-called-london.html">previous year fiasco</a>) and couple of our friends (Rob and Ira) came over for the weekend to say goodbyes. In addition to the traditional visit to a local Nandos restaurant and (failed) attempt to deplete my Whiskey supply (Rob, take care of those lovely bottles of rare single malts that are now in your caring possession), we went to explore the "Abbey Wood".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXD-sS4BvvZlxONpy_9vnSVLuKWcwGYVISeFjOBTemUxwoDMt-3rukEa8ouO9qFkzo56CfJh0JnXX2u825M7Eam2sjBat9mlhbdbzNawYMmaXjjzys1iTYAJ0LnX1hVRxPerW0EXsFDE/s1600-h/IMG_2190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXD-sS4BvvZlxONpy_9vnSVLuKWcwGYVISeFjOBTemUxwoDMt-3rukEa8ouO9qFkzo56CfJh0JnXX2u825M7Eam2sjBat9mlhbdbzNawYMmaXjjzys1iTYAJ0LnX1hVRxPerW0EXsFDE/s320/IMG_2190.JPG" /></a></div>Having lived in the Royal Arsenal for almost 4 years, we always wanted to explore the area but never had a chance - it was always raining and there is always tomorrow. There are really nice trails for weekend walks and thanks to the freak weather this weekend it was "extra" beautiful...!John Markhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09264391698343386855noreply@blogger.com1