Settled by the United Empire Loyalists in 1783 after the American Revolution, today it’s full of people with a natural, deep ingrained passion for land, sea and home and garden. The town has been designated a National Historic district with many fine examples of New England Colonial architecture from Saltbox, Cape Cod, and Georgian to Victorian Romantic Revival.

Copyright  © by May DeLory

Rosemount

John and Lucinda Flemer’s historic St. Andrews summer home, with romantic views to Passamaquoddy Bay, was built in 1907 and designed by the great early 20^th century Montreal architect Edward Maxwell.  The famous architect also designed CP railway magnate of the day Sir William Van Horn’s nearby summer home on Minister’s Island, Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts and Regina’s legislative buildings.

Rosemount was once part of a much larger majestic estate with several houses, mature cedar hedges, stately trees, and old-growth Acadian forest. At one time there was a house named Kingsbrae on the estate at the top of a hill on King Street and was used by Mrs. Flemer’s grandparents’ as a summer retreat. In 1998 the name Kingsbrae was adopted by Kingsbrae Garden—one of Canada’s Top Ten Public Gardens—the 27-acre parcel of the original estate that was donated by the Flemers almost two decades ago to the province of New Brunswick.

Mrs. Flemer’s parents summered on the estate in an Edward Maxwell house built in 1911 that now serves as Kingsbrae Garden Art Gallery, Gift Shop, and Garden Café. In place of the once elegant Kingsbrae summerhouse stands the garden’s Visitors’ Centre.

The love of gardens is in Lucinda Flemer’s bones and is part of the natural driving force behind her personal interest today in overseeing Kingsbrae Gardens’ continuing development and success.

There are two magnificent old and rare cucumber trees ( magnolia acuminata) that stand at the top of a gentle slope at Rosemount. The trees live to be 150 years in the wild and are part of the magnolia family; these two trees are known to be the only such trees in St. Andrews. The gardens are for the most part set out in formal square configurations with black urns and fountains as hard accent points and softened with massive plantings of flowering bushes, trees and ornamental shrub, variegated boxwood, rhododendrons, hostas, delphiniums, astilbes, iris, phlox, tall grasses and graceful spikes with a border of red impatiens. There is a low growing, bushy rose shrub, rosa rugosa (snow pavement), fragrant with an old-fashioned rose scent, protected by large rhododendron plantings to one side.

A number of years ago a field behind Rosemount was dug up and made into a lawn. “Mr. Flemer decided it would make a good spot to practice golf,” Mrs. Flemer recalls. “So, a golf hole was added, and for the rest of the summer the lawn was a brown blob. It is now a beautiful place where friends congregate to play a little friendly golf.”

And spend time in what was once a “secret garden” but is now a pleasure for all!  Don’t forget to visit Kingsbrae Garden’s windmill, tea house and gift shop and the miniature garden houses that are delightful to one and all but especially to children.

The view from Rosemount across to Passamaquoddy Bay gives rise to a memorable landscape—gently undulating lawn, and Mr. Flemer’s little practice golf course.  Rosemount so near the sea often sees to great effect a soft mist settle over the gardens obstructing for a time Kingsbrae Garden’s working replica Dutch windmill surrounded by dancing shades of pink, red, mauve and yellow astilbe.

Sandy and Donne Smith

The fascinating thing about Sandy Smith is that she takes her inherent green thumb with a grain of salt; she’s had a rose garden for over 40 years. “I bought roses when you could buy them at the 5 & 10 and at the local hardware store. I never bought by name. I was interested in the colour.”

There is a large bed of roses still blooming and strong going into September — pinks, reds, and buds of tangerine and pale lemony colour in perfectly tended mounds between the house and a 1 ½-storey frame garage that once served as a small barn about sixty feet from the house.  A most spectacular climbing vine covers almost completely two sides of the pretty white garage.

“Somebody gave me a little piece [vine] one time about 25 years ago. I wouldn’t put it on the house because vines can be rather destructive.” The vine — Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus Quinquefolia) — as the weather turns cooler, produces a purplish-black ¼ inch fall berry, and the shiny green five-part leaf turns crimson. A mature lilac tree is at one corner of the garage.

 “We’re Maritimers, the both of us,” Sandy says. “My husband (Dr. Donne Smith) is a bluenoser from Nova Scotia, a place called Shubenacady. I’m a herring choker from Saint John, New Brunswick.” Sandy gives a little chuckle at the playful slang references used. “We came here (St. Andrews) in 1950.”

Their house, built in the 1860s by the Odell family, is a heritage property with accompanying plaque. Originally the house had eight bedrooms, some used for servants. Exterior painted clapboard had sand in the gray paint to resemble stone, unique for the district. When they bought the house 55 years ago there was an L-shape building on the side of the house that was probably a summer kitchen and stretched to the small barn where chickens were kept.

One of their projects was to get rid of the L, reduce the bedrooms to six and landscape the muddy chicken run between the house and the barn.  The house is surrounded on two sides of the property by a white picket fence with plantings of silver birch with its green lacy foliage, honeysuckle, and a few lilacs, and a red maple.

 Dr. Donne Smith, a retired surgeon, who delivered many a town’s baby in his day, kept a medical general practice in their home until the 1970s when he built a wellness centre in St. Andrews. Sandy is a retired biologist and active in the St. Andrews Civic Trust, the organization responsible for the designation of the more than 250 St. Andrews homes between the ages of one hundred and two hundred years old with descriptive plaques. Fascinating tours of these buildings take place at various times throughout the year. Sandy tells me the Trust’s mandate is to preserve “built” heritage sites as opposed to recently constructed buildings.

Sandy used to bake fresh apple pies when their two boys and one girl were much younger. There’s a small apple orchard over 60 years old. Recent apple tree plantings will eventually replace old trees past their prime. “That apple tree is coming down this winter,” Sandy says, her voice betraying her reluctance at having to lose the old thing. “It’s seen better days.”

Algonquin Resort

The Algonquin Resort, where history blends seamlessly with today’s resort elegance, graces the languid shores of Passamaquoddy Bay.  The Tudor-style “Castle-by-the-Sea”  Algonquin has welcomed iconic leaders, world royalty and travellers with friendly Maritime hospitality since 1889. The resort now owned by New Castle Hotels and Resorts has recently completed a multimillion dollar renovation restoring the gentle ambiance of a bygone era with today’s modern standards. New Castle Hotels and Resorts was named in 2013 one of the 27 Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada by Progress magazine and Best Companies Group.

The resort is spearheading wedding receptions with all the magic of a castle by the sea! and the area’s well-known environmental mysteries.  The hotel is just about a stone’s throw from the Bay of Fundy where tides rise and fall 55 feet twice daily.  Whale watching tours are available in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea as is shopping, fine and casual dining and a litany of New Brunswick’s famous attractions.  Fundy Tide Runners has worked closely with the Algonquin Resort for nineteen years and has a strong connection to the history in this region. Captain David Welch’s grandfather started doing business with the Algonquin in the 1930’s.

The Algonquin Resort offers several wedding and events reception venues, including “The Roof Top Garden with views to Passamaquaddy Bay. The roof garden entertains up to 50-seated guests for a ceremony or 120-guests for a standing cocktail reception.

Katy’s Cove offers you own private beach for the perfect and memorable wedding reception or event. Imagine tiki torch lights escorting you and your guests to a magical lighted seascape.  Up to 120-guests dine beneath an elegant wedding tent for a glamorous sit-down buffet-style reception dinner. Katy’s Cove is also the ideal venue for a lobster boil seaside!

The Shaughnessy Room on the hotel’s lobby level, regale guests with elegant bay windows to breathtaking views and chandeliers create a quiet grandeur for up to 350-wedding guests.

Jasmin Kobajica is the Executive Chef & Director of Food and Beverage at the Algonquin Resort and will oversee the two prime restaurants at the Algonquin: Braxton’s and The Clubhouse. Braxton’s will feature local fish and seafood and The Clubhouse, located at the award-winning Algonquin Golf Course, will be a premium steakhouse. Chef will also put his special touch on catering, room service and special service operations, like the Algonquin’s popular, outdoor lobster boil.

Info

   Rick Mercer and opera star Measha Brueggergosman head to St. Andrews, NB to go whale watching in the Bay of Fundy and sing a tune of adventure. Rick and Measha rock it big time!

http://www.thehopewellrocks.ca/
  See the Bay of Fundy 55 ft. tides rise and fall!  Stunning.  Walk on the sea floor bottom!

Stunning historic home now famous fine dining location. 
http://rossmountinn.com/

http://www.kingsbraegarden.com/
  220 King Street, St. Andrews, E5B 1Y8   Thursday June 13, 2013 is the date for the opening and awards ceremony for this season’s edition of the Sculpture Competition.   Kingsbrae Garden has been selected Garden of the Year by the Canadian Garden Tourism Awards.

www.algonquinresort.ca  St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick. For iphone users, search for “GoExplore Tours”. Download this free App and then look for “St. Andrews, NB, Canada”.

TOLL FREE: 1-855-529-8693 Direct: 506-529-8823  Fax: (506) 529-7162

http://www.standrewsbythesea.ca/visit/

www.fundytiderunners.com   Visit whale feeding grounds to see minke, finback or humpback whales surfacing close to the 25-foot Zodiac Hurricane™, steered by experienced Captain  David Welch. See porpoises, seals, and bald eagles as you enjoy the rugged beauty of the West Isles. This adventure offers the rare opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Share your thoughts over refreshments at the Whale Loft once you’re returned to port.

Quoddy Link Marine Whale & Wildlife Cruises  6 King St. / Right of Market Wharf, St. Andrews, E5B 1Y2  www.quoddylinkmarine.com

Searching for your Loyalist ancestors? Visit the Loyalist Burying Ground.  King Street between Prince of Wales and Carleton Streets, St. Andrews.  Telephone(506) 529-8662   Fax(506) 529-8652   E-mail:     allsaints@nb.aibn.com

www.fundyculture.ca/sheriffandrews.htm   63 King Street, St. Andrews.  The High Sheriff Elisha Andrews, son of a Loyalist Reverend, built this home in 1820 to reflect his position within the community. The house is an excellent example of the neo-classical style of architecture.

www.seascapekayaktours.com   Kayak  tours in one of the world’s most stunning seascapes.  Seascape Kayak Tours’ founder, Bruce Smith, is winner of the New Brunswick Department of Environment’s 2010  Lifetime Achievement Award. Check out the Sea Kayaking and Yoga adventure on Deer Island, August 16 – 18, 2013.

http://www.standrewssportfishing.com/
   Shark fishing in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea.

Katy’s Cove:  A beautiful saltwater cove with sandy beach ready for swimming,  sandcastles and summer beach fun!

Planning a visit to New Brunswick?  If you love history, the water, and architecture: 
http://fdr.net/home

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea is a lovely and very romantic seaside resort town in which to tie the “forever” knot in two hearts. The Algonquin Resort has all the bells and modern whistles of grand  hotels and expert wedding coordinators to take care of the wedding details.  Extend the honeymoon with the Ultimate Road Trip package to see the highest tides in the world at the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Package begins at $246*. Package includes accommodations, $50. Irving Gift Card and passage on the Princess of Acadia.  Discover Nova Scotia and New Brunswick with this package. Explore world-class and award-winning wineries, dine on succulent scallops and lobster.  Telephone for package details:  1-877-762-sail  (7245).

If you find yourself in Nova Scotia you won’t go wrong with a visit to
http://www.historicgardens.com/

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Explore New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy tides and The Hopewell Rocks, where you’ll experience natural wonders and endless activities like whale-watching.
La version française:


Find out more:  
http://goo.gl/HfBA1

Father of the Bride, 1950 comedy. Spencer Tracy tried to arrange his daughter’s wedding himself and got himself into such a tuff he didn’t even want a wedding cake!  
http://soa.li/SdIEQqJ
  Copyright TCM

If you find yourself on the West coast of Canada be sure to visit   www.butchartgardens.com in Victoria, British Columbia.

Copyright  © by May DeLory.  All Rights Reserved

Photo copyright © by Kingsbrae Garden; Algonquin Resort; Fundy Tide Runners

 Pull up a chair…but not just any chair….

The Ritz Club at The Ritz London

 Copyright © by May DeLory. All Rights Reserved

Three of a kind beats two pair, you say? Las Vegas…more than exciting gaming nowadays. Exotic spas and world-class golf in the desert will ease you into the mood for the unique city nightlife. Hollywood heart throb Paul Newman bluffs his way around the poker table in The Sting; W. C. Fields does the same with a touch of dry humour in the 1939 movie My Little Chickadee, whereas Clark Gable adds a touch of Southern gentleman glamour to playing poker in a scene from MGM’s 1939 movie Gone with the Wind. Not so for poker and Marlon Brando in a scene from A Streetcar Named Desire: Brando was all sweat and pure male intolerance for the female point of view.

What Brando was in need of was the luxury spa at the Bellagio in Las Vegas: exotic lotions and potions applied poolside during a cabana massage, and caviar fusion facial followed by a straight razor shave in the private Barber Room. Or a visit to the 69,000-square-foot Canyon Ranch Spaclub gym to keep his well-toned muscles from shrinking…any would have done the trick to induce sublime relaxation.

The Ritz-Club / private games room

Poker has proved its staying power, played by almost sixty million people in America and knows no social barriers; it’s an egalitarian activity: who you are, pretty face or no, and what you do…it’s of no consequence. What is a prerequisite is that you have the right amount of chips and ante up on time.

And so goes the game of poker and other games of chance: allure and excitement on one hand, mystery and intimidation on the other; except, unlike baccarat where one bets on the simple turn of a card, poker isn’t really a game of chance; rather its players must rely on well defined elements of skill, mental prowess and agility, have a mathematical mind-set, and possess both a physical and a mental fortitude.

“Women have become more active and more polished in poker,” says Doug Dalton, Director of Poker Operation for Bellagio. “Over the years there have been a lot of great women players that have played head-to-head with all the guys.” Jennifer Harmon of Las Vegas is one female bigwig whose name comes to mind.

The game—initially was played by four players with a twenty-card deck with the full 52-card deck coming on the scene in 1837—has come some distance since the smoke-filled saloons of nineteenth-century New Orleans, and its predecessor: poker’s origin is thought to be Persian or at the very least invented by the French who were serving their country in Persia at the start of the nineteenth-century.

Intimidation, in all its guises, was the name of the game on the Mississippi steamboats at the turn of the century when the smaller decks and style of game played made cardsharps and poker synonymous with underhanded tactics and devices. Cheating at poker was almost commonplace on the river at this time. Will and Finck produced a sleeve card-holdout and required the cheater to wear an extra-wide cuff. Stylish walrus-ivory-handled bowie knives and push daggers were part of the mid-nineteenth-century Mississippi riverboat gamblers’ hidden arsenal of defense weapons and command a high price today as collectables, as well as ivory poker chips and turn of the century playing cards. Some people travel to unique areas where the action is simply to scope out valuable gaming paraphernalia. Collecting gaming items with historical significance can be lucrative if not the hunt enjoyable.

For high stakes enthusiasts looking to play Poker in style, The Ritz Club is an ideal place on Wednesday nights! Members are welcome to bring guests and show their skills in this popular game. Games run throughout the evening with a range of values and Omaha will be accommodated upon request. Complimentary canapés and drinks will be served with a smart dress code preferred. Tutorials are available for those wishing to learn how to play poker. The Ritz Club restaurant is also available to Ritz Club members and their guests.  For further information about the evenings, contact Gary Rolfe – 07932 673 446 or email: gary@theritzclub.com

The Ritz Club bar

BLACKJACK TOP 3 - New and exciting side bet! Blackjack is the most skillful and fascinating of all casino games and one of few games in which the player is actively involved in determining his or her own outcome. Blackjack Top 3 is a new side bet that has been introduced at The Ritz Club which pays out some really exciting odds should it come up!

• Three of a Kind – 90 to 1
• Straight Flush – 180 to 1
• Three of a Kind Suited – 270 to 1. For further information, please contact Gary Rolfe on + 44 (0)20 7499 1818 or 07932 673 446. www.theritzlondon.com

Bad Homburg, Germany – unique in the sense that the casino is located in a natural 100-acre park with historic KurRoyal Day Spa almost at its doorstep. Bad Homburg is known not only for its plethora of cosmetic surgeon’s clinics but for its famous mineral water springs that date back hundreds of years. Casino Bad Homburg opened more than 166-years-ago by the legendary Blanc-brothers. A free hourly bus shuttle operates between Frankfurt Main Station and Theodor-Heuss-Allee (opposite to the Fairground) and Casino Bad Homburg. I took the commuter train from Frankfurt to Bad Homburg. It took about 15 to 20 minutes. Cabs to the casino take about 5 minutes or it’s a lovely walk through Kurpark. I enjoyed a businessman’s lunch at the nearby Restaurant Romerbrunnen – sort of a surf and turf with beef from Argentina. It all melted in my mouth. Very pretty Swiss Chalet-style place on the edge of Kurpark. Don’t forget to stop at one of the mineral springs for a drink of water. www.casino-bad-homburg.de
http://www.roemerbrunnen.de/

Roemerbrunner Restaurant (fine dining) within Kurpark, Bad Homburg

The Ritz London (150 Piccadilly)

Summer 2013:  60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace from Thursday 11th July until Sunday 14th July 2013. The Coronation Festival will see the grounds of Buckingham Palace  taken over by Royal Warrant holders – the official suppliers of goods and services to the Royal Households. Royal Warrants have become a mark of quality given the high standards demanded by our Royal Family and so visitors to the Coronation Festival can expect a stellar showcase of everything from haute cuisine to high quality home ware, luxurious automobiles to the finest vestments.  As a proud participant of the Coronation Festival, The Ritz has created the ‘Festival Fantastic’ residential programme offering you the opportunity for ‘Puttin’ on The Ritz’. Don’t forget…garden dining on The Ritz Terrace — the largest and most opulent outdoor garden terrace in all of London!

Transatlantic crossing with Cunard Line, New York City to Southampton, England. Then take a cab to The Ritz London!  For those of you looking to create a romantic experience that is unsurpassed then look no further than ‘A Ritz Rendezvous’. This residential 2013 package has been created with romantics in mind and offers you and your significant other the opportunity to disappear into the stylish glamour of The Ritz. Guests can enjoy a night in the plush comfort of a room and will arrive to a chilled bottle of Ritz Rosé Champagne as well as a little romantic gift courtesy of The Ritz. Dress to impress for an unforgettable dining experience in The Ritz Restaurant before retiring to the seclusion of your own room where you can revel in conspicuous comfort that will have you longing for every day to be Valentine’s Day. With rates from £840.00 including VAT for two people sharing, please call +44 (0)20 7300 2222 for further information.

To make a reservation or to gain further information on programmes at The Ritz, London please contact:  THE RITZ LONDON 150 PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 9BR TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 7493 8181 FACSIMILE +44 (0)20 7493 2687 ENQUIRE@THERITZLONDON.COM  WWW.THERITZLONDON.COM

Info:

www.theritzlondon.com

www.theritzclub.com

www.villakennedy.com Frankfurt, Germany

http://www.casino-bad-homburg.de/en/start-page.html
 Bad Homburg, Germany

http://www.roemerbrunnen.de/
  Roemerbrunnen restaurant in Kur Park, Bad Homburg, five-minutes’ walk from casino

http://www.bellagio.com/

http://www.mirage.com/

www.britishairways.com

www.lufthansa.com

The game of chess with Hermes. Challenge a friend. Learn about famous games of chess.
http://lesailes.hermes.com/us/en/echec

Wil and Kate’s baby is due summer of 2013. Where the royals spent their childhood.  It’s only a short trip from King’s Lynn station, a two-hour train journey from London.  www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

Copyright © by May DeLory. All Rights Reserved

Photo copyright © by May DeLory & The Ritz London. All Rights Reserved

Queen Mary 2 / Canyon Ranch SpaClub

The new story on cellulite

Copyright © by May Georgina DeLory

We all rue the day when we admit to the dreadful word cellulite—more commonly known as “orange peel” skin. The problem keeps you off the beach in summer and you think twice before crossing your legs when wearing a tiny skirt or shorts.

Women are more predisposed to the lumpy skin condition with some reported figures showing 85% of women suffering with cellulite. Age is no barrier. Men are not excluded from the cellulite equation. The problem is known in its extreme form to produce pain and an almost unbearable feeling of heaviness in the body and especially legs.

You don’t know quite when all this mysterious stuff began to appear predominately in the thigh, hip, buttocks and insides of the knee areas but you would like to address the problem before things process further. In the meanwhile, here are some of the latest cellulite buster treatments to consider helping get you back in the game so you can enjoy the beach in healthy style.

There are four grades of cellulite:

Caribana vacation

Grade 1 gives the appearance of normal skin elasticity. If tackling cellulite before serious signs emerge points to adopting a healthier diet, taking anti-oxidant supplements, drinking more water, massage, and increasing exercise then stage 1 is the optimum time to do so. But it’s never too late to begin some form of treatment.

Grade 11 reveals itself when the skin is manipulated, or bunched.

Grade 111 & 1V cellulite is visible when the body is standing or lying down.

The word mesotherapy relates to the mesodermal—middle— layer of the skin. A low dose homeopathic medicine is injected beneath the skin to promote improved circulation, lymphatic and venous drainage and stimulate fat cells to release fat to be processed by the liver and other organs for removal from the body. The practice has been used for more than fifty years in Europe and South America.

Mesotherapy

Dr. Yyonne Verbeeten is on the teaching staff at St. Michael’s, Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre. Over the course of twenty-five years her interest in cosmetic medicine has led her to create Body Beautica, a Toronto cosmetic clinic dealing with non-surgical therapies. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Aesthetic Medicine and the American Association of Aesthetics and Mesotherapy.

Dr. Verbeeten believes mesotherapy is an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle; she will not work on people who are 30% over their ideal weight, have insulin dependant diabetes, use blood thinners or suffer from cardiac problems.

Mesotherapy is performed on most people up to age seventy-five with stubborn deposits of fat and cellulite exercise just won’t budge. Double chins are worked on, too. “It’s not for weight loss,” Dr. Verbeeten explains. “What you will lose is inches. We can make you smaller.”

Mesotherapy has been used in Canada for about two years. After a full medical work up has been performed at Body Beautica, a cocktail of ingredients proven to be successful in France is administered by disposable multiple needle injections. The first visit will take approximately forty minutes. “We switch our needles quickly,” says Dr. Verbeeten. “It’s basically painless. There is some bruising and possibly some swelling—which is what you want because it signifies you are reacting property.”

Lynda, a Toronto real estate agent who exercises on a regular basis and considers herself trim and was worked on at the New You Show a few years’ ago by Dr. Verbeeten, couldn’t get rid of her tummy flab no matter how many crunches she endured. “It’s designed as a series but after one treatment I do see a difference. By the time I’ve had 4 or 5 I should really see a difference.”

Dr. Verbeeten has a 90% success rate using the French Mesotherapy cocktail but has recently begun using a cocktail out of the US; she wants to see if the ingredients work better than the French concoction under certain conditions. “The content of solution varies tremendously between patient to patient,” Dr. Verbeeten points out. “We can say that you are going to lose girth and these bumps are going to get smaller—as to how much…we cannot know that until the fourth or fifth treatment.”

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Shali Rassouli www.cosmeticacupuncture.ca says she was the first practicing cosmetic acupuncturist in Toronto; she trained for four years at a prestigious Toronto school in acupuncture and herbal medicine, teaches nurses, lectures and been profiled on Life Network Television and CH News. Local television and radio personalities like to use her.

“In Chinese medicine cellulite is caused by lack of circulation and fat,” Rassouli says. “It’s something healthy for your body in terms of getting rid of the blockages in the system; it firms your thighs up so you feel as if you’ve been working out—gives you a nice lifting but natural. It’s more effective than any kind of topical treatment.”

Cosmetic acupuncture is the hottest cellulite treatment in NY and LA in a long while. People like it because it’s a natural alternative to botox and uses no chemicals. Cosmetic acupuncture is said to be great for addressing puffiness beneath the eyes, improving skin tone, detoxification, increasing circulation by manipulating body energy thus attacking cellulite where it hurts the most—on thighs, hips and buttocks.

“I’m also a herbalist,” Rassouli says, “so I can prescribe herbs. This takes care of water retention at the same time.” She says it’s not uncommon for pains and aches especially in the lower back or legs to diminish or go away all together with her treatment. She suggests beginning treatment in April or May for approximately ten sessions. “We can maintain it with one or two treatments per month, or you can come every summer and repeat a full course. Packages are $650. One session is $75.”

Dr. Armogan of Aqua Medical has clinics in Toronto, London, Ontario and Barbados specializing in Lipo-dissolve, a fat and cellulite treatment that differs dramatically from that of traditional mesotherapy.

“The concept is totally different,” he says. “We are injecting a chemical that ruptures and kills cells. The results are long lasting because we are killing these cells, we are not shrinking them.”

The body naturally excretes this cellular debris over the course of four weeks. Cellulite deposits that resist improvement with changes to diet and/or increased exercise at the abdomen, waist (love handles), backs of arms, double chins, thigh (saddlebags), bar line bulges and knees are key areas for success with Lipo-dissolve.

“Cellulite has two parts,” Dr. Armogan says. “There’s the fat component and there is something called the septal band (CP). The septal band anchors the skin to the muscle so that’s what actually forms the dimpling.” An enzyme is used to further facilitate the process of destroying the fibrous bands. “When we do cellulite injections we use two drugs that chemically break those fibrous bands. If I just take the fat out it’s not going to be enough. There’s very little discomfort. We have special techniques—cooling machines.”

Aqua Medical clinic will conduct blood tests to ascertain whether or not there are contraindications to commencing treatment. Beta-blockers and thyroid conditions as well as other medical conditions can interfere chemically with the procedure, which uses active ingredient derivatives of soy.

“For straight cellulite we’re looking at 10 – 12 treatments,” says Dr. Armogan. “Usually two weeks apart. If by the eighth you’re satisfied then we stop. And you don’t have to come back again once you reach your desired level.”

Much today is being written on the benefits of vitamin C with bioflavonoids to help with cellulite deposits.  You may wish to speak with your medical professional about any other nagging personal concerns as there could be a connection to other medical conditions to your cellulite problem.

http://www.bodybeautica.ca/

http://cosmeticacupuncture.ca/index.html

http://www.aquamedspa.ca/

http://www.aircanadavacations.com/
  Cruise Deal,  May 30 & 31, 2013.  Plus youth Europe rail pass deal. Caribbean on sale, too.  Hurry!

www.cunard.com Canyon Ranch SpaClub on the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.

http://www.caribanatoronto.com/
  Toronto Caribana  Festival 2013

http://www.davidsfootwear.com/
  Black “note” shoes, Toronto store.

Photo credits Copyright © for red boots courtesy of Tourism Germany

Photo Copyright © Caribbean Tourism

Photo Copyright © by Cunard Line

Photo Copyright ©  by May Georgina DeLory, black shoes. All Rights Reserved

London by Big Bus Tours

Copyright ©  by May Georgina DeLory

Things to do & places to see when in London

British Airways gives the royal treatment! 
http://bcove.me/moi5ueqn

Free parks, museums, royal ceremonies and delish food that won’t break the piggy bank! 

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/

www.londonrestaurantfestival.com 2013

www.lordmayorsshow.org  2013

http://www.pret.com/
  This is where i enjoy organic sandwiches and stuff!

http://www.npg.org.uk/

London is home to 8 Royal Parks – all of which are free to visit all year round. Take a picnic and some friends and spend the day sunbathing in Regent’s Park, seeking out the regal landmarks of Kensington Gardens or deer-spotting in Richmond Park or Bushy Park. Visit the Royal Parks website for more information on the parks.   
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/

Barclaycard Presents:  Bon Jovi plays Hyde Park July 5, 2013  (ticketed event.)   Friday 5 July 2013.  Doors open at 2:00 pm
Location: Hyde Park (Parade Ground).  Elton John, July 12, 2013.   Lionel Richie and Jennifer Lopez, July 14, 2013.   Summer in Hyde Park has an entire lineup of music stars.   
http://www.bst-hydepark.com/
     
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/
  Accommodation near Hyde Park.  www.holidayvillahotellondon.com    
http://crossingsgrill.ca/

GLAM IN STYLE! 
http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool

Explore 500 acres of historic landscape, where you’ll find open-air displays by some of the world’s finest artists, plus five stunning indoor galleries.    
http://www.ysp.co.uk/
    In Leeds:   
http://www.henry-moore.org/hmi
 Take the train. Approximately two-hours from London.  www.BritRail.com

Pea Shooting  Championship  Event!   The annual event is held in Witcham, near Ely, Cambridgeshire.   
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/News/Pea-shooting-championship-held.htm

30th Annual Race the train event!  Boy you gotta do this.  Tywyn, Mid Wales.  Saturday 17 August, 2013.   

•  Rotary Challenge, 14 miles
• Quarry Challenge, 10k
• Dolgoch Challenge, 5.5 miles
• Tynllwynhen Challenge, 3.5 miles
• The Toddlers Trot is run around the perimeter of the race field and the start time may vary to fit in with the returning runners in the morning races. We do not mind who runs or what age you are, you can carry your baby should you wish. We normally have almost 250 entries for this event.   
  http://www.racethetrain.com/
  

Ever fancied meeting a raven? You’ll meet plenty at the Tower of London.   
http://t.co/6jqsKDsKoN

http://t.co/vaunkZpebT

Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace (ten-minute stroll from The Ritz London). There’s a lot to see and do on a Big Bus Tour of London, on the “Tube” (underground subway), and in the green parks! Don’t forget window shopping, too.  Check out Hamley’s, London’s famous toy and games department store. Free entrance. See dates and times at end of this post.

Flash This:

Kate Middleton’s Tiny Purse Collection  http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/fashion/kate-middletons-tiny-purse-collection-193400367.html …

Regimental Ceremony, Buckingham Palace

At 11:30 be prepared to be regaled during the 40-minute regimental ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace; it’s one of London’s great spectacles. The Guard departs the nearby Wellington Barracks at 11:27 accompanied by a band and marches via Birdcage Walk to the Palace. Early April into the summer the ceremony takes place daily, and on alternate days prior to April. Take the Tube to Green Park station and walk through the park to the street (about 10 minutes’ walk). Near the time of the parade you’ll hear the band playing their instruments as they march towards the palace. No cost to this event.

Splendour in a royal garden at Highgrove

Highgrove is the private residence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Since 1980 HRH The Prince of Wales has worked to create one of the most imaginative and inspired gardens of our time. The Ritz London offers guests a private tour of the royal gardens at Highgrove. Valid for arrival at The Ritz on Sunday 26th May, this package includes: Two nights’ accommodation at The Ritz English Breakfast each morning Dinner in The Ritz Restaurant on Sunday night Coach transfer to Highgrove Private tour and lunch at Highgrove Champagne and Canapés at The Ritz on Monday evening Priced from £2,540, inclusive of value added tax, for two persons sharing a double or twin room.  For more information and reservations please click here or alternatively contact our reservations team by telephone on: +44 (0)20 7493 8181  www.theritzlondon.com  www.highgrovegardens.com

Top Hat at The Ritz

The Ritz London

Three-course pre theatre dinner at The Ritz Restaurant, a glass of champagne, top price theatre ticket to Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre, from £ 99. per person. Dinner at 5:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday for 7:30 theatre performance, 1st. November 2012 to September 2013 subject to availability. Quote “TopHat at The Ritz Package” when you make a reservation at The Ritz London hotel. Telephone +44 (0) 20 7907 7000. Tim Walker of The Sunday Telegraph raves about Top Hat, saying it’s the best thing he’s seen in 25-years! The Ritz Package offer is subject to availability.

The Three Belles/ Jazz at The Ritz London

JAZZ  & SWING AT THE RITZ CLUB

Thursday, 30th May, 2013

At this month’s Jazz & Swing Night we introduce a very talented and entertaining trio from Portsmouth – The Three Belles. Trumpeter Quentin Collins will join us with his quartet playing tuneful neo-bop originals that will have you swinging from start to finish. And lastly, the long awaited return of vocalist Julez Hamilton will round off another memorable evening. 8:pm to late. Dress code: smart. Reservation: kelly@theritzclub.com Telephone: 0207 468 1353

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Charles Dickens’ former home in London reopens with great expectations
http://bit.ly/VDywN3
  . Link supplied by eTalk CTV News.

Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair is at the National Portrait Gallery, London from 29 September 2012—24 March 2013. Marilyn starred in the Prince and the Showgirl. Marilyn loved a lovely cup of tea…especially if enjoyed in the company of a handsome prince.

You’ll be a hero when you take the kids on this London ride to see the River Thames. And it isn’t the famous ferris wheel.

Hamleys famous toy department store. Magic games, too!

Big Bus Tour of London

The Ritz London (150 Piccadilly)

Coronation Festival at The Ritz London. 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation

Summer 2013: 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace from Thursday 11th July until Sunday 14th July 2013. The Coronation Festival will see the grounds of Buckingham Palace taken over by Royal Warrant holders – the official suppliers of goods and services to the Royal Households. Royal Warrants have become a mark of quality given the high standards demanded by our Royal Family and so visitors to the Coronation Festival can expect a stellar showcase of everything from haute cuisine to high quality home ware, luxurious automobiles to the finest vestments. As a proud participant of the Coronation Festival, The Ritz has created the ‘Festival Fantastic’ residential programme offering you the opportunity for ‘Puttin’ on The Ritz’.

Cross the Atlantic ocean with CUNARD, New York to Southampton, England

Transatlantic crossing with Cunard Line, New York City to Southampton, England. Then take a cab to The Ritz London! For those of you looking to create a romantic experience that is unsurpassed then look no further than ‘A Ritz Rendezvous’. This residential 2013 package has been created with romantics in mind and offers you and your significant other the opportunity to disappear into the stylish glamour of The Ritz. Guests can enjoy a night in the plush comfort of a room and will arrive to a chilled bottle of Ritz Rosé Champagne as well as a little romantic gift courtesy of The Ritz. Dress to impress for an unforgettable dining experience in The Ritz Restaurant before retiring to the seclusion of your own room where you can revel in conspicuous comfort that will have you longing for every day to be Valentine’s Day. With rates from £840.00 including VAT for two people sharing, please call +44 (0)20 7300 2222 for further information.

To make a reservation or to gain further information on programmes at The Ritz, London please contact: THE RITZ LONDON 150 PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 9BR TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 7493 8181 FACSIMILE +44 (0)20 7493 2687 ENQUIRE@THERITZLONDON.COM    WWW.THERITZLONDON.COM Don’t forget, Big Bus tours are outside The Ritz London hotel (Green Park underground entranceway). Purchase tour bus tickets at Big Bus locations.

The Shard in construction (now completed). London.

The “Shard” glass building in the city of London just opened. See this stunning structure as I did on a BIG BUS tour…you’ll see the tallest ferris wheel, and Stella McCartney’s fashion shop, too ( daughter of former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney and the late American photographer and animal rights activist, Linda McCartney). I got on the bus outside The Ritz, London hotel beside Green Park underground station where you can purchase Big Bus tickets. Great park for a walk to the Queen’s palace. www.bigbustours.com

Royals in Jordan, 2013.
http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/life-in-pictures

The Ritz London’s Bar Manager, Jean Claude di Lizia, created the Ritz Club Royal Wedding Cocktail in celebration of the marriage of His Royal Highness, Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton. The cocktail is comprised of Martell XO Cognac, Cartron Creme de Cassis (a fruit liqueur made from blackcurrent berries grown on the hills of Burgundy, France), Grenadine, sugar, Ritz Rose Champagne and a few marinated red berries placed into the glass. A mixture befitting a royal coupling. Toll Free from USA. 1-877-748-9536. www.theritzlondon.com/giftshop  www.theritzlondon.com

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London

The Ritz London / Palm Court for Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is served in The Palm Court with five daily sittings to handle the popularity of the long-standing ritual. Reservations weeks in advance are the order of the day; but for those arriving to The Ritz London on short notice, The Rivoli Bar with its panelled walls in polished camphor wood veneer and onyx marble cocktail bar counter entertains the identical tea service and freshly prepared cream cakes and freshly cut finger sandwiches as that of The Palm Court. (Rivoli Bar open daily from 2:pm.) Afternoon tea in The Palm Court serves as an alternative to lunch and begins at 11:30 a.m., finishing with a champagne tea at 7:30 p.m. One need not be an overnight guest of the hotel to enjoy either The Palm Court or The Rivoli Bar or dining of any sort at The Ritz London. If you really want to knock someone’s socks off, consider asking head mixologist at The Ritz London, Francesco Orefici, to create and name a bespoke cocktail just for YOU or someone you want to impress.

New York to London, England with Cunard

Cunard, Queen Mary 2

Travel like a pro with Peter!

  www.cunard.com

Where Prince William met Kate

St. Andrews, Scotland is known for more than its greens—at least since the pretty Kate came on the scene. Kate Middleton starred in the now famous fashion show where it is said Prince William‘s head was first turned in Ms. Middleton’s direction. http://www.fairmont.com/standrews/hotelpackages/celebration/royalweddingpackage.htm

www.britishairways.com

www.cunard.com

www.twinnings.com

www.taylorsofharrogate.co.uk

www.yorkshiretea.co.uk

www.theritzlondon.com  The Ritz Restaurant, Five Couverts classification. Winner of the Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award. Conde Nast Traveller UK Gold List 2010. The Ritz Club gaming rooms are as of May 13, 2013 open 24 hours 24/7.

Brit Rail

I love a good train ride! See Britain! Get your BritRail Pass by calling ACP Rail’s Call Center today at 1 866 938-RAIL (North America) or by visiting www.ACPRail.com  or www.BritRail.com  Remember to buy before taking flight as BritRail Passes cannot be purchased in Britain.

Travel by train London to York to see The Minster Cathedral, world renowned for its stain glass windows.

The Minster Cathedral, York, England

York is a vibrant city…here modern meets historical for a memorable journey. FREE day out for the whole family in York at the award winning National Railway Museum. 300 years of fascinating history in York’s only National Museum.
http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/york
    www.visityork.org

www.atlantic-links.co.uk Saunton in north Devon will stage the English Amateur Championship in 2014. Saunton’s East and West Courses, recognised as two of the most distinguished links in south west England, have been given the honour of hosting the blue riband men’s event on England Golf’s 2014 calendar in late July in two years’ time.

A very cute pooch waiting for Will and Kate in Quebec City, Canada.
http://travelglossary.wordpress.com/

Highgrove Champagne Tea Tour

Champagne Tea Garden Tours at Highgrove in England. Garden tours take place weekdays only. Profits from Highgrove sales are donated to The Prince’s Charities Foundation (Prince Charles).  All tours must be pre-booked and entrance is by ticket only.  Booking: To book tours please book online here (open 24 hours) or call the Booking Office on 0207 766 7310 (open 9am – 5pm, 7 days per week). Further information on Garden Tours is available at www.highgrovegardens.com  www.highgroveshop.com

British Airways UK: Share your hints and tips for a Perfect Day with the new iPhone app:
http://bit.ly/OQ8l3V

www.britishairways.com

Live London like Bond’s 007 London

For information on Art on the Underground see
http://art.tfl.gov.uk

www.bigbustours.com   See the sights in London!

If you are visiting London and intend to use the Tube and other forms of public transport, you can buy a Visitor Oyster Card, delivered to you before you travel. Start using it from the moment you land in London, avoiding queues at the airport to buy tickets. The Visitor Oyster Card calculates the cheapest fare for your journey. You can purchase a Visitor Oyster Card before your trip to Britain at the VisitBritain shop www.visitbritainshop.com

BritRail GB Consecutive Pass for stress-free and economical train travel around Britain.  (Not valid on the London Underground.)   www.britrail.com

Changing the Guard will take place at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle on the following days:

Buckingham Palace April 2013 – every day (EXCEPT for 1 and 21 April, PLEASE NOTE: without music or ceremony on 17 April at 16:00) May 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 8 May; without music or ceremony on 26 and 27 May) June 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 1, 8, 15 June).

Windsor Castle April 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 24, 26, 28, 30 April) May 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 5, 12, 19, 21, 23, 26, 29, 30 May) June 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 1, 2, 9, 16, 17, 23, 30 June)

Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting is the process involving a new guard exchanging duty with the old guard.
The Guard which mounts at Buckingham Palace is called The Queen’s Guard and is divided into two Detachments: the Buckingham Palace Detachment (which is responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace), and the St. James’s Palace Detachment, (which guards St. James’s Palace).  These guard duties are normally provided by a battalion of the Household Division and occasionally by other infantry battalions or other units. 

When Guardsmen are on duty, the soldiers are drawn from one of the five regiments of Foot Guards in the British Army: the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, the Welsh Guards, the Grenadier Guards and the Coldstream Guards.

An app is available for purchase: The app aims to orientate, inform and entertain people waiting for and watching the Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.  It can be purchased for 69p.  Features include an interactive map which locates the user in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace, behind-the-scenes interviews with Guardsmen and a handy checklist for identifying the five footguards regiments of the Household Division.

A donation from the proceeds of the app will be given to the Household Division Charities.

The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace app is priced at 69p.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/changing-guard-at-buckingham/id510714059?mt=8

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace video.  

Wil and Kate’s baby is due summer of 2013. Where the royals spent their childhood.  It’s only a short trip from King’s Lynn station, a two-hour train journey from London. www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

Photo of The Shard Copyright © by May DeLory (the building was in its beginnings of construction. You should see it in summer 2012 completed!)

www.hamleys.com

www.yorkshire.com

www.grangehotel.co.uk  Lovely hotel in the city of York, Yorkshire (two-hours’ by rail from London).

www.acprail.com  www.britrail.com    
http://www.britrail.com/extras/london-attractions

Blossoms and cider! Article link courtesy of Cherie DeLory  
http://www.tourismexchange.com/exchange/en/newsroom/home/getArticle.jsp?articleID=12876

Watch an interview with journalist John McCarthy as he discusses photographs of the Prince of Wales’s 1862 tour of the Middle East in an exhibition about the tour. Cairo to Constantinople: Early Photographs of the Middle East is at The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse until 21 July.
http://bit.ly/172sRJv

Text & photos Copyright © by May DeLory. All Rights Reserved.

Photo of London Ferris Wheel Copyright © by May DeLory

Photo credit, courtesy of Cunard

Photo credit, courtesy of the Ritz London

Photos of The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge in Quebec, Canada Copyright © by Cherie DeLory. All Rights Reserved.

On your way to the Scottish Highlands?  Slow down and visit one or two pretty villages.  You may be delightfully surprised by the unique gift items and high quality pastry, tea and coffee you’ll find nowhere else but in small villages and towns.  Of course if you are interested in nature, fishing, hunting, birding adventures, horse riding and festivals that celebrate the unique…you have come to the right place: Scotland’s rural landscape.

 

Dunkeld, Scotland in Perthshire on the River Tay by train makes for a fabulous overnight stay or day trip by automobile (approximately 50 miles) from Edinburgh. Just a two-hour journey by rail. The Dunkeld landscape is whimsical and makes for day-dreaming spells…. Plus you’ll be amongst a great forest — the Birnam Woods — mentioned by Shakespeare in Macbeth. Robert Burns, Scotland’s famous bard, wrote two poems in honour of his  love of Perthshire trees: “The Birks of Aberfeldie”  written in 1787; and “The Humble Petition of Bruar Water”.

The rain fell in soft but even drops the afternoon I arrived by train to Dunkeld. I checked into the Royal Dunkeld Hotel on Atholl Street (main street for cafes and shops), a large and rather grand building constructed in 1815 – 1820 in the centre of Dunkeld (five minutes’ walk from the bridge that crosses over the River Tay). A grand staircase that leads to the upper floors overlooks the entrance to the dining room where I enjoyed the next morning a buffet breakfast of porridge and eggs.  Nothing fancy but satisfying.The Royal Dunkeld was once a stage coach inn with one floor and owned by William Smytton.   The stage-coach left the Royal Hotel each morning and evening except Sunday on its way to Inverness to Perth. In winter the coach left on alternate days. The hotel prided itself on hunting and fishing tours for its guests. Queen Victoria paid a visit to the hotel. The adventure tour reputation still holds to this day.  If you’re interested in booking a fishing, hiking or other adventure tour, you’ll find a wide selection from which to choose at the hotel.In 1835 two floors were added to bring the hotel rooms to 40 bedrooms. Stables were added at the back of the hotel where fine Post horses for men and ponies for women could be secured for rides in the lovely countryside. The Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club with 18 holes at 5511 yards and ranked SSS 67 and par 69 is just out of town. The hotel has many artifacts from the hotel’s beginnings on display in its foyer. I saw several restaurants in Dunkeld but I thought I’d try my hotel’s dining room.  I wasn’t disappointed with a leg of lamb as the meat was both tender and sweet. Mashed potatoes were made from real potatoes.  Dark ale and a lovely dessert and I was ready for bed. The accommodation at the hotel is standard fare but the hospitality is far above average.

On the main street in Dunkeld is where I purchased high quality green cotton twine made in Scotland to secure one piece of luggage that had seen better days. The twine repair got me safely all the way back to Canada. Dunkeld is this sort of place where you can find the hard-to-find stuff as are most small villages.Thomas Telford’s Dunkeld Bridge built in 1809 leads into Dunkeld and crosses over the River Tay.  Wonderful views of Dunkeld Cathedral (13th c) may be seen from a walk across the bridge.  At one end of the bridge is the almost hidden stairway entrance to the River Tay Walk alongside the river’s edge. Landscape is straight out of a Grimms’ fairy tale.  You’ll be able to see Dunkeld Cathedral on the north side of the River Tay from your river walk. 
http://www.explore-highland-perthshire.com/transport.htm

Dunkeld, Scotland: secret walking path beneath the bridge

Dunkeld has a pretty main street — Atholl Street – with exceptional bakery and tea shops.  In my humble opinion the fare was delicious; especially, if you like homemade fruit and meat pies.  Park on the side of the street in town or around the corner from the main part of town near the bank and tourist office and you’ll be within minutes of wonderful tea and pastry shops and clothing stores.

Dunkeld Cathedral is only minutes away and along a pretty tree-lined path from Cathedral Street with a view of the River Tay.  On the village’s main street (Atholl Street) you’ll find a jewellery shop where the owner designs and creates hand-crafted pieces in her shop. I like a unique hardware shop with a feel for history. Dunkeld has a hardware store on the main street you just have to visit. Park on Atholl or on any of the side streets (there are only a few) and then walk around the village.  The cathedral is within a five minute walk from Atholl street.  You’ll find a couple of wood benches to rest awhile and to admire the fast moving river. Dunkeld is within one hour’s automobile drive from Ediburgh so makes for a lovely day trip without the large crowds of tourists you’ll doubtless find in large cities.

Near the village of Birnam two immense trees are to be found: a Birnam Oak near 1000-years in age; also, The Birnam Sycamore at approximately 300-years’ old. Both trees are in the list of the one-hundred  Scottish Heritage Trees.

Dunkeld Cathedral was proclaimed the first ecclesiastical capital of Scotland by Scotland’s first king, Kenneth MacAlpin and contains one of the few Scottish monuments to have survived from the Middle Ages,  the tomb of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan ( 1343 – 1405) known as the notorious “Wolf of Badenoch”  — son of King Robert 11 of Scotland. The “Wolf” burned the Elgin Cathedral as well as many villages of the day and was long remembered as a cruel man.

The cathedral is surrounded by the Perthshire hills and forest trees. Celtic missionaries, known as Culdees, built in approximately 570 A.D. a wattle monastery. In 848 the monastery was rebuilt in stone by Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Scots. Visit the East gable of the Choir to see some of the original red stones.  Dunkeld Cathedral was built in stages from 1260 to 1501 in the Gothic and Norman styles.  The restored Choir is the oldest section of the church completed in 1350. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Columba, whose name means “dove”. It is said that Saint Columba’s relics were hidden beneath the chancel steps from the invading Norsemen of the day. You’ll find the dove motif in the East Window (stained glass window). In 1689 the Carneronians fought against the Jacobites and won; but, the cathedral and village of Dunkeld were almost completely destroyed by fire.

Secret entranceway in Dunkeld Cathedral ceiling

The north wall of the Dunkeld Cathedral contains the Coat of Arms of the Atholl Family. You’ll find this Coat of Arms over the Chapter House door. Behind the carved oak screen you’ll see a headless effigy of Bishop Sinclair who was the chaplain to King Robert the Bruce during the War of Independence. There is a model of what was to be at the time the intended Atholl Mansion that was never completed and eventually became the Dunkeld House hotel on Atholl Street in Dunkeld.

Dunkeld was once the most important village in Scotland due to its location in the centre of the Celts.   Most Dunkeld houses date from the early 1700s and are now governed by The National Trust For Scotland (NTS).  Villagers still live and work in these well maintained and restored houses.  When you visit the Dunkeld tourism office in Dunkeld ask about the Ell Shop which features the original “ell” measure device at just over a metre long used for measuring cloth in ancient times.

Dunkeld main street shops where you’ll find colourful rain boots

Dunkeld, Main Street shopping

 

Some interesting Dunkeld facts courtesy of Perthshire Big Tree Country

It was the ‘Planting’ Dukes of Atholl who introduced forestry on a large scale.  Between 1738 and 1830  the Dukes of Atholl planted some twenty-seven-million conifers around the village of Dunkeld.  The Hermitage of Dunkeld is where you’ll have an opportunity to admire this 17th century sense of eco-tourism. If you’ve ever visited northern British Columbia in Canada or Capilano Suspension bridge in North Vancouver, BC you’ll know just how exciting it is to come up full face against ancient trees.
http://www.capbridge.com/

Here are some record breakers to keep an eye out for on your travels if you like ancient trees:

-  Largest yew in Europe: Fortingall yew ( G  17m).

-  The widest conifer in Britain is at Cluny House Gardens, Aberfeldy.

-  Tallest Japanese larch in Britain: Diana’s Grove at Blair Castle (H 44m, G 3m).

-   Oldest living thing in Europe:  Fortingall yew at 3000 to 9000-years-old.

One of the tallest trees in Britain is a Douglas fir near the Hermitage (H 64.5m).

www.welcometoscotland.com  2013/2014 special events.

www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk

www.dunkeldcathedral.org.uk  Dunkeld Cathedral.  Day trip by train from Edinburgh. Quaint village known for stunning landscape ideal for hiking and nature walks.  Some of the best fruit and meat pastries I’ve ever tasted are to be found in the village of Dunkeld.

www.dunkeld-handbells.co.uk Be sure to check out the  small ensemble ringing of The Little Dunkeld 9th Century Celtic Bell performance in Dunkeld Cathedral:  Wednesdays 2: pm to 4: pm April to September.  Telephone the tourist office for current details:  01350 727688.

www.dunkeldandbirnam.co.uk

http://www.thefiddletree.co.uk/
  2012 performers:  The Tim Kliphuis Trio (Holland  www.timkliphuis.com) ; The Halton Quartet at the Birnam Arts Centre. The Halton Quartet are two of Scotland’s most innovative and captivating duos, The Halton Quartet may be more familiar to audiences as Angus Lyon & Ruaridh Campbell, and Wingin’ It.    www.thehaltonquartet.com

www.murthly-estate.com   Enjoy a beautiful walk up Birnam Hill, salmon fishing on the renowned River Tay or arrange to visit the historical Murthly Castle & Chapel. Stunning landscapes offered throughout the year, however Spring & Autumn are particularly impressive. Murthly & Strathbraan Estates is a traditional working estate stretching from Trochry to Murthly. It incorporates Birnam Hill, the Birnam Oak and Murthly Castle. There is good walking to be had, with the long-established paths across the Estate now incorporated in the local path network.Tours of Murthly Castle, the chapel and garden are available by appointment only, as it plays host to weddings, concerts and other events. Country sports enthusiasts are well catered for here, with salmon fishing on the River Tay.

www.cardneysportingestate.co.uk   Some of the best in Scotland private driving tours for pheasant and partridge days from 100-500 bird days over 36 drives.  From high challenging birds to simulated grouse over a variety of terrain. Cardney is Scotland’s biggest small estate. The estate nestles in the hills above the Hamlet of Butterstone some four miles east of the ancient Perthshire village of Dunkeld.  The estate has some superb duck flighting with eight flight ponds and Butterstone Loch from which to choose.  You’ll find mallard, teal and widgeon.  Grey leg and pink footed geese from Canada are found mainly in the valley around Butterstone Loch although Canada geese often visit the flight ponds. Duck flighting and goose shooting are normally only let in conjunction with driven days. Cardney Estate offers trout fishing over a number of lochs. Cardney Loch is a specimen loch with a remarkable stock of rainbow and brown trout ranging from 5lb to 25lb.  Roe buck stalking  is available on the estate which is predominately carried out on the hill ground with a few bucks being shot on the low ground. The best periods for Roe buck stalking on Cardney are May, June and August.

www.pitlochryautumnfestival.co.uk  Sept/October annual festival

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/york

www.broughton-stuartjewellery.co.uk  Broughton-Stuart Jewellery Limited / Craig Stuart B. Des (Hons) at 25 Atholl Street, Dunkeld

www.pitlochryautumnfestival.co.uk

www.enchantedforest.org.uk Enchanted Forest, Friday 5 to Saturday 27 October 2012. Check out 2013 events.

www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk   A short nature trail through woodland that follows the edge of the River Braan towards Ossian’s Hall.

www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk 27 million conifers were planted in Dunkeld by The Dukes of Atholl between 1738 and 1830.  And it shows lovely!  The Parent Larch is behind Dunkeld Cathedral.

http://soc.li/sygtBSa
Book of Spells.

http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/
Join a wildlife adventure.

http://bit.ly/1biCaCr
  Luxury train travel.

www.walkersshortbread.com

Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh, 20 – 23 June, 2013 The 173rd show takes place this year and welcomes prize winning livestock, a celebration of rural skills and countryside living, and exceptional local produce. Last year saw sheep shearing competitions to shopping opportunities, and axe throwing to ceilidhs.

Nature walks, fishing, hunting, shooting, cycle tours.

Hiking Trail in Dunkeld, Scotland

Access hiking trail by the River Tay at Dunkeld, Scotland, and just minutes’ from the centre of Dunkeld. The trail entrance is just over the Dunkeld bridge. Don’t forget, it’s very easy to visit enchanting towns, cities and villages throughout Scotland by rail and automobile. Two-hours’ by rail Edinburgh Waverley Station to Dunkeld (no information booth is available at Dunkeld…it’s just a stop on the line with only one public telephone…so make sure you have your telephone numbers handy and money for the telephone call if need be).  I hope you are as lucky as I was when I paid a visit to Dunkeld as there was a small gathering of singers giving a concert in the cathedral. Interested in joining a birding and/or nature tour group in Dunkeld? 
http://wildlife.visitscotland.com/unique/perthshire

Travelling by rail?  Complete your booking, please email Info@acprail.com or call 1-866-938-7245 (toll-free for Canada and USA).  www.britrail.com Check out the 2012 fall travel specials.

Explore Natural Scotland with BritRail’s Extra Day Offer

Scenic Views Included

Visit Scotland’s Year of Natural Scotland in 2013!  BritRail invites you to discover Scotland by train, where rolling hills, rugged mountains and sparkling lakes form the backdrop to historic castles and vibrant cities. The BritRail Freedom of Scotland Travelpass is the perfect companion as now you get an extra travel day when you purchase your pass between April 1st and April 30th, 2013. Enjoy multiple train trips on each travel day, while boarding any train on the National Rail Network in Scotland. Hop on and off trains en route to cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Aberdeen and Inverness, just to name a few. Pass holders also benefit from free travel on select Scotland ferry and coach services, such as Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services and select routes aboard Scottish Citylink buses, among others.

The BritRail Freedom of Scotland Travelpass extra day promotion will extend your pass by an additional day of rail travel, valid in standard class, adult and child fares, for either 4 days within 8 days or 8 days within 15 days, plus one of course! Take Edinburgh to Glasgow for example; with trains departing every 15 minutes. Hop on the train of your choice. 50 minutes later you’re there! BritRail Freedom of Scotland Travelpass BritRail Passes are valid for six months from the date of purchase, you can use your pass to travel anytime in the summer and beyond. Purchase BritRail pass before taking flight as BritRail Passes cannot be purchased in Britain.

Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty will be celebrated this year as the country showcases the best of its historic landscapes, natural playgrounds and fascinating wildlife as part of the Year of Natural Scotland 2013. For more information go to www.cometoscotland.ca www.shetland-knitwear.co.uk Doreen Brown, Shetland Collection. mail@shetland-knitwear.co.uk

Leave room in your luggage for special purchase items.

www.shetland-knitwear.co.uk

Dr. Bruce Durie at McLean House in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for Homecoming Scotland 2014 media event.

Dr. Bruce Durie, genealogist, author, broadcaster and lecturer.  Shenachie to the Chief of Durie.  www.duriefamily.co.uk   www.brucedurie.co.uk  Recently, Dr. Durie was one of the Visit Scotland guests at The Estates of Sunnybrook / McLean House in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  www.estatesofsunnybrook.com

Watch an interview with journalist John McCarthy as he discusses photographs of the Prince of Wales’s 1862 tour of the Middle East in an exhibition about the tour. Cairo to Constantinople: Early Photographs of the Middle East is at The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh, Scotland) until 21 July.
http://bit.ly/172sRJv

Edinburgh Castle, perched high on the hill over the Scottish capital, was the birthplace of King James VI in June 1566. As well as an interesting tour of this Royal Palace where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her only child, James, visitors will experience The Honours of Scotland, which are the nation’s crown jewels. www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

Luxury train train travel. 
http://bit.ly/1biCaCr

Photos & Text Copyright © by May DeLory. All rights reserved. For use of images or content on this blog please contact May DeLory.

Watermill, Posara, Italy

Sometimes in the least expected place and at the least expected time you’ll find romance.

Write your heart out in Italy

May DeLory discovers after bad timing, missed opportunities and twenty-five-years, it’s never too late to tackle a romance novel. Just like in a good book, there are a few twists and turns before the satisfying conclusion!

It’s spring.  I’m in a sleepy little place in Italy. I’m attending a five-day writing course at the Watermill in the village of Posara. The three-storey Tuscan house is named after two watermills from the 17^th and 19^th century that were once used for making precious olive oil and for producing wheat, maize and chestnut flour. No television, telephone or Internet here—just the opportunity to sink your teeth into getting serious about writing, and to eat the most tantalizing local food imaginable.

The fast flowing stream beneath my bedroom window emits negative ions. I push open wider the very old window frame. I look down at the stream.  Freshly washed sheets hang to dry on a thin rope line to one side of the courtyard below. I feel tipsy with joy; or, is the high spirit due to my being in Tuscany — land of milk and honey — Frances Mayes country, author of Under the Tuscan Sun.

Watermill

Tuscany is still considered the most authentic of all the regions and the land where you’ll most likely hear pure Italian spoken. Language of pure romance, I wager. I also try to push back again the nagging thought that since I’m not at the moment in love with a man that I shouldn’t even be thinking of writing a romance novel. But I cannot help but remember what it felt like to be in love. And then I think that yes I am in love at this precise moment and have been for a very long while:  I love blue skies and I even love stormy skies. I love the air I breathe and the land beneath my feet.  I love learning something entirely new; and, I love learning about people and their culture. Yes, I decide. I am in love right this second.

Many dine out evenings in elegant restaurants.

Soon I find myself in a classroom. A dozen women and I hang off every word uttered by Sharon Kendrick, creative writing instructor at the Watermill and author of over 70 titles for Mills & Boon—the UK arm of Harlequin.  Harlequin Enterprises is the world’s leading publisher of books for women.  Sharon is a striking woman in her 50s, a retired nurse who runs mini marathons in the fragrant Tuscan hills just outside our classroom windows while we her students try to write blistering sex scenes between classes, sipping wine and eating chocolates. “Famous UK romance writer, Mary Wesley, didn’t start writing until she was 70,” Sharon says.

I used to write romance stories for fun – the sort of story one reads between the covers of a Harlequin novel.  In the 90s, I was programme director of the Canadian Authors Association and a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and its Toronto Chapter, where I won a synopsis writing contest.  Had I taken a course such as Kendrick’s 25 years ago, I might have zeroed in on some of the pitfalls made by most beginning writers. I, too, might have recognized the importance of an editor’s letter, offering suggestions for improving my manuscript for possible publication. As it were, I mistook the constructive criticism as failure, shoved the manuscript into the bottom of a drawer, and began another story without really knowing what I was doing wrong.

Walking trail in the hills above Posara

Sweet cheese dessert with pistachio was too good to be true.

We’re a motley group, ages 30 to 70 reaching around the globe.  One dream has brought all of us together: to be published romance authors.  There’s not a male among us; although, the Watermill creative writing course welcomes male writers with open arms. Towards the end of the week I learn two of the women taking the writing course are staying on at the Watermill to take a watercolour painting course. The Watermill offers several private rooms and a very large main floor apartment with balcony. Accommodation is offered when painting and writing courses are not in effect…so, the Watermill is an excellent spot to make as homebase for touring Tuscany.

We’re here to learn the art of chapter-by-chapter plot construction and character analysis. By the end of the week we’ll have a full-blown outline for a Harlequin Mills & Boon Presents novel. “Readers love sex scenes,” says Sharon, pointing out that a Presents hero is wealthy, gorgeous, sophisticated, cynical, bitter, rude, nasty when he has a reason, and irresistible to women.

“This thing you wish to tell me….” His voice was as hard as the marble he knew so well.  He said nothing further, waiting for Kate to respond.  When she said nothing, Marco’s hands were on her shoulders, twisting her without formality to face him. “Face me when you want to tell me such a thing.” (written by May DeLory, at the Watermill.)

Bring it on! I say to myself. Let the adventue begin. Even if you don’t come prepared with a story in mind, the side trips to restaurants and sightseeing excursions will soon engage your creative spirit.  The week I visited the Watermill we took the train to the walled city of Lucca, known both today and in ancient times for fabulously adorned villa gardens.  In Lucca our group dined outdoors on the patio and enjoyed a fresh fish lunch with salad and wonderful wine — both red and white at Ristorante del Teatro on the Piazza Napoleone.  I usually don’t drink Chianti but when in Italy…! I loved the Fiorino 2008 Chianti.  The white wine was excellent, too…a Montecarlo Bianco 2008 (Fattoria Il Poggio). The table beside ours ordered a Chianti Classic Villa Vistarenni 2007 red wine and said they were very, very pleased with the wine. We enjoyed many fine restaurants throughout Tuscany and enjoyed excellent local wines from the Val di Magra (Bianco; Rosato; Rosso in the styles normale and Novello) produced in the province of Massa Carrara. Carrara is where the famous marble is quarried. Lucca is a wonderful city where you can enjoy long walks and take in opera seven days a week at 7:PM at the local church.

One thing to keep in mind when taking a course of any kind far from home: what’s included in the cost of the course? At the Watermill, accommodation, meals, snacks, wine, day trips and course instruction are included. Even return transportation from Pisa to the Watermill is included. Just pay for your flight.  Of course the Watermill is only too happy to explain everything to you.  I hope you find your dream story at the Watermill…I know I did.

If you enjoy writing, then keep at it, encourages Sharon. “Age is no barrier to talent,” she says. “If you can write and convey a fantastic story that your reader cannot put down, that moves her, that makes her laugh and makes her cry, and makes her feel the story, then it is never too late to write your story.”

Day trip to Lucca, Italy.

Salvartori serves a fresh fish lunch at Ristorante del Teatro in Lucca, Italy.

FYI

Blood Orange Dessert at Ristorante Al Vecchio Tino

www.watermill.net    Sharon’s course: Saturday 4 May to Saturday 11 May 2013  AND  Saturday 22 June to Saturday 29 June 2013.

www.eharlequin.com 

http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/

www.lufthansa.com  Canada to Frankfurt, Germany. Take connecting flight Frankfurt to Pisa. Watermill staff will pick you up at the Pisa airport for transport to the Watermill.

http://www.airdolomiti.it/

http://www.versiliaffari.com/dettaglio_azienda.php?ID_azienda=66699
  Ristorante del Teatro in Lucca, Italy. (excellent seafood, pasta and wine.)

http://www.ilbardellino.it/
  Ten-minute drive from the Watermill (dine out evening).  We enjoyed 2007 Val di Magra Rosso wine.

http://www.alvecchiotino.com/
  Ten-minute drive from Watermill.  Just one of the dine-out evenings our writing romance class enjoyed while in Tuscany.  Excellent restaurant with the Apuan Alps in the near distance. Ask for fresh blood orange dessert.  Al Vecchio Tino, rated 4.5 of 5 on TripAdvisor and ranked #1 of 7 restaurants in Fivizzano.

Lucca, Italy:  Gelateria and Wine Bar (just down the street from Ristorante del Teatro, Lucca).

The Apuan Alps in Tuscany for skiing and other pleasures.

http://travelglossary.wordpress.com/

MORE ROMANCE ♥

Princess Cruises: Crown Princess ship

Copyright © by May DeLory

Royal Princess Naming Ceremony Live! : June 2013 Princess Cruises,  The Duchess of Cambridge    ow.ly/lTWjT   www.princesscruises.com

Can you top this for ROMANCE? 
http://www.thestar.com/life/2013/02/14/will_you_marry_me.html

Italian style. 
http://wp.me/pDQWN-1EC

Who knew more about romance than William Shakespeare, an English  poet and dramatist who died in 1616 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England at age 52. What with thousands of visitors still to this day visiting the balcony in Verona, Italy said to be Juliet’s in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is it any wonder.

Hemingway’s Suite: Gran Hotel La Perla / Pamplona, Spain

If you’re looking for a bed made for romance, look no further than the suite Ernest Hemingway slept in during his visits to Pamplona, Spain for the annual running of the bulls event still held to this day in July. Hemingway stayed at the Gran Hotel La Perla in Pamplona, Spain.  When I visited two-years’ ago I immediately fell in love with both Spain itself and Hemingway’s hotel suite.  Mr. Hemingway’s room, with view to the Estafeta Street, has been preserve on its original structure, furniture and decoration.   
http://www.granhotellaperla.com/en/rooms.html

Canada’s own Christopher Plummer has played a leading role in many a romantic plot, winning the Oscar® for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Beginners.”  

 .  Plummer made his debut at the Stratford Festival in the Canadian city of Stratford, Ontario   Stratford Shakespeare Festival  in 1956 in the title role in Henry V. Plummer has had a leading role in many stage and screen productions.  One of my all time favorites is Murder by Decree.

Stratford, Ontario, Canada

If you missed The Matchmaker last year at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival theatre check out the 2013 schedule. Stratford, Ontario is one of Canada’s most romantic spots to live and to visit. Travel Info:  www.viarail.ca  travel to Stratford, Ontario (5 minute taxi ride to theatre.) http://bit.ly/N7jo90

Love is in the leaves!   Have your tea leaves read by Canada’s world-renowned tea sommelier.  Karen Hartwick has travelled to some of the world’s finest tea plantations.  Is there a romance in your future? Tantalize your nose and expand your senses with a tea tasting workshop.  Fine loose-leaf teas for sale in Karen’s tea shop.  All Karen needs now is Johnny Depp to stop by; perhaps he has…Stratford is a mecca for celebrity sightings.  Justin Bieber was born in Stratford…and Bieber is a very romantic kinda guy. From an intimate Italian-style picnic for two on the banks of the Avon River, chocolates galore   www.rheothompson.com  to pooching together in Stratford’s designer doggie shop for goodies for your pet peeve at The Barkery  www.thebarkery.ca . 
http://www.savourstratford.com/blog/
  www.welcometostratford.com/chocolatetrail  www.kitchenconnaisseur.com   www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com  www.dugganplace.com  www.theparlour.ca  www.savourstratford.com  
https://stratfordsummermusic.ca/
 Combine music with a culinary adventure.

Karen Hartwick, Stratford, Ontario

Stratford’s Avon River Swan Parade of Spring

April 6 – 7, 2013

Avon River, Stratford, Ontario

Bring your family to the Swan Celebration from 12 Noon – 3:00 pm along Lakeside Drive. Enjoy The Grand Parade, an original puppet show commissioned for
Stratford and presented by The Other Hand Puppet Troupe, children’s entertainer Madame Buskerfly (on stilts!), ventriloquist show, Festival City Twirlers, street performers, face painting, bouncy castle, swan hats and crafts for children. A charity BBQ, free popcorn and Tim Hortons coffee will be available.  At 2:00 pm, the Swan Parade, organized by the volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee, begins as The Stratford Police Pipes and Drums lead the swans from their winter quarters along the parade route to the Avon River. Free parking is available in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival parking lot, corner of Lakeside Drive and Queen Street and along Lakeside Drive east of Front Street. People are encouraged to walk or ride their bicycles to the event.

Stratford salutes spring with a weekend of family fun on April 6 & 7, 2013 as graceful, yet feisty feathered ambassadors parade to the Avon River! The festivities begin Saturday April 6th with the Swan Quest, a search for decorated topiary swans in Stratford’s heritage district; free horse-drawn carriage tours; photos with the Swan Weekend Mascot BJ the Swan and inspiring spring family brunches. The highlight of the weekend is Sunday’s Swan Celebration, one of Canada’s most unique events announcing the arrival of spring along Lakeside Drive (between Waterloo St. and Morenz Dr.) from 12 noon – 3:00 pm. The Swan Parade, marking the return of the swans to the Avon River begins at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Saturday, April 6.

Be on the lookout for special swans in front of business store fronts.  Shoppers are invited to find all twelve swans and nominate their favourite for the People’s Choice Award and a chance to win a $50 City Centre gift certificate.  Ballots are available at each shop with a decorated swan and at Stratford Tourism Alliance where completed ballots will be received until 4:00 pm Sunday, April 7, 2013.

Guided Swan Walks. Stories about Stratford’s swans are shared as you view the swans in their winter quarters and see popular nesting spots. Tours begin at
11:00 am and 3:00 pm at the William Allman Arena. Tickets are $7 per person and are available on-line for tours on Saturday and Sunday.

Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered courtesy of the businesses of downtown Stratford from 12 noon – 4:00 pm (Sat & Sun) departing from Memorial Gardens, Ontario Street. A heritage enthusiast shares intriguing stories and unique architectural features along the way.

Swan Weekend Family Brunches: Participating restaurants offer special menus and features to mark the Swan Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Innkeepers Dinner: Chef Max Holbrook of The Parlour recreates a historic menu reminiscent of dinner in the Huron Tract Inns during the late 19th century. Music, short snappy speeches, silent auction and fun. Proceeds support the Stratford Perth Museum. Tippling begins at 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm at Knox
Church. Sunday, April 7, 2013.

Enter a theatrical world of fantasy as you try on Stratford Festival Costumes and watch Stage Combat demonstrations inside the Kiwanis Community Centre from
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

For more information, a Swan Quest Ballot and a video clip of the swan parade, go to www.visitstratford.ca/swans<http://www.visitstratford.ca/swans>, call 519-271-5140 or 1-800-561-7926, or visit us at Stratford Tourism Alliance, 47 Downie Street, Stratford.

www.visitstratford.ca/swans<http://www.visitstratford.ca/swans   www.visitstratford.ca

Princess Cays with Princess Cruises

Princess Cays Island / Princess Cruises

Rent a cabana for a few hours on Princess Cruises’s private island in the Bahamas.  The ocean is but a few feet away from your front door.  Cabanas are painted in primary colours, furnished and ideal for a most romantic picnic by the sea. Crown Princess sailed to the Western Caribbean for a Valentine’s Day cruise; the itinerary included Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman Island in the Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; and in the Bahamian island of Eleuthera is Princess Cays–the private Princess Cruises’ island.  www.princess.com   http://bit.ly/Qu6gMo 

Tucked away on Canada’s sleepy east coast, you’ll find the perfect laid back ambiance of Prince Edward Island. The ocean is minutes’ away; but, you’ll still fall asleep in your lover’s arms with a pretty bay at your doorstep.  Stanhope Beach Resort is approximately twenty minutes’ drive north of the Charlottetown airport.  Golf course, cycle paths, hiking trails and best of all one of the prettiest soft-as-butter red clay ocean beach.  Full buffet breakfast. Fine dining in the enclosed dining room overlooking formal intimate garden.  Prince Edward Island is the home of author L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables novels.  Anne knows something of romance; and, P.E.I. spells romance in its tiny coves and wide open ocean space and whimsical time-laspe ambiance. The saying goes on the red island that one is never further than a twenty-minute drive to a major tourist attraction or to water. I’ve tested this thought and found it to be true. There is much to do inside and outside on Anne’s red island. www.stanhopebeachresort.com  www.confederationcentre.com  www.golfpei.ca

Hastings House, Salt Spring Island, BC

Hastings House Country House Hotel / Manor Suite

A daughter getting married is a time where the emotional bonds between mother and daughter are strengthened. The wedding destination is serious stuff.  If you need a year-round temperate climate, Canada’s west coast is ideal. Hastings House Country Country House Hotel is an historic manor house on 22 waterfront acres on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. They specialize in storybook weddings for two to 60 guests. There is a spa, separate cottages, forested walking trails, whimsical fruit, vegetable and flower gardens, and best of all a honeymoon guest house. Private helicoper will place you discreetly on the property.  How romantic is this! www.hastingshouse.com  www.vancouverisland.travel

Lunenburg Inn, Nova Scotia

Bed & Breakfast

Be My Valentine! At The Ritz London (150 Piccadilly)

www.theritzlondon.com

The Ritz London

The Ritz Rose Champagne

www.cunardline

Transatlantic crossing with Cunard Line, New York City to Southampton, England. Then take a cab to The Ritz London!  For those of you looking to create a romantic experience that is unsurpassed then look no further than ‘A Ritz Rendezvous’. This residential package has been created with romantics in mind and offers you and your significant other the opportunity to disappear into the stylish glamour of The Ritz. Guests can enjoy a night in the plush comfort of a room and will arrive to a chilled bottle of Ritz Rosé Champagne as well as a little romantic gift courtesy of The Ritz. Dress to impress for an unforgettable dining experience in The Ritz Restaurant before retiring to the seclusion of your own room where you can revel in conspicuous comfort that will have you longing for every day to be Valentine’s Day. With rates from £840.00 including VAT for two people sharing, please call +44 (0)20 7300 2222 for further information.

The Ritz Restaurant Valentine’s Day dinner dance:   four-course meal of delectable seasonal delights complete with a glass of Ritz Rosé Champagne. The Ritz Restaurant Valentine’s Day dinner dance is available on 14th February 2013 and costs £195 per person. For more information or to make a booking, please telephone: +44 (0)20 7300 2370.

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London in the Palm Court is served with a glass of Ritz Rosé Champagne and set to the soundtrack of our famous pianist’s repertoire of romantic tunes. Available from 14th – 17th February 2013 and costs £59 per person. For more information or to make a booking, please click here or telephone: +44 (0)20 7300 2345.

New Chocolate Workshops – Just In Time for Valentines at York Cocoa House

York Cocoa House has now launched new drop-in chocolate making taster courses. The workshop sessions allow visitors to try their hand at chocolate truffle making or even design their own chocolate bar whilst being told fascinating stories of how to this day the city of York became referred to as ‘the home of chocolate’. Suitable for all ages and abilities, visitors are able to go online to book a place onto one of Cocoa House’s regular workshops or alternately can pop along to one of its drop-in sessions – which are open to all with no need to book – for more information visit: www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk/events

Mont Tremblant, Quebec is made for warm and cosy evenings!

Aux Truffes Restaurant / Mont Tremblant Resort

Aux Truffes Restaurant is a Four-Diamond gastronomic dining experience. The CAA/AAA recently awarded Aux Truffes 4-diamonds for the 11th year running. Restaurant guide Resto Voir awared Aux truffes 5 stars.  Where to Eat in Canada is over the moon for chef-owner Martin Faucher’s romantic dining spot in the world renowned  all-year resort. Farcher and his culinary team will tantalize guests with Quebec duck foie gras, venison, seafood, chocolate deserts, sweetbreads, the highest quality products selected by season, and, to be sure, truffle! A very romantic brunch menu is served 9:30 am to 3: pm. Kids have not been forgotten at Aux Truffes.  Be sure to check out the kids’ menu.  (Aux Truffes is very near to Le Westin Resort & Spa (Heavenly Beds®)  in the Tremblant Village.)

The French Connection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The city of Montreal is considered North America’s “Most European City.”  To my mind this spells ROMANCE.  With boutique and grand hotels, great food markets, exciting and very cool cafes and restaurants, you won’t have to look far for fun, frolick and a memorable adventure.

FYI

http://www.princess.com/romance/

http://bit.ly/NETTfH

  (Princess Cruises Department of Romance video)

http://www.princess.com/learn/ports/caribbean/ports/RSD.html
(Princess Cruises private island)

http://www.princess.com/
    1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237)  Don’t forget to enter the Princess Cruise Escape contest.  
http://www.princess.com/escapecompletelycontest/

http://www.princess.com/why_princess/singles/details/23January2010.html
  Western Caribbean islands.

http://www.tourismpei.com

http://www.canadianliving.com/life/valentines_day_2013/

http://hastingshouse.com/

www.westin.com/MontTremblant

www.theritzlondon.com

The Cranberry Golf Resort in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada…one-hour north of Toronto on Georgian Bay.

Learn to write romance in rural Tuscany in romantic Italy.  
http://wp.me/pDQWN-9A

Romance à la carte
http://wp.me/pDQWN-9A

Celine Dion sings romance!  
http://www.celinedion.com/ca/home

Modern Flavors of Arabia: recipes and memories from my middle eastern kitchen by Suzanne Husseini. Photography by Petrina Tinslay.

Nigella Lawson cooks naughty but nice!   
http://www.cravebyrandomhouse.ca/2013/02/12/a-valentines-day-menu/

Look for the feature article in Zoomer Magazine,  KISS & TELL, April 2011 magazine issue.  Note: KISS & TELL  is only available in the printed copy of the magazine and may be SOLD OUT.    www.zoomermag.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_and_Juliet

Christopher Plummer, In Spite of Myself: a memoir. Knopf Canada.

http://travelglossary.wordpress.com/

The ideal game to play for more romance!  
http://tommypinball.com/

Text and Photos Copyright © by May DeLory. All Rights Reserved

Kur-Royal Day Spa

Destination Germany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and is, according to IPK International, the number one cultural travel destination for Europeans. Prominent among Germany’s many cultural treasures are the 37 natural and cultural heritage sites that have been recognised by UNESCO. The internationally recognized spa town of Bad Homburg, Germany, is but a twenty to thirty minute journey by train from Frankfurt.  Frankfurt is known for its museums. I was especially enthralled with three floors of literary history. 
http://www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de/welcome/view?set_language=en

Bad Homburg, Germany (The White Castle)

Copyright © By May DeLory

Take a day trip! Frankfurt to Bad Homburg

You may not have heard of Bad Homburg; but, the ardent spa-goer doubtless has ever since remnants of a Roman bathhouse were discovered at Bad Homburg in the late 1800s. Bad Homburg is also famous for the Homburg hat
http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/homburg-hat-history-style/
 worn by Edward VII after his return from the famous spa city in Germany. Hollywood film star Al Pacino wore a Homburg in the film “The Godfather.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe sprouted poetic in 1773 on Bad Homburg when he wrote about “morning mists.” Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Crime and Punishment) lost his shirt in 1867 to Bad Homburg’s elegant casino. Czar Nicholas II laid the cornerstone of a gold-domed Russian church he himself had built adjacent his summer home in Bad Homburg.

Famous Hay Steam Bath in the ancient spa town: Homburg, Germany

Ever since the Roman bathhouse was unearthed both royalty and those with deep pockets searched out Bad Homburg’s famous healing mineral waters. Today, the city has over 50,000-inhabitants, is well connected to the highway, has beautiful city streets, fine dining and luxury shopping and is connected by public transport to anywhere on the Rhine-Main area. The Frankfurt airport is easily accessible. I myself stayed at the 5-star Villa Kennedy hotel in Frankfurt. It was approximately a twenty-minute commuter train journey from Frankfurt to Bad Homburg.  I took a city tram (public transportation that looks like a cable car) from Villa Kennedy to the Frankfurt train station…about a ten-minute ride. Then it was on to Bad Homburg by commuter train.

Siamesischer Temple in Kurpark, Bad Homburg, Germany

In 1907, the last of the German emperors, King Chulalongkorn of Siam, visited Bad Homburg on a personal health mission to seek out a cure from chronic rhinitis, heart and kidney problems. The king’s treatments involved mud packs, bathing in mineral baths, hot showering and massage. So thankful was the king for his dramatic recovery, he gifted the Siamesischer Temple—found in Bad Homburg’s Kurpark—to the city.

With 14 natural mineral springs, Bad Homburg has been a wellness travel destination for over 170-years— to drink the special waters, and seek treatment for rheumatism, respiratory, intestinal, and circulatory problems. The area is also famous for the Taunus Mountains. Forests, lakes and pastures of grasses and wildflowers bathe Bad Homburg in what is known as “champagne air”—air that absorbs energy and nutrients as it passes over a vast region of oxygen-giving forest, offering physiological benefits to all who breathe of its miracle-like properties.

Kur-Royal Day Spa is housed in a magnificent neo-Renaissance-style building—the Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad— that dates from 1887. A Bronze statue honours the Prussian King Wilhelm II. Kurpark is located in 109-acres of parkland where you’ll find formal and informal gardens, towering chestnut trees, Europe’s first tennis courts built in 1876, and first golf course built in 1889 and the famous casino designed by brothers who later designed Monte Carlo’s famous casino.

The 27,000-square-foot Kur-Royal Day Spa offers a complex range of modern therapeutic equipment and medical practices. The spa cafe offers a selection of vegetable and fruit freshly juiced options as well as salads. The spa is especially known for Bad Homburg’s mineral-rich medicinal clay for the body and fine chalk from Rugen for the face and neckline that acts as a detox to promote circulation. Kur-Royal Day Spa also offers a full range of fitness programmes, including yoga, Pilates, bodystyling and outdoor activities.

Kur-Royal DaySpa

I decided to investigate the Hay Steam Bath treatment used for the lungs at Kur-Royal. Hay therapy is comprised of natural and untreated grasses (hay), herbs and flowers taken from Bad Homburg’s spa gardens at KurPark. Steam passes through a basket of the hay mixture to release into the air beneficial ingredients absorbed by the skin and into the lungs. The main property in hay is cumarin, used to cleanse the respiratory ducts, act as a relaxant, retard edema, serve as an anti-inflammatory and suppress the appetite.

Entrance to Saltwater Pool

Kur-Royal Day Spa. One of many themed treatment rooms

After I relax in Kur-Royal’s Saltwater Relaxation Pool for an hour with a water temperature of approximately 91 degrees I decide to head for the hay treatment room. I slip on my spa slippers and I make my way past several special areas reserved for unique spa treatments such as the Sand and Light Bath designed to take you to the beach with sun, sand and sound included.

Half-timbered historic buildings in Bad Homburg (converted into flower shop).

As soon as I reach the hay treatment area a female spa attendant appears as if of out of nowhere and escorts me into a high-ceiling and large ceramic chamber with four separate seats built into the wall. I take a seat and begin to relax simply because this area as are all of the treatment areas is so unbelievably private and peaceful.

Luxury fitness centre and weight loss options in Kurpark

A special paper sheet is placed over my body. After a few instructions given me in English on what to expect from the hay treatment the attendant leaves the chamber, closes the door behind her to turn on the steam. The treatment is scheduled to last for about twelve minutes. I wait a moment, admiring the design of the ceramic tiles in the chamber. Then, I feel the warm steam first on my back, then pelvic region. The warm, not hot, wild flower-infused steam softly envelopes me. The room becomes filled with steam within minutes. The air temperature is slightly cooler than that of the spa corridors. The steam obscures the chamber. I close my eyes.

Roemerbrunner Restaurant (fine dining) within Kurpark, Bad Homburg

Argentine Beef

I continue to breathe deeply. The aroma is like that of a freshly cut hay field. The aroma is not intrusive, merely coaxing. I continue to rhythmically breathe in and out. With each breath I feel empowered and calmed at the same time. The smell of the heated hay is delightfully sweet. I envision myself dancing softly through summer fields of wild flowers, mountains far off in the distance, the sun warm and lemon-yellow on my skin. Of course the dancing over a meadow is all in my imagination…but the invigorating hay steam bath is real and powerful. I love what the hay steam treatment is doing to me.

Bad Homburg castle grounds (Taunus Mountains “champagne air”.

Afterwards, I took a long and relaxing walk through Kurpark, stopped to drink from one of the mineral fountains and brought out my camera. I just had to see the Thai-Sala in Kurpark and make some memories. The Thai-Sala is quite something to behold, like finding a secret mountain of gold in some far off fantasy land.

Bad Homburg castle and gardens

FYI

www.kur-royal.de

http://www.roemerbrunnen.de/
 Roemerbrunner restaurant, Kurpark , Bad Homburg. 5-star seafood and Argentine beef and Italian pasta menu. Fine wine selection.

www.lufthansa.com

http://www.bad-homburg.de

http://www.bad-homburg-tourismus.de/en/

http://www.bad-homburg-tourismus.de/en/events/index-showid36532.htm
  Free summer events in Bad Homburg.
http://www.bad-homburger-kultursommer.de/

http://www.fresenius.de/
  Health Week events.

http://www.bad-homburg.de/sc/Stadtinfo/7879736.asp
 Bad Homburg Castle

http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/cms/tourismussuite/en/home.html

www.germanwines.de

Nice 360-degree panorama of Bad Homburg castle 
http://www.360cities.net/image/castle-of-bad-homburg

view from room balcony at Villa Kennedy hotel, Frankfurt, Germany

www.villakennedy.com  5-star hotel in Frankfurt, Germany (20 minutes by commuter train to Bad Homburg).

http://www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de/welcome/view?set_language=en

 Hollywood classic film (1946) starring Irene Dunn and Rex Harrison (1964 May Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn, 

 .)

http://travelglossary.wordpress.com/

Text and Photographs Copyright © by May DeLory

Feel the love 

And baby makes three!

Copyright © by May DeLory

A young Toronto couple decided Bermuda was the ideal place to vacation while awaiting the birth of their first baby, even though the month of January was off-season for the well-known island paradise.

Married nearly three-years, Christine and Trevor were delighted when they received the news that a baby was on the way. They didn’t want to put off taking a holiday before becoming parents and so began to make their vacation plans. Sort of a second honeymoon.

Experienced scuba divers, marathon runners, and hikers in rugged terrain, both had their heart set on climbing Machu Picchu in Peru, but quickly decided Bermuda was perfect given their new circumstances. “We wanted to go somewhere where we wouldn’t worry that I could get sick from the water or food,” Christine remarked. “Somewhere safe, clean and friendly.”

“We’d done Belize, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, England, Central and South America but were really concerned about water quality for Christine,” her husband said.

Indeed, Bermuda fit the bill in several ways for the couple. A friend who’d moved to Bermuda nine-years ago to work in computers offered to show them around the island on his day off. And when they arrived to Bermuda, he augmented that invitation with a home cooked dinner.

The decision on what hotel to stay at was easily solved. Trevor works part-time at a Toronto university library but also tends bar at a Fairmont Hotel chain, the Delta Chelsea in Toronto and has done so for nearly ten years.

Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda

So, it was a natural decision for the couple to stay at both the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, with its European elegance and spectacular harbour view, and the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel, outfitted with every amenity imaginable, and 18-hole golf course.

“We stayed at the Hamilton Princess for four days and the Southampton for five days,” Christine said. “We enjoyed the Fairmont’s Entrée Gold Concierge level hotel suite. They treat you as if royalty. There was afternoon tea, and evening fruit cocktails and hors-d’ oeuvres,” Christine pointed out. “The Southampton has a private beach. It was a short walk to another beach — Horseshoe. Everybody thought we were crazy to go swimming. It was 72 degrees. It wasn’t warm for the locals but it was for us. And Trevor and I liked that there wasn’t a lot of tourists.”

There were however over two-thousand runners attending an annual charity marathon, the Bermuda International Race Weekend.  “It was the highlight of our trip,” Trevor boasted.  “I did the half marathon — 13 miles — in about two hours. It began on Front Street and looped around the island to return to Front.” Christine, a star track and field athlete in her youth, decided to sit this marathon out. “Unfortunately, the morning was rushed,” Trevor added. “We had to fly out the same day. We had a quick lunch and then went straight to the airport.”

The couple decided a moped rental to take in the island sights was out of the question due to Christine’s condition. Instead, the hotel’s shuttle bus delivered them to town where they caught a bus to Crystal Caves. “It was a one-hour tour through caves with stalactites and stalagmites,” Christine enthused. “We’re both amateur photographers…so we took a lot of pictures. Gibb’s Lighthouse was a thirty-minute walk from our hotel. The lighthouse was closed when we were there. We were disappointed but it was fun just the same.”

The couple found making their way around the towns of Hamilton and St. George on foot to be a snap. “I spent a lot of time in the jewellery stores,” she admitted. “Great deals there.”

They also found the 18^th century Dockyards’ British Western Atlantic stronghold especially fascinating with its historic stone buildings, galleries, theatres, eateries and lovely shops. “The Love Boat ”from the television programme was docked when we visited,” she said. ”But it was roped off so we couldn’t go aboard.”

Bermuda can be very expensive to eat in nice restaurants. The couple found several reasonably priced places with a warm and cozy ambiance. “We really liked a place called the Porch. It has good food,” Christine assured. “It sits above stores and has an outdoor balcony on Front Street in Hamilton. It has English-style pub meals, a fireplace, and bookshelves.”

Their next trip to Bermuda will undoubtedly be a trip of a different colour. Odds on pink or blue?

“We’d do this again in a minute,” Trevor said, without hesitation. “We loved every minute.”

“Everybody made us feel right at home,” Christine added. “Especially the children. They were very polite.” Just like Canadians!

FYI Bermuda

www.fairmont.com

Telephone: 1-800BERMUDA for Pink Sale.

www.bermuda.com

http://www.aircanada.com/en/home.html

www.westjet.com

http://www.thewestend.bm/
 Royal Naval Dockyards.

www.offshoresailing.com

www.bermudaraceweekend.com

www.canadianliving.com  Where you’ll find articles on family, single and couple lifestyle.

www.canadianfamily.ca

www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Chelsea

www.princess.com

www.hollandamerica.com

www.cunard.com

http://www.hamleys.com/
 The best toys in London, England.

www.VisitBritainShop.com

Hamleys Department Toy Store in London, England

Pink Sale: you can stay in one of Bermuda’s participating hotels and experience all Bermuda has to offer, such as strolling along pink sand beaches, teeing off on  22 acres of championship golf courses, learning about historical sites, and even exploring island caves. There’s a lot of exciting mystery in the dark.  From the East Coast, it’s approximately two hours by ‘plane. Book the Bermuda     “Pink Sale” between January 23 – February 3, 2013 and travel between January 24, – May 7, 2013.

Text copyright  © by May DeLory

Photographs copyright © May DeLory

Photo copyright by Fairmont Hamilton Princess

Mont-Tremblant with Expedition Wolf

I tried snowshoeing up ice hills near Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort in Quebec. I had so much fun.  I felt like a kid again. Canada has fabulous ski resorts right across the country…but for that touch of the French flair both in ambiance and cuisine… head to Mont-Tremblant Resort in the province of Quebec, Canada.

Some people pride themselves on jumping out of a ‘plane to sky dive when they celebrate a major birthday milestone…say 75; but, I wasn’t having anything to do with this sort of derring-do.  I wanted to keep my feet planted firmly on the ground, my five senses intact. In real life I was already considered dizzy enough. I wanted to see landscape unfamiliar to me and meet new like-minded people — people who enjoyed fresh air and the out-of-doors in winter.

FLASH THIS

Tremblant 2013 summer events.  Here are just a few: Ironman June 23, 2013.  Tremblant International Blues Festival July 5 to 14, 2013; Golf: opening day May 17, 2013; Golf T-Pack Special in the Laurentian  landscape;   
http://www.tremblant.ca/

http://www.westinessence.com/#/move-well/gear-lending
      New Balance  shoes and clothing $5. at Le Westin Resort!  Now this is summer fun.

Photos and text © Copyright by May DeLory

Tube Slide / Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Mont Tremblant Activity Center (pedestrian village)

It’s a truism that a change is as good as a rest.  One bleak January, deep in the bowels of Toronto, when the walls of my apartment began to close in on me with cabin fever, I knew it was time to get away to where I could stretch my legs and forget about editorial deadlines. So when the opportunity to join a travel writer’s group to Mont Tremblant  (year-round resort on Lac-Tremblant) appeared, I jumped at the chance. I had my eye on snowshoeing in a forest landscape with ice obstacles. Dog-sledding  www.expeditionwolf.com behind a team of huskies was on my list, too. The big surprise awaited me early one evening in the form of an immense rubber tube on one of Mont Tremblant’s snow hills.

I had devoted much ink to the joys of Old Quebec City and North America’s most European city — Montreal; but, I had yet to experience — what is considered by many people to be the number-one ski resort in eastern North America — Tremblant.  Off I went to join my travel group on a Porter Airlines Porter Airlines 80-minute flight Toronto to Mont Tremblant/La Macaza International Airport, visions of a white snow-packed landscape tucked neatly in one pocket of my ski jacket. It had been almost twenty-five years’ since I’d last downhill skied; I felt I wasn’t quite up to snuff for the downhill slopes. What to do? Well, Mont Tremblant is packed with winter options for a quick weekend getaway or just a day to frolic in the snow like a kid.

Snowshoeing into Domaine St-Bernard forest near Mont Tremblant Resort

Mont Tremblant International Airport

Equipment shuttle: Tremblant International Airport to Westin Resort & Spa Mont-Tremblant

Mont Tremblant International Airport is approximately 130 km northwest of Montreal. A shuttle bus transports you in a separate shuttle from that of your ski equipment from the airport to Mont Tremblant Resort in 30-minutes.  Ski, snowboard, snowshoe equipment is available for rental at Mont Tremblant. The 625.5 acres all-year resort with bona fide 2,871′ vertical drop to satisfy the most ardent skier is situated in a very pretty lake setting. Tremblant has 94 runs with 13 state-of-the-art lifts, three snow parks, free gondola that spans the resort and offers stunning views to the lake and surrounding landscape. A separate gondola to an elegant casino where you’ll find fine dining and top entertainment is within easy reach in the Tremblant pedestrian ski village.

For those visitors to the resort not into hair-raising vert drops there are many options for a Quebec winter adventure: free loan of ice skates and the use of an ice rink open till 9: pm, strolls in the quaint pedestrian ski village with its European ambiance in both dining and shopping, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country trails, dog-sledding, and helicopter tours. Several members of my travel group later raved about climbing the nine-meter ice wall. There are many deals if one books 48-hours before arriving at the resort. It’s easy to enjoy Mont Tremblant when travelling with children and/or babies. Inquire at your hotel for information on day programmes and ski lessons for children. Le Westin Resort & Spa can arrange a birthday party with clown and all the bells and whistles.

Mont Tremblant / Gondola

I like the sound of “mush!, mush!” While some of my friends were climbing Mont-Tremblant’s ice walls, I elected along with another writer to take a dog-sledding lesson from Expedition Wolf  

 . The outfit has a main location at Rivière-Rouge in Quebec and a second location  just outside of Mont Tremblant Resort with 250 Huskies, and this is where we were. The ten-kilometre trail is groomed with twists and turns that can see the dog-sled topple on its side if not handled correctly. Gaëtan Lambert is the owner/operator of Expedition Wolf. Children between the ages of 3 and 11 must be with a guide.  Sleds are taken out in the morning and afternoon seven days a week. Stephane, my guide, walked me through my paces for harnessing the dogs and operating the dog-sled. If you are a passenger in the sled you need a few pointers, too.

Husky treats and a moment together post dogsled ride.

One by one I took a dog from its kennel and walked it by its leash to the sled. The Huskies were very friendly but full of excess energy.  I had to hold on to the leash tightly at all times. Once all the dogs were attached to their lead on the sled, Stephane, my guide, instructed me and my sled partner on the ins and outs of driving the sled and sitting as passenger in the sled. It all sounded rather effortless…but I knew anything that appears to be simple usually has a few hidden obstacles. As I say…I like a challenge.

Snow-shoeing / Domaine St-Bernard

For the first part of the ride I was a passenger. My driver was fabulous, a natural in handling the sled and dogs. The dogs were full of energy and let us know it with their howls and yaps and straining at the leash; and the feeling of sitting in the sled with heavy blankets pulled up to my nose was exhilarating. Stephane and his team of Huskies stayed at a safe distance on the trail in front of us to make sure the ride went according to plan.  At the half-way point we stopped at a canvas tent for hot chocolate and cookies. Log cabins are at some of the rest stops. If there is an accident and someone is dumped into the deep snow the heater in the tent or cabin will quickly get clothes dry again. It was so hot in the tent I had to step outside to cool down.

After Stephane quickly retraced some of his safety points for us it was time for me to step on the grill which serves as the break on the sled. Ooops! The dogs felt the break begin to release and took off over the trail without me as I was knocked off-balance with the dogs’ energy. I was left on my backside looking rather silly.  I immediately jumped up and chased after my sled, the sled passenger bundled up in a blanket and unaware of being without driver.  Stephane saw my team heading for him and managed to signal the dogs to stop before a crash of the two dog-sleds. It all happened in the blink of an eye.

Fellow travel writer turned out to be a natural musher!

If it hadn’t been for my guide Stephane signalling my dog-sled team I don’t know what would have happened; perhaps nothing serious as the dogs are experienced animals.  You can ask for an Expedition Wolf guide to drive the dog-sled with a passenger in the sled or you can drive the sled yourself with a passenger. Either way, the experience is well worth the adventure and worth multiple rides. I would say “mush, mush” again in a nanosecond. There is simply something wonderful about the feel of manoeuvering the sled while a team of Huskies pound along the snow trail out in front. Two-and a half hours of the best fun! After returning the dogs to their kennel, we fed cookies to the Huskies. January and February are prime months for the birth of Husky dogs. Stephane told us Expedition Wolf expected baby Huskies any day. Nice touch to a great day.

After a day on the ski slopes, or in my case driving a team of friendly huskies, an evening slide down a snow hill in an immense rubber tube is just the ticket to make me feel like a kid again.  The first time I stepped onto the moving carpet that would take me to the top of the hill found me falling on my backside when I lost my balance. Thereafter riding the carpet was a snap as I was ready for the jerk of the carpet when it started up hill. At the top of the hill the attendant asks if you want to spin fast or spin slow as you careen down the hill at warp speed. I returned more than once to the snow hill for my rubber tube fix. Both children and adults enjoy this sport. The lineups to get on the snow carpet seem long but move the people quickly. The action begins as night falls, usually about 6:30pm.

Aux Truffes / Mont Tremblant Resort

Aux Truffes Restaurant Chef-Owner, Martin Faucher

Aux Truffes is a fine dining restaurant in the heart of Tremblant’s pedestrian ski village and steps from Le Westin Resort & Spa where I and my travel group stayed overnight.  Awarded 4 diamonds by CAA/AAA for the 11th year, 5 stars by Guide Resto Voir, and highly recommended by Where to Eat in Canada magazine, Aux Truffles offers French cuisine and an excellent wine list. I enjoyed a 2010 Pinot Gris Pfaffenheim from Alsace, France grown on 250-hectares of vines in the southern region of Alsace. I’ve found other wines from Alsace immensely satisfying. The white wine pairs well with both fish and red meat. My table also ordered a red wine from France that was especially wonderful with red meat: Donnadieu Cuvée Mathieu et Marie Saint-Chinian, 2010.

Chef Martin Faucher is the owner of Aux Truffes. Faucher stopped by our table during our meal to explain a few fine points on some of his dishes. You’ll find fresh Quebec duck foie gras, sweetbreads, venison, lamb, pasta, seafood, and truffle. A selection of some of the finest of Quebec cheese will round out any meal; but, if you favour a sweet tooth…there’s crème brûlée, ice cream, and chocolate cake. There is a children’s menu, too.  Chef Faucher described a little of his brunch which is served every day from 9:30 am to 3:pm; it sounds like a dream come true for the gourmand.

Private party! Westin Resort & Spa, Mont Tremblant (pedestrian village).

Mont Tremblant Resort, Quebec, Canada

Mont Tremblant Casino (free return ride) Gondola

Le Westin Resort & Spa Tremblant in the heart of the pedestrain village

There are several excellent hotels at Mont-Tremblant Resort.  Some hotels are almost on top of the ski hills, while others, such as Le Westin Resort & Spa, are set back a touch.  I liked very much where my group stayed as Le Westin has a quiet location yet offers direct ski hill access within a couple of minutes walk. Hotel rooms offer the famous Heavenly®king-size beds, spacious bathroom,  kitchenette, fireplace, and balcony with a view to ski hills, pedestrian village or the saltwater outdoor pool.  Le Westin offers a fitness centre, spa, cocktail bar, restaurant with extensive breakfast buffet selection and children’s menu, and saltwater outdoor heated pool.

http://www.tremblant.ca/

http://www.tremblant.ca/galleries/webcams/index.aspx

https://www.flyporter.com/Select-Language

Porter Airlines offer daily flights in season Toronto to Mont Tremblant from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport.  Porter is also offering Tremblant – New York (Newark) flights.

http://www.tremblantactivities.com/
  The place to arrange day trips, activities, children’s and adult’s ski lessons, and tours.

www.expeditionwolf.com  Telephone: 1-877-275-1601

http://www.hudsonbayquest.com/index.html

http://www.domainesaintbernard.org
  1,500-acre nature park at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Le Westin Resort & Spa Tremblant  When you stay at Le Westin you are steps from all the snow action, restaurants and stores.  Shopping boutiques in Tremblant Resort pedestrian village are fabulous! The selection is as good as you’ll see in Europe.  I’d return to Tremblant Resort just for the shopping.

http://auxtruffes.com/

http://avalanchebistro.com/

http://www.mec.ca/Main/home.jsp

http://www.fairmont.com
  Queen Elizabeth/Montreal, Quebec

 
http://www.westinessence.com/#/move-well/gear-lending
      New Balance  shoes and clothing $5. at Le Westin Resort!  Now this is summer fun.

Westin Resort & Spa / Mont Tremblant Resort – breakfast buffet

How about some winter sports in the new year? If it’s cross-country skiing on Salomon skis, alpine skiing with the HEAD Supershape Magnum or toboggan riding you’re into, you’re guaranteed a whole lot of fun whatever the sport!  Lufthansa World Shop!   www.worldshop.eu   (sports & wellness) 

Toronto to Tremblant with Porter Airlines  
http://www.tremblant.ca/plan-your-trip/getting-here/air-travel-and-flights/direct-flights-to-mont-tremblant/toronto.aspx

 uvex uvision take offItem number: 1742659  Delivery approximately one week from receipt of order. In stock: EU and Switzerland.  Our offer of the month in January 2013: instead of 149,00 € or 41,000 miles, in january only 99,00 € or 27,000 miles!  ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST!  Online always up to date We will keep you informed with the latest news, special offers and prize draws in our monthly newsletter. Click here to subscribe now!

Casual dining at Mont-Tremblant Resort in the pedestrian village: Cafe Johansen, Manitou, Chalet des Voyageurs, Fourchette du Diable (north side)

Fly into Mont Tremblant now in the summer, too! 

http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/

CHAMONIX, 1000, chemin des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant Resort. Tel: 819-681-5715. One of many excellent retail shops for ski wear and swimsuits.

www.viarail.ca

http://www.quebecregion.com/en
   Discounts!

Free outdoor theatre in Quebec City. 
http://www.canadacool.com/COOLFACTS/QUEBEC/QuebecFreeCirqueShow.html

Who loves an igloo!  Montreal, Quebec, Canada. January 17-18-19, 24-25-26, 31-01-02, February 07-08-09, 2013. Jacques-Cartier Quay, Old Port of Montreal.  6:30pm to midnight.  18 years and older.  For the Igloofest 2013 complete and detailed program, with music samples for each artist, click here. After this first 2013 sold out evening, a friendly reminder: The only guaranteed access to an Igloofest evening is a ticket bought ahead. It also makes things go faster at the site’s entrance. The Igloofest Box Office and various authorized retailers (boutiques) are open and cruising. Clik here.  www.igloofest.ca

Old Quebec City has the World’s largest Winter Festival, February 1 – 17, 2013.   www.carnaval.qc.ca 

  Accommodation:  
http://www.manoir-victoria.com/index.php/en

The Loto-Québec Zone in which is located Bonhomme Carnival’s palatial home, will once again be in the heart of the Abraham Plains. Inside Bonhomme’s Palace, a huge snow mural inspired by the 2013 guest country, Russia, will be created. Measuring 36 feet wide and 10 feet high, the sculpture will be the largest ever made at the Carnival. The opening ceremony will take place on the Palace stage and is sure to be breathtaking with fireworks and music by Marco G to launch the festivities!

The Popular Dégelée on February 2^nd.

The popular Dégelée electro-pop winter party is back for a second year with an incredible musical line-up! DJs from all over the world will rock the Abraham Plains and make visitors dance on various beats. Mistress Barbara, a well-known electronic star, will be the headlining act, accompanied by DJs Skratch Bastid, Grandtheft and Darryl Masih. Make sure to be there on February 2^nd, starting at 7 p.m.!

Loto-Québec Evenings, for Late Night Partying on the Plains

With its new layout specifically designed to intensify the nightlife experience, the Carnival proposes unique evenings: the dome disco, the usual ice bars, the revitalizing Arctic Village spas, braziers and obviously an electrifying atmosphere! Fridays and Saturdays, the city’s best DJs take turns transforming the Abraham Plains in a giant dance floor. This year, the dome will be open to people aged 18 years and over, starting at 7 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays.

http://travelglossary.wordpress.com/
  Cycle routes in Quebec, Canada.

maisonlavande.ca

  www.maisonlavande.ca 

Maple Shop: Mont Tremblant pedestrian village has a multitude of shopping and dining opportunities.

Text and photos copyright © by May DeLory

Note:  check out the May DeLory Word Press blog post on a Quebec City and Montreal adventure titled:  Two Cities:  be merry in Old Quebec city and Montreal.