9 tips for the tube on the other side of the pond

Posted on by
10

Navigating London underground

This post is not meant for seasoned travellers who have many times over had to discover how to figure out big city underground transport, nor those who live in cities with subway systems, but rather for those like me who are new to the game and may want some navigational pointers. As well, for us overly polite “sorry abusers” and space sensitive types (yes Canadians I am looking at you), this post should better prepare you.

This wasn’t my first subway. No, I was introduced to my first underground system in New York years ago, which admittedly I found quite simple. And this too was not a complex system to understand. But, I found there was definitely a protocol in London.

Below are tips based solely on my first time visit to London and how it could be made easier for new travellers to quickly acclimate to the tube system, with a few simple considerations.
IMG_1261

Continue reading →

Travel inspiring creation

Posted on by
Reply

Those who travel know how very inspiring it can be, in fact for many it leads them into some sort of creative process. This certainly is the case for me. As a writer one of the greatest gifts is the ability to write about those who truly inspire me.

Enter in Nicole Valentine Don. I was fortunate enough to be able to tell the story of this very talented friend of mine in the February 2013 issue of Chatelaine. Nicole, a native Saskatchewanian who now calls Australia home is featured as Ms. Chatelaine; which can be described as a woman of style and substance. Nicole is both of those things and more.

She came to mind immediately when I was asked to think of who could possibly fit the Ms. Chatelaine profile. I have been inspired by her work from afar and relate with how her travel experiences clearly inform the aesthetic she draws upon to transform creative spaces. Plus she is always on the pulse of all things cool, making her a true leader of the pack.

I love seeing her creative process in action on her blog and you will too. Check out her visual diary at www.thetranscontinentalaffair.blogspot.com. This is a woman who is going somewhere. Without further adieu, I introduce you to Nicole via the article I wrote about her.

IMG_2364 IMG_2363

Embrace winter. Get up and get out.

Posted on by
Reply

I did something different this weekend. I made a concerted effort to stay and play outdoors in the cold. Plus I chose where I thought would be a beautiful winter playground, Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan. I couldn’t have been more right. I had found Saskatchewan’s winter wonderland.

Heavy snow laden pine trees, windy white roads and animal sightings a plenty, Waskesiu  boasts a perfect winter landscape to get outside and reconnect with nature while trying out some fun winter activities.

IMG_5438 Continue reading →

Moose Jaw: More than expected. Surprisingly.

Posted on by
Reply

Moose Jaw is a city that has a lot going for it in terms of tourism. In this month’s travel spread for Pink magazine, I go beyond the obvious hot spots and unearth some other gems found in this great southern Saskatchewan destination.

Pink Moose Jaw

 

 

 

 

Read this month’s magazine here.

Hard times, big hearts in Uganda

Posted on by
6

Today the story of the Candian Co-operative Association’s international development work and highlights from my own personal adventure were the subject of an article in local paper, the Leader-Post. Many thanks to the Leader-Post and to Will Chabun for sharing this (and to the Saskatoon Star Phoenix for adding it to your paper).

http://www.leaderpost.com/search/Hard+times+hearts+Uganda/7746635/story.html

Uganda article LP

The look of sustainability

Posted on by
Reply

We visited numerous farms during our time in Uganda. One thing that became clear very quickly was that the land is ultra fertile and the diversification among the crops farmers can yield is quite vast.

Below is a photo essay capturing a few of the commonly seen commodity crops that provide sustainability for the farmer’s families; their communities and whoever is on the receiving end of the exporting trail. Most important to note though is that the farming practice is the livelihood of many Ugandans and it truly sustains their families and provides  a life with potential for future generations.

Cassava – a root vegetable, starchy much like the potato. It is a main source of carbohydrates for many and considered a staple crop. Another staple crop not pictured here, but grown extensively is maize (corn). cassava Continue reading →

10 reasons to visit family friendly Yorkton

Posted on by
Reply

If you have ever thought about a day or overnight visit to Yorkton, I encourage you to see it through. With relatives in Yorkton, I like to bring my family there not only for a visit but to experience what makes this city a great place for families to enjoy. Here are ten reasons you and your family will appreciate this welcoming city.

Click the image below to read the December issue of Pink magazine today. December Pink Yorkton

Knowledge is light

Posted on by
4

I must preface my blog posts to this page. Although this blog is generally based on travel, the content I post on the mission to Uganda may not fit the normal profile you have been used to reading on this site. I assure you there is a reason. This and pending posts regarding the IFAPI project describe what are important conclusions from my perspective. I also feel strongly they are stories that deserve to be shared.

So onward I go.

Continue reading →