Camping at Sibbald Point

Sibbald Point Camping Grounds 

Sibbald Point Provincial Park is a beautiful outdoor family recreational spot with sandy beaches, sunny and shaded campsites, large grassy picnic areas and a forested hiking trail.  It is a rocky beach by the Simoce lake with all amenities to make your camping/outing/picnic a memorable experience.

The first time I went camping with my family for a weekend was when the boys were still young (about 8 and 11).  I live in the east end of Toronto and was looking to go away for a weekend outdoors to a place I could drive within one-two hours from Toronto.  We wanted to enjoy some time outdoors, disconnect the kids from all the electronic entertainment gadgets and simply relax, unwind, and appreciate nature. I wanted my boys to experience living, even if just for two days, without all of the amenities they take for granted being in the luxury of a home where everything just seems to happen like magic because of a person called “mom”.

The place I picked for this weekend trip - Sibbald Point Provincial Park , a provincial park located in Sutton West, Ontario, on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe, about 70 kilometres north of Toronto. To give you a little bit background, The Sibbald family sold the property in 1951 to the County of York and it was opened as a County Park until 1956 when the County conveyed it to the Province. The property was then renamed as Sibbald Point Provincial Park and opened in 1957. 

Besides being designated as provincial park by Ontario, the park also has a museum dedicated to life in rural Ontario during the mid-nineteenth century and is known as the Sibbald Memorial Museum or Eildon Hall.  Another important structure is the St. George's Anglican Church built in 1877 by Susan Sibbald's sons and was dedicated as a memorial to her.

Amenities at the Park

• Plenty of parking available all over the park depending on the spot you want to pick for a picnic or for camping.
• Barbeques
• Picnic tables
• Water park
• Public washrooms
• A small gift shop and restaurant
• Kids park
• Public Showers for campers
• Washing areas for dishes
• Electrical outlets in camping sites
• Outdoor movie shows

Activities at the Park

• Camping
• Hiking
• Biking
• Bird watching
• Boating
• Swimming
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Sports such as volley ball, soccer, Frisbee, etc.

Fee for Camping and Entry to the Park

The entry fee for a day and for camping is very reasonable and you can get this information or making booking via Ontario Parks website.

Things to Pack for Camping

If you are keen camper, you know from experience what to take with you when you camp, but if you are going camping for the first time, here is a link that I use as a checklist which is a very comprehensive list. http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/checklists.htm

Lastly, make sure you take your camera to capture all of those Kodak moments of your life and share them with your families and friends.  Of course, do not forget to write back your comments about how helpful my blog is and what I could add to my blog in order to help new campers going to Sibbald Point.

Tips for New Immigrants

Tips for New Immigrants to Canada

Here are few helpful tips and advice I have to share with new immigrants to Canada.  As a new immigrant to Canada about 20 years ago, I went through some of these challenges while trying to settle in and integrate in the Canadian society.  Many immigrants coming to Canada in the recent years are better informed and prepared due to the popularity of internet and wealth of information available online.  Unlike immigrants like me, who moved to Canada about 15-20 years ago, the immigrants of today can plan their move, come better prepared and well informed to start life in Canada.  As more people reach out to the internet for information, I thought sharing my blog from my personal experience would help.  Here are few basic tips:

Housing

Try your best to rent a basement apartment, preferably furnished in a (TTC 416 area) as your first place of stay.  Websites like Craigslist, Kijiji, Canadiandesi are pretty good.  If you have friends already in Canada, they can help as well.

Reasons why I advise to rent a basement apartment:

•  As a new immigrant, you do not know where you will find a job.  You may find work in another province or in the east of west end (i.e. Mississauga, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax).  You can relocate easily at short notice based on your place of work.
• Many basement apartments are furnished and so you can settle in with ease and not have to look for basics as soon as you land.
• Typically basement rental are cheaper and you can budget your expenses tightly till you find a steady income.
• In my case, we ended up renting a basement for the first few months.  The landlords were a nice couple who would offer to drive us to grocery stores, help and guide us in job search and basically share with us tips on what to do and what not to do.
• Find a basement apartment close to TTC transit as you will rely on public transport when you are new to the county.  So make sure you have a bus/train stop close by considering that winters are tough and long.

Social Insurance Number

The next most important thing is your Social Insurance Number (SIN).  You need this to work in Canada and to file an income tax return. Make plans to apply for a Social Insurance Number for you and members of your family as soon as you arrive.  For more information on obtaining a SIN card, please visit servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml.

Applying for a Health Insurance Card

You should apply for a health insurance card as soon as you arrive in Canada. Each member of the family, even babies, must have their own health insurance card. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents/landed immigrants are eligible for public healthcare. To apply for a health insurance card, contact the Ministry of Health in the province or territory where you live.

Education for Children

Public education is run by the province and territories and is paid for through your taxes. Public education is free and available to every child in Canada. If you have kids, register them at the local area school or school board office. Settlement.Org is a great website for all of the above information.

Organizations in Canada Helping Newcomers

There are hundreds of organizations that help newcomers settle in Canada. Many of them represent a number of different multicultural agencies and associations.  They assist you to integrate with the new culture and provide language training, or help you find housing or look for a job, etc.  Here are a few links:

·         http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/map/services.asp

·         http://www.kidsnewtocanada.ca/beyond/resources

·         http://www.prepareforcanada.com/category/settlement-spotlight/

Driver's License

A valid driver’s license is required to operate a vehicle in Canada. Your foreign driver’s license may be valid for only a short time. For more information contact your Provincial Motor Vehicle Licensing Agency.  Here a good link that provides useful details by province. http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/japan-japon/consular_services_consulaires/license-permis.aspx?lang=eng

Free Basic English and French Classes

English and French are two official languages in Canada.  Free language instruction for newcomers to Canada is a program available across the country for permanent residents/landed immigrants. For more information please visit servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/linc.shtml.

Credential Assessment Services in Canada

Most people who plan to come to Canada to settle permanently and who wish to enter the labour force will need to know the value of the education, training, and experience they have acquired outside Canada. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) is a central source of information about the services and organizations around Canada that can help with the accreditation of internationally acquired skills. For more information, please visit the website at cicic.ca.

Financial

Make sure you choose the right bank and type of account as banks in Canada charge substantial service charges.  You may want to do some research before you come here.  My suggestion is open an account in one of the banks who do not charge any service charges.  President’s Choice Financial Services is one such institution. Track you spending and budget yourself using tools you can find online as savings deplete soon.

Conclusion

Please let me know if my blog was helpful.  As your experiences would have been different from mine your feedback is valuable and may touch the life of a future new immigrant planning to move to Canada.

Key words for SEO Search are:

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• Services Canada
• CICIC
• Provincial Motor Vehicle Licensing Agency
• Driver’s License

Rio 2016

Rio Games 2016

History was made in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro, as Brazil hosted the XXXI Olympics, marking the first time for a South American country to host the Olympic Games.  It is also just the third time for Games to be held in the southern hemisphere, following Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000. The Games opened on August 5, continuing through to August 21.

About Brazil

Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America, covering more than 8.5 million square kilometers with approximately 201 million people. The country ranks fifth in the world in both area and population. With nearly 12 million residents, Rio is Brazil’s second-largest city behind Sao Paulo’s approximately 20 million. Native inhabitants of Rio are known as Cariocas.

Some Facts About Rio Olympics

•          Approximately 11,000 athletes participating
•          First time countries – Kosovo, South Sudan
•          First time a team of refugees represented in Olympics
•          Rugby and Golf added for the first time
•          First time summer games being held in winter (June to September)
•          306 events across 33 venues and 5 cities

The Rio games venues is divided into four distinct zones:

Barra – The Athletes Village is located in the Barra Zone, which is the heart of Rio 2016 Games.  Added to this are 15 other competition venues as well as the International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre. The Barra Zone is in the western part of Rio.

Copacabana – Located in the southeastern part of the city, the Copacabana Zone has the world famous beaches, globally recognized landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Deodoro – Located in the western part of the city, the Deodoro Zone has the largest military concentration in Latin America with 60,000 servicemen and women.  This zone houses the Deodoro stadium, the aquatics stadium, equestrian center, shooting center and hockey center.

Maracanã – This is the iconic Maracanã stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies and soccer matches will be hosted.  The stadium was originally constructed for the 1950 FIFA World Cup and was upgraded when Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  With a seating capacity of more than 78,000, it is the largest stadium in South America.

Canadian Olympic Team

Rosi MacLenna Leading the Canadian Team

Canadian Delegation to the Olympics

A total of 314 athletes over 27 sports (the only exception being handball) represent Canada at the Rio Olympics, an increase of 37 athletes from 2012.  The team. consists of 98 coaches and 107 support staff (such as doctors and physiotherapists among others.  Canada’s gold medalist Rosie MacLennan  trampoline gymnast was flag bearer for the Canadian team during the opening ceremony.

Canada’s Goal for Rio Games

Top-12 finish in Rio Olympics medal standings

Team Canada’s Slogan for Rio Olympics

Ice in our Veins

Key Words for SEO are:

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Family Day Trips Around Toronto

Family Day Trips Around Toronto

I remember when my children were small and after a busy week at work when weekend arrived, it was time to take the kids for an outing, while all I wanted was stay home, sleep, relax and rest.  However, with two and half months of summer vacation for kids, it was tough to keep them home during the weekends.  So my and husband and I would look up the internet trying to find a family friendly get away for the day.  Our destinations had to meet a few important criterias.  We wanted something outdoors, not too far from the City as we did not want to sit behind the wheels hours driving to and fro, had to be  family friendly and also not too expensive, as we were still relatively new in Canada and trying to settle in, buy a house and all those things that comes with a North American dream.

So, I thought it be helpful to share my experience and knowledge of such family friendly spots not too far from the City of Toronto.  I am sure there are many families who could benefit from my blog.

If you are living in Toronto and are looking for ways to spend time with your family this summer, here is my first destination.  I love this place and I am sure you and your family will enjoy the Frenchman’s Bay located on the southwest shore in the City of Pickering. 

Facilities

• Free Parking
• Beautiful Beach
• Public Washrooms
• Picnic Tables
• Water Park
• Kids Play Park
• Volleyball Courts

Things to Pack for the Daytrip

• A picnic Basket
• Towels
• Bathing Suit
• Sunscreen
• Beach umbrella or camping tent
• Picnic chairs
• Portable Barbeque, if you want
• Some beach toys for kids
• Board Games, Ipod, E-Reader, Ipad, etc…
• Of course the camera to catch the memorable moments

Things to do in Frenchman’s Bay Fishing Sailing, Boating, Kayaking Swimming Reading & Relaxing Picnic Or do nothing, just read and relax Walking Restaurants around Frenchman’s Bay  There are several small eateries, ice cream places, food truck and restaurants right by the beach area.  If you prefer not to carry any food and eat out in one of these places, you can.  Although I think packing a picnic is my favorite idea.  But Frenchman’s Bay gives you some options and choices.

Here is a great website for those who love to fish. Lot of great information in this link http://torontofishing.net/frenchman-bay-fishing/

 

Walk around the marina and enjoy the scenes and sights around the area.

Hang out till the sun sets as this is one of the beautiful spots in Toronto to watch sun set.  You can see this spectacular event unfold as you sit by the lake and capture it all in your camera to share with family and friends for years to come.

A great memorable outing and all within 45 minutes dive from anywhere in the GTA (Toronto, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Scarborough).

Jupiter's Great Red Spot

JUPITER'S AURORA

Adding further to The Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights spectacular light show on the planet earth which is visible from Alaska, Canada and Greenland, theHubble telescope recently captured brilliant blue auroras on Jupiter’s atmosphere. The Hubble Telescope took images of fluorescent blue lights shimmering on Jupiter’s poles, known as auroras.

Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, is best known for its colorful storms, the most famous being the Great Red Spot. Now astronomers have focused on another beautiful feature of the planet, using the ultraviolet capabilities of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

These extraordinary vivid glows shown in the new observations are known as auroras that are similar to Aurora Borealis. They are created when high-energy particles enter a planet's atmosphere near its magnetic poles and collide with atoms of gas. Not only are the auroras huge in size, they are also hundreds of times more energetic than auroras on Earth. Unlike those on Earth, these never cease. 

While on Earth the most intense auroras are caused by solar storms - when charged particles rain down on the upper atmosphere, excite gases, and cause them to glow red, green, and purple — Jupiter's auroras are caused by strong magnetic field of the gas that grabs charged particles from its surroundings. This includes not only the charged particles within the solar wind, but also the particles thrown into space by its orbiting moon (Jupiter is known to have the largest number of moons, 67) known for its numerous and giant volcanoes.

“Azores” The Best Hidden Attraction in Europe!

“Azores” The Best Hidden Attraction in Europe!

The Azores, an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic is an autonomous region of Portugal and perhaps the most scenic places on earth, made of a group of nine islands formed by volcanic and seismic activities. Characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas, Green, volcanic and remote, the islands were first settled in the 15th century and are popular for hiking, whale-watching, blue marlin fishing, surfing and diving.

The nine islands are divided into three separate clusters – the easterly duo of Sao Miguel (with the capital Ponta Delgada on its south coast) and Santa Maria; the tiny westerly shards of Flores and Corvo; the “Central Group” of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial.  Designated by UNESCO as biospheres, namely three of them (Graciosa, Flores and Corv) the archipelago also contains 13 sites important wetlands and over 30 Blue Flag beaches blessed with mineral-laden soil with a subtropical climate surrounded by Gulf Stream-warmed waters, this island is a crucible for life.

The Azorean archipelago comes in 1st place in a list of the 20 most beautiful places in the world as a must-visit place in 2016, according to the Dutch edition of National Geographic Traveler magazine. The biodiversity, natural richness and the beauty of landscapes leaves one dazzled.  Besides whale-watching, you can dive into the Atlantic waters, scroll through the islands by foot or by horse, try sport fishing, surfing and even go paragliding. Rafting, canoeing, and golfing are other sporting activities also available in the islands.  The islands of the Azores stand out worldwide for its strategy to promote sustainable tourism, assuring total symbiosis between visitors and nature.

Here is an article from the Toronto Star published recently when Jennifer Bain travelled to the island of Sao Miguel, in the Azores.  An informative article to plan a trip to the beautiful paradise - “Europe’s Hawaii was recently published in The Toronto Star

Adventures at Sea

Best known for whale and dolphin watching; the archipelago is a pit stop or home for about a third of the world’s species of cetacean. Year-round residents include sperm whales, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Many other species (including blue whales – the largest animal in the history of the planet) pass through on migration routes. There are plenty of well organized tours all over the islands following strict code of conduct that governs the tourism industry.

Diving

The nutrient rich water of the Azores attracts and supports marine life making it the best diving locations in the Atlantic.  The kaleidoscope of species – from Yellow mouth Barracuda to devil rays, loggerhead turtles to slipper lobsters – arises from the extraordinary range of habitats. Wrasse, damsel fish and moray eels dwell in the coast’s jade-green bays; marlin, tuna and shark swirl around the peaks of barely submerged volcanoes; jacks, bonitos and grouper patrol the walls of underwater cliffs; more delicate life forms shelter in caves formed from lava tubes; and countless other species take up residence in the shipwrecks cluttering the seafloor. Almost all islands have accredited dive centers offering excursions and equipment for diving enthusiasts.

The world famous Red Bull Cliff Diving Series contest is yet another reason why the Azorean island of Sao Miguel is gaining immense popularity.

Watersports

The conditions also make for great windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and other water-based activities, while those seeking something more restful can always take a dip in one of the swimming holes formed by lava as it cooled flowing into the sea.  One can also visit the many thermal pools and enjoy the warm relaxing and mineral rich hot springs to treat yourself after a long day of hiking and walking.

Whether it is for adventure, sightseeing, relaxing by the beach or taking a dip in the therapeutic hot water springs, enjoying water sports, the Azores, “Europe’s Hawaii” is the best hidden attraction in Europe and has something to offer to everyone.