Destinations

Singapore

Singapore goes by many names – the Garden City and the Lion City just to name a few – but no name can truly describe the experience of traveling and staying in this larger-than-life city. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, Singapore isn’t exactly an “off the beaten path” destination, but it’s a cultural melting pot rich with delicious food, art and wonderful people.

Top Things to See and Do in Singapore

Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or two weeks, there’s plenty to see and do in this futuristic city-state.

No stay in Singapore is complete without a stop in Chinatown. Known as the cultural heart of Singapore, this district is home to several beautiful mosques, pagodas, shops and more.

For luxury shopping, head over to Orchard Road, the city’s premier shopping district. Here, you’ll find high-end shopping, coffee shops, cafes, hotels and nightclubs.

If you’re hungry, head over to Kreta Ayer’s Food Street for a bite to eat.

For a unique nightspot experience, take a tour through the Night Safari, the first wildlife park in the world to offer night tours. The park’s tram will take you on a guided tour of the safari’s 40 hectares of forests. Where else can you catch a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitats at night?

Merlion Park is another must-see for anyone visiting Singapore, with the park’s iconic lion offering a great photo opportunity. Don’t forget to stop by the Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare nature park that offers stunning views of the Marina Bay.

Sentosa Island is home to an artificial, sheltered beach, and offers attractions for visitors of all ages. From a 4D movie theater to a dolphin lagoon and insect conservatory, the resort is a vacation all its own.

If you’re traveling with the kids, Universal Studios is a must-do. The park is the only one in Asia with a Hollywood theme, and takes you on a journey through some of the most popular films, including Battlestar Galactica, Jurassic Park, Madagascar, Shrek and Transformers. Take a stroll down the Walk of Fame, and dine at one of the many restaurants in the park.

For truly stunning views, head up to the Tiger Sky Tower, the tallest viewing tower in Singapore. The Tiger Sky Tower offers panoramic views of the city at 131m up in the sky.

Head over to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The 156-year-old tropical garden is found just on the outskirts of Singapore’s main shopping belt. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning garden has been ranked a top attraction since 2013. Top sites at the gardens include the Orchid Garden, Rainforest, Botany Centre, Ginger Garden and the Children’s Garden.

We managed to squeeze in all of these attractions during our week-long stay in this uniquely beautiful city, but there’s plenty more to see and do if you’re staying longer. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or something more adventurous, Singapore has something for every traveler.

Dublin

The Sights and Tastes of Dublin

Known for its pints and opinionated people, Dublin is a city you can’t help but fall in love with – and fall in love we did. After a weekend stay in the Fair City last month, we came close to unpacking and staying a while. Sure, we hit every spot on the usual beaten path, but at the end of it all, we found that this colorful city is a treasure trove of delightful sights, many of which we had never even heard of.

What to See

There’s so much to see and do in Dublin that we couldn’t possibly fit everything into a weekend trip. But we did manage to hit some of the best spots on the beaten and off-beaten paths.

Not surprisingly, we started our trek with a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, a must-see for every visitor. If the complimentary pint isn’t enough to draw you in, then the 360-degree views at the Gravity Bar will. The interactive tour takes you through the history of this iconic brand.

If you’re in the mood for something a little livelier, head to the medieval Temple Bar district for a true Irish bar experience.

Next on the list is Ha’penny Bridge, built in 1816, which crosses the Liffey. The Four Courts building is nearby on Inns Quay, where the main courts of Ireland can be found. The Christ Church Cathedral, which dates back to 1038, is a short walk from the bridge, and a must-see for lovers of history and architecture.

Speaking of history, don’t miss a visit to Trinity College, where you’ll find the Book of Kells in the college’s famous library. The tome was transcribed by Celtic monks back in 800 AD.

If you’re a lover of art, play a game of scavenger hunting to find all of the city’s statues – there are plenty. They have nicknames, too, like the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street, which is known affectionately as “The Tart with the Cart” or the “Dolly with the Trolley” (we much prefer the second name, personally).

Visitors looking to escape the sights and sounds of the city for a while should stop by the Huguenot cemetery, known as one of the most poetic sites in Dublin. The cemetery dates back to 1693 and is dedicated to the Huguenot family, a group of French Protestants who fled France to escape religious persecution.

Where to Eat

Dublin’s dining scene is remarkably diverse. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Irish fare, curry or sushi, you’ll find it all in the heart of the city.

For a great cup of coffee, head to The Bald Barista, a quirky new cafe that serves up more than just coffee. For a quick bite to eat, The Bald Barista offers a wide range of sandwiches and breakfast items.

The Pig’s Ear is a popular joint that has earned a Michelin gourmand bib. The Hairy Lemon Café is a great choice for a hot bowl of Irish stew.

For dessert, head over to The Queen of Tarts or Butlers Chocolates for a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Rome

Even though my visit to Rome was some years ago, it’s a city that left a lasting and favorable impression. At the time I felt as if it wasn’t necessary to see any other part of Italy; however, perhaps this assessment is unfair because the country is delightful in many ways. But, I digress. Rome is, for all intents and purposes, an outdoor museum. There are reminders around every corner that this was the center of an immense and powerful empire. I didn’t speak Italian beyond the basics of “yes,” “no,” “please,” and “thank you” but Rome is a place where it doesn’t take too long to find the big attractions and the locals are helpful!

First, I went to the ornate Trevi Fountain. Naturally, I wasn’t alone when I got there. The crowds only thinned out either very early in the morning or late at night. The spot where the fountain now stands was the end point of an aqueduct, and these structures were vital to the ancient Romans. As the story goes, throwing a coin into the fountain while your back is turned means a return to Rome. No wonder so many people stop to visit. For me, that hasn’t happened yet but there’s lots of time!

The Vatican is in a walled enclave inside Rome but is a separate state. I joined throngs of tourists to marvel at Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. There was a series of long corridors to pass through with impressive artwork on the ceilings before reaching the central chamber. Then, the most important moment arrived and I looked up. The first instinct was to grab my camera. Alas, no photography was allowed.

I learned about the bloodier side of Roman history upon visiting the Colosseum. Built by slaves, the elliptical-shaped Colosseum is the attraction that screams: “Welcome to the show!” Roman citizens didn’t have to pay to enter the Colosseum and the contests kept them glued to their seats. The gladiator spectacles were the Super Bowl games of the time. The Romans were cruel to the people they conquered and to each other, so what could slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war expect when they were forced to fight? I was impressed with the Colosseum but shuddered at the same time. Even though ancient Roman society had positive aspects, it was barbaric and unmerciful.

Tokyo

Visiting Japan was like a dream come true. I started taking judo lessons in 1984, and that’s when I learned to count from one to ten in Japanese. I was intrigued with languages and Japanese fascinated me. Later in high school I began studying it under the instruction of a teacher born and raised in Tokyo. In 1992, I found myself in Tokyo with a group of my classmates for an exchange trip. I was anxious when I met my host family. Would my Japanese be good enough? Would they laugh when I garbled the words?

I told them I wanted to visit Akihabara, a section of Tokyo known for electronics. I remember the days when Japan was the most prolific manufacturer of electronic goods, and in the early 1990s Sony was a highly respected brand. I was mesmerized by the glowing neon signs I wasn’t quite able to read yet. Buying something wasn’t possible because Canada and Japan didn’t have the same voltage, so it was a strictly “look but don’t buy” trip. Still, I loved taking a peek inside these wonderfully exotic stores!

Tokyo Tower resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and although it hasn’t gained the kind of international acclaim as its French counterpart, I had no complaints when my hosts took me there the following night. The evening view of Tokyo was stunning from the observation deck. Tokyo Tower is painted orange, not black. To be honest, I thought it was more attractive.

One part of the city I didn’t get to see, but have heard a great deal about, is Yoyogi Park. Located next to Harajuku Station and the Meiji Shrine, the park is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. Rebellious youths gather in the park on Sunday afternoons to blow off steam and thumb their noses at Japan’s stiff corporate culture. My itinerary was already planned by my teachers who had accompanied our group, and Yoyogi wasn’t on it.

I spent three nights in Tokyo and that wasn’t nearly enough to savor everything the city had to offer. With almost twenty million people, the city is terribly crowded and it’s expensive. But, what I like most about Tokyo is that it’s remarkably safe to walk around at any time. I will go back!

Toronto

I admit, appreciating Toronto takes effort. The city is still working on its identity — and, frankly, visitors may wonder what is so great about Toronto in the first place. As a native, I can state with confidence that what makes Toronto stand out from other major cities around the world is its multicultural atmosphere. People from over fifty nations now call Toronto home, and while they don’t always agree or get along, they manage to put their differences aside and civil strife is very rare.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and the most important hub for financial services and tourism. The downtown core is compact and can be navigated on foot, although I would recommend setting aside half a day to walk around. There is the Eaton Centre, Toronto’s largest mall. Nathan Phillips Square is next door, along with the twin buildings of City Hall. I’ve always thought Kensington Market is Toronto’s hippest neighborhood. The coffee bars, restaurants, and quirky shops attract a younger crowd, particularly university students. This area is most lively during the summer months. In fact, Toronto is best visited from May until October.

Winter doesn’t put me off at all. In November and early December, Toronto has a festive vibe as residents prepare for Christmas. I loved to skate when I was a kid and although I don’t do much of it now, I can always go down to the rink at either Greenwood Park or outside Ryerson University if I’m in the mood to glide on the ice.

What’s Toronto’s best attraction? The CN Tower gets my vote, and I don’t say that because I live here. It has been a while since I’ve gone up and enjoyed the view of the city from the Skypod, almost 1,500 feet above the ground. The EdgeWalk goes outside, around the rim of the pod. Maybe 2016 will be the year I finally do that!

Toronto isn’t London, New York, or Tokyo, and it will never be like any of those cities. I don’t think Toronto has to be, in any case. Myhome town has its good points, and one of them is that it’s still remarkably safe to walk around at night. That’s a bonus during the summer!

Washington, D.C.

Because it’s the seat of the United States of America, Washington, D.C. boasts some of the finest museums and monuments in the nation. I got one of the richest history lessons of my life in the relatively short time I spent in the city. There was also the awareness of being in the presence of incredibly powerful individuals: The White House, the Pentagon, embassies from most of the world’s nations, and Capitol Hill were all within a short distance of each other. I found it all quite dizzying. The funny thing is Washington, D.C. didn’t have that big city feeling I experienced in other places; in fact, it felt rather small and provincial. Maybe it was because there weren’t any big office towers.

The Lincoln Memorial was the first on my “to see” list. No other American President has been memorialized in this fashion. At the time of my visit I didn’t know much about “Honest Abe,” which was the nickname Lincoln got when he worked as a store clerk in New Salem, Illinois. As the story went, he walked three miles to a customer’s home to return money he collected by mistake. A massive sculpture of Lincoln faces east and his steady gaze is locked on the long reflecting pool. As I gazed at the statue, I wondered how U.S. history might have changed if Lincoln had stayed home on April 14^th, 1865. The “what-ifs” abound to this day.

I moved on to another monument close by, one that’s much darker in color and represents a deep scar on the American psyche, which hasn’t fully healed. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is made of shiny, black granite and is ten feet high at the centermost point. The mood changed – it wasn’t excitement but something more akin to mournful, grave, and humorless. The Vietnam Memorial is inscribed with soldiers’ names – more than 50,000 of them, and locating a specific one can be daunting because they’re engraved by date of casualty and not in alphabetical order. Again, I didn’t know much about the Vietnam War but I learned a lot more about it that day. For Canadians, the Vietnam War doesn’t stir up any discussions or memories. Americans, however, remain sharply divided.

New York

In July of last year I decided to fly down to the Big Apple for a short visit. I considered myself to be a seasoned traveler but felt silly because I had journeyed to Asia, South America, Australia, and various points throughout Europe, but New York was a destination without a check mark. I’m glad I added America’s largest city to my list of “have been” places. It took an hour to fly from Toronto’s Pearson Airport to New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Before I knew it I had the key to my hotel room in central Manhattan, and was planning what to see for the next three days.

The Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel on Lexington Avenue is a twenty minute walk from Times Square, which I had seen so many times in movies and television shows but not up close. This crossroads is the most visited tourist attraction on the planet, and there was scarcely a minute to stand still and snap some photos because the crowds didn’t allow it. Eventually, I did find a nice corner to get some good pictures. It was a great start to my visit!

Next, I walked down 7^th Avenue then along 42^nd Street to Bryant Park. I sat there for a while; feeling pleased with myself as I drank some coffee and checked my photos. Deciding to wrap things up a bit early, I went back to the hotel. The next afternoon I went up to Columbus Circle and zigzagged in Central Park. This is the best place in New York to people watch while sitting in the cool shade under the trees. I wanted to see the American Museum of Natural History at Central Park West and 79^th Street, because it’s such a famous spot like Times Square. Alas, the admission line was too long (not unusual in a city like New York).

I spent the third day at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the main point of entry for millions of immigrants to the United States from 1892 until 1954. The very first immigrant to be processed here was Annie Moore, from Country Cork, Ireland. This was my favorite part of my trip to New York – there’s so much history and it’s fascinating!

Rio de Janeiro

I was excited to land in Rio, the jewel in Brazil’s crown. This metropolis is home to the late musician Antônio Carlos Jobim, samba, and the crescent-shaped Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, both of which serve as playgrounds for locals and tourists. Now that I was in Rio, borrowing the cheerful and feisty spirit of the locals, known as “cariocas” was inevitable. It was more than likely I would have to return it when it came time to leave Brazil.

Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish. Portuguese is a tricky language; some sounds, such as nasal vowels, are very rare in English. Cariocas have a sing-song like accent and following what they say is daunting for the first time visitor to Rio. However, I knew that with a little time and practice, mastering basic phrases would be a cinch.

On a sunny morning I ventured out to see the famed Christ the Redeemer Statue designed and built in the early 1930s by Brazilian engineers with the help of a renowned French architect, Paul Landowski. With its arms outstretched and head slightly bowed, it’s as if the statue is blessing the city of Rio. The Archdiocese of Rio wanted to rekindle the spirit of Catholicism in Brazil after World War I, and that’s how the statue came to be. I was impressed with the statue and the view of the city from the summit! I was equally pleased with the vista of Rio from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which can only be reached by cable car.

To understand Brazil and for a once in a lifetime cultural experience, I went to see a football (not soccer) match at Maracanã Stadium in the northern suburbs of Rio. I was taken aback at the size of the place and realized I had entered a different universe. Being a spectator in Maracanã wasn’t anything like watching a basketball match at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Brazilians fans whip themselves into a frenzy when a goal is scored, and I couldn’t help but ride the wave. Just think how full the stadium will be once the 2016 Olympics get underway! If Brazil is victorious the ensuing celebration will be unlike anything that has ever been witnessed.

London

London is so tourist friendly it’s no wonder the city was chosen to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. I like London so much because many of the city’s top museums are free to explore, and this isn’t the case where I come from. I’ve been a history buff for as long as I can remember so I can revel in all the familiar landmarks: Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace.

What is the best place from which to begin a tour of London? First of all, get acquainted with the Tube, or the “subway” as North Americans like to call an underground rail system. Take note, however, that the word “subway” in the UK means pedestrian underpass. All underground lines are color-coded, and the system is divided into six zones. All of the stuff worth seeing in London is concentrated in Zone 1, so getting around won’t be difficult at all. An Oyster card saves money in the long run.

I would say that Trafalgar Square is an excellent place to start a walking tour of central London. This square was named after the naval battle on October 21, 1805 that cost Horatio Nelson his life. Walk north of Trafalgar Square and soak up lots of history at the National Portrait Gallery. To beat the crowds visit early in the morning on any day of the week. The good news is that the gallery is free! That meant I would have more money to shop and eat and in London these activities aren’t exactly cheap.

The Imperial War Museum is off the radar for many visitors, but I consider it to be one of the best in the city. It’s smaller, quieter, and free. This always puts a smile on my face. There are some great exhibits in here, including a sobering reminder of the Nazi persecution of European Jews from 1933 to 1945. It’s not a coincidence that this exhibit is on the museum’s top floor, out of sight of younger children who aren’t quite ready to see the horrors of the past.

Okay, enough about museums. There is so much more to London. Hyde Park is the place for an afternoon stroll. Reflect on everything you’ve seen while having a relaxing lunch at the Serpentine Café.

Kuala Lumpur

I like Kuala Lumpur, a city that’s cheaper than Singapore and a tad more conservative than Bangkok. On the way to the city center from the airport, I caught the familiar scent of humid, tropical air I knew so well from previous visits to Asia. This was my first visit to Malaysia, and was anxious to find out what the nation’s capital looked like.

I stayed in the centrally located Concorde Hotel, and felt as if this was the best place to crash for a few days because it was so close to the action. Like the World Trade Centers which used to stand in New York City, the Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. The external design of these buildings has a noticeable Islamic motif and serves as the headquarters of Petronas – the national oil company of Malaysia. Next to the Petronas complex is the Suria KLCC mall – one of Kuala Lumpur’s more popular centers for material consumption. The place was huge, of course, with six levels and an ultra-modern interior.

I’ve always had a fondness for history, and always make it a priority to learn something about a country’s past. I spent a few hours around the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square (or Independence Square) was where Malaysia declared its autonomy from Great Britain at the stroke of midnight on August 31^st, 1957. The British used this square as a cricket pitch, which I suppose isn’t all that surprising. Didn’t they play cricket in just about every country they colonized?

On the east side of the square is the impressive Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which the British used as an administrative center in colonial times. The architecture is Moorish in appearance and reflects the Islamic heritage of Malaysia.

I had eaten great food (Malaysian satay is scrumptious), seen wonderful sights and met nice people in Kuala Lumpur. It was a pleasant taste of a country that I would like to visit again. Kuala Lumpur isn’t so ostentatious and it takes a while to find the city’s charms but they exist, and the infrastructure is impressive. And, many locals speak English! That eliminates any communication worries, particularly for tourists from North America and Britain.