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Tagged With "Ripley's Aquarium of Canada"

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Re: Nov. 12, 2016: Memorial to Women of WW II, London

GarryRF ·
The Cenotaph in London is a remembrance of all the war dead from all the British Empire. Canada, India, Australia, South Africa and many more. They all send servicemen to represent their own countries in a march past. Did you know that Belgium has a parade of armed soldiers at the London Cenotaph too ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT6ChvVoPNQ
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Re: Canada gets its first non-stop to India

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks for the bit of advice, Garry. I usually use the USB port to keep my phone charged. Air Canada has a good flight movie menu and I tend to use that time to catch up on new releases.
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Re: Heidelberg Castle: Where Gumbo Was (#135)

Paul Heymont ·
You might be amazed at how many pharmacy museums there are, aside from the one in Heidelberg...this LINK takes you to a 100+ page list of them in the U.S. and Canada. We've also found them in Spain and Italy, and just now noticed that there's one in Krakow, where I believe you are at the moment! Here's a LINK to that one!
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Re: End of an era: U.S. airlines drop last turboprops

Travel Rob ·
I'm happy to hear this. Turboprops scare me for some reason. They still are in Canada on the smaller routes.
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks for your comments, Garry! We actually had very nice weather during our visit, GarryRF. It was windy and rainy at times, but being from Canada that was no great hardship. Still, good for people to be forewarned and prepared. Always pack in layers and let one layer be a rain shell. It was one of your fellow countryman who said, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing" or something to that affect, but I can't remember who that was. Didn't try the "moonshine" (no one offered!), but my...
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park

DrFumblefinger ·
US Immigration is a bit of a hassle, although most Canadians receive about a smooth a ride as possible. In most Canadian airports, you can actually clear immigration within Canada, rather than the USA (infinitely preferable because the lines are so much shorter). Not sure if that's true of Montreal, though. Thank you for your kind words about the Hawaii blogs. Hawaii is a special place. I've always gone and explored it by myself, so in this setting I tend to drift to isolated places that are...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People

GarryRF ·
The American addiction for "Ice Cold Beer" should not be applied to Guinness! Its a Stout - full of flavour - to be savoured - cool as the Pubs Cellar! Billy Connelly is the Scottish comedian who's observations of life have had us in stitches for years now. But like many Brits - he's felt the warm winters of LA and is reluctant to come back ! Is it uniquely British to actually enjoy cool weather? Perhaps the way we've been bred ! I do get odd looks in the Autumn when many North Americans are...
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park

arion ·
Yes, we will go through U.S.Immigration at Trudeau Airport in Montreal. At one time, the U.S. Immigration hall there had a huge banner across it emblazoned with the words "WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" It isn't there anymore. Someone must have figured out this was still, after all, Canada. Yes, 17 days is a long time on a ship. I am travelling with a friend who needs this type of getaway just now.
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People

DrFumblefinger ·
I didn't know that there were so many Irish in Liverpool. There are certainly many of them in Canada and the USA as well. One wonders how many more Irish live abroad than on their home island.
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Re: Frommer's New EasyGuides: A Future for Print

GarryRF ·
Beautiful Rideau Lakes In Ontario Canada - and me living in borrowed clothes to enjoy it ! ...and that's me on the balcony looking out ! I said I liked Cold but that Canadian Cold is so cruel !!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 17, 2013: Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec

GarryRF ·
Is Montreal a French speaking area of Canada or is it multi-lingual ? I've heard that French tourists have difficulty with Canadian French. Any thoughts ?
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #36

DrFumblefinger ·
Still no correct solution, so time for some clues. 1) Yes, PortMoresby, that is a Canadian flag on top of the building (but, does that mean it's in Canada????) 2) It is close to an important river and surrounded by more than 1000 acres of parkland Does that help you figure out where Gumbo is?
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #36

DrFumblefinger ·
Time for a little more information. 1) GarryRF, it is not a theme park in the sense of Disneyland or SeaWorld. But it is part of a park that covers over 1000 acres 2) I was teasing about the flag. It is a Canadian flag, and it is flying in Canada (although I've seem them fly in embassies and theme parks (Epcot for example) in other countries. Does this help us figure out where Gumbo is?
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Re: Greenland from six miles high!

Racing_snake ·
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: The world's climate has a history of change. Ice ages have come and gone. Who knows what tomorrow's weather will be, much less next century's? But I do know the folks in Greenland would appreciate a little warming there. As I look out at the snow in my backyard today, Canada could use a little, too. If you look at the rate of retreat of Sermeq kujalleq, 2012's big thaw and recent GRACE satellite data analysis on mass loss, I think warming is the last...
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter

Ottoman ·
Hi Theodore! I am a Mall of America fan. You can easily spend an entire weekend (or many evenings) at the Mall of America. First of all, the mall is very easy to get to by train from downtown (CICAK did a wonderful job explaining that), and fares are quite cheap (fares go for about $1.75 to $2.25 one way depending on what time of day you ride). As CICAK also mentioned, there is something for everybody at the mall. If you just want to find a warm dry place to walk and people watch, I believe...
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter

Theodore Behr ·
Thanks for all the info, guys! That helps. I think if it's really cold out, I'll just go to that big mall and hang for awhile. Especially with the metro going there from near where I'm staying. I do like to see movies (hey, its my job, but I love it!) and that aquarium sounds like fun. I'm less of a museum guy, Chatterbox2, but if they have some of those blonde Scandanavian ladies working there I just might need to become one!
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Re: Visit Canada! Kiss a Canadian

DrFumblefinger ·
I think there are three main problems Canadian tourism faces. 1) The weather. Very limited season, unless you want to ski. 2) Expensive airfares. In the last 5 years, air fares went from being competitive to being very expensive -- overly taxed, I guess. And predictably, when you charge more for something you get less of that activity. 3) Heightened border security between Canadian and US border can cause long delays and has greatly reduced cross border crossings in the past 15 years. It's...
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?

DrFumblefinger ·
I find that typical of Europeans, Garry. And it makes sense as in Europe most restaurants include an automatic service charge of about 10%. That is not the case in the USA or Canada (with the exception of large parties of 8 or more in some cases). Most waitresses don't earn anything except minimum wage plus tips, so I do tend to tip some for all but the absolute worst of service. But certainly EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE makes me feel very generous, as it does you.
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?

Dave B. ·
Before I retired, I traveled quite a bit on business, both inside the U.S. and abroad. I still travel frequently to racing and club events, but almost all are in the U.S. or Canada. That said, here’s my take on tipping: Restaurants – According to the sources I checked, in the U.S. the Federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13. Most states have set higher amounts, but food service workers are still generally paid much lower wages that other ‘minimum wage’ employees. Unless the...
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?

DrFumblefinger ·
I certainly understand GarryRF's comments completely. A guest has a right to expect a good quality meal with good service. That should be part of the dining experience. That said, because I was raised and have lived in Canada/USA my life, I have a sensitivity to food service employees not being paid well and being stressed by their employers. So I tend to follow Dave B's guidelines (thanks for outlining these, Dave!) If I see a waitress is trying hard, I'll leave the 15% tip (and don't come...
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Re: Greenland from six miles high!

DrFumblefinger ·
The world's climate has a history of change. Ice ages have come and gone. Who knows what tomorrow's weather will be, much less next century's? But I do know the folks in Greenland would appreciate a little warming there. As I look out at the snow in my backyard today, Canada could use a little, too.
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Re: AAA Premier a Good Idea for Budget Travelers

DrFumblefinger ·
I've use the towing service several times over the years, as well as their locksmith service. Excellent service always. And I actually use a ton of their travel books and maps when planning my domestic trips (USA and Canada). Yes, you can check them out but this way you can mark them up and cut out what you need. In Canada, a AAA (CAA) offers a 10% discount on a national parks pass (annual), and their travel agents can help you plan out a road trip with great advice -- all for free if you...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #177

GarryRF ·
Yes Rob ! I've narrowed it down to 32 possibles. If we stray into Canada - then it's somewhere near the number of stars in the sky. And that's just the Red ones ! Another 5 Days to go ......
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Re: Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff National Park (Where Gumbo Was #178)

GarryRF ·
Another wonderful presentation of a hidden gem from DrF. I'm surprised 5 readers found the answer. It took me a few hours, with lots of interest, researching the clues. There's a lot more to Canada than meets the eye. Especially here in Europe !
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Re: Spotted on the Road, Winnipeg, Canada

PortMoresby ·
I lived in Canada for a couple of years and soon learned about the value of having a parking space equipped to plug in a block heater. Is there any reason why they can't also be used to charge an electric car? If not, very handy indeed.
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Re: Two Canadian airlines expand their reach

DrFumblefinger ·
The Westjet expansion is most welcome to Canadians. The planes will be opening Gatwick, which I don't think Air Canada flies to. Porter flies just small aircraft, but is very popular in the Toronto area.
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Re: Wolves or Cheese: France must decide

DrFumblefinger ·
I love wolves. They are beautiful, but they are also smart and efficient predators. An easy food source like sheep is something they'll go back to again and again once tried, especially if they develop a taste for mutton. Much easier than bringing down a deer, for example, or chasing rabbits. Cattle ranchers in the north central US plains and Canada face a similar problem, where wolves can develop a taste for calves. And that is much more costly to ranchers than the loss of a sheep.
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Re: Delta, WestJet plan U.S.-Canada link-up

DrFumblefinger ·
It would be an excellent merger for Delta, WestJet and consumers. I hope it goes through. The folks at Air Canada will fight it tooth and nail.
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Re: Norway getting an all-electric fjord ferry

DrFumblefinger ·
The modern world still needs oil so I'm glad Norway is able to help add to a world supply that makes us all less reliant on the volatile middle east. But they do have abundant hydroelectricity, as does Canada, and it's places like this that I see as good testing grounds for battery powered experiments like this ferry because charging the batteries here doesn't add much pollution. Hydroelectric dams may be somewhat controversial (what isn't?), but once they're built they generate lots of...
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Re: Canada's 10 Best Kayaking Destinations

Floating Authority ·
Thank you for that Suggestion! I'll have to keep it in mind. Canada has so many amazing places to paddle there could be at least 50 that could feature on this list!
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Re: Terry Fox Monument, Thunder Bay, Ontario

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks for sharing this story with our audience, Ottoman. I remember Terry Fox well. His run across Canada became an important news story, and the image of him hoping on his good leg before stepping with his prosthesis has always remained with me. He was a remarkable brave young man, and it's sad that he didn't live to see the profound influence that one life can have. A reminder how how cancer can strike anyone. No age, no sex, no race, no social class is immune from its reach. I really...
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36

GarryRF ·
You must be civilised in Canada too - cricket ! The original design for Central Park NY was made here - near Liverpool UK Birkenhead Park. Same guy did both. Just a bit smaller. We're a bit pushed for space over here !
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36

DrFumblefinger ·
We are indeed very civilized here, but in full disclosure, cricket is just a footnote sport. Not played by many. There is only one sport in Canada and that is hockey. Every other sport combined would not equal half the popularity of ice hockey.
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Re: Is it time to regulate airplane seats? Chris Elliott thinks so!

DrFumblefinger ·
The trouble with a mandate is that it has deadlines and airlines who fly to the US would have to go through an expensive seat replacement program. That cost is one we share, or that puts the airlines in the red and in jeopardy. Makes sense to pressure them to improve, but that's just my opinion. But I do like the idea of "grading" seats. Helps me know what I'm buying. For example, Canadian airlines definitely have larger seats that American carriers. I'll preferentially fly Air Canada to...
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Re: Poutine. One of Canada's traditional foods. Fried potatoes, gravy and cheese curds! Delicious!!

DrFumblefinger ·
I don't know, Rob! The cheese is less important to me than the gravy. French fries with gravy are commonly available in Canada. Beats ketchup or that mayonnaise-like stuff the Belgians use. It's very filling and really hits the spot on a cold day, but is a meal all by itself.
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Re: Canadian airline adopts unpopular US fee

DrFumblefinger ·
Air Canada just announced that it too will have the $25 baggage fee. http://money.ca.msn.com/invest...for-economy-travel-1
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Re: Grizzly Paw Brewery and Restaurant, Canmore, Alberta

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks for the comment, Jonathan. This would be a good place to watch the Grey Cup. For non-Canadians, that's the Canadian Football league's equivalent to the Superbowl, but with perhaps 1% of the popularity of the Superbowl. Football is not a big sport in Canada. Here it's all about Hockey! Hockey in Canada is about as popular as football and baseball combined in the USA.
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Re: Why tickets stay high while fuel prices drop

DrFumblefinger ·
I think I'm seeing better ticket prices than I have for several years now, so I'm not sure if this is completely true. But it could just represent a biased sampling (Canada, more than US flights).
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 25, 2014: Fall colors at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Alberta

GarryRF ·
Beautiful and unspoilt - is this part of Canada as big as it looks? Do the city folks come here to get back to nature ? Looks like camping heaven - but does it have any wildlife that likes human blood? Could it be too good to be true ? Great pix - worthy of a Gumbo Calendar Dr.Y !!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#77)

PortMoresby ·
OK, onward. Sprint Insight, a Canadian company ( 78 Millwick Dr , North York ON , M9L 1Y3) and grain elevators, maybe? But I haven't been to Canada for a number of years so the city isn't familiar to me.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Aug. 27, 2014: No Kidding!

DrFumblefinger ·
Too bad you were there too early to walk to that hilltop. It's actually a Cosmic Ray monitoring station, long since closed, now a National Historic site in Canada. Here's a link that tells you a little more about it. The views from up there are much better than from the Gondola terminus, good as those are.
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Re: Canada: See it all while you're young (Summer Rail Passes)

DrFumblefinger ·
A one way flight from Vancouver to the east coast of Canada might run you $700.00. Remember, you're talking about distance of almost 4000 mi/6000 km between Vancouver and Halifax. Travels north towards the Yukon and NWT are also expensive, so if you will actively travel for 2 months, this is a good value.
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Re: Marriott buys Canada's Delta hotel chain

DrFumblefinger ·
It is actually a great move on Marriott's part, because they don't have that much of a presence in Canada. Delta runs quality hotels and are in many Canadian cities. And a benefit of the strong US $. You can buy foreign goods at a discount now, including hotels.
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Re: Welcome to the town of Dawson City, Yukon

DrFumblefinger ·
That's the nature of gold boom towns, PHeymont. I believe another gold vein had been found in Alaska near the mouth of the mighty Yukon River, and most of the Klondike prospectors flowed downriver to it. I've been fascinated by the Klondike gold rush since I was a school boy in Canada, reading the writing of Pierre Burton (famous Canadian author, former resident of Dawson City, whose father was one of those who came here during the Klondike Gold Rush and unlike most stayed in Dawson). On the...
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Re: Gallery: Signs of Toronto -- the City at Large

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks, Islandman! Canada has a reputation for being "clean", generally true. As you can see from the gallery, even the "smutty" places are very clean-looking.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#39)

Mac ·
Ah ha! Either an interesting camera technique or it is indeed a wonderfully detailed model train set, I suspect the latter. Oh, but where?? There are many big boys out there in the world who would love to have a Union Pacific loco running around in the loft. I have seen reports of some fantastic layouts in Germany but it could be anywhere methinks.... I tried to take a photo of just such a loco coming towards me in Canada and stood by the track in readiness. Thinking to be friendly, I was...
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Re: Norway's plea: Please pick up after our bears

GarryRF ·
Did you know that if you felled all the trees in Canada and laid them end to end then .... the Bears would have nowhere to take a dump !!
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Re: Norway's plea: Please pick up after our bears

DrFumblefinger ·
Originally Posted by GarryRF: Did you know that if you felled all the trees in Canada and laid them end to end then .... the Bears would have nowhere to take a dump !! Garry -- the bears are smart and would use those millions of trees to build rafts they could float to England, where they could dump often and where ever they wanted!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#133)

Jonathan L ·
So giant beavers were native to Canada. I can think of at least 3 museums that might have this, so I await more clues.
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Re: Air Canada Launches Free Layover Program in Toronto

Travel Rob ·
http://www.aircanada.com/us/en...to-stopover-program/ This is what the Air Canada site says about the program. It says you have to book by October 31, 2015 to get the offer.
 
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