Berlin, Koln, Paris - August 16 to 25, 2011

GERMANY & FRANCE


As I'm facing my screen, I'm at lost of words to describe this trip... Usually, I keep notes of events and thoughts throughout my days during a trip, but this time I decided against it. I just wanted a time where I could completely disconnect and let go of things without any obligations or tasks whatsoever. I enjoyed cafe lattes in front of Berlin Gate while reading my book, occasionally diverting my stair only to remember that I am in fact in Berlin... Tasteful wines and delicious croissants in Paris after a morning of sleeping in... Did I want to come back? Of course not! I could have stayed in Paris another week at the least! I finally visited the Notre-Dame Cathedral. For some reason, I failed to see it during my last visit in Paris. Wow, what an impressive creation! The architecture is just beautiful! It definitely falls in my favorites, up with the Koln Dom. I spent my last night in Paris in front of Notre-Dame reading my book and enjoying a few glasses of wine, with an increasing feeling of not wanting to leave. If only I could find a way to bathe in this feeling of "escape" a little while longer and sink in Paris's romantic atmosphere furthermore... I shall return that's for sure! Now, on to plan my next adventure...

Pictures - Click Here!

Las Vegas - April 15 to 19, 2011

Las Vegas, Nevada & Grand Canyon, Arizona

Vegas here we come! None of our little family has ever been to Vegas so this should be fun! Our flight left at 10:15am from Ottawa. We landed in Chicago at 1:30pm, their local time (which is an hour behind us) and caught our connection to Las Vegas at 2:45pm. We finally arrived in Las Vegas at 4:00pm. I was surprised that the airport in Vegas is very close to the strip…. But logically, it shouldn’t of had surprised me… By 6:00pm, we were in our “little condo” with Westgate Resort, on Flamingo Road. Did we go out on the strip that night? Absolutely!

Pictures PART 1 - Click Here!!
Pictures PART 2 - Click Here!!
Diary - Click Here!!

TANZANIA: February 23 - March 12, 2011

Kilimanjaro - Serengeti - Zanzibar





Finally! a trip entry!!! It's been ages since my last one!!!!!! Feels awesome to be back! And what an amazing adventure this was!! Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, was successfully summitted March 6, 2011, 6:16am.....

Pictures Part 1 - Click Here!
Pictures Part 2 - Click Here!
Pictures Part 3 - Click Here!
Full Diary - Click Here!
Trip Itinerary - Click Here!

WALT DISNEY ORLANDO: May 23 -30, 2009

Disney, here we come! My parents had their honeymoon there 30 years ago… So, yes, we are going to Disney World in order to celebrate their 30th anniversary!! How awesome is that!? We’ve never had a trip all together, the family, and I’ve never been to Disney, so bonus! Animal Kingdom was our first park to tackle. We were at the gates for opening, bright and early, at 9:00am. Weather is fantastic! WARM is all that matters to me! What a day it was. It’s a good thing the park closes at 6:00pm. We were exhausted by then.

Full Diary - Click Here!
Pictures - Click Here !

GERMANY: March 16 - 24, 2009

I’m here! I arrived at 10h am this morning (4h am Canada time). I hardly slept on the plane but that’s fine. After zigzagging back and forth on the Tram through the city (because I kept going the wrong way), I finally got to Nayla’s work place.
I climbed up the 85m tower of the Neues Rathaus on Marienplatz, to the Glockenspiel, where I had a great view of the city. The weather was great today! Nice sunny day with clear blue skies.

Diary - Click Here!

Pictures - Click Here!

Mount Saint-Anne & Mount Massif: Januray 7 - 11, 2009

I left at 7h15am Wednesday morning, January 7th. The drive wasn't so bad. I missed the bigger part of the storm. Luckily, I love driving. I got to final destination in reasonable time, total of five hours and a half to get to Château Mont Saint-Anne. I made a quick stop in Old Québec City on my way there. Unfortunately, it was windy and snowing like crazy. That cut my time short a little. Still it was enough time for me to have a good overall view of Old Québec. I quite like it. It will be much more pleasant to go back and visit during summer.
Finally, I'm away from everything for a little while. It's just me, my skis and my book. My book is about a woman writer traveling through Germany for the purpose of research (...ironic, I know!). But she finds the key to her own complex legacy and becomes immersed and connected to a timeless mystery whose traces are written in blood. It's all about ghosts, duels, murders, ill-fated love and conspiracy. So wish I could be the woman in the book. Well, at least I can indulge in the book and fantasize about it for the next few days. So, I'll be skiing on Mount Saint-Anne, located in Beaupré (about 40km passed Québec City and, Mount Massif, located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François (about 100km passed Québec City).
My first day on the slopes, on Mount Saint-Anne, was awesome! It snowed all day, but all in all the weather was great. I didn't have to go in an warm-up every hour so that's good! You know you had a good day of skiing when your Quads, gluts and obliques are shot at the end of the day! I skied for a total of 9 hours that day. I never skied in so much snow! In the earlier runs of the day, I couldn't see my skis. I had snow up to mid-leg... awesome! And nothing ends a day quite like laying in the hot tub savoring a glass of wine.
My second day was on Mount Massif... Wow! The view was spectacular! You admire the Fleuve St-Laurent all the way down. This is the most beautiful mount I've ever skied on! And for once, it was taking me at least 10 minutes to reach the bottom (and not 10 seconds). I drove up there with Max and Jocelyn, to meet with Fob, Valerie and the rest of the crew. Everyone skied until closing, which was 3h30pm. Once back at Château Mont Saint-Anne, since I felt like I still had some energy left in me, I went for some night skiing on Mount Saint-Anne. And what a night of skiing it was! Nothing better then having the slopes to yourself, the slopes freshly groomed, a warm enough temperature, a bright and clear full moon illuminating your way. So peaceful! I could practice my giant slalom to my heart's desire while listening to Radiohead's album Rainbow... A magical night of skiing! I finished the night with the boyz in the outdoor hot tub, which ended up in a snowball fight with neighboring balconies. A little bit of rum and pepsi was involved, but I was reasonable. I had a chat with Max and Jocelyn to top off the evening; nice and pleasant fellows!
My third day of skiing was a little harder. Aches and pains caught up, and the lack of sleep from the previous nights too. I still managed to make it at opening in the morning. It was sooooo cold though. I lasted about two hours before I had to get in. I went back again in the afternoon for another two and a half hours; and again in the evening. And, that was it for my skiing. It wasn't as fun today. There was much more people (being the weekend), the condition of the slopes weren't that good and it was freggin cold! But the sun was big and bright, and the view was very beautiful! After diner in Valérie and Fob's room, our plan was to spend the evening in the hot tub, but we ended up in some other peoples room playing Guitar Hero... It was my first time playing... Let's just say I suck! But it was good fun; I had a good laugh.
Sunday morning I took the advantage of sleeping in before hitting the road back home (especially that we went to bed at 4am the previous night...). I stopped to view Beaupré's Cathedral (probably the biggest cathedral I've seen in Canada) and Montmorency Falls on the way back. I had a spectacular view of Old Québec City from the highway and the bridge to l'Île-d'Orléans... what a bridge it is!
I wanted to make it in time for our Christmas staff diner (Ananda Clinic) in the Ottawa Market. A lot of driving that day...!
All in all, my ski trip was awesome!! I skied my butt off, made some new friends, had time to relax, had some fun...Couldn't of asked for better! Thankx FOB!!
I do have to say, it was weird at first that everything was in French and everyone spoke French. My reaction was always to start speaking in English, or I was always expecting someone to reply to me in English... but no. I even returned to some old expressions. It was nice!

Pictures - Click here!

Iron Discipline & Feel’n Fine Personal Fitness Showcasing at Money’s Bay

Satuday, September 26, 2009, Iron Discipline (Darren Little) and Feel’n Fine Personal Fitness (Cindy Little) show cased Kettlebell training at the 3rd Annual Big Pull Tug-of-War event at Money’s Bay. Kettlebell & Yoga class is usually held in Barrhaven, where Iron Discipline and Feel’n Fine Personal Fitness are located. Today, classes were held at Money’s Bay. This was one of the most intense classes I’ve gone through since my starting with Iron Discipline and Feel’n Fine! Oh, how awesome it felt! Minus the fact that I’m not used to having a big bunch of people watching class, it was quite fun to have a change of scenery. Classes are always done outdoors… yes, even during winter! It’s an “all-year-round” thing!!

Kettlebells originate, in big part, from Russia (know as a girya) and, all through Scotland. They where used by Scottish highlanders and Russian military practitioners for example. They are practical, simple and efficient. Kettlebells again are popping up in everyday language. The kettlebell itself is a cast iron weight looking somewhat like a cannonball with a handle. Kettlebell workouts are intended to increase strength, endurance, coordination, agility and balance, challenging both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic total-body movements. If you want more information I suggest you go visit http://www.irondiscipline.com/, where Darren gives a far more accurate explanation.

Feel’n Fine and Iron Discipline’s facility is fully equipped for any kind of training. Name it, we’ve got it! Whether you’re looking for some one-on-one personal training, yoga classes, kettlebell classes, hardcore workouts, cardio training, strength training… Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it with Feel’n Fine and Iron Discipline. For more information go visit http://www.feelnfine.ca/.

The Big Pull Tug-of-War Event is organized by the Ottawa Police Association and the Ottawa Mission. Tug-of-War teams “pull together” to raise funds and awareness for The Ottawa Mission’s Stepping Stones Learning Centre. The Ottawa Mission is a non-profit, faith-based ministry that provides hope and help to those who are homeless. This year’s competition raised an estimated $43,000! Good job!

Click Here to See Pics of Kettlebell & Yoga Classes of 2009!

FADER Women’s Gala – October 18, 2008

On October 18, 2008, FADER (Femme d’Affaire et Développement Économique de la Région) held their fourth edition of the Women’s Gala at Lucien Delorme Community Centre in Wendover. This is a tribute to the leadership roles of women in business and community affairs for the Prescott-Russell County. My name and related accomplishments were nominated for the Health and Sport categories. Honors of first nominee was awarded to me in the Health Category. I was moved and speechless to be recognized. My success is attributed to the support and confidence of my family, my friends, my colleagues and my clients. Therefore, I dedicate this award to this exceptional support system!

http://www.reseau-fader.ca/3/miscellaneous1.htm

EGYPT: August 23 to September 7 2008

This is arrival day in Cairo. In many ways, Cairo is Egypt, a top-heavy capital that dominates the country as it dominates Arabic culture. Visitors ten to enjoy Cairo in proportion to their tolerance levels. On a hot summer’s day, surrounded by a mangle of horn-blowing cars, buried under clouds of exhaust fumes, elbowed into the crowd, and tricked tino being guided where you didn’t want to go, it takes a special patience to enjoy the city. Cairo is a relatively modern capital, founded in AD 969 by the Islamic Fatimid dynasty over the ruins of earlier Roman and Islamic settlements. Although the pyramids are now almost engulfed by the city, they more properly belong to the capital of ancient Egypt at Memphis.
I’ve met the rest of my group today. It is currently 10p.m., local time in Cairo. I’m staying at Salma Hotel for the night. Honestly, I’m not too impressed with the quality of the Hotel… not too promising for the rest of the trip. But I didn’t come for 5 star hotels, so it won’t bother me too much. A representative from Imaginative Travelers picked me up at the airport to drive me to the Hotel. Is Cairo ever a big city! There’s some insanely crazy driving going on here! Lanes? What lanes? Signals? What signals? Isn’t that an option on a car? And horn honking? Isn’t it to create a musical orchestra to entertain the passengers…?? I don’t get it. I’m curious to know how frequent accidents happen here!
I flew in by the pyramids tonight. Wow! Spectacular! They’re ginormous!

Pictures Part 1 - Click here!
Pictures Part 2 - Click here!
Full Egypt Diary - Click here!

Nayla & Philipp in Canada - August 14 to September 2 2008

I had a wonderful last minute surprise visit from my German friends, Nayla and Philipp! They were here for my birthday and, here just before my trip to Egypt. They arrived Friday night, August 15, in Toronto. Saturday, they rented a car and drove to my place. They arrived just in time for my birthday diner-party at my friend’s place, Eric. I was so excited when they arrived! I think all of Rockland heard me. The evening was nice, minus the mosquitoes. They discovered quickly how ferocious mosquitoes were! On Sunday, Émilie, Sebastien, Nayla, Philipp and I went to La Ronde, in Montreal. We introduced our foreigners to Tim Hortons and St-Hubert that day... and skunks!! We had a blast!! They also found our turtle signs by the road very funny.

Monday, I had to work unfortunately. But Nayla and Philipp had filled up their day quite good by going for a hike in Gatineau Park, shopping in Rideau Center, a movie, bar-hopping with another friend in the evening and, they came back home.
Tuesday, we drove to Ottawa, in time to see the Changing of the Guards on Parliament Hill. We had a stroll in Ottawa to get a glimpse at the most popular places (Parliament Buildings, Alexandria Bridge, Rideau Canal, Château Laurier, Sparks Street, view points, etc.). We met with my Mom, Carole, for lunch. We went to Japanese Village on Laurier. Awesome! Whatever your meal was, the cook cooks it in front of you. Eventually, I had to back to work. Nayla and Philipp went to the Museum of Civilization and saw an IMAX film before getting back home for diner. When I returned from work, we had a wonderful BBQ diner, Nayla, Philipp, my parents (Carole and Paul), my brother (Alexandre) and his girlfriend (Sarah), my aunt Gin (Ginette) and I. My Dad got to show them the Sugar Shack and how the maple syrup is made. At midnight that evening, Nayla and Philipp were the first ones to wish me happy birthday!
Wednesday, we left early to visit Montreal. We stopped at Golf Town for Philipp. It was like watching a kid in a toy store. He tried a few irons and clubs on the virtual screen. Awesome swing!! It wouldn’t take much for him to be Pro!! He does play a lot in Germany. Once in Montreal, we walked up Mount Royal to get a view of the city. Then we walked around randomly in the city. We walked on St-Catherine, Maisonneuve and Sherbrooke Street mostly. We saw the Uni Campus, the Basilica, Cathedral of Notre-Dame, churches, City Hall, etc. Eventually, we stopped for a bite to eat in Old Montreal. We walked around the Old Port, almost one end to another. Then we had a hot chocolate at Juliette et Chocolat. Then came the time when I had to go back home and let them go on with their trip. I was sad leaving them but I was also excited for them. They stayed with a friend in Montreal. Then, they continued to visit Quebec City, l’Île d’Orléans, Gaspé, Prince-Edward Island, Nova Scotia and, finishing with Toronto.
They said they very much enjoyed their stay in Canada. I hope we convinced them enough to come back during winter. My folks really enjoyed having them over. Friends and family, everyone, thought they were wonderful and charming people! They are!! They are welcome any time. And, we are welcomed to Germany as much.
Lots of love to both of you!! And hope to see you soon!
xoxo

Pictures - Click here!

GERMANY : MARCH 3 – 12, 2008

I’m at the airport in Ottawa. I’m leaving for one week to Germany and my mother just dropped me off. I barely slept last night, a total of three hours, at the most. I hadn’t packed until last night. But it wasn’t the reason for my lack of sleep. I can’t say I was nervous. I was packing not realizing what was coming up, or why I was packing. For the first time in my life, it didn’t feel right leaving work. I just hope I won’t be thinking of work all week. I just need to take a step back from things and look at things from a different perspective.

Full diary GERMANY >>> click !
Photos >>> click !

2007-2008 Canadian Winter & Summer

Hallo Folks,

This is just to give you a little glimpse on various events going on and all the fun we have. This recently past winter (2007-2008) was recorded as the coldest winter in the past 15 years… Yes, it was cold! Not to mention the insane amount of snow we had! On Monday, March 17, 2008, we were just a few snow flakes away (185cm) from the 1938-1939 all time record (207.4cm). We did get more snow later on! We were having 50cm of snow in a single storm! And we had a few storms indeed! That created 6 foot high snow banks everywhere. We where missing out on space to shovel and dump the snow. Many two lane roads became single lane roads. We got loads of snow in November, when it was technically still fall!!! That’s an early winter. But it didn’t stop us from having a blast! The skiing was incredible. Sliding was awesome. Diner, parties and pool with family and friends is always a delight. Although, picking up sap water this year was quite a challenge with all the snow. We would literally sink in to our hips!! Maple Syrup was still created… and a drink (try Baileys mixed with Fireball!!). Boy does it taste good (Maple Syrup and the drink)! It was awarded first prize in the region (the Maple Syrup I mean)!! Something to be proud of. Skating on the Ottawa Rideau Canal, the Parliament Light Show, day Spas, Winterlude (ice sculptures), National Ringuette, fire camps… or I should say “Bomb fires”…, canoeing, boating, parties, etc., where all enjoyed! You are never board in Canada!!!

PHOTOS >>>> click ! click !

MONT TREMBLANT: 2 - 6 Janvier 2008

We are in 2008 already… Ouff! Time flies when you’re having fun!!! My brother arrives from Venezuela later today! I won’t get to see him before I leave! They were 18 friends that went for an all-inclusive trip in Venezuela. I’m sure they had a blast!!!
As we are about to leave for Mount Tremblant, André calls me wanting to know when I was picking him up… but neglects telling me Karine, whom I wouldn’t be able to see before she flies back to Vancouver, is there waiting so we could see each other… André…!!! I’m not even going to say what I want to say…!! I still got to see her a little but I would of hurried much more if I would of known!! Eventually we leave… only to get caught in a speed-chase just as we get outside of Rockland!!! I’m telling you, vacations are never boring with me!!

Full diary Mont Tremblant >>> click !
Photos >>> click !

NEW YORK: 8-12 November 2007

Mélanie and I left for New York this morning at 6am from Rockland. It’s a 4-day organized tour with the company Sunnyside Tours. We are 58 in total!! It was a long bus ride!! We were scheduled to arrive at 2pm in the afternoon… but got into Manhattan at 5h30pm. Since it was raining we decided to reschedule our visit up Empire State Building for Sunday morning. We had diner at Macy’s, and then we were suppose to meet the entire group at the corner of 34^th Street and 7^th Avenue at 6h30… We were there at 6h25pm and some other women, Carole, Suzie and Line, where there at 6h15pm, but we didn’t see anyone. We found out at quarter to 7 that they had left prior to that!! ...

Full diary New York... Click !
Photos >>> Click !

Skydive

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush… this is a good thing to try. This is definitely the most extreme thing I’ve ever done in my life! Would I do it again?... You bet!!!!! Can’t wait for my next time!
-xox-

Skydive
envoyé par kajoly11

WEST CANADA: October 2 - 13 2007

We are off to Vancouver!!! My mother, Carole, and I that is. My Dad drove us to the airport this morning. Our flight left at 7h45 am. We had a connecting flight in Calgary. All in all, with the 3 hour time difference (Vancouver is 3 hours behind), we arrived in Vancouver at 12pm. A shuttle took us to our hotel, the Delta Airport Hotel located on Gronville Island, which is about 20 minute bus ride to center city. Once settled-in our hotel room, we ventured off in Downtown Vancouver!...

Full diary West Canada !
All photos of West Canada - Click Here !


Vancouver
Uploaded by kajoly11

VERMONT: Mountain Biking – August 10 to 12 2007

USA

Here we are in Vermont to ride some of the Kingdom Trails on Burke Mountain. I drove up with Pierre Perron (a good friend who’s passionate about biking! And who’s about to bike all across and around Canada for a year!!) and Tobin Decou (former Professional Adventure Racer who became a friend!! Very cool stuff, check it out …). Later on we met with Tanya, Craig, Gill (and family) and Mark, once arrived at the campsite. It took about 5 hours to get there (I love road trips!! That reminded me of Australia when Neil, Erik and I rented a car from Adelaide to Melbourne…). And that’s considering the time it took to cross the border to the US… Come to think of it, this was my first time crossing to the US…I think…funny! Well, there’s a first time for everything ! ...

Full VERMONT diary

Vermont 2007
envoyé par kajoly11

www.kingdomtrails.org
www.adventureracingzone.com

Ottawa - Montreal - Toronto - Niagara Falls

This is just a simply entry. If you wish to have a glimpse at my surrounding areas and major cities. These are just a few pictures I captured here and there of various events in Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Montreal.
Cheers,
-xox-

Wonderland
envoyé par karinajoly

Pictures - Click Here!

GERMANY: April 23 - May 2 2007

Leaving for a 2 week trip to Germany… Funny… Who would of thought…? Spur of the moment! I fly from Ottawa to Newark (New York), then from Newark to Berlin (Tegel airport).

I'm feeling relieved from leaving… strange feeling. I’m sensing the freedom and independance all over again, feels great!…


Full GERMANY Diary
Photos - CLICK HERE !





All Songs of BlutEngel here >>>> Click click !

AFRICA: 28 July - 29 August 2006

South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe Zambia Malawi Mozambique

Don’t know what to say… The adventure begins! I’m still speechless, emotional from leaving. It’s hard. Leaving from the airport was hard, but leaving from my grandparents (Claude and Fleurette) was even harder! But...

Full AFRICA Diary

Photos part 1 - CLICK HERE !

Photos part 2 - CLICK HERE !