Dougga

We enjoyed our trip across the southwest of Tunisia and went to a place that was settled by the Romans called Dougga. We hired a car and driver and it cost a bit of money but was worth it.

The place was very strategically located on the foothills of the Atlas mountains. The view from the advantage point was beautiful.

My pictures from Picasa are located here.

Carthage and Sidi Bou Said

Today we visited two very interesting sights. We took in the Punic ruins of Carthage that were inhabited more than 2200 years ago. They were invaded and destroyed by the Romans.

Later in the day we visited the village of Sidi Bou Said, a suburb of Tunis, that is perched high above the Mediterranean. It is an artisans village and lots of art is displayed and for sale.

In the evening we had a typical Tunisian meal of Couscous at an authentic Sfaxienne cuisine restaurant known as Restaurant Pastacaza.

Pictures of Carthage.

Pictures of Sidi Bou Said.

Tunis

After a very long delay at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, because of the grab of money known as a visa, we finally made it to our hotel room in the heart of Sultanhamet. The ride was long but exciting because of the narrow cobblestone streets where the bus barely made it by other vehicles and obstacles.

Later that evening we had a very light dinner at a over priced restaurant around the corner from our hotel. The pide was very good however.

The next morning we went to the airport again to take a plane to Tunisia. The weather was pleasant and the city streets were bustling. We took in the madina and I have uploaded a video to the picasa site so that you hear the sounds and see the sights.

The picture is of Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the main upscale street in Tunis. It was full of people night and day enjoying the many cafes.

To see more pictures of this very busy city, please go to my picasa web site.

Adventure 2010

Our trip is coming up very quickly. In a few weeks we will be heading to North Africa, Turkey and Budapest Hungary. It is one of the longest trips that we have made. Be sure to check here for updates.

Joe loses finger to fish

Joe is feeding the fish his finger. I don't think that is allowed at the park.

Montreal Revisited

In Montreal this past summer, Joe took some very good pictures at the Botanical Gardens here is a small sample.

From the Past

I was looking a old photos today and these came up. I remember the trips to Halfway Log Dump well. We spent many weekends here. This was at a time when the park was open to the public for camping. It is now a National Park. There is now a fee (honour system) that is collected at the front entrance.

In the days that camping was allowed, it was a good and bad thing because some people didn't respect the cleanliness of the park and littered and broke beer bottles. There was a lot of trees being destroyed for bedding as well as for burning.

We visited this area this year with our guests from Hungary and it brought back some very fond memories.

I'd be guessing that the year is 1978 or 79. Based on the way that I look.

Planning

Our plans are coming along. We tend to go to Tunis, Cartage, Sidi Bou Said, Djerba and Douz in Tunisia. In Turkey we will go to Istanbul (our satelite base) Capadocia, Denezel and Epheses. We later will travel to Budapest Hungary.

I think that this will be one of our more exotic travels. Except for a bit of culture shock, I am looking forward to this.

I must get some pounds off me before we go. I am getting sluggish and bit heavy and that isn't good for travelling.

Sarah Brightman

This is a very beautiful version of the Phantom of the Opera.

Working Overtime for our trip

I am working as many hours overtime as I can to get some cash for our trip coming up. We are still thinking of staying even longer in Tunisia because there is so much to see and do.

Today will be busy driving bus, because it is the last Saturday before Christmas.

Adventure 2010

It won't be long and Joe and I will take yet another world trip. This time our travels will take us to Istanbul, Ankara, Capedocia and Ephesus in Turkey and on to Tunisia where will take in Tunis, Souse and Douz in the Sahara dessert. The last week of our vacation will be in our favourite city of Budapest, Hungary.

We are carefully planning our air travel as well as hotels in the selected cities.

More to come as we get closer to the wire.

Montreal Lantern Festival

The picture is taken with a combination of 4 separate photos stitched together.
Be sure to click on the image for the larger one.

Long Exposure

During the past summer we spent many evenings on the front portch with our guests from Hungary. While having a conversation we thought we would experiment with the camera with long exposures. Here is one of the results.

Today, was an exceptional day and Joe and I spent it outside cleaning the perennial beds. We took out all of the debris and garden leaves and put them in a heap on the compost pile.

It is just incredible that we are getting 10 degree days so late in the fall. But, hay, I'll take it with a smile.

Warren and Stacia have decided to move back to the city. They are selling their home in Burford for just under $300,00. I hope they are happy back in the city.

Blackberry

Lately, I have been taking pictures in Victoria Park in Kitchener. For such a small park it is still very beautiful. And what better time to stroll through the park than the fall. These photos have been taken with my Blackberry that has a 3.2 megapixel camera attached.

Victoria Park is very special to me, because I grew up in Kitchener. I long remember the trecks to the park to play on the swings and slides on our way to the Municipal pool at Queen and Highland Road.

I remember the skating on the pond and actually skating our way down to the pond on Park Street.

More in Sauble Falls

A collage of the weekend in Sauble Falls.

Fall Trip 2009

We enjoyed another weekend at Sauble Falls. Although it was wet we enjoyed some indoor activities like guitar playing and singing and playing some cards. Here is a Johnny Rivers song performed by my brothers and friends and recorded by me. Enjoy.

The Chineese Lanterns

The magic of the lanterns in the botanical gardens in Montreal.

Botanical Gardens

Again this year we visited the Botanical Gardens in Montreal. Again we were fascinated by the beautiful displays of flowers and the stunning themes. This year we took in the Chinese Lantern displays both during the day and then went back to visit in the evening. They were incredible. But there were lots of people to see the lantern display and it was a bit hard to maneuver around.

Atwater Market

The sights of the Atwater Market in Montreal.

This market is one of the best markets I have experienced. The fruits, vegetable, flowers and meats are all set out to enhance their appearance.

Art at the park

I was very amused today when I walked my daily walk in the park. I came across a very obvious crash to the earth of a, what appears as debris from space. I include a picture.

Russian Sunflower

This picture was taken last week and shows that the Russian Sunflower is about 2 feet taller than me. I stand 5'10".

The garden is a big success this year with lots of tomatoes, peppers and other veggies.

Montreal July 2009

Montreal was great during DIVERS/CITÉ . We went to the events every day during our stay.

Halfway Log Dump

Our guests loved this place. They were very impressed by the views and the cold Georgian Bay waters. They hiked the rocks and the Bruce Trail along with Joe and I.

Our guests have departed

Attila and Peter from Hungary.

For 4 weeks we had the pleasure of entertaining guests from Hungary.

It was a unique for me because of the age difference (40 years) and the cultural differences. We took in many sites while they were here including Montreal, Georgian Bay, Toronto, Stratford and Long Point.

Kingston Catch up

I would like to try and catch up for the last two months.

Kingston was a real treat for me and Joe. A pretty place with a couple of Universities.

I've got lots of pictures but a few tell many words.

The final week

I have been on holidays for the past week and am now enjoying the final 7 days.

In addition to going to Kingston last week, I have been busy with the yard work and just hanging out in the back yard, side yard and front yard.

A couple of pictures of the yard:

The sheds finally come down

The sheds should be down and to the land fill this week. After starting this project last fall, it's great to see that a completion is about to happen.

There could be one minor consideration. The power to the barn ran through one of these sheds. I hope I can bury the connection in some kind of watertight apparatus.

Kingston, Ontario

Old city hall in Kingston. The style is very much similar to that of Kitchener's old city hall. It even has a market in the back.

Road Trips

Sauble Falls Ontario

Warren stands at the rapids at Sauble Falls.

Boy's Weekend Trip

The back of the cottage and the side of the boat house (bunk house) is shown in this picture. Jeff and Greg stand around the campfire.

The weekend was great. Fairly good weather and temperatures.

Warren and I celebrated our 60th birthday with cake and some good humour fun.

This year, unlike last fall, I didn't get sick and almost die on the weekend.

The 'band' played some tunes around a campfire and then later in the cottage.

Steven, my nephew, came up this year for the first time in about 5 years.

Boy's Weekend Meeting

We had our regular meeting for the Boy's Weekend trip for the spring. We decided to go to another 'new' cottage north of Sauble Beach by Sauble Falls. The place looks interesting and spacious. Also, some nice views and it's right on the river. It includes a boat house apartment and hot tub and Jacuzzi. Warren and I will be celebrating our 60th birthdays at the cottage.

Our reno project is now complete and we have moved our bedroom back upstairs.

Pictured are during and after pictures of the reno project.