Places we have been.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Back in Toronto

Part of our itinerary during my parents-in-laws' visit is Toronto. The last time they had been here was in 1992 as part of their North American tour by which they've visited 12 states in the U.S. and Ontario, Canada. Since then, so many things have changed. Although they were not keen to stroll around the busy streets of Toronto, one thing they shouldn't miss is the climb up to the CN Tower. After a long wait for the nice weather, we finally had the chance.

Since I already covered the CN Tower and Harbour Front in my previous blog, I will just post photos during our visit.


The Rogers Center: venue to baseball games and concerts



The CN Tower








CN Tower Lobby

Observation Deck of CN Tower

The Portlands Power Plant: Herbert's Project Site



Toronto Downtown and Financial District



Queens Quay and opposite is the Toronto Islands



Harbour Front Marina

Toronto Islands Airport


Viewing Deck of the CN Tower


view straight down through the Glass Floor

The Glass Floor of CN Tower

The Horizon Cafe of CN Tower

Had a break
at the Horizon Cafe'

at the Harbor Front

Harbour Front Center

Harbour Front


The Kajama on sail far behind







Toronto is certainly a wonderful place to see and experience.

Posted by: Jernie
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Family Get-Together

We spent the weekend at the Niagara-on-the-lake to celebrate Herbert's 40th birthday. It was Friday afternoon when we hit the road to Niagara. The weather is not ideal but manageable. The landscape was beautiful. The vineyards are coated with greens and the houses are adorned with colourful flowers. We were so delighted to see the front garden of Aunt Rose as it was beautifully landscaped with flowers. We were welcomed and invited to her back garden.





A few minutes later, we were invited to the usual German cake and coffee afternoon with some German friends in the neighbourhood. We spent the good hours catching up on things. It was certainly a good opportunity to brush-up with my German language. Subsequently, we decided to take a walk to the lake area. Since it was getting cold, we had to tug along our jackets. Oh my, how long do we still have to wait to get rid of our jackets? It's just been too long.





There are many beautiful houses and villas in the neighbourhood. We were truly amused with the well-kept, beautiful gardens. Those vintage and luxury cars in the neighborhood are really awesome.





In the evening we had supper and resumed our usual conversation until almost midnight. Then we retreated to our respective bedrooms.

Saturday morning after we had lunch, Ron and family arrived from Barrie. We were so glad to be with the kids again. Shortly after, we dressed-up for our lunch at the Sheraton on the Falls. The weather was nice. On our way there, there were many groups of people in their bicycles and some people hanging around at the parks. What a beautiful day! As we were approaching Niagara Falls area, the streets were getting congested. The used to be quite place during the winter has turned into a busy and lively place. We parked at the Crowne Plaza Hotel parking area. It is a very good location but as expected it comes with a price, $18. It wasn't so easy to find our way to the Sheraton. We had to walk through a path going to the casino area, then took the Hard Rock Cafe walkway, took the stairs down, and finally to the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. Fallsview Restaurant is located technically at the 13th floor but they call it FV floor, must be the Feng Shui aspect of it.

(photo source: Sheraton on the Falls website)









Even though we reserved our table way early, I was surprised that we still had to wait for our table to be ready. It made me wonder how things work there. Nonetheless, we were seated by the window with a beautiful view of the falls as requested. Not all tables were occupied maybe because we arrived a little bit late. The food was ok but really there's nothing special about it, kind of mediocre. I was expecting more than what we got. But no doubt about its location it is really nice. You will enjoy the sight of the falls while having your food and drinks. I read a lot of good reviews about it before I made the reservation. Initially, I considered the Grand Buffet at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort but they require diners to be at least 19 years of age and we had kids and a baby with us.



After lunch, we didn't feel the need to go to the falls area so we decided to just stop by at various viewing areas. Then we headed back to Niagara-on-the-Lake and spent the whole afternoon at the garden. We had so much fun just to be around with the kids. We also had our dinner at the garden. It was really a wonderful day for the whole family.














Sunday was Herbert's 40th birthday. We had to keep all our wishes and gifts for Herbert until Sunday because in German culture they don't greet/wish anyone in advance because it could be a bad luck. After breakfast we took a stroll around the historic old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. I love those boutiques and shops at the town center specially the shop which sells Christmas items all year round.





After the stroll we drove back to Aunt Rose's house and lunch was ready. After lunch came out Herbert's birthday cheese cake prepared. He did the usual ceremony: making his birthday wish, candle blowing, cutting the cake, eating the cake (hmmm, it was delicious!) then giving and opening the gifts. It was certainly a wonderful celebration surrounded with family and his parent’s presence made it so much more special.










Later on, Ron and family were mobilising to hit the road back to Barrie. We stayed a little bit later; we watched our photos on TV and subsequently drove back to Mississauga.






Posted by: Jernie
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