Chile is under a state of emergency A 30 pesos (4 cent) rise in the price of a Metro (Subway) ticket has unleashed a level of anger few outside observers predicted. People have rioted, train stations burned, a state of emergency imposed and there have even been deaths. This is tragic, but perhaps not entirely surprising. Chile is Latin America’s success story. From … [Read more...]
Hong Kong – Sensory Overload
New, meets old, meets busy, meets shopping, etc This ‘Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China’ is the fourth most densely populated territory on Earth. 1st is Macao (a short boat ride away), 2nd Monaco (but it is tiny), 3rd Singapore and then Hong Kong (HK). HK is home to about 7.5 million people and is smaller than greater London - but HK is not a … [Read more...]
Japan Revealed – Sakura Included
Japan tour April 2019 Make sure to check out our gallery at the bottom of the post! Everyone celebrates blossoms Spotting Cherry Blossoms in Japan during most of the year generally involves looking at posters, paintings or even traditional clothes. But during spring (later March through April), and when the weather cooperates, the trees erupt with pink flowers. … [Read more...]
Alberta Election – a positive future
2019 Provincial General ElectionElection day is Tuesday April 16, 2019 I have deep Alberta roots. Genuinely - but this does not preclude other voices. My great-grandparents homesteaded in this province, before it was a province. My Auntie Gwen - and her lifetime friend and partner, Hilda, received gold coins in 1975 for having been born in Alberta in 1905 (the year we … [Read more...]
Guayaquil, Ecuador; Bananas, Heat & Urban Renewal – A New, New Destination
Guayaquil - Ecuador’s largest city is hot and humid. The sprawling city boasts a tropical, savanna climate. I have always visited during the first half of the year, when afternoon rain is common and daytime highs approach the mid-30’s (90’s f). Much hotter when humidity is factored in. Lovely and colourful - the monument in the back remembers the historic 1822 meeting … [Read more...]
