Ever since i could remember I have had a Bucket list, stuff i want to see and do around the world. And I think it keeps your life’s perspective fresh and open in how you see your life and the world around you.
Since my return from Australia in 2014, I’ve checked off many items that now I have decided to chill down in one place and enjoy the next part of life’s journey! I have been set on seeing and experiencing Edmonton, to gather a new look and make this city mine. If you allow yourself to open in a old destination, you can see the beauty and the city sets.
Bucketlist #56 Checked Off.
On Saturday I had my first chance to experience what most Edmontonians get to experience, When the entire Province North to south comes together. The Battle of Alberta Hockey game – Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames! Even though the Oilers lost, the atmosphere was quite the experience – from seeing the Red, Blue and Orange to hearing “Go Oilers Go” from “Go Fight Go.”
Now you see how this country is built with communities that come together to enjoy a long time pastime – Hockey!
Moments that make you smile are the ones worth experiencing, those are the moments to live for. Keep Enjoying, living and experiencing! xo
I have come and go a lot but now I can say, Edmonton is my home. Living in this unique city for little over a year now since my return from living abroad, has been adventurous. Now i am living the experience, in all its seasons galore!
Christmas on the Square Holiday Light up
Kick off the winter season with joy at the Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up November 15. In the Afternoon bring down the kids and enjoy free family activities, delicious eats from local food trucks and live entertainment. Then help Santa and his helpers in a countdown at 6:30 pm in the light up of the massive Christmas tree and a spectacular fireworks display!
All Is Bright on 124
November 22 is when this FREE festival is which brings celebration of the coming winter season. This past year as the City of Edmonton was taking advantage of the bridge closure, they played all day in High street with activities for the kids during the day. And fun for the grownups at night; with light installations, Live music, Street Performers, Fire dancers and ice sculptures; as we welcome the winter season with open arms and festive spirits with a countdown to the light up of 124 street & High Street!
Candy Cane Lane
Traditional among West End Edmontontians Communities lasting three weeks, bringing some Christmas light and decoration displays every year to instill the Christmas spirit in all of us! It is not complete without a walk down Candy cane lane to check out the colorful lights and decorative, unique displays. Remember do not forget to bring that food donation for the Edmonton Food Bank, there are bins to drop off your perishable items any time during the walk. It will bring out the magic of the season in all of us!
Ice Skating Hawerlark Park / Silver Skate Festival
The festival is rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love of the outdoors bringing the excitement of experiencing the cultural and aesthetic beauty of winter. In recent years, the festival has exploded into an extravaganza of art, culture, recreation and sports. Most importantly do not forget to bring your skates, taking a few laps around Hawerlark lake before the recreation agenda begins. Watching the best of the best figure skating of Edmonton, with a hot cup of cocoa in your hands standing around the bon fire! Then later taking a walk around or sleigh ride checking out the snow sculptures. Best time to attend and find up close parking: 11am – 2pm.
Old Strathcona Farmers Market
In the midst of Whyte Avenue (82nd Avenue) and on Every Saturday (8am-3pm) with 130 or more vendors this bustling yearly market has array of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. Get in early and do not miss out of the best.
In the summer, best way to get here is via High Level Street Car. Only $5.00 round trip downtown Jasper Avenue to Strathcona, over the High level Bridge with ideal views of the city.
I remember my first trip to New York like it was yesterday but really It was nine yeas ago, 4 years after the 9.11 attacks on united states soil. And now after 13 years I am returning back to where it all began – the city that sparked my travel, the city that gave me the opportunity to see the world.
New York stole my heart once, can it do it again or will i find my heart?
“Fool me once, same on you. Fool me twice shame on me.”
Financial District – Running of the Bulls New York Style.
Remembering my first trip to New York as if it was yesterday, when I was eighteen years old traveling with my mum, her best friend and her niece, and of course my menopausal aunt.
Landing in New York at Laguardia Airport, realising where I was a tad bit exciting and then taking the subway into the Island of Manhattan. Making the first place i got to see upon arrival into Manhattan was Harlem. Not many’s firsts choice but now I am thinking about it, not sure why we got off at Harlem, most likely because we were lost and figured it be best to walk and find our direction. So walking down the streets of Harlem with our suitcases dragging behind us making it obvious we were tourists. So yes we were lost and to be truthful Harlem is not that scary of a neighbourhood as people were friendly and willing to guide us in the right direction. We finally made it to our Hotel, the Holiday Inn across from Madison Square Garden.
Holiday Inn Across from Madison Square Garden
Turned out we had one too many people for our hotel room, so Lori decided to go around the corner through the coffee shop to get in and around the lobby to enter our room. Getting settled in the Big Apple, we started walking, walking and did some more walking and I remember our days starting at 11am and ending at 2am. Which is a reasonable time to be visiting and being in New York as you would get the best of both worlds, seeing the city during the peak hours of the day and non-peak hours – giving a full on experience.
This was also when i fell in love with the New York Yankees, after taking a stadium tour of their old home before it was demolished. Which is actually pretty cool to say none the less. Hey guess what i stood inside the old Yankee stadium and i was apart of the history. Whats the point of traveling if you can brag about your Moments like these that make you appreciate life. Thinking about it nowadays, I do not think i fell in love with the Yankees but rather then the idea of being in such a the vibrate city full of culture and diversity. Getting that rush of openness, freedom and the culture of a new place, experiencing something new and to the start of my Travels.
What all did i see and do; times square, central park, trump tower, the fashion institute, 9.11 memorial site as that will be the day i will never forget. The moment in time when i was speechless, had no words: As I was walking around the buildings to the once place the world trade tours sat to only come to see this giant hole of open blue sky in the middle of new York city. I still do not know to this day how to describe that moment as i am still speechless, lost for words and deep sadden for all those lost life’s. Makes you realise how precious life is truly is and how you should live each day never regretting and if there is something you have always wanted to do, then you should do it. Nothing should stand in your way.
Only in New York where you can watch street vendors selling DVDs as these movies were pirated. And how did i know they were pirated because the biggest hint was seeing charlie and the chocolate factory in the bunch and being a huge Johnny Depp fan., I knew that movie was not out on DVD yet. Although it was still funny to watch because every time a police officer rode by on his horse the street vendor would pack up his belongings and walk away. And as soon as the police officer was no where to be found the vendor came back and continued this procedure a few more times, It was quite amusing to watch.
There are some remarkable buildings in the heart of Manhattan. Such as the Empire state building which we were up there way past the closing time because the workers wanted to talk to Kelly Madden. After all she did make the gorilla suit, the famous King Kong that climbs the Empire State. Set aside, King Kong is not the best part as the views are magnificent, and to see every landmark from high above and to seeing where the titanic would have docked if it had continued on with its journey. To see that you are in doubt surrounded by water in every direction and only the edge of the horizon facing you, pretty spectacular.
open skies in the middle of New York 2005.
New York is The City with Everything, The City of opportunity and the city that never sleeps.
Thirty-Four days and counting, My boyfriend and I will be visiting Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree light up, Jimmy Fallon, Maze by Gordon Ramsay, the UN, Carriage ride through central park, Go straight up to the top of the statue of liberty, see the breathtaking skyline of New York from one of the romantic spots in all of the city; Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Times Square. Pay a moment of silence for the millions of lives we lost 13 years ago at the 9.11 memorial.
But mostly will be sharing the love New York brings with my boyfriend, and showing him the Big Apple that made me fall in love with travel and this city.
New York; where it all began, and where the journey will continue…
Every desires change in their life but always unsure how to implement it, because either we are too scared or we just keep putting it off. Well no more waiting around, now is your time to expect the experience of a lifetime and come back a changed human being.
Destination
The big decision on when you do decide to travel; where do you go. A few things to consider when choosing: Do you want history and diversity? Hostels or Hotels? Summer or Winter Travel? How Long?
Europe has the architecture, history and calm pace. Best accommodation are hostels, they’re not only cheap but their more fun.
Australia, the life down under is more modern living but very calm pace – stress free. Either hotels or hostels, both are suitable for traveling down under.
Middle East has the diversity, culture shock. But you mot defiantly want to stay in hotels.
North America compared to Australia is more fast pace and stressful, but there is diversity in this modern living. You’d enjoy most of your time in hotels.
Budgeting
Money can disappear fast, it is a matter of fact. In that case it’s important to plan out your week, days in your travels. Not only will it limit the stress, and in return will have more fun, and can do those quirky moments; like skydiving.
Did you know that the Number one expense in traveling is, Flights? In that case, knowing your time of season and month would help immensely, and knowing what days to fly are considered the best, so therefore consider Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Next costly expense would defiantly be your accommodation, more than if you decide to travel the Hotel lifestyle. Make sure you read reviews from all sources from other people’s experiences, will help get a real life picture.
my tandem guy (Ryan) and me over the Great Barrier Reef
Experience
There is no better feeling than to experience the world at your feet, it helps you grow and change you in so many ways than you can ever imagine.
So when you do finally return home; your hometown will be seen in a new eye and perspective, you’ll see the potential is always had. Guilty! Always looking forward and not seeing the true beauty of a destination. But that in fact has changed since I have started seeing the world and experiencing the different cultures at my feet. This experience will open you up, and give you a new perspective, sight on life.
It will have given you a new found confidence that you knew you had but it was hiding inside. If you are unsure how to unleash it, I suggest jumping out of a plane once or maybe three times. Once you do, it will be like you are on top of the world and nothing can push you down.
So you just got home from your round the world month long adventure, you saw 15 countries and met so many wonderful walk of life. Saw things that made you cry, others that made you smile and happy. Now your back home, what to do! Continue on that change, make good in your hometown and continue to travel.
The perfect destination getaway locating Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina east of downtown Tampa in a residential neighborhood giving the absence of the local lifestyle and the close proximity to various shops, bars and restaurant. Enriching Tampa with its rich history, modern landscapes, putting the glimpse of the cities history and diversity out there for everyone to feel and experience. Making Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, Tampa’s hidden gem with miraculous and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and gorgeous views of the downtown skyline.
Making sure there is something for everyone in this diverse city, for everyone’s enjoyment.
3 star Luxury
Two restaurants, event space, Rooftop pool, spa with fire pits, water views, and a 32 slip full service marina. Tampa offers something for everyone, either you are on business or leisure with the family.
Did you know the best sailing is best done the ocean, do not waste anymore time and head on out on the Gulf of Mexico for an afternoon Sail or Try a new skill of Fly Fishing? Walk along the Tampa river walk breathing in that fresh ocean, tropical air, take a stroll to the Clearwater beach/St Pete Beach, play a round of golf, which ever your dismay of activities are. Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina is here for you, to help you you are your days with their knowledgeable staff at the Front Desk.
Finish the day with a picturesque view from the rooftop pool, and a relaxed delicious cuisine in the waterside Grill.
Picturesque Views
To the inside with their newly revitalized lobby, lobby bar and waterfront patios; the guestrooms is the prize winning factors with their cleanliness, comfortableness, and the elegant views. With in room amenities that you will need, almost as if you are at home; each room is perfectly laid out with your bed, TV, workstation with high-speed internet and fridge. The 719 smoke free guest rooms, giving you 683-luxury room types to fit everyone’s needs with a view that will astound you and that will keep you coming back.
The luxury suite allows you to enjoy the added space with its separate living area and its miraculous views.
With given the chance to eat Mr. Ramsay’s Food in London England, it was the utmost delicious mouthwatering heaven I have ever ate. My all time favourite dish and still to this day would have to be his Lobster Ravioli. I can still taste it when I speak of it. That is how fabulous it is, and that is why Gordon Ramsay is the all time ultimate master chef in the world.
Even though I have yet to meet Gordon Ramsay, he has very much inspired me to love food and cook with passion and love. And One of Mr. Ramsay’s tip that stays with me is – cooking with colour, adds flavor!
So here I challenge myself 3 months to master Gordon Ramsay’s 125 Super-fresh & Healthy Appetite recipes for a High-Energy life.
Cookbook: Gordon Ramsay’s Healthy Appetite. A 125 recipe of super fresh for a high energy life.
I will learn how to Steam, Poach, Stir-fry, Griddle, Roast, Sauté and Braise…
Recipe #1 Melon and Berry Salad
rich in vitamin C to boost your immunity.
Halving your melon’s. Add each component individually to make sure have that consistency in size, mixture and texture.
Cantaloupe first into the large salad bowl
halve your honeydew – make sure you are halving the melon’s the same size for that consistency.
when adding the honeydew, start mixing each individually so you can get that right mixture component to the dish.
Now for your Berry component to the dish.
10 oz (300g) of mixed berries.
mix in your blueberries – again making sure you have that right consistency with your melons, mix individually.
then add your blackberries and raspberries.
Giving that consistency, with the right mixture and texture of each fruit.
Now for the final touches:
Grate the rinds from the lime and orange over the salad
after you get that zest of flavor from the rinds, cut the lime and orange in half and squeeze a little over the fruit.
I only myself squeezed and cut 3/4 of each lime and orange as I wanted everything to compliment each other evenly
Now for the last touches:
drizzle 1-2 tsp of honey
making one circulation movement around the dish
Then sprinkling over shredded mint.
The smell of mint is refreshing and calm, a nice touch to finish off your Melon and Berry Salad.
Now the final, last thing is to place the salad bowl into the fridge and let it Chill for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.
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Life as a Gypsy 