Good Morning Canada!

I am back on familiar ground seeing it through new eyes.

Celebrating Chantal's and MJ's wedding with my whole family was priceless!

Hope you enjoyed coming along for the ride. Everyone should embark on new experiences no matter how big or how small to enrich your day.

Peace out!

An Evening in London

Wow! Tonight I sat in the hostel with three young woman whose view of life only inspires me to keep seeking new adventures. Katherine, Casey and Amanda all in their 20's shared with me their views and experiences.

Look up the lyrics and watch the video to the song Where Suncreen by Baz Luhrmann.

I am looking forward to celebrating my neice's wedding in Toronto this coming Saturday. Chantal and MJ, like so many beautiful couples I know enbrace love and life.

My family has taught me so much. My friends have been incredible guides. The world is an amazing place and it is wonderful to always seek out new people and places.

Live, Love, Laugh, Sing and Dance!

Madrid lives in my heart

Though, it was not on my origninal itinerary. Madrid was captivating! With Kate's well wishes, I left the hostel knowing I was going to miss her and the warmth that this city gave me.

Took the Metro to the airport. It is a huge place like most airports. Boarded the plane to Paris. Looking forward to seeing how my french would be welcomed in Paris.

I landed in the Beauvais airport and hopped the shuttle to near Arc de Triomphe. I didn't have my hostel book yet, because I was planning on taking the train to Rouen. On the flight, I met a group from Rouen who said they were sorry they couldn't offer me a ride as their car was full.

Monday, was a holiday in Paris so the train schedule was shorter than normal. I had only one hour to get to La Gare Saint Lazare. I didn't make it on time.

With help from Isabelle at this very nice restaurant whose name slips my mind at the moment (but I have their business card), I booked a room.

So, I spend the night at Hotel Ouest. In the morning, I went out to check the trains and realized it was to involved in going to Rouen and making it back to Paris. Time was/is running out on this adventure.

Indulged in some tea and a croissant. Paris' wifi internet service sucks around the city. So, it was off to the Louvre for a few hours. Jean-Claude guided me to a nice spot to have a drink and to people watch near Hotel de Ville.

Sat down at a table with a beer (should have had wine!). Asked the people beside me if they spoke Anglais but they didn't understand me. Liza and Barry are from California and where happy to converse with me. Both are writers. We had a very nice time.

Then it was then back to the Hotel to pick-up my bag and catch the RER to Charles de Gaulle Airport. The Paris subway was a little trick to navigate but I gave myself plenty of time.

I had a little more hassle with my temporary passport getting through the check-in. Standing in line I met Dave, an English man who lives in Germany. He works for the European Space Agency. Very cool. Also, I met Jason from London who was returning home to surprise his girlfriend after spending six months in Korea teaching english.

With Jason's help and very late last night. I made it to central London but the tubes had closed so it was an all night bus or a taxi to the hostel. The taxi driver gave me a deal and took me to the door.

Palmers Lodge is huge, has loads of character and characters. The Internet works here fantastically. The view is great.

I am off to take in a few sites and making the best of my full day here. One more night, then it's home to Canada.

See you all soon!

The Past 6 Days.

Never loose faith. That is my motto.

Last Sunday, I got settled at Hostel One where Raffa offered the highest of quality of service. He was always busy entertaining all the guests. He offered great suggestions of where to go to see Gaudi. I stayed in a great room with abalcony. I seem to meet Irishmen everywhere I go. Ronin at that hostel was a traveler in Spain and played football.

Monday was my day trip to the consulate to discover my journey was taking me, here, to Madrid. The train ride was great but it gave me too much time to reflect. In doing so, I wanted to kick myself in the butt for being so silly. Thank God, that the consulate was extremely helpful with all that needed to be done. Thank God for Josee, Mom and Anne-Marie, too (my earth angels)!

At the Way Hostel, I met Kate, James, Matt, Robert and Ehmar. People from all different directions finding ourselves gathered in this place.

Wednesday night we went to the Prado Museum. One visit wasn't enough. Thursday Kate and I toured the city streets taking in the Madrid vibe. Thursday night, Matt, Robert, Kate and I when to a Jazz club and listened to great funky music. Then hit a disco. Yes, we all dances. Funny, fun crowd.

Already Friday night. Going to grad a bite then just relax at the Hostel Vetusta. This way, Saturday we are getting up early to take in many more interesting, beautiful and historic sites.

So, never loose faith and enjoy each moment that unfolds in the day!

Salute!

Madrid

An unexpected adventure. So, things are sorted and my journey continues.

The ride to Madrid was quite scenic. You will find among the pictures a building with the Canadian flag; the common room in the hostel and Hockey night in Canada is on the television (though, you can't see the players, that picture was for you, Scott and Jen! ;)

Today, I am sharing a room with Kate, a dude from Dublin and two others soul from England, I think.

Kate and I where invited to visit the Prada museum with Elmar. He is German and on holidays for one week. Great souls, great evening!

Peace 'man,

Louise