Winter Fun in Canada's Capital - Ottawa

FACT: Canada's capital city has the largest ice rink in the world.

The Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, Ontario is the largest skating rink, 

running from the Parliament Buildings through to Dows Lake.

The rink is nearly eight kilometres long. It typically opens in January or 

February depending on weather conditions, and it’s busiest during 
Canada’s Winterlude. 

WINTERLUDE runs from Fri, January 31, 2014 – Mon, February 17, 2014

The event features an ice carving competition at the Crystal Garden, 

an outdoor art gallery, a snowflake kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park, 

sporting events and much more. Winterlude offers 3 fun filled weeks 

of excitement and activity for the whole family. 

Winterlude official website: http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1379086957550

What to do there: Dining, museums and galleries, family activities and more.

http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/what-to-do

Hotel Deals: Book before Jan. 31, book 2 nights and get the 3rd night free.

https://www.hotels.ottawatourism.ca/English/ 

Keep Burglars Out of Your Home while you are away on vacation.

Winter has arrived, which means many people will be making plans to getaway from the cold and snow.  I received these great tips from my insurance company on how  to protect your home from burglars while you are away.   Let burglars know you're home, even when you're not! Above all, don't Don't disclose the dates of your trip on social networks or leave a message on your answering machine that reveals you're away. You'll also need to do a few things to create the impression that someone is home to protect your home from potential intruders. Here are some examples: * Ask a neighbour or relative to shovel your driveway, move your vehicle from time to time and collect your mail. * Install a safety bar on patio doors or place a stick in the slide to prevent opening. * Deactivate the garage door opener and activate the alarm system. * Install a timer to turn lights on and off inside your home. * Use motion sensors to trigger outdoor lighting. * Put away any outdoor items that could be used to break into your home (ladders, tools, benches, etc.). * Empty your garbage cans and recycling bin. * Put your luggage in your car quickly just before you're ready to leave. The definition of a good trip includes finding your home just as you left it! Dipping your toes in warm waters is a great pleasure while you're away, but it's not much fun to be doing it when you get home. To avoid water damage and fire, you should take special care to: * Turn off the water and drain all systems and appliances. * Unplug electrical and electronic devices (computers, televisions, space heaters, Christmas lights, etc.). * Shut off the electrical supply to your hot water tank. * Leave a spare house key with someone you trust so they can periodically check to see that the heating system is working properly and verify the general condition of your house. * Contact your home insurer to inform them that you will be away for a while. Protecting your home while on vacation Planning a holiday includes taking steps to ensure that everything stays in order in your house and remains in order in your absence. Paying careful attention to prevention can increase the likelihood of finding help to ensure that you'll find your home exactly as you left it: comfortable and safe place for you to plan your future trips!    It's time to plan your winter getaway. January sales are now available! Contact the travel professionals at Womens Travel Network.ca 905-771-8338 or toll free 1-888-419-0118 Email: info@womenstravelnetwork.ca

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Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh formerly known as Saigon

The cruise comes to an end in Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon.  The ladies spent their last couple of days exploring this fascinating city.   They shopped at a Chinese Market in Saigon, enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant and had drinks on the roof top of the Rex Hotel which is listed as one the the 1000 places you should visit before you die. The bottom picture is the famous spot where they picked up the last people to get out of Vietnam when the war started.

 

Vietnam, Mekong River - markets and life on the river

The ladies have been cruising on Vietnam's Mekong River.  They've experienced life on the river, visiting a local  markets, including a floating market. Anyone for snake wine?

 

Cambodia: palaces, temples, street life

Cambodia, Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

After a short flight we arrived Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival we transferred to our the luxurious hotel,  Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.  We stopped enroute to view the farmers watering their crops and take in the sites of life along the way.. 

It's very warm here. It was great to enjoy some down time at the pool. 

We visited an orphanage. The children were wonderful! They were so happy to show us around their home and everyone was pleased to purchase some of their paintings.

Early this morning we visited Angkor Archaeological Park. The heat is too intense midday so all sightseeing must be done either early morning or late afternoon. Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II  in the early 12th century The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia appearing on it's national flag. The modern name, Angkor Wat, means "Temple City".

This afternoon we travelled through the rural countryside to visit the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, a 10th century Cambodian temple known at the shrine of women.

 

This evening we enjoyed a dinner show with cultural song and dance.
The women are beautiful and the costumes very colourful.

Tomorrow we leave Siem Reap and head towards Tonle Sap Lake to board the luxurious 124-passenger AmaLotus cruise ship. 

Vietnam, sailing in Halong Bay

After breakfast we checked out of our Hanoi hotel and boarded the bus for a scenic drive to spectacular Halong Bay. (Vietnamese: Vịnh Hạ Long,  listen, literally: "descending dragon bay") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.
Hạ Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km², including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone.The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.

Our home for the next night is a luxury Junk.  We spent the afternoon and evening sailing among the mystical limestome peaks.  

The scenery is magnificent and the ship very comfortable.  Here's a little monkey perched on a rock wall.

The ladies are having great fun with "Vino the Beaver", their new friend and WTN's Mascot.  My, she sure gets around.  Earlier this year she visited Southern France and now Halong Bay, Vietnam.  Lucky beaver.

The weather is fabulous, the company superb and the scenery absolutely magnificent.  What more can one ask for.  The ladies are becoming great friends and really enjoying this wonderful adventure together, including early morning exercise on the deck. A great way to start the day! 

Today our journey continues as we leave Vietnam and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Stay tuned!

 

Hanoi, Vietnam -1st day of sightseeing 13Nov2013.

Vietnam & Cambodia tour - Day 1 of sightseeing.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/vietnamcambodia-the-riches-of-the-mekong-river-nov-2013/
 
Hanoi, Vietnam. The weather is prefect and everyone is having a great  time.
Here are some photos of our first day of sightseeing in the city of Hanoi.
 Enjoying our first dinner in Hanoi.

 Just hanging around. Stopped to have a break. Weather has been just perfect.

At the Temple of Literature, students go there to get their class pictures taken. The ladies are dressed in their silk gowns , just beautiful young people.  They gave us a lesson at the Temple of Literature

 Cyclo ride.. WOW If you want to get a real feel for a drive in the French Quarters in Hanoi, take a ride on a cyclo. Had to close your eyes once in awhile. but what a thrill. More fun than wonderland.

 Hanoi traffic

A few pictures of our Hote , Sofitel Legend Metropole. What a life !!
Did you know that President V. Putin from Russia is staying at our hotel. Very exciting.

Tomorrow we are heading one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay. We'll board a traditional wooden Junk  and set sail to discover the Bay’s magnificent scenery set amidst stunning limestone cliffs.