Curaçao Day 3 and 4

What can I say. Blue skies and blue sea again. Winter seems long behind us now though the New York TV channel reminds us of cold temps. A trip on the local bus to the Curaçao Sea Acquarium was fun. Feeding nurse sharks, petting stingrays and the dolphin show were entertaining. Most impressive was learning that there are natural cleaning stations under the sea where lively shrimp set up shop to assist their various colleagues who drop by by removing parasites etc. and getting their dinner in the process. How efficient and helpful. A trip to the western less inhabited part of the island showcased azure beaches, barren volcanic plains and the plantations where the slaves rebelled to strive for freedom. Swimming in the real sea rather than our faux one at the hotel was magnificent. 

Curaçao Day 2

Breakfast on the terrace, what a lovely way to start a morning in the tropics. Watched all the folks disembarking from the huge cruise ship moored near us. We joined the throngs walking over the Emma Bridge past the colourful floating market and toured the Pietermaai and Punda districts in Willemstad. As a Unesco World Heritage site, many of the old homes are being restored and  painted in beautiful colours. Very hot on the streets but we soon found relief as we enjoyed ocean breezes, the sound of the waves crashing on rocks. A cold Amstel and barracuda sightings made for a relaxing afternoon. After R and R by our ocean pool, the evening ended with a stroll to see the Emma Bridge all lit up. 

Curaçao day 1

Away from the snow and the bitter winds that have hounded us all winter. The tropical breezes are so warming on our cheeks. Cocktails in the town of Willemstaad as we watched an interesting bridge let boats in and out if the harbour. A swim in our man made ocean type infinity pool made our day complete. 

Warmth Ahead

Scarborough with spring on the horizon. The glory of warm moments with our hopes to be dashed by yet another flurry of snow. Always beautiful however the dancing snowflakes should wait for next year to entrance us. A discovery in the neighbourhood was a wonderful entree to our vacation week, the recently opened Guildwood Tea Room. How civilized. The Darjeeling tea  was strong and the cranberry and orange scone divine. Curaçao here we come!!!!!

What a Guy!

Saw the taping of a Rick Mercer show at CBC recently. Such a quick wit and as engaging in person as on TV. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy every moment and smiled as he watched his escapades on tape at a donkey refuge and rock climbing centre with singer Jan Arden. Rick Mercer and CBC, both national treasures!!

Family Day 2014

What a great idea to warm up the winter with a family day holiday in the middle of February. Happy to celebrate once again for the 7th year in a row.  Haven't missed one yet!

The new tradition of gingerbread men is welcomed by the younger ones in the crowd. The excitment of the bowling and rock climbing adventures of the past has been replaced by the thrill of a stuffed animal flying through the air and the danger of a 1 year old assessing the possibility of stepping down one stair on his own.

The Olympics warm up February

Too cold and snowy to go outside but the Winter Games and the new large screen TV stave off cabin fever. I have set up all my little Russian dolls to watch the games with us. Waiting for PK to show his stuff.