Sidney by the Sea

Known locally as Sidney by the Sea, my friendly ocean side town snuggles the shores of the Straight of Georgia, on the edge of Saanich Peninsula.  The once fertile farmland now entices seniors from all over Canada to immigrate to the sunny southern tip of Vancouver Island.

The main street, Beacon Avenue, leads to the heart and soul of Sidney Marina and the popular seawalk. 

The red-bricked 2.5 km Heart Smart Walk reflects the best of what my hometown has to offer.  The colorful post boards dotting the path offer up Saanich Peninsula’s history in manageable moments. 

The steel statues, added in the summer of 2012, offer a visual storyboard for walkers of all ages.  The wooden benches baked to a cinnamon brown in the noonday sun provide a relaxing place to pause and reflex.  The artful flowerbeds, that line the path, entice even the most determined business person to linger just a little longer.

Like the ebb and flow of the sea, the pathway changes as the daily life in Sidney by the Sea progresses.  On my morning stroll I hear the clank of fish carts echoing out of the fisherman’s wharf.  By mid morning tea, the pounding feet of the locals jogging crack through the quiet air.

The blue and white shack on the tip of Sidney Pier is the best place to enjoy a lunchtime sandwich.  The outside benches are filled with happy patrons delighted to enjoy a moment in the nurturing sun.

Just before the evening meal, eager dogs barrel along the pathway, and bark out a welcome at every passing man and beast. 

Springtime dusk is my favourite time of year, and on those treasured days, I head to Smugglers Pub, on the edge of the pathway, to watch the world go by. Life couldn’t get any better.

 

The ceiling in the Royal Navy College, Greenwich, in Londonn

walking on Sidney’s waterfront in January 2013

Belgium Christmas Markets

In Belgium, Christmas Day is celebrated twice; once on St. Nicholas Day, December 6; and again on Christmas Day, December 25. On St. Nicholas Day children receive toys and candy from Pere Noel. On Christmas Day the children receive sweaters and socks from their grandparents.

The Brussels Christmas Market is a delcious treat for all the senses. Every winter the capital city is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Eager shoppers can wander the cobblestoned streets to choose gifts from 240 wooden chalets. The displays are trimmed with Christmas lights that infuse the dark sky. The aroma of Gluhwein tantalizes the chilly air. Belgian chocolates, made by Artisan Chocolatiers are on offer around every street corner.

Winter Wonderland features an old style Christmas Market, a Big Wheel, street activities, a skating rink, and a nightly light show that dances arond the Grand Place on regular intervals.

I was delighted to discover that I had a front line view of the the amazing light show in the Grand Place from our hotel, Ibis Hotel off the Grand Place. I could barely wait to finish dinner, to start my shopping.

The markets extend from Grand Place to Ste-Catherine. The displays in the windows hold fine beautiful gifts, and the Christmas displays are truly imaginative. The wandering carolers and singers entertain as the crowd moves from stall to stall.

There is something for everyone. The parents can sample Belgian waffles and beer and the little runs will enjoy thier turn on Andrea’s merry go round. The Big Wheel offers an awesome view of the fairyland for the whole family.

The skating rinks is Brussels’s star attraction; it can accomodate 300 people at a time. There is children’s section as well as main adult rink, so all skills levels can glide to their favourite tunes.

My favourite memory was standing in the Grand Square, taking a moment just to admire the light show playing off the stunning City Hall. The square was crowded with tourists but still blessedly slilent, and the true Christmas spirit was all around. The experience was priceless.

Ghost Hunt of York

Ringing his death bell he gathers the awaiting ghost hunters and leads on to York’s darker side.  Ghost Hunt of York is just one of the five ghost hunt tour companies that offer spooky entertainment.

York endured some of England’s bloodiest battles, and claims to be the country’s most haunted city.  The Viking Invasion by Ivar the Boneless in AD867 wiped out Anglo-Saxon York.  In the eleventh century, William the Conqueror devasted the proud city during the Battle of Hastings.  The disturbing massacre of the Jewish Population left a blood stain on the city’s past.

The Shambles, the meeting place for Ghost Hunt York Tour, is York’s most famous street.  The cobblestoned alleyway dates back to the Middle Ages and was voted Britain’s most picturesque street Google Street View Awards in 2010.  During the day, stepping along the quaint street is like a journey back to Charles Dickens time.  The ancient butcher shops have been turned into a tempting tea shops and tourists gifts stores.   The medieval street even offers its own haunted house, but I passed on the experience.  I don’t believe in ghosts, at least not during the day. 

At the strike of 7:30pm, and ringing his death bell, the Ghost Hunter appeared.  Dressed in a black frock, hop hat, and Gladestone bag just like the one Sherlock Holmes use to carry.  As the skies grew darker and darker, we travelled in a group, hanging onto his every word.  The sombre expression on his face never changed, the experience was even more spooky.

At each stop, Andy elevated himself with his stool to ensure that no one would miss a single word.  His voice filled with sincerety as he spoke about York’s beloved Grey Lady.  It was a tale filled with tragedy and romance; a story impossible to forget.  A nun from the Middle Ages fell in love with a nobleman.  Her love was requited, and for her crimes, an angry mob locked her in the windowless room of the Old Hospital of St. Leonard.  The room was sealed with bricks and become the nun’s living tomb.

We also heard abot this ghost called the crying girl.  She use to live in #5 College Street.  According to legend, this ghostly child starved to death after her parents died from plague.  She only appears to haunt the upper parts of the house.

Not all of Andy’s tales are sad, or about murder most foul.  He has the wit of a doctor’s sharp knife.  I quickly saw that the guide, with the sombre expression, had a more playful side.  Andy loved to poke fun at his unsuspecting guests, and soon had us laughing at ourselves.  Two years later it was his stories, and my own carefree giggles, that I remembered so vividly.   It was Andy’s ability to entertain that make Ghost Hunt York the top ghost tour to take when you visit York.

A London Treasure – Liberty Bounds

Wetherspoons Pub in London – Liberty Bounds

Liberty Bounds is across the street from the Tower of London, and stands close to the site of the scaffold, where prisoners from the Tower of London met their fate in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The location is ideal for sightseeing, and the price of the entrees are very competitive.  All J.D. Wetherspoon Pubs offer two for one meal deals through the week, and a Sunday Roast Special for $6.99GPB, that includes a drink

We had spent the afternoon at the Tower of London, and looked forward to our Jack the Ripper Walk offered by London walks (www.walks.com)  The famous walking tour meets at the Tower Hill Tube Station at 7:30pm; we had plenty of time for a leisurely meal.

Walking across the street the grand name of the pub, Liberty Bounds, snagged our attention.  When we entered the lobby of the pub we were pleased to discover that the restaurant was owned by our favourite British Pub Chain, J.D. Wetherspoons.  (www.jdwetherspoons.co.uk)

The restaurant was tastefully decorated in Victorian wood panelled walls, comfortable leather bound seats, patterned rugs in rich colors and plenty of light streaming in through the stained glass windows.  The restaurant is spacious, we choose to eat on the second floor.  Our table was tucked into a peaceful alcove with a medieval Tapestry hanging close by.  I was charmed the minute we sat down.

The atmosphere was casual posh, but not so severe that if we spoke above a police whisper we’d be dragged off to the nearby London Towers for a proper lashing.

Our smiling server returned with our Roast Beef Dinner before we had time to forget her name.  The portions of the meal were generous, our meal even included our choice of coffee, pop, beer or wine.

We declined the offer of desert, and settled over coffee to watch the blue sky over the Tower of London turn a dusky gray.  Walking to meet our guide for our Jack the Ripper Walk, I knew I’d return to Liberty Bounds again.

parasailing on the Aegean Sea

Wish I could post the photos of our parasaling today.  Let  me give you give you picture in a couple of sentences.

Alan and I, hanging in the air 250 feet above the Aegean Sea, harnessed and safe.  Feeting swinging like carefree children, me screaming with enjoyment.  Camera snapping.  We’ll show you the photos when were back in Canada.