Taipan tours for Eastern Canada Trip

We had our very first Canada bus tour last Civic Holiday weekend. It was enjoyable because we didn't have to spend much. Here's the breakdown of all the expenses and the details of our itinerary:

Canada East 3Day Tours
Fees per person: CDN 132 (Bus tour and Hotel for 3 days) CDN 46 (Entrance fees and other charges-tips) with food (buffet style) lunch day2, lunch day3 and 1 dinner with service charge (CDN 113)

Day 1
Toronto
Kingston
Ottawa: Parliament Hill
Civilization Museum
Montreal: Dinner
Hotel

Day 2
St. Joseph Oratory
Notre Dame Basilica
Olympic Stadium (Biodome, Montreal Tower)
Quebec: Old Quebec City
Hotel

Day 3
Quebec City
Brunch
1000 Islands Cruise (1 hour)
Toronto



Those who are interested for this kind of trip on Labor day weekend or any other 3day-weekend may contact
Sarah Li - 416-917-9038

Fine Lunch at Moxie's Classic Grill

This is one of the reasons why I want to go back to work - to eat out in the trendy places for free :). The big bosses in our team treated us - 3 new employees (Specialists they say) to a hearty lunch at Moxie's Classic Grill near our office. I liked the ambience - it's cozy and the service is great (although they forgot to serve my salad, I forgot about it because I'm already full). It was a good thing that FIFA is on and we didn't get a reservation at an Italian resto because Italy is playing and they cannot assure us seats. Moxie's was a good choice. The food is superb! I ordered from the Summer Specials menu and they were teasing me about my order with rice. I liked what I ordered - Mango Chicken, right spicy and sweet taste and the avocado/salsa side matched my palate. I hope to go back there and treat my family on my first pay maybe? :)

Summer in Spring at Ontario Place

We had fun at Ontario Place yesterday. It was the special day for Toronto District School Board students and their families to enjoy the special discounted rates and pre-opening of the downtown theme park. Ontario Place will offically open this weekend for the Victoria Day holiday - May 22. The weather cooperated, the sun was up and shining bright. I think I had sunburn, staying mostly under the sun. The place is located on the lakeshores of Ontario Lake and the cool breeze is perfect in the hot sunny day. It feels like summer in May - perfect for those who stayed in Soak City, the water park inside Ontario Place.

The park is divided into 5 main areas - Market Place, Soak City, Adventure Island, Marina Village and The Go Zone. Other atractions included the Imax theater called Cinesphere, the Atlantis Pavilions and the World of Weather. We didn't even know where they were located because as usual our time were spent in lining up in the kids rides. The place where we had our lunch was on top of a hill overlooking the lake with lovely swans floating quietly. A nice spot for meditation and relaxation.

Going there is another story, the TTC provides 3 ways to get to Ontario Place but you need to pass by the Exhibition Place about 10-15 minutes walk before you reach the entrance to Ontario Place. We will need to go back again to explore the other parts of this fun-filled Summer destination.

19 inch LCD TVs

I used to have a 21 inch LCD monitor in my computer at the office and it makes all my tasks visible and helps in my being efficient. Now that I'm mostly at home and wants to maximize my relaxation, I was hoping to get a 19-inch LCD TV. I can also use this LCD TV as a PC monitor and display photos and videos. Amazing!

Dolphin Watching in Bohol

The reason why we chose to have our vacation in Bohol over Boracay in year 2007 is this - Dolphin watching. The kids love the experience! When we went to see then, they all came and surrounded us, all hundreds of them and some made jumps like this. Amazing!

Then the Balicasag Island tour made our day, with the school of fishes surrounding our boat each time we feed them. The water is clear enough to see the corals, different shapes, colors and sizes. Too bad, we didn't had the opportunity to see them up close by snorkeling because we cannot leave the kids in the boat. The boatman says, that place is the sanctuary of fishes and corals, a must-see for tourists. I hope to be back there someday.

If you want to really enjoy your summer vacation, head to Bohol and have the experience of a lifetime. Stay in the Bohol Beach Club / Dumaluan shoreline for a quiet and clean beach front. Watch the tarsiers - smallest monkey in the world and be serenaded while having lunch in a river cruise. Of course, don't forget the Chocolate Hills, all this and many other surprises make up for the adventure of your lives.

Trendy and inexpensive eyeglasses

I came across this internet site while looking for new frames. The #1 online Rx glasses store provides a wide range of trendy frames and different types of lenses. I was thinking of getting bifocal lenses, good thing Zenni Optical is the place to find the lowest price progressive glasses. I saw this Titanium frame and wonder if this frame can be used with a progressive lens. There are other styles to choose from and somehow I can't decide whicn one to buy. All these eyeglasses are real good finds because of its value for money advantage.

I'm not the only one who find this site interesting and highly recommendable. Eric's Review of Zenni Optical is so helpful and information.

Mattamy Homes @ Mount Pleasant

I got this free magazine on new homes and upon seeing the cover page which says "Village Square, Summer Pond, Winter Rink", I was intrigued. Then I realized that this is a perfect place to live. This neighborhood in Brampton has it own place for shopping, dining, entertainment, strolling and recreation. What I love to see are the parks, trails, playground, and other recreation facilities. It even has its own skating rink during winter and a pond during summer. There will be a village square along the lines of small-town squares and a library as central gathering space that connects people at the centre of the Village.

I was dreaming having my own bakeshop or coffeeshop in the main street where it will combine live/work spaces that will be great opportunity for family businesses, retail opportunities and professional services. Homes on the main street will have garages at the back, so the streetscape is more pleasing.

But then I saw this model, I couldn't help but drool. I like the grassed courtyard where my kids can play or Lito and I can relax sitting on lounges while waiting for the barbecue. I hope we can have something like this for our own home.

Toronto tour via Citypass

When Irvin and Faye visited us last Christmas, we chose to tour them via the Citypass. It's a booklet of tickets to five Toronto attractions which only cost US$ 57.82 each adult, a whopping 50% savings compared to buying the tickets separately. The Toronto Citypass included Toronto's major attractions like the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Center and Toronto Zoo. The CN Tower tour included the motion-ride, glass floors and the tour at the top. What's amazing is that if you are a Citypass holder, you need not line up at the ticket booths which we took advantage at the long queues in these attractions.

If you're a first time traveller or just want to see Toronto's most famous spots at discounted prices, Citypass is the way to do it. You have nine days to finish all the attractions with Citypass. Booklets also provide you with attraction information, transportation directions, best times to visit, a map, and expert advice on where to find distinctive Toronto tastes, goods, and off-beat places from the experts at National Geographic Traveler magazine. Toronto CityPass is your guide to Toronto – and it fits in your pocket.

The other side of San Francisco - Marin County

As young as he is, my firstborn already knows and looks forward going to the popular tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate bridge. He saw some of my photos during my US trip last 2008 and he said he wants to have a picture taken in the NY and San Francisco landmarks. I also want to go back to San Francisco because I only had 6 hours to see the city. This time, I would love to see the Marin County side and avail the Mill Valley Hotel Deals.

There’s this hotel that we always stayed on while in the US and I’m sure there is a Holiday Inn California to try there. I like to explore this side of California because of its scenic beauty. This Mill Valley Holiday Inn is surrounded by trees and bird sanctuary and there’s also a biking and jogging path to provide the guests options for physical activities while on their vacation. After going around San Francisco and exploring the different sites and attractions, it’s a pleasant nook to stay in this side for the much needed rest and relaxation. A modern respite with the latest technology in your rooms in the midst of natural beauty.

Hippo Tours - the Bus that floats

Since Toronto is a business city of Canada, those who are in business trips who want to see Toronto in between meetings will find this tour helpful. This also applies to those tourists who are just passing by Toronto on their way to other Canada destinations like Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal etc. The Hippo tours is the most unique way to see Toronto in one continuous journey on both land and water on an amphibious bus called "The Hippo". A one-of-a-kind, 90-minute tour of Toronto with an unforgettable splash into Lake Ontario to tour the waterways of Ontario Place. Tour of downtown Toronto highlights many of the city's major landmarks and attractions including CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame, Eaton Centre, Dundas Square, the Discovery District, Old and New City Hall, University of Toronto, trendy Queens Street west, Harbourfront Centre and lots more. The tour is fully narrated by knowledgeable guides to provide you with the historical and cultural flavour of the city. I can't wait to ride here with my parents or in-laws who will appreciate the tour without walking.

Consider a Third Home

Part of your long-term plans is to have a vacation home in another place so you can get that rest and relaxation you deserve after all the years of working. Once you have your other home or second home, you can have a 3rd Home.

3rd Home is a home exchange portal where you will find other luxurious vacation homes. You can exchange your second home with these luxurious vacation houses from other members. Part of the many perks is that you will get a chance to enjoy exclusive access to some of the most desirable resorts and private destinations in the world.

When you're not in your second home, you can share it with other members of this exclusive vacation property management. Second-home owners like to optimize the use of their second homes. They sometimes want a different getaway experience and 3rd home is here to make it happen. 3rd Home is here to create the finest, luxury, second home exchange program in the world - with the highest standards in the industry.

You might want to have a vacation in most popular destinations like Miami, Florida, Palm Springs, California, and Nantucket Massachusetts where the members second homes are located. The houses range from beach villas in Mexico and mansions on Miami Beach to upscale lofts in France and log homes in Colorado. Isn't it cool? Unless you are super rich you have all your second homes all over these places, why not try 3rd home - your access to finest and luxurious vacation homes in popular destinations of the world.

IPod and the internet

I have dreamt of having an IPhone but since I don’t have the regular source of income to afford a monthly subscription to get one, I will have to be content with Lito’s IPod Touch as my other form of relaxation. Last night, I found myself browsing the internet using this gadget (Before, I only use it to listen to music, reading an ebook, watch a movie or play games) and I was amazed. The Safari browser is different from the Explorer or Firefox which I am used to and gliding through the soft screen is exciting. The windows appear as another page and they move from one side to another as if moving sheets of paper. The Top sites feature of the Safari 4 browser displays the thumbnails of recently visited sites. I found this tip from a free articles directory where there are lots of articles submitted. The articles are listed in different categories and my favorite is Technology and computers which is a popular subject.

Well, I think I am still an IPod novice. While most of the gadget-hungry yuppies and youth went gaga over the chic MP3 players and sleek MacBook Air years ago, it’s only now that I am into it. Thanks to ITunes and other strategies to promote the IPod, Apple has tremendously reached that status with the trendy products and I guess I’m also hooked. One article submitted in web world articles explained what Apple really undertook to promote IPod. Now, Apple’s IPod is a huge success and the rest is history.

Sightseeing in Canada - Niagara Falls

The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear of Canada is the Niagara Falls. I've seen the majestic Falls both from the US and the Canada side and I would say the Falls really looked better from the Canada side. From Toronto, there are tours going to Niagara and there are also cheaper bus going to the Fallsview Casino. While in Niagara, you can choose from the following different tours:

1. Maid of the Mist - This is an exhilarating boat ride to the base of the majestic Horsehoe Falls. Get ready to get wet.

2. Journey Behind the Falls - Here you will be behind the heart of Niagara and stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above.

3. Niagara-on-the-lake - This is a tour to the 18th-century town. Here you will enjoy the historic charm of Niagara-on-the-lake.

4. Butterfly Conservatory

Or just enjoy the day in Niagara Falls on your own terms. Explore Niagara Falls in your way and your own pace. When we went there last summer, we just walked in the park and bask under the sun while listening to the rapids and watching the amazing Niagara Falls.



So on your next visit to Canada, make sure to include this in your itinerary.