The Northern Lights, Churchill, Manitoba

THE AURORA BOREALIS, THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, ITS MAGICAL WHATEVER THE NAME

With Churchill situated on the edge of what’s known as the Auroral Oval, a grandstand view of the Aurora Borealis is ensured. Named for the Roman Goddess of Dawn and the Roman God of the north wind, the Northern Lights are a phenomenon of the northern polar region; its mystical rainbow of colours, caused by solar particles impacting the earth’s upper atmosphere, stretches for thousands of miles across the night sky.

From above, astronauts on space missions have an uncanny view of their brilliance. Like a luminous halo, the lights hover up to 2,000 miles above the earth’s magnetic poles.

Throughout centuries the northern lights have inspired wonder and often fear in native people.  As with most mystical happenings, legends abound.  The Point Barrow Eskimos were so intimidated by the weird appearance and disappearance of the lights that they thought of them as evil.  Labrador Eskimos believe that the lights originate with torches used for guiding the dead to the Spirit World.  Others have called the phenomenon ‘an omen of war’.  Some say it is the dance of human or animal spirits.  And yet others – the Mandan native people of North Dakota – say the lights are from the fires of medicine men boiling their enemies in pots.  The Lakota Sioux have a more gentle explanation. The dancing lights, they say, are children of the future playing in the sky as they wait to be born.

Tours: Frontiers North Adventures, Winnipeg 800-663-9832, http://www.frontiersnorth.com/


Photo copyright Frontiers North Adventures

Posted by Anne Gordon on Sunday, 19th December, 2010

BREAKING NEWS - FLORIDA FESTIVALS AND EVENTS


PENSACOLA – Starting in January, The National Aviation Museum hosts numerous special events and exhibits to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of naval aviation. With more then 150 vintage aircrafts and weekly flyovers by the world-famous Blue Angles, this museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. http://navalaviationmuseum.org/

AMELIA ISLAND (near Jacksonville) – Beginning on Feb. 24 the newly created Amelia Island Film Festival will celebrate three days of local and regional filmmakers in venues throughout historic downtown Fernandina Beach. The program provides an excellent atmosphere for festival goers to meet and greet with film makers, writers, artists, songwriters and more. www.filmamelia.com

TAMPA – Calling all chocolate lovers. The Museum of Science and Industry will be hosting The Festival of Chocolate from Jan. 15-17. Enjoy Florida’s only all-chocolate themed festival by sampling different types of the sweet treat, while experiencing interactive events that showcase the science, history, fun and romance associated with one of our favorite candies. http://www.mosi.org/what-to-do/the-festival-of-chocolate.aspx

FORT MYERS – This winter, experience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world-famous Rockettes in a glittering, grand performance in Southwest Florida. Take a magical trip to the North Pole during this exciting and memorable performance until Nov. 28. http://www.bbmannpah.com/

MIAMI – Visitors and residents alike can commemorate the opening of the ArtSoBay Exhibit during the 2011 SoBay Festival of the Arts. The two week long series of events begin on Feb. 4, and celebrates the literary, performing and visual arts that have inspired the culture of South Florida. The festival concludes with a concert featuring Victor Espinola, a multi-instrumentalist and singer. http://www.deeringestate.org/pages/SoBay-Festival-of-the-Arts.aspx

Exhibits & Shows
TAMPA – Coming to the Museum of Science and Industry this February is the premiere of their new spring exhibit, Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World, sponsored by Terminix. This exhibit offers guests a chance to get up close and personal with insects from all over the world! http://www.harrysbigadventure.com/

PLANT CITY (Near Lakeland) - Dinosaur World welcomes the arrival of the new baby dinosaurs exhibit including the Maiasaurs, Torosaurs and Igunadons species. The grouping of dinosaurs in their herds is an important aspect of Dinosaur World’s exhibits where you will find over 150 of these life size dinosaurs along with interactive exhibits. Activities include the Fossil Dig, where you can search through sand looking for fossils to take home; and at Boneyard, you can uncover a life-size skeleton waiting for visitors. www.dinosaurworld.com

PALM BEACH - Watch a once in a lifetime circus extravaganza presented by The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as they bring you though a fantasy-filled world during A Magical Holiday Circus Spectacular. From Dec. 28 - Jan. 2, experience the wonderment and holiday magic intersected with unparallel powers of imagination. http://www.ringling.com/

MANALAPAN (Near West Palm Beach) – The Florida Stage announces the World Premier of Goldie, Max & Milk from Dec. 15 - Jan. 16 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Celebrating the company’s first season at the Kravis Center, this comedy, mixing humor and beauty is one of the four new plays the company will introduce this season. Call (561) 515 – 6372 to reserve your seats, or visit http://www.floridastage.org/

Activities
ST. AUGUSTINE – The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum opens Nov. 2010 and is located just a short walk from the Castillo de San Marcos, marking the historic battle grounds for Spanish soldiers’ centuries ago. This interactive, educational attraction features archeological finds, replica pirate ships, and pirate artifacts. www.thepiratemuseum.com

DUCK KEY (Florida Keys) – Learn to ride the waves or paddle the crystal clear waters around Hawks Cay Resort. They recently added Stand-Up Paddleboarding to its list of activities, which lets new and experienced visitors see dolphins, fish, homes and boat shows from a never seen perspective. Call (305) 743-7000 or check out www.HawksCay.com

KEY LARG0 – Scuba Divers can now explore more of the dive capital of the world with the Key Largo Scuba Shack. The Scuba Shack now offers dive vessel service in their Burpee dive vessel that accommodates six to ten divers. The vessel also allows them to customize a planned charter for morning, afternoon or night dive excursions. For more information, call (305) 735-4313 or visit www.keylargoscubashack.com

Openings & Renovations
PENSACOLA - The Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach will open in February 2011. The 206-room property will feature gulf front rooms, a full-service restaurant, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and lazy river pool with cascading waterfalls. Located on the sugar white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, this resort is footsteps away from restaurants with excellent local flavor and many night spots for all ages. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/rs/1/en/hotel/pnspb

JACKSONVILLE – Starwood hotels will open the Aloft Jacksonville –Tapestry Park in January 2011, featuring approximately 3,600 square feet of meeting space. The meeting space will be located in an attached building and can be separated into three smaller spaces for various events. The new hotel has been deigned to meet criteria to receive a LEED Green Building Rating System. The hotel is located next to a recently opened III Forks Steakhouse, providing guests a exceptional fine dinning experience steps from their guestroom. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/index.html

JACKSONVILLE – Coming to the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) in November will be Florida’s largest digital planetarium. This new addition will include a 60-foot dome theatre offering a total-immersion entertainment experience. Not a science guru? The programming will reach beyond astronomy to include history and natural science, blockbuster films and documentaries. www.themosh.org

ST. PETERSBURG – Set to open Jan 11.11 The Dali Museum will hold the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s work in the world, outside of Spain. The gallery will display works of art from a 2,140 piece collection, including 96 oil paintings. The exterior of the building is a work of art, featuring more then 900 triangular-shaped glass panels, wrapping around the building like a Dali Clock. www.thedali.org

PALM BEACH – The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach plans to unveil new guestrooms in January 2011 that feature a spa-inspired sensibility, combining the sophistication and natural beauty of the nearby waterfront in the resorts 210 rooms. Behind the transformation is designer Brian Glukstein, a well-known Canadian interior designer who plans to combine a contemporary look with a casual sophistication, comfort and understated elegance. http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach/

PALM BEACH – Re-opening this season at The Breakers is L’Escalier, the crown of their dining collection, serving contemporary French cuisine in a refined atmosphere of Versace china, Christofle silver, Riedel crystal and talented service staff presenting each dish in a classic European style. http://www.thebreakers.com/

PALM BEACH GARDENS – VERDEA, opening in December at The Embassy Suites Palm Beach gardens will provide an elegant natural gourmet dining experience. The restaurant emphasizes flavor and simplicity by blending local, seasonal and organic ingredients to create a new and exciting environment for all guests. To reserve your table, call (561) 691-3165 or visit www.palmbeachgardens.embsuites.com.

MARATHON (Florida Keys) - The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is Marathon Key’s newest lodging addition accommodated guests for the first time on Nov. 5. The hotel has 134 rooms with amenities including a marina with docks for guests, a large outdoor pool facility, a 5,000 square-foot tiki bar and 24-hour fitness and business centers. The resort also offers free wireless high-speed internet access in rooms and throughout the resort. For reservations, call 888-465-4329 or visit http://www.hiexpress.com/

News from VISITFLORIDA

Photos copyright Anne Gordon

Posted by Anne Gordon on Saturday, 18th December, 2010.

'Women are Persons' monument in Ottawa

DISCOVER OTTAWA AND CANADA - BOOK TWO NIGHTS AND GET THE THIRD NIGHT FREE

Toronto, December 17, 2010—When it comes to Canadian history and culture, there is no city like Ottawa. Museums. Galleries. Theatre. Music. Festivals. The world’s largest skating rink. First class hotels. And, just in time for the holidays, Ottawa Tourism offers two new getaway packages that make discovering (or re-discovering) your Canadian identity an affordable and fun experience.

Chateau Laurier in Ottawa

Participating Ottawa hotels are now offering Get to Know Your Canada and Taste of Canada packages. Both are two-night getaway packages, which offer a Third Night Free at participating hotels for visitors wanting to extend their stay in Ottawa one more day. The Third Night Free promotion is valid at participating hotels for bookings made until March 31, 2011—but the actual travel can take place anytime. Each package starts at $116 per night based on a 2-night stay for 2 adults.

Get to know your Canada
If you’re new to Canada or simply in need of a pleasant refresher course, this two-night Ottawa getaway package is the perfect choice. Immerse yourself in Canadian history, culture and achievement at national museums and galleries. Tour the Capital’s famous national sites and landmark attractions. And join in the celebration at seasonal festivals and national events all year round. It’s all about getting to know Canada—and doing it all in one quintessentially Canadian place! Book your two-night getaway package and extend your stay with a 3rd night free at participating hotels.

Parliament Building in Ottawa

Taste of Canada 
Sample some of the best of Canada with this two-night getaway package in the Capital. If you’re into the great Canadian outdoors, just step outside your Ottawa hotel and go skating and skiing this winter and enjoy great golfing, cycling, running, hiking and water sports next summer. Your tastes tend more toward arts and culture? Ottawa’s got you covered with the country’s biggest lineup of national museums, galleries and performing arts. Want a taste of Canadian culinary excellence? Ottawa’s community of renowned chefs is happy to oblige. Come experience a taste of Canada, whatever your pleasure! Book your two-night getaway package and extend your stay with a 3rd night free at participating hotels.

To reserve the Get to Know Your Canada and A Taste of Canada packages
Visitors wanting information or to reserve the Get To Know Your Canada and A Taste of Canada packages can visit www.ottawatourism.ca, a powerful website operated by Ottawa Tourism and supported by the region’s tourism industry.

There are many other packages available as well, including Hockey Night in the Capital, Rendezvous for Two, Family Discovery, and Cultural Odyssey.

From Ottawa Tourism

Photos copyright Anne Gordon

Posted by Anne Gordon on Friday, 17th December, 2010.



Camel, Kajaliyo, dressed for a wedding at India's Pushkar Fair

 A CAMEL FIT FOR A DESERT KING AT INDIA'S PUSHKAR FAIR

Jhool with jingling anklets

On the mela at the Pushkar Fair, I sat for nearly an hour on a three legged leather stool at the feet of a majestic camel called affectionately by his owner “My Loving Camel Kajaliyo”. Watched by curious passers-by, I was tutored by Ashok Shivani (Kajaliyo's owner) on the intricacies of camel accoutrements.

 A specialist in desert culture, Ashok is also the proprietor of 'Collector's Paradise' in the holy city of Pushkar where he does a brisk trade in items of museum quality. From his tented shelter on the desert sand, he sells turbans, camel quilts, bridles, camel girths, old bells, antique bridal veils, dowry bags and marriage shawls.

Camel bells hang below stomach

As we talked, Kajaliyo, decked out in wedding finery, snorted and shuffled beside us. With his gorbandh – a necklace of pearls, beads and shells – a camel belt woven from goats hair, numerous bells and tassels dangling from his neck, jingling anklets on his front legs, tail ornaments and embroidered saddle cloth, he would have been a handsome gift for a desert king.

Photos copyright Anne Gordon

Posted by Anne Gordon on Thursday, 16th December, 2010.

A SERIOUS WINTER STORM UNDERWAY IN CANADA

Conditions are treacherous on the 402 near the town of Sarnia in south western Ontario.  Close to 300 people are stranded in their cars.  Some have been trapped overnight as snow squalls, driving winds and plunging temperatures make for dangerous conditions for rescuers. 

The military has been called out to assist with the rescue and helicopters are lifting people in baskets from this desolate white-out scene.  If conditions don't improve soon, snowmobiles, ATVs and heavy trucks will be added to the rescue operation.

Posted by Anne Gordon on Tuesday, 14th December, 2010

Oxford's Christmas Market


OXFORD'S CHRISTMAS MARKET

There could be no better time than Christmas to visit Oxford's famous historic landmark - the Covered Market.  It's a great place all year round, but the festive season has a special magic.

Candy canes

 Evergreen wreaths decorate crowded stalls and shops, the resinous fragrance of firs fills the air and Christmas trees and huge bunches of holly and mistletoe hang from the raftered ceiling in dense profusion.

Choose a tree and one of the stall assistants will, with the aid of a long pole, hook it down. Before you can say “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’, it will be trussed up with twine and deposited on your shoulder for the journey home.

There are a wealth of butcher’s shops in the market and as the build-up towards Christmas reaches a crescendo, vast layered displays outside each meat shop groan beneath the weight of pink turkeys, plucked clean but for a feathery ruff encircling each scrawny neck.

Christmas wreaths for sale

At Christmas time and throughout the year, venison, rabbits, pheasant, plump porkers and the occasional Highland deer clad in a coat of coarse gray-brown hair hang from huge butcher’s hooks awaiting the shopper with a taste for the finest of fare.

Throughout the year, the plum contract for butchers in the market is to supply the University with meat. The dons (professors) and their often illustrious guests; kings and presidents, oil sheiks and authors, wine and dine in a style unknown to the ordinary man. The custom of these grand colleges cannot help but improve the cash flow.

Posted by Anne Gordon on Monday, 13th December, 2010.

OTTAWA HAS THE SCOOP ON WINTER INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES  

 Visitors to Ottawa have plenty of choice this winter whether they want to stay inside or outside. This December, the Ottawa region will be energized by the lights of Christmas, outdoor skating, the Nutcracker and, of course, hockey! And if you book your hotel or getaway package before March 31, 2011 , you can enjoy a 3rd night free at participating hotels. Visit www.ottawatourism.ca for full details on this as well as the other special offers and packages available.

Over the coming weeks, Ottawa will play host to Christmas Lights Across Canada; performances of The Nutcracker and Nativity: a Coyote’s Christmas at the National Arts Centre, The Bell Capital Cup hockey tournament and the 41st skating season on the Rideau Canal Skateway where visitors can skate, for free, on the world’s largest outdoor rink.

For the past 25 years, Ottawa has had a Christmas lights festival to brighten the Ottawa winter for visitors and local residents. At first, the lights were only ablaze on Parliament Hill, but since then the programme has expanded. This year, there will be over 60 spectacularly lit sites along Confederation Boulevard downtown. Christmas Lights Across Canada begins on December 2 on Parliament Hill with a free 6 pm Illumination Ceremony. Over 300,000 lights will be switched on and will make the city glow until January 7, 2011. www.christmaslights.gc.ca

The National Arts Centre (NAC) in downtown Ottawa is the country’s premier performing arts complex. This winter, the NAC will stage a series of dance, music and drama performances, all marking the Holiday Traditions of Canada.

The Alberta Ballet will be on stage at the National Arts Centre December 1-5 dancing the colourful Nutcracker. From December 8 to 23, the NAC presents its own interpretation of the First Christmas as seen through the eyes of three wise coyotes! Nativity is a holiday musical comedy for the whole family. The hot ticket for cultural tourists this Christmas? The National Art Centre Orchestra's evening performances of Handel’s Messiah on December 14 and 15. www.nac-cna.ca

The world’s largest hockey tournament, the Bell Capital Cup, will be staged for the 12th year at ice rinks all across the Ottawa region. For spectators, this is a very affordable hockey tournament to watch—day passes start at $3 for seniors, and full tourney passports cost just $12. Children under 12 are free! Visitors to the city are welcome to watch over 2,000 players on more than 500 teams from Canada, U.S. and Europe compete December 30, 2010-January 3, 2011. www.bellcapitalcup.ca

The city of Ottawa is treasured for the beautiful Rideau Canal, which winds its way through the downtown core. Each winter, once the canal freezes, thousands of visitors and locals head downtown, day and night, to skate on the 7.8 km long Rideau Canal Skateway. It is free; there are change facilities, food concessions, skate rentals and sharpening stations right on the frozen surface. Weather dictates when the canal is actually available to skaters; but it usually happens in late December or early January. www.canadascapital.gc.ca/skateway

Tourists wanting information, tickets and lodging reservations for events and festivals can visit www.ottawatourism.ca, a powerful website operated by Ottawa Tourism and supported by the region’s growing tourism industry. There are many packages available including Hockey Night in the Capital, Rendez-vous for Two, Family Discovery, and Cultural Odyssey

From Ottawa Tourism

Posted by Anne Gordon on Monday 13th December, 2010