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Turkey – Best of Istanbul

View of Istanbul from Topkapi Place

Istanbul is a big and vibrant city, the largest city in Turkey. You could easily spend a week here and it would feel insufficient. Turkey, especially Istanbul, is a very beautiful and diverse place. As a stop-over on the flight we got only three days, so have to stick to the best!

Day 1

Start your day with a Turkish breakfast. Fresh baked bread, olives, cheese and a cup of tea or Turkish coffee at the small café… We really love the local drink called Ayran. The first ever sip will stop you in your tracks… After the second your taste buds start getting the taste. And after another you are completely hooked! It’s natural, low calorie and very refreshing at any time!

Start by visiting the Grand Bazaar. It is not very busy in the morning and you wont be caught in the crowds.

Grand Bazaar in the morning, Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar itself is very beautiful and impressive. The ceiling are in mosaics, the smells of the stores, the sounds of the market… Did you know that it is the biggest shopping mall in the world? It is really something you can’t express in pictures or videos.

One of the streets, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar is an experience that you will never forget. Expect to spend at least one hour here for sightseeing or better 2-3 hours if you plan to bargain and buy… – say a carpet!

Turkish carpet sales
Turkish carpet sales

Seriously speaking shipping can be arranged to anywhere and the selection is overwhelming! Bargaining will tire you out. Make sure you stop at a few shops to taste famous “Turkish Delight”. Its really worth it and with hundreds of different flavours you are guaranteed to find something you like and want to bring home. Tasting is free and fun!

Turkish delight - sweets made of natural juices, nuts and spices
Turkish delight – sweets made of natural juices, nuts and spices

If you like it, buy some! It is a great snack to keep with you while exploring the rest of the city. And a great surprise for friends! And at the shop you can ask for nice gift package. Just a personal note here – better buy the sweets that you try at the stands, not those in the boxes offered in many places.

Beware, it is extremely easy to get lost in the Bazaar, so try and keep a reference of where the main road is – it will make it easier to find your way back home. The roads do look very similar making its pretty easy to get lost. Don’t worry if you do, locals are very friendly and will gladly help you, or use your phone for navigation!

Istanbul offers a great variety of meals, cooked just for you!
Istanbul offers a great variety of meals, cooked just for you!

After exploring the Bazaar, you will be hungry! Don’t be taken aback by the number of people who might ask you to take a look at their menu. It’s a good idea to take a look at one or two restaurant menus so that you can get an idea of the food and prices. Any of them offer a good choice.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

After lunch its time to dip into history. Not just any, but the Hagia Sofia! This is by far one of the most beautiful ancient buildings in Istanbul with history so rich and controversial. As of July 2020 Hagia Sophia is an active mosque after being a museum since 1935!

Hagia Sophia is opened for tourists during the off-prayer times, Istanbul, Turkey

Make sure you time your visit properly, tourists are not allowed inside during prayer. When visiting, in respect to religion men should wear long pants and women headcover and long skirt (pants are ok) – ladies, have a scarf handy (you can buy a nice one during the visit to Bazaar). The building itself is quite grand. Its main hall has really high ceilings – make you wonder how an ancient civilization could have possibly built it (the construction started in 532 BC and was completed in a period of five years and opened for worship in 537BC with great ceremony)…

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, main entrance
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, main entrance

Just a short distance from Hagia Sophia is Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is very beautiful, the mosaics are truly amazing. The garden also makes for a great experience. Just like the Hagia Sofia, this is also a operating mosque. Consider donating on your way out, it helps with the upkeep of the mosque and the grounds.

Day 2

After breakfast, head to what used to be the hippodrome. Here you will find some interesting elements… Past the hippodrome, you will pass a beautiful park. Take your time here to take some pictures, the view is not something to be missed.

Obelisk of Theodosius, Istanbul, Turkey
Obelisk of Theodosius, Istanbul, Turkey

After seeing the hippodrome, we are heading to the Basilica Cistern. When we visited there was no water due to some restoration work.

Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey

The Cistern is a very unique place. It is at once very very impressive. Yet, at the same time a bit spooky. It has very tall ceilings held up by roman era columns.

Cistern columns, Istanbul, Turkey

Next stop, The Mosaic Museum. Its a short walk from the cistern and it is certainly worth visiting. It is a relatively small museum, it lies on the grounds of what used to be a Roman Era mansion. The mosaics are very impressive. The detail, beauty and realism are beyond any expectation. When you exit the museum, you will walk out onto a small street bazaar. If you want to get back to the museum entrance, there is a sign pointing to the museum about 20 meters from the exit.

Mosaic Museum, Istanbul, Turkey
Mosaic Museum, Istanbul, Turkey

You will find more about Mosaic Museum in the next post… After all of that walking, make sure to end the day at the Cemberlitas Ancient Hammam. Check the website for hours and prices – well worth it – we spent about three hours there! Hammam means “spreader of warmth” and it is so true!… It is probably the most memorable experience you can have. Best of all, you will be very clean and warm on the way out. They speak English there, so don’t be worried. Men and Women bathe separate. You will be given a key and shown to a room. That is where you change and wrap yourself with a towel (soap, shampoo, slippers and towels are provided). From there, you walk to the baths… There is no time limit, so take as long as you like… may be go for a full package with massage.

Day 3

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

As they say, save the best for last. Today, we will visit the Topkapi palace. The residence of the Sultans. You will love the palace. It is very beautiful, the lawns manicured and everything taken care of. The extra ticket to the Harem is not obligatory, but is very much worth it – there are much more to see. Try to arrive for the opening of the museum, it may get busy later.

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Turkey

Be sure to visit the  Lawns, there is an amazing view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. And you can have a lunch with a view if you wish and the time allows, the place is very nice…

Topkapi Palace Outside, Istanbul Turkey
Topkapi Palace Outside, Istanbul Turkey

Be prepared to spend half of the day here to see everything… or even stay for dinner – there is a restaurant in the palace (we’ll leave it out for surprise).

Kumkapi, Istanbul, street of restaurants, close to fish market
Kumkapi, Istanbul, street of restaurants, close to fish market

After palace we decided to find fish restaurants (area called Kumkapi) to try some Turkish fish soup (chorba) and have another great experience… It was too early for dinner and late for lunch, so the place looks quiet, but come here later and you may have to wait for the seat!

After delicious fish meal we walked a few blocks back to our hotel and on the way come across this bright looking fruit stand – some grapes, peaches, melon for later snack before heading to the airport… we arranged for the taxi to come pick us up when we came here on the first day – just ask the driver for the card.

Fruit stand on one of the streets in Istanbul – everything is so fresh and appealing!

We had a great experience visiting this ancient city, and we’ll sure come come back to see other places and may be travel to other parts of the country. Below you will some some useful information and links…

Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; Blue Mosque is closed until 2pm on Fridays; Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Annual Closing Dates of all museums and bazaars in Istanbul in 2021 as follows; January 1-New Year. May 13/14/15-Ramadan Celebrations. July 20/21/22/23-Eid Celebrations. October 29-Republic Day. Hagia Sophia is always closed for visit during praying time.
The Basilica Cistern’s central location in Sultanahmet makes it easy to explore before or after visiting nearby sights like the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace Museum. An admissions fee of 20 Turkish lira (about $5.50) applies, and visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between November and mid-April, with extended hours in the summer.

We stayed in Safran suites (apartments) and liked it – here is the link https://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/safran-suites.html. Great location, close to all main attractions and for a reasonable price. Lots of cafes and a shop across the street where you can buy some snacks.

We really fall on love with Istanbul and we hope to come back sometime…

NOVA SCOTIA… new way of camping

Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping, Judique, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Archer's Edge Luxury Camping Judique, Cape Breton Island
Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping, Judique, Cape Breton Island

Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and has a great diversity in regards with things to do. There is Metro Halifax, the famous Cape Breton Island and more.. One of the most exciting and probably surprising is a new way of camping in a luxury amenities – Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping. One of Nova Scotia’s best experiences is “glamping” (or camping) with a twist. You can now enjoy the wilderness and peace of the wild, while still having hotel amenities like a queen bed and air conditioning. Each of the ‘rooms’ is situated inside a dome of sorts. Inside of which is a bed, bathroom and other things you would expect in a top-notch hotel. Each room comes complete with an amazing view of Nova Scotia‘s wilderness. It is quite an unusual overnight experience yet quite worth it.

Geodesic Dome, Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton

Geodesic Dome, Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton
Geodesic Dome, Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton

This is Nova Scotia’s only 5 star Housekeeping, eco-conscious, luxury geodesic dome experience along Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail coastline offering spectacular ocean views and mountainside lodging. Start of your day with a seaside Parks Canada Perfect Picnic, keepsake basket & Blanket for two as you enjoy the music of our meet and greet, followed by a sunset photo shoot with accomplished photographer Adam Hill at Cap Rouge. Cap the night off with a guided starlit hike on the World Famous Skyline trail. Stay the night with us in one of our eco-friendly geo domes with your very own private hot tub.  That is what we call camping these days! https://www.truenorthdestinations.ca/

La Boatique – Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

La Boatique, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
La Boatique, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Tired of camping and want to experience something totally different? Just imagine watching the sunset over the Yarmouth harbour from the upper deck… the gentle sound of the waves lulling you to sleep and waking up to the sunrise while enjoying your breakfast. This cozy 41-foot motor yacht with aft & forward cabins, ensuite bathrooms with a shower, a spacious salon with aft deck, and a dining area comfortably sleeps 5. So you can get a truly unique experience… http://www.laboatique.ca/

WE MADE SOME PAPER…

Watermark Invention

The unique craft of adding a watermark to the paper originated in Italy around 14th century in a small town Fabriano on Marche Island, Italy. Originally watermarks were made as a simple initial or trademark symbol. Over the centuries the art evolved from primitive to the artistic – reproducing the works of art, famous portraits or coat of arms. The technique is based on fixed-wire mould used for the insertion of distinctive marks that can be seen against the light…

Old Tradition

Special mould for watermak used in hand-made paper in Fabriano Italy
Watermark Mould used in paper making

In older days the Fabriano paper-makers used the water driven stamping mills. Several mills were present where the old linen or cotton rugs were used to create the fine pulp. The pulp is the base of what would become the raw paper. In turn that raw paper will be submerged in the gelatin derived from animal bones – another invention of the Fabriano artisans. Even in our days this technique is used to produce some of the banknotes, shares, cheques, some other fancy business papers and special papers for pencil, pen, wash and watercolour drawings.

Watermark on raw hand-paper made from the mould
Watermark on raw hand-paper made from the mould

Our experience

As a visitors of the special workshop organized by St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura held by Federico Salvatori, Mastro Cartaio (“master papermaker”) of the Paper and Watermark Museum in Fabriano, along with Professor Paolo Granata of the UofT. We have a chance to make our own paper with watermark using this truly unique experience to feel the value of creation and appreciate the artistic approach to paper-making.

Paper-making workshop with masters from Fabriano Italy
Making Paper with master from Fabriano, Italy

If you want to know more or visit the Museum in Fabriano here is the link to their website: http://www.museodellacarta.com/

Spring into human rights at the Museum

New two-day ticket for tourists, diverse programs, expanded hours

Winnipeg – May 16, 2019 – The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is set to spring into the tourism high season this weekend with expanded hours, diverse programs and a new two-day ticket for summer visitors. 

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights Photo by Aaron Cohen

“Many out-of-town visitors have told us that one day is not enough time to explore everything they want to see in the Museum,” said Jacques Lavergne, CMHR Vice-President of Visitor Experience and Engagement. “A two-day ticket will allow them to journey through the galleries at their leisure, with time for rest breaks, lunch and browsing in the Boutique.” Starting this Saturday (May 18), the two-day tickets will be available for $30 (adult rate) for consecutive days only. A single-day ticket is currently $21. Visitors who initially buy a single-day ticket can upgrade to a two-day ticket at any time during their visit, for use the following day. The Museum will now be open seven days a week – including Victoria Day and other holidays – until after Labour Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Wednesdays, when visitors are welcome until 9 p.m. – with free admission on the first Wednesday evening of each month (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.). On all other Wednesdays, admission is offered at the reduced rate of $5 after 5 p.m. Fascinating programs and exhibitions are planned throughout the spring and summer, including: 

  • A summer tour schedule starting May 18 that includes daily morning and afternoon gallery tours and Sunday architecture tours. 
  • Free tours for Doors Open Winnipeg on May 25 and 26 that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum’s unique architecture – including hidden spaces, environmental design and wondrous views from a whole new perspective. 
  • A celebration of Asian Heritage Month on May 29 with free cultural performances. 
  • Pride Week gallery tours every day from May 27 to June 3, with a focus on the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities ($5). Fair-trade rainbow roses will be available from the Boutique, which sets up outdoors on June 2 with Pride-related merchandise. 
  • An Indigenous film series running each Wednesday evening in June, featuring Through Black Spruce, Colonization Road, Seven Sacred Laws and Indian Horse, including a post-film discussion. 
  • A new exhibition about the Rohingya people of Myanmar (Burma) opening June 16. A talk-tour on this issue will be offered on weekdays, starting July 2. 
  • The award-winning Mandela: Struggle for Freedom exhibition, which continues to run in the Level 1 Gallery. A family tour of the exhibition and other relevant locations in the Museum is offered on Saturdays. 
  • A South African wine-tasting dinner at ERA Bistro on June 4 to mark the one-year anniversary of Mandela: Struggle for Freedom exhibition opening. The four-course dinner will be prepared by ERA Bistro’s Executive Chef Kirk Hanson, with paired wine personally selected by a sommelier who will be present to talk about each wine and region. 
  • Canada Day programs and events with $5 admission. The Boutique will offer an outdoor kiosk featuring Canadian-themed items. 
  • A new exhibit presented in Augmented Reality about Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the 1982 Proclamation of the Constitution. This actual historic document also returns to the CMHR on loan from Library and Archives Canada! Opens August 20. 
  • A new T-shirt design for summer 2019, featuring a line drawing of the Museum and the Esplanade Riel. The CMHR Boutique is stocked with inspiring and beautiful spring/summer merchandise, including items related to the Mandela exhibition. 

Kayak on the bay, Praslin, St. Lucia

St. Lucia is one of the islands where you can find all kinds of activities to satisfy even very demanding souls… Here is one relatively new idea – kayaking to the Praslin Island offered by local kayaking pro organised under the name “Kayaking on the Bay”. As part of the trip you learn some of the local history and tradition… 

St.Lucia, Praslin Island

The tranquil Village of Praslin is nestled between two districts Dennery and Micoud on the East Coast of St Lucia. As the gateway to some of Saint Lucia’s rarest indigenous nature, Praslin is an idyllic rural quarter populated with several small fishing settlements along spectacular Praslin Bay. Here, one may notably find many excellent examples of the traditional and highly distinctive Saint Lucian fishing boats, which are still crafted by hand in many villages. Other notable traditional crafts, like broom stick making, are produced in neighboring communities such as Mon Repos and Patience.

Praslin Island Natural Reserve, St.Lucia

Praslin Island and the Fregate Islands are pristine nature reserves, where unique species such as the boldly colored Blue Whiptail lizard make their homes. For a slightly tamer presentation of native flora and fauna visit the beautifully manicured Mamiku Gardens that date all the way back to 1766. The gardens are part of the Mamiku Estate, once the home of the Baron de Micoud, a former Governor of Saint Lucia. The estate still operates today as a banana and flower plantation. Praslin village was originally named “Les Trois Islet” and was renamed in 1780 to honor the Minister of the Navy to Louis XV, the Duc de Praslin. 

“Kayaking on the Bay” Welcomes you to Prasllin Island!

In this old canoe fishing village, where practices are still being kept “Kayak on the Bay” offers you the pleasure of enjoying a kayak trip to a lush private beach located on an Islet, while a beach barbeque is prepared for you. Upon arrival on the property of “Kayak on the Bay” you will be greeted by your wonderful host Marva along with the tour guides.

Kayaking on the Bay, St.Lucia

On the property one can find a variety of local tropical fruits and a small backyard garden with some of the herbs used to prepare meals for the journey. You will be briefed on the safety regulations and a description of what the tour entails before embarking on the trip. 

St. Lucia, Praslin Island, Kayaking on the Bay

The Bay is truly majestic with a sand bank that runs down the middle of the bay 1-2 miles long; to the top of the bay lies a beautiful reef which creates the calming effect… Abundant sea life is found along the reef, which continues along the bay to a join the Irish moss farms.

Irish Moss Farm, Praslin Island, St.Lucia

Upon arrival on the Praslin Island, a tour guide takes you  on a short hike to the top of the Island to enjoy the views and to spot some of the local birds . While you are out on the hike your Island lunch is prepared for you… It comprises of fresh grilled fish and chicken with green banana salad (green bananas, veggies and codfish), cheesy potatoes, sweet corn and fresh garden salad. This is served with fresh local fruit juice… 

Kayaking on the Bay, Praslin Island, St. Lucia

After lunch you bask on the beach with the views of the scenic topography of the Praslin village. Being on the Island really gives you the sense of your very own hide away. Before heading back to the property and towards the end of the tour you are guided to the Irish moss farms which lies to the opposite end of the reef and disembark for a 10 minute hike along the coast to catch one of the views. For a low fee of ninety dollars you get to enjoy the wonders of nature and the tranquility of your very own Island getaway for the day…

If you like kayaking and interested to take this tour, you may call +1 758-719-9329 or contact them via Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/Kayak-on-the-Bay-1317154738416915/

Unleash your inner adventurer in Norway’s wilderness on the new Western Fjords Hiking Tour

50 NORTH Logo

Vancouver, Febrauary 4th, 2019–  Nordic Travel Specialist, 50 Degrees North, has introduced a new, exclusive 9-day tour, ‘Western Fjords Hike’. Aimed at all active adventurers with a reasonable fitness level and a love for hiking, this tour takes them into the heart of the unique, secluded and exceptionally beautiful Western fjords in Norway, away from the summer crowds.

The ‘Western Fjords Hike’ follows 50 Degrees North’s signature style of taking travelers ‘off the beaten path’ and into hard-to-reach yet profoundly stunning and authentic parts of the Nordics. This is enabled on this tour partly by their use of a private minivan with space for up to 12 people – both a highly flexible and safe alternative to public transport or a private rental car. However, the hikes in this tour make the experience all the more exclusive and unique, offering breathtaking panoramic views that few travelers get to see for themselves. 

“This tour follows the same route as our ‘Western Fjords of Norway tour’, complete with our own private minibus, but is geared to those with a good level of fitness and endurance. This is an active tour with guided day hikes and some of the trails are very steep and long – a great challenge for anyone seeking an active escape in secluded and beautiful scenery”, says Tietse Stelma, 50 Degrees North’s CEO and founder. 

The self-guided tour starts from Bergen and finishes in Ålesund. In between, travelers get to hike in several breathtaking locations, join the locals on a ferry ride from Bergen to Kalvåg, catch a private 50 Degrees North minivan through the Western fjords with Loen as the main base, and travel along the Norfjord and the Hjørundfjord, two stunning fjords surrounded by lush forests and small, scenic villages. Once in Ålesund, the trekkers also get to embark on an exciting Wildlife Sea Safari in a high-speed RIB-boat. 

The trip runs weekly from July to September, 2019 with fixed departures from Bergen every Thursday
(4049 AUD / 2914 USD / 3950 CAD per person). 

For more information on the ‘Western Fjords Hike’ tour, please visit:https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tour/western-fjords-hike

For more information on the ‘Western Fjords of Norway’ tour, please visit:https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tour/western-fjords-of-norway-tour

Woodside National Historic Site

Woodside National Historic Site

The house and the park located on 11.5 acre property covered with mature trees. The park offers perfect place for walks and picnincs, beautiful shaded lawns and paths during the summer. The house opens for visitors from October till Chrismas.

Woodside National Historic Site, Entrance
Woodside National Historic Site, Entrance

Mackenzie King House

The house dates back to Victorian period, was built by James Colquhoun. After his death in 1877 varuois tenants occupied the house. One of them was the Kings family. They lived in this house from 1886 till 1893. The house was a home for a boy who later became Canada’s tenth Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. The family had four children, and while visiting the house we can see their rooms and well kept personal items. His father John King was  a lawyer, and he taught his kids English, French, math and science. There is a large collection of boks, many of them are rare originals…

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The house has a spacious living room with piano. The room was filing up with various guests during many holidays…

Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House
Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House

Travel  at that time was a challenge, so the house has a nice guest bedroom with all the necessary items…

Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener
Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener

The sisters were sharing the bedroom, we can see some of the clothing and original furniture.

Girls' room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener

We had a chance to enter the room of William, quite small and with very modest furnishings. The bedrooms are all on the second floor and interestingly, there is no heating – only the first floor of the house is heated, so in the winter the heavy blanket and the hot water bottle did the job!

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie KingWoodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The most important item of the kitchen is the original wood-buning stove. It is fully operational and if you visit the place during Christmas Holidays you may be lucky to try fresh baked cookies or bread! They say tastes amazing!

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The House is not just a museum, there are different events and workshops offered for students.

To learn more visit https://www.explorewaterlooregion.com/listing/woodside-national-historic-site-kitchener/     and      https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/woodside

Noreen Young’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” now on YouTube!

Noreen Young’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” now on YouTube

Gloria the Gopher, from CBC’s vintage “Under the Umbrella Tree” children’s series, is very happy to tell everybody that she and her friends Holly, Iggy the Iguana and Jacob Blue Jay, are now streaming on Canada Media Fund’s new channel, Encore+ on YouTube.  This is a channel that features Canadian television classics that viewers will enjoy seeing again and again.

26 English episodes.

26 French episodes.

For more information about Noreen Young, please see Wikipedia

Please note also:

A Puppet Retrospective comprehensive exhibition of Noreen Young’s puppetry creations and art works over the years.

The exhibit will run from July 14 to September 22, 2018 and the official Opening Night will be held on August 4 from 2 – 4 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte.

Saturday August 25, 2 pm. Rock the Arts performance

Rock The Arts puppets performance will perform at the museum on Saturday August 25, starting at 2 pm to complement Noreen Young’s Puppet Retrospective exhibition, which runs July 14 to September 22. They will perform “Animal Adventure.” More details on the website rockthearts.ca

Saturday September 22, 2018, 1pm. Come play puppets with a PRO

Ever wonder what it would be like to puppeteer on a TV show? Always wanted to give it a try?

Well, here’s your chance.

Puppeteer, Bob Stutt, has decades of TV and film experience including seven years with the Friendly Giant, ten years with the Muppets and ten years as Basil Bear on Canadian Sesame Street where he was also lead writer. He performed Iggy Iguana on CBC’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” and also “Molly Doll” on The Big Comfy Couch. Bob has also filmed over 100 TV commercials in Denmark for the Danish National Railway.

And now he would love to spend some time playing puppets with you!

We’ll provide the cameras, monitors and a few puppets. You provide enthusiasm, imagination and any puppets of your own that tickle your fancy.

Come be a star for a day and experience first-hand the challenging, inspiring, silly world behind the puppets you see on TV.

Admission is $20 per person. This three-hour workshop is open to adults and kids over the age of 10 with a limit of ten to twelve people.

New exhibition opens on International Human Rights Day

New exhibition opens on International Human Rights Day
Free admission, Inuit drumming, curator talk on December 10

Winnipeg – December 7, 2017 — A new exhibition at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights brings human rights stories to life using interactive technology from different eras in Canadian history.

Rights of Passage: Canada at 150 invites visitors to peer through the lens of four different eras since 1867 to learn how people were thinking about human rights at the time. Projected wampum beads dance to the sound of your voice, shifting into designs created by art students at Winnipeg’s Children of the Earth High School. A dress made from wearable technology (fibre optic fabric, laser wire and LED lights) changes colours when you step on a hashtag. A Victorian-era “magic lantern” projects images of early human rights struggles.

Visitors can also tune in to war-time broadcasts on a period radio set, switch channels on 1970s vintage TV screens, or watch Instagram posts appear above shifting holograms. Indigenous oral traditions are also showcased as an enduring source of knowledge.

The last of four special exhibitions presented for Canada 150, Rights of Passage opens to the public at 10 a.m. on International Human Rights Day (Sunday, December 10), with free admission to the Museum all day.

An official opening event begins at 2 p.m. in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall, including drumming by Inuit Elder David Serkoak – who contributed to the exhibition as a survivor of the 1950s forced relocations of the Ahiarmiut people in the Far North (Farley Mowat’s “People of the Deer”). Curator Karine Duhamel and Design & Production Manager Rob Vincent will then lead a discussion about the new exhibition.

Earlier in the day, a Canadian citizenship ceremony takes place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the Winnipeg Youth Chorus performs in the Stuart Clark Garden of Contemplation from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Next to the new exhibition on Level 6, a family activity will be offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., provoking thought about the power of words, voice and oral history in affecting human rights. Participants will consider how their own history, culture, traditions and world views have shaped their perspectives.

Located in the Level 6 Expressions gallery, Rights of Passage takes a fresh look at events that influenced human rights at different times in Canadian history. It includes personal accounts of Indigenous Peoples’ efforts to resist assimilation, preserve a unique history and alter the path of the future. Examples of its diverse stories can be found on the CMHR web site.

The exhibition is divided into five zones:

1) 1867-1914 – Foundations and Dislocations. Designed with wood, newsprint, bill posters and lead type, this zone looks at issues facing the new nation of Canada and the First Nations who were already here: early workers’ struggles, colonization, social reform, fundamental freedoms and treaties with Indigenous people. A Victorian-era magic lantern projects images on the wall.

2) 1914-1960 – Transformations and Interventions. Designed using steel and industrial materials, this zone examines effects of the two world wars and the Great Depression. It explores stories of people taking action, use of state power to curtail civil liberties, the government’s policy of assimilation and the transformation of politics. A large, wooden radio plays replicas of broadcast speeches from the era.

3) 1960-1982 – Towards the Charter. Designed with plastic and 1970s orange-and-yellow details, this zone explores the turbulent years as Canadian society became more diverse. Its stories cover nationalism and pluralism, social security and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. TV sets from the 1970s play relevant newscasts of the day.

4) 1982 to 2017 – Human Rights in Contemporary Canada. Designed with LED lights and fibre optics, this zone looks at Canada’s expanding role in the world, the effects of national security on civil liberties, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and issues arising from digital communications, diverse gender identities and environmental challenges. A dress made of wearable technology responds to floor-projected hashtags.

5) Defending sovereignty. Designed with projection and graphics inspired by wampum beads, this zone looks at Indigenous rights through the lens of stories about forcible relocation, the burden of peace, effects of environmental degradation, inclusion of the Métis as Indigenous peoples, and the right to recognition. The interactive bead projection responds to visitor voices in recognition of the importance of the spoken word and oral traditions. Designs were created by art students at Children of the Earth High School in Winnipeg.

The Expressions gallery is generously supported by the Richardson Foundation & Family.

Dancing Bass Lodge, Lanark County, ON

“Dancing Bass” Lodge – the the name says it all… the place should be rich for fish and all day water fun! It was so desired escape from the bustling life of the large city…

Dancing Bass Lodge
Dancing Bass Lodge

The house is located in beautiful Lanark County, quite easy to access from major roads and only about 30 minutes away from Ottawa!

View of the lake, Dancing Bass Lodge
View of the lake, Dancing Bass Lodge

There are only a couple of cottages that are currently available for rent and those are located on the shore of the Lower park Lake. The location provides for the endless view of the lake surrounded by the forest…

Walk in the woods, Dancing Bass Lodge
Walk in the woods, Dancing Bass Lodge

From the terrace of the cottage we watched nice sunsets and could not stop admiring the tranquility  of the coming evening – only some random sounds of the bird or loons…

Lake near Dancing Bass Lodge
Lake near Dancing Bass Lodge

Early in the morning when one could see the light fog over the surface of the water we would grab out fishing rods and set up right on the small pier with hope for a catch. The lakes are rich for various fish and if you have enough patience you won’t go away with empty bucket!

Fishing near Dancing Bass lodge
Fishing near Dancing Bass lodge

Fishing near Dancing Bass lodge
Fishing near Dancing Bass lodge

Back in 60s here was a fish camp with 10 Log cabins. The current management took over about 10 years ago and they are doing an excellent job in rebuilding the old log houses. The cottage has all new furniture, large bathrooms, bright all equipped kitchen with dishwasher and wood stove in the living room for cooler days.

Dancing Bass Lodge, interior
Dancing Bass Lodge, interior

The original farm house from the late 1800’ still sits on the property, along with a sugar shack and barn, it is located on the border of  two lakes, Lower Park Lake and Horne Lake.

Dancing Bass Lodge, Original Farm House
Dancing Bass Lodge, Original Farm House

Both lakes offer lots of fishing and endless water activities. We had a boat ride to the swimming hole – and that was fun!! 

Boat trip, Dancing Bass Lodge
Boat trip, Dancing Bass Lodge

The day seemed too short – not enough time for all the activities; from the terrace we loved to watch the hummingbirds, the lake and just relax…

Dancing Bass Lodge, relax and enjoy
Dancing Bass Lodge, relax and enjoy

Dancing Bass Lodge is currently offering two completely refurbished cabins to rent for a minimum of four days from on or about June 1st to the 15th of October.

Make sure you call them for best directions from the main road!
To make a reservation  https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/14296437 email dancingbasscan@aol.com; phone : 613-259-5713 or 602-421-1066