Toronto's Beach Getaway

The east Toronto neighbourhood of The Beach preserves its roots as the city’s first lakeside resort, embracing its aquatic heritage while marrying a thriving commercial district with its cherished parklands. Disagreement continues to this day as to the proper name for the neighbourhood. Is it The Beaches or The Beach? According to local street signs, the latter has won.

La Belle Époque, France's Beautiful Age

I'm excited about an upcoming book release, A Paris Apartment, which tells the story of a woman living in Paris during the belle époque. The years from 1871 to 1914 were a time of indulgence, optimism and innovation which came to an end with the advent of World War I. But the building and artistic endeavours during this period helped shape the Paris that we know and love today.

The city of Paris played host to two World's Fairs during this time. The first exposition in 1889 saw construction of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Pompeii Today

The movie Pompeii opened in theatres recently and tells the story of the ancient Roman town destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Archeologists have unearthed the remains of this civilization beneath the layers of ash and rock, giving us an interesting look at the lives of the ordinary people who once lived here.

The Forum and Mount Vesuvius

Novels for Nervous Flyers

Growing up in the 1960s and 70s I was greatly influenced by movies such as Come Fly With Me and Coffee, Tea or Me? which depicted the glamourous lifestyle of the adventurous airline stewardess. I even dreamed of becoming a flight attendant myself but things change. I also wanted to skydive back then. I haven't done it yet and you won't find it on my bucket list.

Take-off from Nice Airport

The Google Art Project

The Google Cultural Institute has initiated some very interesting projects with hundreds of cultural institutions around the world. Of particular interest to travellers are the Art and World Wonders projects. The World Wonders Project uses 3D modelling and Street View to bring world heritage sites like Stonehenge and Pompeii to your computer screen. Google has partnered with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to provide detailed information on each site.

Stonehenge

Pompeii

Boat Trips on the French Riviera

While staying in the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Mediterranean Sea was literally at our doorstep. Boats of all sizes, from the tiniest dinghy to enormous cruise ships, moored in the busy harbour so no visit to the French Riviera would be complete without experiencing the Côte d'Azur, France's Azure Coast, from the water.

Balcony View in Villefranche-sur-Mer