SchwassCanada

Seems ages since the last message here. Sorry to hear about the storm in New Plymouth! We saw on the news that snow fell on Wellington - what's going on there? Well done Nicole with your projects! You certainly are a great all-rounder Ryan - there's not too many chaps who play rugby and chess - brains and strength WOW! How was the music fest Russell & Timothy? What was your disguise? Also how was the gig? Now, where were we travell-wise? The Cosmos tour is over and we have been spending a few days on our own in Halifax. It's been great to sleep in!!! The staff here at the Lord Nelson are great - they don't rush us and they speak English! The sea food is great - had a whole lobster each the ... read more

I think (hope) I have had a break-through here....sorry, some step I'm missing - so close! Our love to you anyway.... read more

Looks like we are in with a bunch of people from the States. They seem very nice. One fellow arrived in the briefing room last night, took one look at us and said "Oh no, it's the bucket list brigade!" He's old too so it was taken well. Seems like he will be the joker of the party. It is an interesting time in our journey - finding out about our travelling companions. One fellow is what you might call - "mobility challenged". He seems like a good guy. His wife is the organiser and I overheard him saying, "Once she makes up her mind..." Another couple we met on the bus coming from the airport. Don said, "When I grow up I want to do what you are doing!" It doesn't look as if he ... read more

Just checked Gloria, there are some photos of the Calgary time - a good one of our picnic. Go back a few entries. More love... read more

Boy, what a whirlwind we seem to have been in lately! We have seen some amazingly old buildings, eaten some great meals and some we would have been better not to have eaten. That, however, is the way things go sometimes. My favourite so far has been the walled city of old Quebec. We had a lovely old chap for our local guide who told us about his growing up in the area, where he went to school, where he played, where he went to church and where he had some romantic episodes. The places are passed down from generation to generation so he knew the families all along the way, the lower levels of the houses have now been leased to businesses for cafes, shops, markets etc for to encourage tourists to come and spend ... read more

Here we are in the capital of Canada. Our first impressions were somewhat doubtful - room a bit of a come-down, directions for where to go for dinner were quite confusing (for us). We went to a place - well, best not to give you the details - not great though. Picked up some yoghurt & cookies afterwards to make up for it. Ate them on Parliament Hill then sat on the grass and waited for the sound and light show. We didn't know what to expect, but the wait was well worthwhile. The whole building was bombarded with a coloured light show of such high tech we were blown away. At the end they played O Canada, I sure felt like standing and singing out loud. I didn't, I'm sure Ron was grateful that I ... read more

Tomorrow we join the Cosmos tour so thought I'd take this chance to write - who knows when I'll have another opportunity! Yesterday was foggy with rain promised so we decided to do some "inside" stuff. We found our way to the St. Lawrence Market in old Toronto. Wow! what a place! reminded me of Granville Island only a bit of grotty thrown in. Lots of fish, meat, fruit, cheeses, flowers, breads, specialty dishes, music, people, noise, aromas and not-so-nice smells - all in the one big rambling brick building. We roamed around upstairs and down, I found a scarf I liked (not too much weight and bulk). Ron found his seafood chowder for lunch and I found some bits and pieces at a gourmet place - looked better than they tastetd. The cheese was great ... read more

Today dawned bright and sunny. I haven't seen the high for today but it sure was hot! We took the subway over to the lake side. Started on a suggested walking tour in the Lonely Planet guide but soon got interested in the things around us and just went from one interesting thing to another. We took a tour of the Skydome - home of the Toronto Argonauts and the Blue Jays. Massive place - went behind the scenes, saw the place being spruced up for the big game on Thursday night (I'm trying to convince Ron that he would like to go to a football game). They were rolling up the flooring and replacing it with special stuff for the game. We went into the TV comentators' box, a private box, the broadcasters, journalists box, ... read more

This morning we left Calgary. Boy! Was that ever hard! Lovely family! Grateful for their love and care. Grateful for just having them as family. Flight was a short 3 hrs. Kept busy with crosswords and reading the news. It was pay-as-you-go on Westjet but that was OK. Toronto airport not as magnificent as Vancouver but a lot quicker through the gates etc. Hotel Best Western Princess is fine. Best of all, it has air conditioning. Drive from airport long and slow - construction. Had an early dinner (missed lunch) and took a short walk downtown. Not a great first impression - beggar on the street, strange man shouting "I steal police cars" (he looked all red in the face and quite strange (poor fellows!) Then came upon a couple - the guy looked like he ... read more

We're into the last few days with Mini, Russell & Timothy. We are looking forward to the trip out East but this will not be an easy parting. We've been so very well cared for here it would be easy to stay. Yesterday Ron and I did the C train thing again and checked out The Bay (Hudson's) downtown. Had a fish & chips lunch then met up with Timothy at the Glenbow Museum. Wow! what an amazingly well laid out exciting display of Canada's history. The story of the originals, the settlers, the empire builders, the immigrants, art and fabulousness of this country - we stayed till closing time when we were courteously invited to leave. Of course we have had some great games times here and look forward to a few more before we ... read more