What Foreign Affairs Canada Can and Cannot Do

What Foreign Affairs Can and Can Not Do


DIANE Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), issued the following statement reminding Canadians of the importance of careful planning for safe travel and what consular officials can and cannot do:

“During this holiday season, the many Canadians travelling abroad are reminded to be proactive in reducing the risks and increasing the chances of having a safe and enjoyable trip. Consular services are available in more than 150 countries around the world, it is important for Canadians to know which services we do and do not provide.”

“Our consular website offers advice for planning a safe trip, including Travel reports and warnings for more than 200 countries, the Traveller’s Checklistand tips for travelling with children.”

Consular Officials CAN:

• Provide advice and information for medical services.

• Contact relatives or friends when you need serious help.

• Provide sources of information for local laws and customs.

• Replace lost or stolen passports.


Consular Officials CANNOT:

• Ask your mother-in-law to leave your house.

• Purchase tickets for a musical or entertainment event.

• Settle disputes between you and your partner.

• Pick up your dog at the airport.

Travelling anywhere involves a degree of risk, but this risk can be lessened with a little advance planning. Our government encourages Canadians going abroad to observe the three Rs of international travel:

• Read up on relevant topics such as safety, security and local laws in the destination country by consulting the travel reports and warnings.

• Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, which lets Foreign Affairs contact and assist Canadians in the event of emergency.

• Reach Foreign Affairs at their Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa if a Canadian experiences problems abroad.

“Safe and secure travel is primarily the responsibility of travellers. However, when travellers find themselves in situations beyond their control, Canadian officials are there to help.”

For more information on these and other topics, please consult www.travel.gc.ca.

Source: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

US-CANADA BORDER PLAN TO BE SIGNED

According to a CTV News report, the new US-Canada Border Plan is scheduled to be signed soon in Washington by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US President Barack Obama, despite issues of privacy concerns. The plan is a 32-point border action plan that will reportedly feature a new entry-exit control system that will allow the United States to track everyone coming and leaving Canada by air, land and sea.


The federal government says there is little to worry about, despite the information that will be shared with the Americans. According to privacy commissioner, Jennifer Stoddart, no details have yet been shared with their office on the new rules. But she does make it clear that “Canadian sovereignty and privacy rights must be protected”. Washington claims that in exchange for this information, they will be addressing the heavy cross border traffic by setting up pre-screening stations with hopes to alleviate the congestion at the border.

According to CTV some of the features of the plan could take place within months, while others, such as the entry-exit system, could take longer to implement. The plan to push security to the perimeter of North America includes steps to screen cargo at the port of first arrival, screen air passengers at the point of departure and introduce entry-exit verification. New fast lanes may also be built at border crossings to make it easier for trucks to pass through.

For Canadian air travelers, one of the main benefits of the plan would be not having their baggage rescreened when flying through a U.S. hub. For travelers and consumers, the Border deal would also mean:

• Border crossings should move faster, with commercial traffic getting more dedicated lanes and technology to move them through faster;
• Wait times measured and posted at border crossings.
• Consumer health products that have already been approved in the U.S. could get faster approval in Canada, with regulatory bodies sharing information and adjusting labeling standards to make it easier to market a product in both countries.

The security plan includes an initiative for a pilot program to integrate some border law-enforcement teams and improve cross-border communication between law-enforcement agencies. The business community has given positive feedback to the border deals.

Reprinted from YYZ Travel Group - Business First January 2012 Newsletter

KEEP YOUR PASSPORT PRISTINE

DAMAGE CONTROL
Keep your passport pristine

27 DEC 2011: WestJet wants Canadians planning a holiday in Mexico to make sure their passports are in ``perfect'' condition. The airline says Mexican customs and immigration officials could deny entry to anyone arriving with a damaged passport. Rips, tears, missing corners or water damage to the cover or inside pages are all no-nos.

Mexico ``definitely takes the most stringent approach'' concerning passport damage to any country the airline flies to, including the US and Caribbean destinations, said Robert Palmer, WestJet's manager of public relations.

He said ``a handful'' of the airline's customers have been turned away so far this winter season - either prevented in Canada from boarding a flight to Mexico or denied entry on arrival - because of the state of their passports.

One B.C. man with a water-damaged passport was stopped from boarding a Mexico-bound flight by a WestJet ticket agent at Kelowna International Airport earlier this month. He had stored it in a shaving kit where it got wet.

If Mexico denies someone entry, the airline bringing the person in is responsible for getting him out immediately, said Palmer. That could mean having to pay to put him on another airline’s flight.

``We need to screen passports at the point of departure'' to avoid such a scenario, he said. ``We're really between a rock and hard place on this.''

Mexico adopted its tougher approach over the past year, Palmer said.

However, the Mexican Embassy in Ottawa denied that there has been any change in the passport policy of the country's customs and immigration officials.

``Passports must be in a generally good condition -normal use is no problem,'' Milko Rivera Hope, responsible for economic and tourism affairs at the embassy, said in an email.

But Rivera Hope added that ``any alterations or major damage to the passport will definitely be a problem for any passenger who wants to travel anywhere in the world. Not only to Mexico.''

Passport Canada recommends that individuals with a damaged passport apply for a new one, regardless of their destination.

``Travellers whose passport is damaged in any way could face significant delays or be denied entry at border crossings, or be denied boarding on flights,'' Passport Canada says on its website.

Palmer's advice is to keep your passport in a protective sleeve. Don't store it in a kitchen cupboard where something could spill on it. And don't carry it around as all-purpose ID.

``I know young people who use their passport for identification when they go to a bar. ... You're just increasing your risk if you're hauling your passport around like it's another card in your wallet.''

Reprinted with permission of Travel Industry Today.com


http://travelindustrytoday.com/web/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13286:damage-control-keep-your-passport-pristine&Itemid=64

‘Be merry and pack smart!’ – CATSA

As the holiday season is the busiest time of the year at Canada’s airports, CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) offers helpful packing tips that will make air travel more about the destination and less about the common stressors of flying.

Gifts and wrapped packages: Leave gifts and packages unwrapped until you arrive at your destination as their contents may need to be inspected.

Liquids: Pack liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) such as sunscreen, hair gel, hand cream and perfume, in your checked baggage. LAGs are only allowed in carry-on baggage when packed in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams (3.4 oz.) or less. The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). One plastic bag per person is allowed, and must be removed from carry-on baggage and placed in a bin at security.

Food products: The holidays are a time for delicious treats and baked goods. Food products should be packed in your carry-on baggage, given that certain items may require additional searches. Solid food can be packed in your carry-on baggage, and food items that are liquid or gel based should be carefully packed in checked baggage. These are a few common items that are subject to regular LAGs restrictions:

• Cranberry sauce
• Jams and jellies
• Oils and vinegars
• Maple syrup
• Alcohol

* Remember that, when travelling internationally, some food items are restricted when crossing the border, so check the regulations for your individual destination. When returning to Canada, consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency about restricted items.

Duty-free purchases: It is recommended that you place all duty-free purchases in checked baggage. To learn more, consult the duty-free purchases page.

Electronic devices: The following items do not need to be removed from cases or bags in order to be screened:

• Cellphones
• MP3 music players (iPod)
• E-book readers (Kindle)
• Portable DVD players
• Tablets (iPad)

Laptops and gaming consoles (PSP, Nintendo 3DS): These items must be removed from carrying cases and laptop bags and placed in a bin.

Toy weapons: Toy weapons such as water guns, replica swords, or any toy resembling a weapon must be packed in checked baggage.

Sporting equipment: Most sports equipment, including skis, snowboards, are not allowed as carry-on baggage. Place these items in checked baggage.

Dress for success: The way you dress can significantly affect the time it takes to go through screening. By following these tips, you will speed up the screening process and decrease the likelihood of setting off the walk-through metal detector:

• Be ready to remove coats, jackets and blazers and place them in the bins provided.
• Dress comfortably with easy-to-remove outerwear, jackets and belts.
• Limit jewelry to small earrings, watches and wedding bands/engagement rings.
• Wear clothing without snaps, metal buttons or studs.
• Avoid wearing shoes with metal arches, buckles, steel-toes or shanks.
• Avoid wearing belts with metal buckles.
• Remove hidden body piercings before you fly.

Be ready to empty all contents of your shirt and pant pockets and place these items in the bins before passing through the walk-through metal detector.

In order to make your screening experience as smooth as possible, contact your air carrier for the number and size of items permitted as carry-on.

Many airports have posted holiday travel tips on their website. It would be wise to check the airport’s website for other tips they may offer for a smooth travel experience.

For more information go to www.catsa.gc.ca.

TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Wrap Gifts After You Arrive

Do not wrap gifts and packages when carrying them on board. All items carried on board are subject to inspection and may be unwrapped at the security checkpoint.

Check In Before You Arrive at the Airport

Use Web Check-In from 1 to 24 hours before your flight and print your boarding pass in advance. You can add passport information, change your seat assignment, sometimes upgrade to First Class, and print a receipt for your flight.  With some airlines you can also opt for Mobile Check-In or download a Mobile App and check in from your mobile device.

Plan for Extra Transportation Time to the Airport

Airport drives and parking lots can become very congested during holiday travel periods. Please allow extra time getting to and from the airport.

Travellers are encouraged to take a shuttle to the airport or park at a satellite parking lot nearby. Travellers should allow extra time for parking during busy holiday travel periods, as lots may be full.

Plan Extra Time For Baggage Check and Security Procedures

The ticket counters and security lines are very busy during the holiday travel season. Plan to arrive extra early and give yourself some breathing room to relax, rather than worry that you won't make it through the line in time.

Made it through security with lots of time to spare? Purchase an airport lounge one-day pass and wait for your flight in comfort!

Passport Canada ready for ePassports

BREAKING NEWS

Passport Canada ready for ePassports

PASSPORT Canada will start issuing higher-security electronic passports, or ePassports, to Canadians next year. With the ePassport, Canadians will have the option of getting a new, security-enhanced passport that is valid for five years, starting next year, or a 10-year passport, starting in early 2013.

In accordance with the User Fees Act, Passport Canada is unveiling its new fee-for-service proposal to accompany the new 10-year ePassport. Canadians are invited to have their say on this proposal.

As always, Passport Canada is striving to strike the best possible balance between security, service andcost. In fact, the proposed fee for a 10-year ePassport is actually lower, per year of validity, than the fee forthe current 5-year passport. The proposal and all supporting documentation may be found at:

www.passportcanada.gc.ca/consultations.

A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document
available to Canadians who want to travel abroad. The more secure ePassport is a document that benefits  all Canadians by protecting our national security.

Costa Rica - New passport validation change

Effective November 1, 2011

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the authorities of Costa Rica. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica for up-to-date information.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Canadians intending to visit Costa Rica require a valid Canadian passport. The passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date of arrival in Costa Rica. You should carry a photocopy of your passport and of the Costa Rican Immigration entry stamp at all times. Costa Rican Immigration authorities state that all foreigners must carry original identification documents; however, local authorities will accept photocopies as long as the original documents are accessible.

Canadians arriving in Costa Rica may remain for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. Those wishing to apply for residency status or intending to stay beyond 90 days must apply for their visa from outside the country. Travellers overstaying the 90-day period can expect to pay a fine and risk being deported. Persons deported from Costa Rica will not be allowed to re-enter the country for a 10-year period.

Students must obtain a visa from the Costa Rican Immigration Department. They must provide confirmation of enrolment in an accredited school.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=67000

Low cost flights to St. Petersburg Florida from Niagara Falls, Ontario

Allegiant Airlines to fly to Niagara Falls from St. Pete.  Direct Air out of Niagara Falls will be getting a little competition this winter as low cost airline Allegiant plans to begin flights on December 15 from St. Petersburg, Florida to Niagara Falls. In case you‟re wondering – yes, its Canadians they're after.
The Niagara Falls destination has been popular for Direct Air, with flights from Lakeland Linder Regional Airport just 40 miles from St. Pete-Clearwater.  According to reports at Niagara Falls International nearly 70% of the passengers using the airports are Canadians living in southern Ontario. That's quite a market for both Direct Air and Allegiant.

RUSSIA PLANS TO OPEN A SPACE HOTEL BY 2016

Are you always looking for that unusual vacation destination? 
A Russian company announced its plan to open a space hotel on the orbit by 2016. The facility should accommodate up to seven guests. Today Russia is the only country that can deliver people to the orbit.
The lack of competition is seen by many experts as a good opportunity for Russia to develop space tourism. The developers believe that they will open the space hotel for the first tourists in 2016. They also stated that hotel will be much more comfortable than the International Space Station. The tourists in weightlessness will be able to choose the position of their bed – vertical or horizontal. Food will be delivered from the earth, and warmed up in microwave ovens. The project developers plan to abandon the lyophilized (dried) food in tubes and to replace it with delicacies such as braised veal with mushrooms, mashed white beans, potato soup and plum compote. The guests will also have available ice tea, mineral water and fruit juice; however alcohol will be strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, it should be noted that such a space trip will be very expensive. For five-day stay in orbit hotel tourists will have to pay around USD 170 000, plus at least another USD 800 000 for the shuttle transfer to the hotel. With no doubt the fare could further rise due to increased cost of fuel, which is so common in civil aviation.

Courtesy of YYZ Travel Group Business First October 2011 Newsletter.

Steamboating is Back. And It's Here to Stay

In April of 2012, the grand American Queen will resume her proud role of taking guests on Steamboating adventures through the heartland of America.

Steamboating is a cherished American tradition—the history and heritage, the warm ambiance of a floating antebellum mansion, the thrill of exploring Mark Twain’s America, the succulent dining, the showboat-style entertainment, and dancing the night away to the sounds of swing and big band music. Combine this with gracious service from an all-American staff, and you have an experience that can only be found aboard the American Queen.

This is a unique way to experience the history, heritage and culture of America's heartland aboard a geniune steamboat. You will be able to stroll through charming towns and vibrant river cities. Explore historic ports of call like New Orleans, Natchez, Mark Tains's Hannibal, Chattanooga and Pittsburgh, just to name a few. Along the way learn about the great events and people that have contributed to America's history and culture from the decks of the grand, elegant American Queen.

Shore excursions are included in the price of your voyage if you make reservations by December 31, 2011. They are also offering complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, as well as complimentary wines and beers at dinner. And the American Queen will be serving the acclaimed cuisine of famed American chef, Regina Charboneau.

To find out more about the American Queen, vacation packages from 5 nights to 11 nights and all-new shore adventures, contact me for more information at fred@yyztravel.com or by phone at my home office 519-471-9464.

Air Canada joining U.S. Airlines in charging for checked in luggage

Travelling to the U.S. with Air Canada?  No more free checked in luggage.   Air Canada is introducing new rules around checked baggage on flights between Canada and the United States, charging $25 for the first bag beginning in October.


In an announcement on its website Thursday, the airline said the policy change, which applies to economy tickets issued on or after Sept. 7, for travel on or after Oct. 11, is “consistent with the baggage policies of other major carriers.”   Checking a second bag on those flights will cost $35.

“It’s the reality of trying to keep our airline on a sustainable economic footing,” said Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick in an interview. “If you look around the world, it’s the way carriers are going and dealing with various cost issues.”

For passengers travelling within Canada, the first bag will be free, but a second checked bag will cost $20. On international routes, the first bag is also free, but depending on destination, the second bag can range from $50 to $70.  

Executive class passengers and certain frequent flyers listed in particular categories are given various exemptions on baggage fees.

Both WestJet Airlines and Porter Airlines, which also fly to cities in the U.S., said the first checked bag is free on their flights, and they don’t have any plans to change their policies.

Most U.S. carriers including United, Delta and American charge $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag on flights to Canada.

Source:  The Star

How long before Air Canada also charges for the 1st bag checked in for domestic & international flights?

Cuba Cruise - See and experience a different Cuba by cruise ship



Louis Cristal

NOTICE:  Cuba Cruise has postponed all itineraries until December 2012.  Will keep you posted.

Cuba Cruise a Canadian Company has announced an 8-day journey on the "Louis Cristal" around the island of Cuba beginning in Havana. The 7 Night Cruises will begin December 4, 2011 and sail every Sunday through to March 11, 2012.  You will visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites, four national parks and preserves, along with a dozen of different activities.  According to their website you will experience the best of an all-inclusive resort and a cruise vacation, combined with a Cuba that few people ever get the chance to see.     
     

Itinerary

Day 1: Havana. Explore the colonial architecture of this city

Day 2: Cayo Guillermo. Enjoy this world famous beach of Cayo Guillermo for a day of water sports or exploration of the lagoons and wildlife

Day 3 Bahia Nipe. Set your eyes on the very spot Christopher Columbus discovered. Sail a catamaran and see wild antelopes, wild boars and zebras. Explore La Mensura National Park, hike the Cuchillas de Toa UNESCO biosphere or visit the 200-meter high Guayabo waterfall.

Day 4: Santigago De Cuba. Discover one of Cuba's most historically significant cities and experience Afro-Cuban culture, visit a rum distillery or a cigar factory.

Day 5: Cayo Caguama "Your Private Island." Experience what few tourists have on Cayo Caguama, a private island where national park Jardines de la Reina offer incredible diving opportunities in 660 coral cays along the 350-km long island.

Day 6: Cienfuegos & Trinidad. Enjoy the Castillo de Jagua, a fortress erected in 1745 to protect the island from pirates or the colonial village of Trinidad and its cobblestone strests.

Day 7: Isle De La Juventud. Experience a lush, green Cuba here on Isla de la Juventud which is covered with rich pine forests but with the same white beaches and warm waters representative of Cuba.

Day 8: Havana. All good things come to an end at the capital city where you can pick up souvenirs before heading home.

The ship- Louis Cristal shown above has 9 passenger decks with a 1200-passenger capacity, 480 staterooms, 3 restaurants, 4 bars/lounges, a disco, casino, conference rooms, fitness centre, swimming pool, beauty salon and spa or massage parlour.

If you want more information about this unique way to see Cuba give me a call.






















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Canadian Passports going to ePassports by 2012 with 10 year renewal.

THE issuance of ePassports is on track for 2012 and will likely begin before the end of next year, according to Passport Canada. The exact timelines will be announced at a later date. This higher-security passport will have an embedded electronic chip – an extra security feature that will enhance the Canadian passport’s current security features, which include holographic images and a hidden photo of the bearer that can only be viewed under ultraviolet light.
The electronic chip will increase security, provide greater protection against tampering and reduce the risk of fraud as it adds more layers of identity checks within the passport, all of which must match. It also contains a country-specific signature that proves the passport was issued by the Government of Canada.

The chip will be a proximity contactless chip that must be held within 10cm of the reader in order to be read. Border authorities equipped with ePassport readers will insert the passport into a scanner, which will read the machine-readable zone, thereby opening the chip so that it can be read. Border authorities not equipped with ePassport readers will continue to examine travellers’ passports as they do now.

The ePassport validity will change to 10 years for adults. The validity period for children’s passports will not change when the ePassport is implemented. ePassports for children under three years of age will be valid for three years and for children aged three to 15 will be for five years.

To read more on the ePassport go to http://www.ppt.gc.ca .

New Orleans.........

Last fall I had decided to take up the offer of the New Orleans Visitors Bureau and see what New Orleans was all about. On December 6, 2010 my wife Patricia and I flew to New Orleans for our very first trip there.  The least expensive flight option turned out to be with Air Canada out of Toronto and in just a little over 2 hours we were landing in New Orleans.  I must also say that besides being a direct flight the times were civilized with our flight leaving Toronto at 10 a.m. and on the return arriving back in Toronto at 4:25 p.m.  Couldn't ask for better flight times.  We were delayed slightly departing from Toronto as that was the start of Snowmagedon in Southwest Ontario and although most of the flights in Toronto had been cancelled ours took off. 

On our arrival in New Orleans the sun was shining however it was very cool with a temperature of only 9 degrees celcius.  That turned out to be the kind of temperature we had all week until we left on that Friday.  We took the taxi to the Dauphne Hotel in the French Quarter.  The New Orleans Airport has a fixed fare taxi service from the airport to the French Quarter area which is $ 33 U.S. each way.  There is a bus service but for the convenience it is worth taking the taxi.  I had booked the Dauphne Hotel as it was situated 1 block north of Bourbon St. and in a quiet area. www.dauphineorleans.com/ 

Hotel courtyard

On our arrival at our hotel we had a short wait until our room was ready and we checked in.  Our rooms were not in the hotel proper but across the street in the Kaufmann section.  I asked how do I get to my room and I was pointed to a very narrow iron gate and told to use my card key to open the door.  As I crossed the street I was wondering what had I gotten myself into.  After opening the door we walked into a small alley and then the beautiful courtyard with palms and fountains opened up before us.  All the rooms in this section were either ground floor or 2nd floor.  Our room on the second floor had the windows out onto the veranda area and was just fantastic.  The hotel retained an old brick wall in the room and the room was large and beautifully decorated. 

Restaurant - courtyard

As my wife Patricia requires a completely gluten free diet our next task was to find the Bayona restaurant that we found on the internet and had indicated that it can provide a gluten free meal.  The restaurant was on the same street as the hotel but we could not find it after we had come back from a short walk around the area because I had forgetten the street number at the hotel.  After retreiving it I went back out through the iron gate turned right and it was in the building right next to us.  Because most restaurants are set in from the street in small courtyards and signs are small we had walked right by it and missed it completely.  For our first night in New Orleans this was a stroke of luck as we didn't have to go far for supper that night.  The restaurant was very nice however we found that they did not have a gluten free menu but would adapt some of the menu items and provide them gluten free.  It worked out well and Patricia had an excellent gluten free meal that night.  Day 1 came to a great end.

Street performers

On the second day we decided we would explore the French Quarter and to do so we used the free walking tour map provided to us by the Tourist Board.  It has 33 historical sites in the French Quarter and it is easy to follow as you start at # 1 read the description of the historical significance of this place and then you follow the instruction to get to the next place and so on.  Although the weather was cool again it was very sunny and we spent the entire day exploring the French Quarter.  Along the way we spotted a number of street musicians performing on streets.  During our walk by the Cathedral we noticed the second restaurant on our list that provided a gluten free menu - Muriels Jackson Square Restaurant http://www.muriels.com/.  We made a reservation for that night.  As we had been walking all day we decided to take a cab to the restaurant that night.....total fare including tip $ 5.  The meal at Muriels was superb and Patricia loved the gluten free selections available on the menu.  After supper we decided to walk back to our hotel.  This gave us our first evening experience of walking through the French Quarter (very safe).  When we got to Bourbon Street it had been closed off to all vehicle traffic and became a wild pedestrian street with crowds walking up and down the street with drinks in their hands.....people throwing beads from different balconies.....music blarring from all the bars along the street.  Pure colourful pandamonium and everyone enjoying themselves.  I kept thinking to myself, this is Tuesday night in December with all these crowds......this place must be absolute madness during Mardi Gras.  Day 2 again came to a great end.

 


French Quarter Streets

 


1850 House Pontalba Buildings



Sharks in Aquarium



On our third day we decided we would explore some of the museums located in the French Quarter and visit the New Orleans Aquarium. As there are over 40 Museums throughout New Orleans and given our limited time in New Orleans we decided visit only a few.  Our first stop was The Cabildo, a museum, historic site and historical building located right next to St. Louis Cathedral. It is one of the most historically significant buildings in America. Built between 1795 and 1799 to replace a structure that burned in the 1794 fire, the Cabildo served as the seat of government in New Orleans during the Spanish colonial period and is the location where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803. Throughout the building are more than 1,000 artifacts and original works of art, including “The Battle of New Orleans,” Eugene Louis Lami’s huge 1839 painting that shows intricate details of the final and most decisive battle of the War of 1812. There are also portraits of famous (and infamous) Louisiana figures and the death mask of Napoleon.  On the other side of the Cathedral in another historic building is the Museum set up after Hurricane Katrina where there are videos and displays set up showing the devastation this hurricane had on New Orleans.  Our next stop was the 1850 House which is located in the Pontalba Buildings.   The Upper and Lower Pontalba Buildings, which line the St. Ann and St. Peter Street sides of Jackson Square, were built in 1850 by the Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, daughter of Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, the Spanish colonial landowner associated with the neighboring Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral, and Presbytere. They are believed to be the oldest apartment houses in the United States. The 1850 House Museum has recreated what one of the residences would have looked like during the Antebellum era when the Baroness Pontalba first opened her doors. It is furnished with domestic goods, decorative arts and art of the period and depicts middle class family life during the most prosperous period in New Orleans' history. After a stop at the original Cafe Du Monde at the French Market for a coffee we explored the waterfront area of the French Quarter.  It was now off to the Audobon Aquarium of the Americas which at the bottom of Canal Street on the waterfront and the edge of the French Quarter. The Aquarium is very impressive and worth seeing especially the huge shark tank and the tropical rainforest section.  The Aquarium is right next to the Riverwalk Marketplace so we decided to explore a bit of this huge indoor mall set on the waterfront.   For those that love shopping this is the place to be.  There are also some hotels that connect directly to the Marketplace.  By this time we were already extremely tired so it was back to the hotel and arrange a place for supper that night.  On the way back Patricia was able to find some excellent sweater buys which proved to be good decision as the nights were very cool.  That night after I had arranged a reservation we walked to Emeril Legasse's NOLA Restaurant www.emerils.com/restaurant/2/NOLA-Restaurant/welcome    Another excellent choice and not only was there a gluten free menu but all the wait staff were fully aware of Patricia's requirements and took extra care.  Needless to say the dining experience here was excellent and Patricia still to this day talks about the large pork chop beautifully done and the service we got at this restaurant.  After walking back to the hotel through Bourbon Street again.......Day 3 came to a great end.

St. Charles Streetcar

Lafayette Cemetery

Garden area homes

Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville

On our final full day in New Orleans we had decided to take the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar which started on Canal Street just 2 blocks from our hotel and go to the historical Lafayette Cemetery No.1(est. 1833) and visit the Garden area of the City.  The Streetcar ride was very inexpensive at $ 1.25 per person each way (exact change only) and took us through some of the other areas of the city.  Following our map carefully we got off at the right stop and walked the 2 blocks to the Cemetery at about 2:30 p.m. only to find out that the Cemetery closes every day at 2:10 p.m.  We did get some pictures through the iron gates and then as we were already in the Garden area we walked up and down the streets around the cemetery and admired the beautiful mansions and homes in this area.  For those that love old architectural homes that have been beautifully restored, this whole area should be on your itinerary when you visit New Orleans.  It was back on the streetcar to Canal Street and as we had some extra time........Patricia enjoyed shopping at some of the stores in that area.  When we got back to our hotel there was a message from the restaurant we had booked for that night the Cafe Amelia advising us that due to a gas leak in the kitchen all reservations for that night had been cancelled.  We decided to check out another restaurant I had researched on the internet that indicated a Gluten free menu - Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.  www.bubbagump.com/locations/new-orleans/ This place was a real treat.........the restaurant cannot be considered fine dining and more like a roadhouse which many people who require gluten free diets tend to avoid.......however, not only did they have a complete gluten free menu but the servers were all fully aware of Patricia's diet needs.  Also, the decor which is all based on the movie - Forest Gump was unique.  Although Patricia couldn't have any I enjoyed my first Po-Boy sandwich in New Orleans.  Patricia was also very pleased with her gluten free meal.  We walked back to our hotel and again Day 4 came to another great end. 

On our final day , after breakfast and check out he hotel had arranged our taxi back to the airport.  New Orleans airport is very easy to get around in and after a good flight we landed back in Toronto.  Back to the snow.  

My impressions of New Orleans is that it is a safe city to travel to with a lot to see and do whether that is from the historical perspective of the French Quarter or the fun aspect of places like Bourbon Street. People everywhere were friendly and willing to help.  For individuals that require a Gluten Free diet there is no lack of restaurants that can cater to that requirement.  Patricia commented that she would like to go back as she would like to go on the Riverboat and visit a Plantantion.  Post Katrina New Orleans as a destination is back and well and looking for visitors to come and experience all it has to offer. 

French Market

French Quarter houses









Muriel's Jackson Square Restaurant



St. Louis Cathedral



Street musicians in front of Cathedral





The Cabildo

FLYING HIGH - The top 10 airports in the World

The World Airport Awards are based on survey results from 11.38 million questionnaires completed by over 100 different nationalities of airline passengers in more than 240 airports worldwide. The survey was conducted in 2010-2011 and evaluates traveller experiences across 39 different airport service and product factors - from check-in, arrivals, transfer through to departure at the gate. And the winners are…

1. HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT This is the third busiest International passenger airport in the world. The ratings for HKIA show some considerable improvements during the last year, particularly in security and immigration processing that served to enhance customer satisfaction levels. Fast and easy access to downtown Hong Kong, combined with the bright and airy terminal ambiance, superb shopping facilities to place HKIA in top position.

2. SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT Serving more than 100 international airlines flying to some 200 cities in 60 countries, Changi Airport handles about 5,400 arrivals and departures every week and over 42 million passengers a year (that's more than 7 times the size of Singapore's population). With over 40,000 square metres of commercial space, Changi Airport is also one of Singapore's largest shopping locations.Changi Airport did score two major achievements in the survey winning the title of Best International Transit Airport and Best Airport for Leisure Amenities.

3. INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, and is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. Since 2005 it has received the full 5-star ranking by Skytrax, a recognition shared only by Hong Kong International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport. The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. The main passenger terminal (496,000 sq metres) is the largest airport terminal in area in South Korea, and the ninth largest passenger terminal in the world.

4. MUNICH AIRPORT With around 34.7 million passengers in 2010, Munich is the second-busiest passenger airport in Germany and ranks 7th among Europe's 10 leading airports. The airport has its own visitors centre and is home to the Munich Airport Centre (MAC), which is a shopping, business and recreation facility located between its 2 terminals. Munich Airport is the repeat winner of the Best Airport Europe title.

5. BEIJING CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Beijing Capital International Airport is located 20 miles northeast of Beijing's city centre. The newest Terminal 3 building is the 2nd largest airport terminal in the world, and the third largest building in the world by area. Whilst split between three terminals, passengers particularly praised the level of customer service, with the highest ratings being achieved by Terminal 3. BCIA also picked up the award for Best Airport Washrooms.

6. AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT Schiphol is an important European airport, ranking as Europe's 5th largest and the world's 15th largest by total passenger traffic, 45.3 million passengers passed through the airport in 2010. Schiphol has large shopping areas both landside and airside, Schiphol Plaza shopping centre, located before customs, is popular with both air passengers and non-travelling visitors.

7. ZURICH AIRPORT Zürich Airport is located 12 Km from downtown Zürich. The Airport is served by approximately 60 airlines and charter services flying all over the globe. It offers a large selection of shops, restaurants and services, with over 180 companies employing more than 20,000 people at the airport. The train system at Zurich Airport connects passengers to destinations all over Switzerland, making it one of the most convenient airports for travel within central Europe.

8. AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Auckland Airport is the major connection between the world and New Zealand. Over 70% of visitors enter or leave New Zealand via Auckland Airport, which handles over 13 million passengers a year. More than 20 international airlines serve the airport, Australia/ Pacific regions 2nd busiest International airport.

9. KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of Asia's major aviation hubs and is a destination in itself, located approximately 50 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. The Main Terminal Building area was designed using the concept of 'Airport in the forest, forest in the airport', in which it is surrounded by green space. KLIA can be reached by the KLIA Express and the KLIA Transit train services. KLIA Express provides a non-stop express train service to the KL City Air Terminal - the non-stop trip between Kuala Lumpur and KLIA is 57 kilometers and takes 28 minutes.

10. COPENHAGEN AIRPORT Only 12 minutes from the heart of Copenhagen. The distance from the train platform to the check-in counters is less than 100 metres. Airside, passengers have access to 50 shops, 15 restaurants and bars, conference facilities, a hotel area and a sauna.

Istanbul Turkey

At the invitation of Turkish Airlines I flew out of Toronto on April 11, 2011 along with other travel consultants and arrived in Istanbul on late afternoon on April 12th.  Our flight with Turkish Airlines was perfect.  We were seated in Comfort Class seats which is a category below Business Class.  The seats were wide and comfortable and had a leg rest so that when you put the seat back you were almost laying down.  There was enough room that someone could go by you without you having to get up.  Each seat had individual entertainment units in the arm rest. We were all provided with a leather pouch that held toothpaste,  toothbrush, socks and eyecovering, slippers and blankets.  The food was superb.  Appetizers, full course meal and deserts all served on china and real cutlery (not plastic)  There was a chef on board with full chef cap and uniform who came around and asked your your meal was.  How civilized.  Hats off to Turkish Airlines for a great flight.

After our arrival in Istanbul on Tuesday afternoon we were taken to the Grand Yavuz Hotel in the old city on the European side of Istanbul.  After check in we went out for supper at Gelik Restaurant on the watefront where we were treated to a mixture of Turkish foods.........excellent.  





Shisha House



 On our return to the Hotel one of our hosts from Turkish Airlines suggested a short walk for anyone who wanted.  A few of us decided to take up the offer and we ended up in an old building that was jammed with people sitting and smoking sisha (Hookah) water pipes and drinking tea.  We of course participated in this ritual and were told that the building we were in has been used for only this purpose for centuries.  As you can see from the picture the pillars holding up the domed ceiling are ancient.  The picture also shows about 1/10 of the size of the total building as there were separate rooms on the sides.  The whole experience was just unbelievable.  By this time we were getting very tired and it was back to the hotel for a good night sleep.

Egyptian Spice Market

Wednesday after breakfast we departed for the Spice Market which is much smaller than the famous Grand Market but is the one that the locals go to as the Grand Market is mostly a tourist attraction.  There was a phenomenal array of spices in the market along with Turkish Nougats and other goods.  Right next door was the New Mosque which actually goes back centuries. 



view from the pine hills

 After our vist to the Spice Market it was off to a cruise on the Bosphorous Strait and we were able to view the city from both sides with all the palaces and ancient buildings plus the modern city going up the hills.  We went under both bridges that span Europe to Asia and docked on the Asia side.  We were then taken to the highest hill in Istanbul were we had a panoramic view of both the European side and the Asia side of Istanbul.  Our next stop was for lunch at a Seafood restaurant on the Bosphorous Strait where we dined on grilled fish.  After lunch it was off to see the Sultan's Summer Palace which is on the Asia side of Istanbul.  The palace was magnificent filled with furniture, chandeliers and paintings and really showed the oppulent lifestyle of the Sultan and his many wives.  We are now back at the hotel and will be going out for supper in another section of the old city.  After we returned from supper a few of us went to the 7th floor rooftop restaurant and bar for a few drinks.  The views of the city were spectacular.


Emergency ramp



inside flight simulator





Appetizers



Lunch at DO&CO



preparing appetizers



Thursday was to be a free day in the city however our hosts had another surprise for us.  After breakfast we were bussed to the Turkish Airlines Training Centre at the airport were  flight attendants and pilots are trained.   We we first taken to a full size mock up of a 737 and Airbus Jet and demostrated the emergency training required by all flight attendants.  The mock up was actually sitting in a small lake so that training could be completed for evacuation of the jet on dry land and also in the water.  A few of our group actually slid down the emergency ramp.  We were then taken to see the flight simulators used to train pilots.  Turkish Airlines has 7 of these simulators at a cost of approximately $ 13 million each.  Some of the simulators were actually manufactured in Canada.  The simulators are used to not only train Turkish Airline pilots but also pilots from quite a number of airlines.  Some of the simulators were in use and when training was completed we were all give a chance not only see the inside of the simulators but actually sit in the captains seats as I am in the picture.  We were then given another surprise as we were taken to the assembly plant of Turkish DO&CO a partner of Turkish Airlines and who provides not only catering services to Turkish Airlines but also other major airlines.  We were provided lunch at their facilities in a reconstucted airline cabin with the actual food that was made for the flights that day.  We had already experienced the fantastic food on the flight to Istanbul  and now we were going to see how it was prepared.  After lunch we were give a complete tour of the kitchens were all the food was being prepared fresh daily for the flights that day.   



Suleyman Mosque

After a very educational tour it was back to the hotel where we did have some free time.  We learned at that time that the major attractions of Istanbul - Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome were all within a 10- 15 minute walk from the hotel.  Turns out the Shisha place we visited the 1st night is actually next to the Grand Bazaar.  A group of us decided to go to the Grand Bazaar and those that wanted to stay and shop they did so but others like myself decided we would go and try some Boza  a popular fermented beverage in Turkey.  This trek took us around the University of Istanbul and into the unique old neibourhoods of Istanbul with its wooden houses and right past the Suleyman Mosque, at 70,000 sq. metres the largest but also the least know mosque in Istanbul.  As prayers had just started we continued on to the Boza shop and enjoyed this very unique drink.  On our return prayers were over and after taking our shoes off at the entrance we went inside and spent about 20 minutes wandering around this magnificent mosque.  It was very peaceful as very few tourists every see this mosque.  After returning to the hotel it was time to go for supper.



Sultan's coucil chamber



Sultan's Palace



Haghia Sophia



Friday was our historical tour day.  We started out in the area of the ancient Hippodrome now just a square with 3 different types of Egyptian obelisks. Then it was off to the Topkapi Palace built in 1459 and was both the residence of the Sultan and also the centre of government for the Ottoman empire.  This site alone could take up a full day in order to see everything within the walls and 4 courtyards.   Our next stop was the Haghia Sophia Museum, the Church of Holy Wisdom....the existing church was built in 537 A.D. and converted into a Mosque in the 15th century.  Since 1934 it has been a museum.  When it was converted into a Mosque all the icons were plastered over as the Muslims cannot have images on the walls of mosques.  Today it is still being restored with the plaster being removed and the original icons had been preserved by the plaster. 



inside Haghia Sophia





Blue Mosque



Washing before prayers



Our next stop was the famous Blue Mosque with it's 6 minarets.  This mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet and completed in 1616 and is widely knowed as the Blue Mosque because of the blue Iznik tiles in the interior.  We arrived just as the call to prayers was made however as the Blue Mosque is a major tourist attraction we were allowed into the mosque during prayers.  Outside the mosque the men where washing their hands, feet, faces and heads at taps to cleanse themselves before entering for prayers.  We again had to take our shoes off at the entrance and women had to cover their heads with scarves.  As this was Friday the prayers from the Koran were in Arabic so there was a large screen set up in the mosque which translated the sermon from Arabic to both Turkish and English. 







inside Grand Bazaar



Our final stop this afternoon was the Grand Bazaar one the world's largest buildings, containing a network of 61 covered streets and about 4,500 shops and in business since its foundation in 1461.  The bazaar is the world's oldest covered market.  The place is mind boggeling.  Vendors inviting you into their stores, a mass of humanity walking up and down the streets. For a shopaholic this place is nirvana.  I did venture outside of the market only to find more shops and vendors as far as you can see.  The building has 13 gates to enter so you have to remember were you started in order to get out the same way. 

Whirling Dervish

That evening prior to supper we went and witnessed the prayers and meditation of the Whirling Dervishes.  Since I first saw a documentary many years ago about the Whirling Dervishes I have wanted to see them and here they were.  This was not a performance but a prayer so cameras, talking and applause were not allowed.  Their increase whirling actually puts them into a trance state.  It is hard to describe it but here is a good link that shows their prayer.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnunfciSr7k  .  After supper it was back to the hotel as we had an early ferry departure for Bursa the next morning. 

Hotel Montania - Bursa

Our 5 a.m. wake up call on Saturday coincided with the first call to prayer from the surrounding mosques and after breakfast and check out we were on our way to the ferry docks to take a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride to Bursa.  Fortunately the sea was fairly calm and we had a good crossing.  On our arrival our hosts had another suprise and we made a stop at the  Montania Hotel in Bursa were we were treated to an excellent breakfast.  This hotel was originally an train station built by the French with all marble and building materials brought in from Marsailles France. 



Silk Markets







fountain in mosque



In the centre of old Bursa is the Silk Markets and the Mosque.  We wandered through the market squares and it was one building into another building with covered markets and courtyards everywhere.  Again, if you were a shopper you were in heaven.  We then visited the mosque which is unusual as it is the only one in the world with a fountain in the middle of the mosque where men can wash themselves.  We were told by the guide that at the time the mosque was being planned by the grand vizer the land where the fountain presently stands was owned by a Christian women who did not want to sell her land to be used as a place of worship.  The grand vizer promised her that it would not be used for worship and that is where the fountain was built. Our hosts again had another surprise for us as they advised us that the Governor or Bursa has requested a meeting with us at the government house close by.  After a short walk we arrived at the Governors building were we were welcomed by the governor and each presented with a gift from Bursa. 

Hotel Turkish Bath



Restaurant



We then checked into the Hotel Celik Palas with its thermal spas.  Bursa is in an area that has a high mountain with snow still on top of it and during the winter is used for skiing with beautiful chalets and hotels on the slopes.  The area also has many hot thermal & mineral springs and is famous for its Turkish Baths (Hammam).  Our modern hotel had a spectacular view of Bursa and also a huge Turkish Bath.  The afternoon was ours to spend as we pleased so without any hesitation I decided to try out the Turkish Bath.  Let me just say that it was quite an experience.  In the men's locker room each locker had a bathrobe, slippers, towels and even a safe.  There were lounge areas with more towels before you went into the Turkish Bath.  The air temperature in the bath area was 32 degrees celcius and I would estimate that the water was over 42 degrees celcius.  At that temperature you couldn't stay in the water too long so you just relaxed on the loungers to cool off.  Both the Sauna and Turkish Bath were free for all guests.  That evening we went out for supper at a restaurant just across from the hotel. 

Pedestrian street - Taksim Square

Greek Orthodox Church

On Sunday we returned to Istanbul again by ferry and in the late afternoon we checked into our final hotel the Istanbul City Center Hotel located in the Taksim Square area.  As the streets in this area of Istanbul are so narrow our bus had to drop us off at Taksim Square and we walked to the hotel, about 10 minutes.  After check in it was time to check out Taksim Square which is the largest pedestrian shopping street I have ever seen.  Did not spend to much time walking through the mass of people and so returned to the Greek Orthodox Church close to the hotel and attended the Palm Sunday service.  A unique experience as the entire service was in Greek however I was able to follow the liturgy and thereby participate in the service.  Supper was not until after 8 p.m. so after our return to the hotel it was early to bed as we had an early morning wake up call to have breakfast and then take us back to the airport.

Monday morning after a good breakfast we again walked to Taksim Square to get our bus and our suitcases as before were transported by the hotel van.  After numerous security checks we were at the boarding gate and awaited out long 10 hour flight back to Toronto........however, again in Comfort Class with excellent meals and drinks time flew by very quickly and we were landing in Toronto.

Istanbul is an exotic city and the only one in the world that is on 2 continents - Europe and Asia.  It is a large city of 15 million people with modern conveniences yet still maintaining its ancient charm.  It is safe as any large city can be and we had no problems walking the old city streets in the evening.  People were very friendly everywhere we went.  It is a destination I would highly recommend and would love to return to and explore more thoroughly.  Thanks to Turkish Airlines for making this a most memorable trip.