Sanuk Canadian

In early summer 2018, I took a 10-day tour through five countries in the EU. It was to celebrate two things: getting a full-time job after many years of part-time contracts and, completing my Master's degree.  On the second day, I took a river cruise along the Vltava River in Prague . After departing the ship, I had a few hours free before joining a walking tour of Prague Castle.  I'm not sure why, but I followed a group of people who told me they were in search of a bar that, according to our tour guide, had the best cocktails. It turned out to be a Cuban bar/restaurant, and the cocktails were actually mojitos. So, I found myself sitting in a Cuban bar...in Prague...enjoying a mojito.   Scenes from the Cuban bar/restaurant,  La Bodeguita del Medio Praha   (website in English & Czech).   It was a very refreshing mojito with abundant mint.  So...after that slight distraction, I walked out to make my way towards Prague Castle. I took a few photo...

In summer 2018, I took a 10-day sightseeing trip through five countries in the EU. Day two continued with touring the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic -- which is also home to my favorite indoor training platform, ROUVY  -- if you're really into cycling, check them out! I booked a river boat cruise which included lunch, drinks and slow-seeing the sights along the Vltava River (Prague Experience, 2021). Our ship passed by the Old Town, New Town, Prague Castle  (TripAdvisor, 2021) and the infamous Charles Bridge  (Prague Experience, 2021).  Below are some scenes from that afternoon. One ship bared the name "Regina" which is the capital city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. I was surprised to see a Canadian connection whilst there!                                    Approaching the Chares Bridge, built to replace one which had collapsed in a flood, this brid...

Back in July 2018, after completing my first year in Western Canada, I booked a trip to visit Europe alone. I joined a bus tour (I know, I know, not exactly alone ) so that I could enjoy the holiday without headaches and pre-planning.  I booked the trip using a site I found on Twitter, TourRadar  which allows you to input your preferences, budget, etc. and they'll recommend itineraries and companies.  I selected a 10-day tour that would pass clockwise through five (5) countries in the EU: Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Most meals were included, there were no 'shopping stops', and most evenings were free for personal exploration and/or rest.  The tour began in Munich, Germany (photos will come another day), but the next day was Prague. I had heard several friends in Japan spill the wonders of how lovely Prague was. I was not disappointed.  On the first night, I joined an evening walking tour of the city. I honestly don't remember where w...

Cycling in Western Canada In July, I had some time off work and was invited to go to Canmore and Banff (Alberta Canada) for a week. This holiday would be spent on bikes (of course!) riding some famous trails in the Canmore and Banff area.  Canmore is a town about 28 kilometers from Banff and linked by a cycling / hiking trail called the Legacy Trail (Trail info  HERE ). The Legacy Trail is actually in Banff National Park and connects to various trails so one can traverse the park via these trails. I stayed in Canmore as it's slightly less expensive than staying in Banff; I used the Legacy Trail almost daily to go into Banff and cycle around.  I first gave the Legacy Trail a try, cycling from Canmore to Banff, and back.  First, here's a look at the route I took:                                                 (click the image above to enlarge if n...

Dark Skies & Prairie Flats Nestled in the southwest of Saskatchewan and near the Montana (USA) border is a national park which is famous for two things:  it's a 'dark sky' preserve, meaning, it has one of the best locations to star gaze in the whole country and  its roaming bison. I visited Grasslands National Park ( LINK ) about a year ago and camped overnight there. I was able to enjoy hiking, buffalo watching and of course, star gazing. While not as famous as Banff or Jasper in Alberta, Grasslands is a unique experience and worth a visit.  Enjoy some photos from my overnight stay... The road in is all gravel and you'll pass by numerous prairie dogs and cattle guards (I think it's to keep the buffalo in, to be honest...) Slight hills to the right... I hiked 70 mile butte -- a butte is an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top ( Wikipedia ). View from the butte Another view from the top of the butte. Prairie flower seen on the hike...I'm sorry I don...

 Part 4 - Columbia-Shuswap Cycling The main purpose of most of my travels these days has been to get outdoors and ride my bike. I love 'slow pace' sightseeing, and cycling has given me the opportunity to do just that.  On two separate days during my trip to Salmon Arm, my boyfriend and I rode some hills and took in the sights. Both rides were recommended by riders on cycling blogs and Map My Ride . Here are highlights... Route 1 - Carlin - White Lake - Balmoral - Carlin We started by parking at the middle school in Carlin, just off the highway. Then, we cycled down the first big hill to the fork near the highway underpass, turning right, then immediately left, following the first of many hills up towards the farms. We saw a few cyclists out and so, you'll know you're heading in the right direction by just following your fellow riders.   Road conditions in some areas are a little rough, but generally look like the photo above.   We came across some wild berries a...