A church with a view

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri

Manny and I both have our duties. He is the driver, dumper, videographer and webmaster. I am the cook, travel coordinator, photographer and writer. Surprisingly, the job of travel coordinator is the most difficult for me to pull off successfully. It isn’t easy to go into a new city and know where to go, what to see and when to do it all.

Most travel guides, even those provided at the tourist information centers, are painfully boring. I’ve started consulting Trip Advisor and similar travel websites for the opinions and photos of other visitors. Read more »

Categories: Canada, Friends, RV Technology, Serendipity | Tags: | 3 Comments

Merci Montreal

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri

Driving through Montreal the day before to reach our campsite, we had encountered an unpleasant morass of traffic due to miles of road construction. So we opted to take public transportation for our day of sightseeing. Armed with a map, tourist book and subway guide, Manny and I headed for the nearest metro stop, Longueuil, only about 18 miles away. Read more »

Categories: Architecture, Canada, Cuisine, Language, Serendipity | 4 Comments

EH??? (Say What???)

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri
Eh? (Huh?)

Eh? (Huh?)

When we tried to ascertain the amount of alcohol allowed across the border into Canada, we found the answer rather confusing. Is the “1.5 liters of wine, 1.14 liters of liquor, a 24-pack of beer or ale, or 1.14 liters of wine and liquor together” per person or per vehicle?  So, rather than risk being accused of smuggling, we decided to enter our northern neighbor dry. Hence, once safely into Quebec, we needed to stock up. Read more »

Categories: Canada, Language | 3 Comments

New York State Parks

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri
Serena watching a freighter

Serena watching a freighter

Our decision to return to the US and to travel along the northern coast of New York proved to be an excellent one. New York State Parks were at least 30% less expensive than Ontario provincial parks, not to mention that they gave us a better bang for our buck! The first State Park we stopped at was a true gem. Although it was one of the tiniest parks we’ve ever encountered, with only 50 sites, Golden Hill was thoughtfully planned out, so that every spot had a great view.

Read more »

Categories: America | 2 Comments

Some Things are Sacred

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri

We needed to resupply before heading back to the US, so we decided to stop at SuperStore, a top Toronto foodstore chain. Closed?? How can that be? It’s Monday. When we queried a local resident, she replied matter-of-factly, “It’s Labor Day.” Read more »

Categories: Canada | 3 Comments

A Place is Truly about People

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri

The only way to see Toronto is from the water. Preferably with the Rüggeberg family, if you are lucky.

Manuel seems to have a penchant for picking wonderful women as his girlfriends. Every one of them (and I’ve met 3 over the years) has been like a soul sister. Manuel’s first girlfriend, Karin Rüggeberg, was no exception. Smart, warm, funny and politically and philosophically on the same page. Amazing! Read more »

Categories: Canada, Friends | 8 Comments

A Love Story to rival the Taj Mahal

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri
Uncle Sam's Boat

Uncle Sam's Boat

What better way to enjoy a warm September day on the St. Lawrence River than a scenic cruise through the Thousand Islands. Although our 2 1/2 hour trip on Uncle Sam’s paddleboat didn’t include all of the 1864 islands, Reilly, our young tour guide, gave us an enthusiastic glimpse into the lives of many of the wealthy who summer here in their million dollar homes.

Read more »

Categories: America, Architecture, History | 4 Comments

A Step into the Past

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri
Victorian Farm House

Victorian Farm House

When we learned that our $42 campground fee at Bronte Provincial Park included day use of their recreational area—a $16 dollar value—we decided to check it out. Much to our surprise we found a fully restored Victorian Farm House. Read more »

Categories: Canada, History | 2 Comments

New Plan

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri

Rich and Linda Morris, proud owners of a new Airstream Interstate Class B motorhome, are taking their first steps into the RV lifestyle. When Rich asked us where we were headed next, I shrugged. He grinned and said, “How great to be so free!” I smiled inwardly, knowing it had nothing to do with being a free spirit. Stuff happens, and plans change. Why plan an itinerary today when everything can change tomorrow? Read more »

Categories: America, Canada | 5 Comments

Those Hearty Canadians

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Manny & Roz de Lizarriturri

I’m talking grapes here, not people. Apparently Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes like the cool climate. Although California has nothing to fear, Canada’s Ontario wine industry has flourished over the last 30 years, evolving into a niche maker of internationally respected late harvest wines and also Icewines, a concept that was new to us. Read more »

Categories: Canada, Wine | 8 Comments