Robyn's Wanderings

The gate to the Forbidden City

We’ve been missing our weekly blogger, Emily Ross and her tales of life in Hong Kong. Have no fear, she has not left Robyn’s Wanderings. Nope.

Where was she? Ahhhh well in a place where there is no Facebook. In a place where gmail is the enemy and communication to the outside world is monitored……China. Imagine trying to find an Easter Egg there?! Yeah, I didn’t think it possible, but intrepid Emily managed. Here are her tales from China:

Hello all!

I write my (very late) blog entry from a funky hostel in Beijing (Lonely Planet recommended, of course). It’s study leave and I’ve been lucky enough to spend part of it in the mainland. I began my journey in Shanghai (advice: visit Yang’s Fried Dumplings. As often as possible) and headed via sleeper train to Beijing for Easter weekend.

I certainly underestimated the cultural differences between Hong Kong locals and ‘Mainlanders’ (as the Mainland Chinese are referred to in HK). I first noticed as soon as I stepped onto the Metro in Shanghai. In Hong Kong, the fashion is outrageous: bows, frills, flowers, sparkles, flashy colours.

Tian'anmen Square

In Mainland China, extreme fashion statements are few and far between. In fact, visiting the two ‘big cities’ of the Mainland has really opened my eyes to the quirks and oddities which really separate Hong Kong from the rest of China. But then again, what was I expecting? China’s HUGE. They speak a different language in Hong Kong! It’s miiiles away from Shanghai and Beijing….and it’s far warmer there right now….let’s just say that my Bermudian blood is not very compatible with chilly Northern China.

Man fishing at the old summer palace

Maybe it’s my revision of ‘Social Policy and Social Development in China’ that’s contributing to this, but I’m only just starting to comprehend how gigantic China really is. How does one govern such a vast expanse of land? How can you combat inequality, manage resources, expand the economy with such a huge population? The more I read, the more daunting it seems.

I’d also underestimated the extent of the government’s efforts to maintain ‘social stability.’ Yes, Facebook is blocked (cue withdrawal symptoms). My Gmail account (a Google email account) sometimes works, sometimes doesn’t. But why use Google when you can use ‘Baidu’, the government-approved (ie, censored) search engine? I was reading this morning on BBC about the intimidation of foreign press and other repressive public security measures still enacted by the CCP. The autonomy of the Hong Kong government is truly evident when comparing press freedom and civil liberties rankings with those in the Mainland. I still feel like I’m feeling my way through the dark in terms of truly understanding the ‘picture’ of China and its SARs (Special Administrative Regions).

The Extortionate Eggs

Another ‘should-have-been-obvious’ difference between the Mainland and Hong Kong was the acknowledgement of Easter. Although ever treading through my hazy agnosticism, I, like many a Westerner, eagerly await the arrival of Mini Eggs and have come to expect the commercial bombardment attached to Easter. Sure, Hong Kong celebrated Easter in its own, Hong Kong-y way (take, for example, an Easter fair held in the local mall where you could buy your loved ones the gifts of baked beans, dried meats and hair dryers to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Hallelujah!) – but still, the grocery stores were filled with Easter chocolate and bunny-related items (I wonder if they used some of the leftover rabbits from the Chinese New Year celebrations) a good month before the actual date. In Beijing for Easter Sunday, my friend and I decided we needed chocolate (or rather, had better justification for our constant need.for.chocolate) and set out to find a chocolate egg.

A greater task than anticipated.

FINALLY after a day of hunting through overwhelmingly massive grocery stores (and after giving up and just buying regular chocolate bars), we found tiny chocolate eggs in a display in a very posh supermarket at around 10pm. Although they cost about USD1.50 per tiny (and I mean, tiny. We’re talking trick-or-treat size here) egg, we had completed our mission and marvelled at the difference between our local Hong Kong grocery store and the Beijing variety.

This had better be good

It was only upon return to the hostel and after reading the news did I see the BBC article telling of how around 20 Chinese Protestants had been arrested in Beijing for attempting to gather to hold an Easter service. Of course it was nigh on impossible to find anything even vaguely Easter related in Beijing. Of course. So yet again I find something else I take for granted – I have the freedom to form my own opinion about religion and act upon that by my own choice, unaffected by any exogenous pressure.

And I was worried about Mini Eggs.

My Favourite Bed and Breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Breakfast started with a cranberry muffin. Fresh coffee followed with a side of blueberry pancakes. The final course? a chocolate brownie topped by vanilla ice-cream lightly doused in ice-wine.

Even more impressive in this three-course breakfast? No, not the extra seat I would have to purchase to get back home. Nope. The most impressive part of breakfast is that John made everything gluten-free for me (a celiac which means I am allergic to all wheat, rye, oats, barley and malt). John? No, not the latest travel buddy. John ran the bed and breakfast where my travel buddy and I stayed while visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake (i.e. my side-trip idea if visiting Toronto. Read about it on www.robynswanderings.com).

While we were there the weather was freezing (I mean literally -1 or -2 every day). The historic walk of the town was miserable with wind wiping off the lake. Wine-tasting? Well it was spent running from warm car into semi-warm wineries. Niagara Falls? I’m surprised these had not frozen; the sidewalk next to them certainly was (my bruised hip is proof of that). I’m not selling Niagara-on-the-Lake, am I? After talking it up last week?

But I would go back.

I would. And the reason I would return to Niagara-on-the-Lake was John’s gourmet breakfasts. I would go back because as soon as we arrived he was full of information about how far Niagara Falls was from the house, which were the best wineries to visit and where I should eat in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We even received an upgrade in the room because there was no one else staying there. When my travel buddy got sick, John was there offering medicine.

And you know what? It wasn’t cheap. A night in the off-season at the bed and breakfast was about $175.

What’s my point in Rock Fever this week? Look in Bermuda we are trying to come-up with reasons why tourists are not joining our shores. Maybe we don’t have enough nightlife? Maybe we need casinos? Maybe we need a big five-star hotel that is eclipsed only by those in Dubai?

Me visiting the frozen shores of Lake Ontario

I think we’re all missing something.

Full disclosure: I’m not an economist. I don’t run a hotel; never have. I’ve never worked for Bermuda’s Department of Tourism and I have not been in the marketing department….anywhere.

But I am a traveler and I’ve done a lot of it. I know what makes me return to a place and I know when a backpacker is ready to spend $175 on a room. I know if it’s been freezing and not the optimum weather for visiting an area. And I know if regardless of these factors I would return in a heartbeat.

It has everything to do with the hospitality that I am shown. John got it right. I will return to his B&B and therefore I will return to Niagara-on-the-Lake even though I’ve seen the falls, drunk the wine and witnessed the history of the area.

So before you argue, they have Niagara Falls nearby to attract tourists, I say we have pink sand. Sure they have wineries. We have rum. They have history. Uh….of course we do. Sure people can drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake if they live nearby (i.e. Toronto). Otherwise it’s a flight and an hour and a half drive. Bermuda? Well we’ve managed to fix our flights and it’s downright affordable to get here.

Bermuda's pretty too!

The biggest hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Well it certainly isn’t much bigger than a 30 or 40 rooms (unless you count a conference resort outside of town, which has 220 rooms). Every other house, actually, seemed to be a Bed and Breakfast.

So maybe Bermuda could learn a little something from Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The area has clearly hit on what makes them work. They have marketed themselves as a quaint town with history, some culture (they have the Shaw Festival every year) and even wine-tasting to boot. The only thing that fits that picture are Bed and Breakfasts. But even better for travelers with the B&Bs? They get to meet people who are from the area and get a first-hand account of what they should and should not do.

Sure some people like anonymity and some of the services you get from a big hotel, but when the size of a place matters (i.e. 21 square miles) does that really make sense? And isn’t….hasn’t Bermuda always been about our people? So why not make it about our people again? Why not open our homes, bring back the B&Bs and make visitors repeaters?

OK, B&Bs can’t fight for marketing dollars the same way Hiltons or Park Hyatts can, but when more and more people are turning to the web to book their housing, there is no need. Bonus if you can track-down a celiac, travel writer who will promote you for no other reason then you made her a breakfast she could eat.

So why are we not doing this in Bermuda? Why are we ignoring our greatest commodity in the tourism market: our people. Perhaps we need an Economic Empowerment Zone for new B&B owners? A tax break? Some incentive to invest in our tourist future? Just a thought. Like I said, I’m not an economist. Until next week au revoir.

Visiting London for the Royal Wedding?

Yes, we all know that this Friday, April 30th Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting married. Heck, CNN has built a small fortress and every European news channel is already present at Buckingham palace to ensure those who don’t make it in person will make it in spirit.

The crowds will inevitably start camping outside Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace any minute now and the chaos will commence. Which is great….I guess.

And if you’re going to London for this wedding you already know what to expect. Do you really need any tips on how to watch the wedding? I didn’t think so.

But while you’re there make sure you see more than the coat tails of some Royal! And by that I don’t mean just West London either. Sure Harrods is great….sort of. And Hyde Park is definitely something to see. There is, however, so much more to see in London.

Head North

Hampstead Heath

Sure you go to London for the city life, but why not experience life from the days of Keats? When he used to mill around the heath conjuring up his next poem!

Heck you can even visit his home, which is startling smaller than I imagine most of our homes these days and he even had to share it!

Bonus: Hampstead is not just the green and luscious heath studded with ponds and historic buildings, it is also about shopping in lovely, little boutiques and chic pubs with outdoor seating. It’s posh and private, but it’s also a beautiful respite from the city!

Head East:

Scoot around the East of London

No, not West. East. What’s there? Well about ten years ago these neighbourhoods stretching from St. Katherine’s Docks by the Tower Bridge were infiltrated by artists and now they are some of the most desired addresses.

So start at St. Katherine’s Docks with their stores and food festival every Thursday and meander along the River Thames through parks to the Canary Wharf.

Don’t get caught-up in the business attire that will threaten to deluge. Instead, jump on a bus or Tube to get you to Brick Lane. On Sundays the market here will stun your senses and every other day you will find more curry than you know what to do with it.

Even better is the Spitalfields Market, which in recent years, has brought serious artisans with creative representations you will want to take home with you.

Head South:

Brighton's Pier

Head to Brighton! It’s a day-trip away from London and it’s more than worth it. With a pier that reminds me of the Dirty Dancing heyday (1950s) and streets lined with coloured houses, Brighton offers a beautiful and interesting respite from London.

Heck there’s enough to do here to make it a couple of days trip! There is the Royal Pavilion with its succulent interior and rambunctious history to enthrall even children and next door? Well the history of Brighton captured in a museum that will make you wish you had been there 50 years ago.

Of course there is plenty to eat and drink. With The Lanes (an area I’m not being vague) you will find one vegetarian/vegan/chocolate stores you need. It’s full of life and filled to the rafters.

Finally Head West:

Get on your soap box!

Actually, head North and East to a corner that is…..well it’s outspoken. Ok, not the corner, but definitely all of those standing on boxes.

For more than 150 years anyone with an opinion has been welcome to stand in this park’s corner and voice their concerns. Hyde Park’s Speakers corner is the place to be on a Sunday to hear the conspiracy theorists while enjoying the chance to walk through the park.

Of course after this you can head toward Portobello Market. Best known because of the film, Notting Hill, it actually does cut through and area called, Notting Hill (real creative Hollywood). Filled with all sorts of antiques and fun clothing, Hollywood not withstanding, it’s a fun area to grab some food and wash away the conspiracists.

Then it’s back to the Royal Wedding…..just make sure that’s not the only thing you think of when it comes to London!

Hot cross buns... come and get 'em

Yes even with a long weekend Robyn’s Wanderings’ bloggers have been busy. Between her codfish cakes (Bermuda’s Good Friday/Easter tradition), Nicola Arnold found some time to tell us about the Island’s traditions:

Happy Easter!! In between bites of hot cross buns and fish cake, I am wishing you all a fabulous Easter weekend with family & friends. If you are one of the lucky ones, a bit of sunshine too.

Yes, I have spent my Easters in several delightful places (France, Canada, Croatia…), yet this is my first Easter back home in Bermuda since I graduated high school. And it is indeed one of the best Bermudian holidays we have. From homemade kites flown on Good Friday (check out this), to sunrise services at one of our gorgeous beaches, I have to say… ‘Home is where the hot cross buns are’!

Easter Sunday walk along South Shore... worth the 6 year wait!

Funnily enough, two weekends ago I was enjoying an equally warm afternoon in Canada. A warm day in April in Ontario MUST be cherished – for they are few & far between! As a pure coincidence, it follows along with Robyn’s previous blog postings… I was in the Niagara region in Ontario for a winery tour – my first.

Birthday boys & the winery groupies in front of part of the Niagara Escarpment!

As two of my friends have April birthdays, and the weather was quite delicious that weekend, we all loaded into a car and embarked on our wine tour – which my friend found for a great price & a cheeky name – the F’ing Winery Tour. For the fifth year running, Flat Rock Cellars, Fielding Estate Winery, Featherstone Estate Winery joined up for a wine tasting extravaganza which was, in fact… F’abulous and F’antastic!

Good grapes make great (Ontario) wine

Wines were sampled, cheese & preserve pairing were nibbled, and the company (and winery staff) was excellent.

After a warm weather wine tour and Easter week spent in Bermuda… I’m looking forward to the rest of spring and the start of summer!

Taste some Ice Wine at Inniskillen in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Snow coated the ground. Frost covered my breath even as I entered the car. The thermometer? It read: -1 degree Celsius.

Then outside my window: “Check-out our Ice Wine,” “Ice Wine for Sale, “ Award-winning Ice Wine.”

Were the signs being ironic? There are a lot of things that spring to mind when I hear Ontario. Stop-over for Vancouver is one (ok, now it might be Toronto too read: 24hrs in Toronto at www.robynswanderings.com). Cold is another. Wine-tasting (Ice or regular temperatured)? Not exactly.

But wine-tasting there is in the Niagara region of Canada and there is a lot of it. Even better? Access to these hardy vineyards are only an hour and a half (give and take) from Toronto and they are sitting right next to Canada’s Martha’s Vineyard: Niagara-on-the-Lake.

So what should you do after you’ve spent 24 hours visiting Toronto? Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOL). Why? Well I will explain, but first, to do this: rent a car. But maybe not from Thrifty. They decided the morning we planned to leave, that they wanted two government IDs (who ever asks for more than a license?) and a credit card. An entire wallet filled with Robyn Skinner paraphernalia and photo IDs was not good enough.

Luckily Hertz was next door in the Union Station (which is central Toronto’s train and bus station) so me and my travel buddy could easily access another rental and the highway.

Reason number one for your visit: bed and breakfasts in the NOL area that are cute and cater to their clients. These are easy to find on websites such as www.niagarabedandbreakfasts.com or www.bedandbreakfast.com. But I would really recommend the Wine Country Bed and Breakfast run by John. Amazing place and perfect host! Because that’s what you really want when you go to these places: small, comfortable and someone from the region who can tell you where to go and what to do. Only downside? The three-course, gluten-free breakfasts complete with brownies and pancakes probably helped me weigh the car down!

Wait, Robyn, what has this got to do with Niagara Falls? I hear the name Niagara and I think falls, not wine.

Bright Lights of Niagara Falls

And you would have been right about 30 years ago before a French man named Paul Bosc moved to the region and by 1978 set-up his first vineyard in Niagara. While NOL cultivated history and vines, however, Niagara Falls plummeted to the lows of sparkling lights and big hotels.

So reason three for staying at NOL is: you DO NOT want to stay by Niagara Falls. Unfortunately this beautiful natural structure has been overshadowed by the glaring lights of enormous hotels, a tacky ferris wheel that spins above glowing restaurant, wax museum and haunted house’s signs. There are even hotels here with heart shaped jacuzzis.

Need I say more? Ok I will. Reason four: NOL is only a 30 minute drive from here to the famous falls. Perfect way to visit and escape the natural, and not so natural, landscape.

Plus, reason five for your stay at NOL is that the drive to Niagara Falls is stunning with views of vineyards for days on one side and Lake Ontario on the other. You’ll pass the bridge to America where, if you take a right, you’ll be at a restaurant which overlooks the entirety of the lake.

Niagara Falls

Once you’ve seen the falls, the beauty of staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake and reason six is the chance to meet Canada’s Martha’s Vineyard. Wooden homes hide glamourous furnishings and a history that includes the battle of 1812 and America’s attempt to invade Canada. Fort George is where the British both lost and won to these forces and sits opposite it’s sister fort, Fort Niagara, in New York.

Reason seven? Did you have any idea of how many firsts it is part of? I didn’t think so. NOL is the birthplace of the Law Society of Upper Canada and where the first anti-slavery legislation was passed. It was also the home to the first newspaper, the first library, the first Masonic Lodge and the oldest continuously operated Inn in Ontario.

And the most important point? Wine-tasting. Yes, reason eight is that come winter or come spring, Niagara-on-the-Lake should be renowned for it’s wines. With more than 20 vineyards in the area, there is plenty to keep you busy.

Wine tasting for all!

Even better? Reason Nine is you can keep coming back. Visit in the winter for your ice wine or visit in the summer when it will be the perfect area for a bike ride between vineyards. Who needs Mendoza in Argentina (where backpackers regularly bike-ride for wine-tasting)? We have Ontario.

Of course, reason ten is that this area knows how to celebrate its wines. The next festival? Well that’s in May and it’s Wine and Herbs. What does that mean? How about Woolwich Goat Cheese with Arugula Pesto Toasted Crouton with Sea Salt and a 2008 Gamay Noir ‘Droit’ from Chateau des Charmes? Or perhaps you would prefer to try the Icewine Maple Smoked Salmon and Chervil Terrine from the Peller Estates?

And that’s just this festival. You will have to return for this region’s famous wine: Ice Wine. The signs were not ironic. This sweet, but lovely dessert wine, has it’s own festival from January 12-29 next year. So go and taste the wine that was used at Obama’s Nobel Peace award ceremony at the Inniskillin factory. Just make sure you visit www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com for all your planning needs.

Maybe you should also make plans to open your home…..what? Well if there is one thing my traveling has taught me, it’s what I want when I travel. Yes, I am going to enter the Bermuda tourist debate. You have been warned.

City University in Hong Kong

Studying Abroad. It’s something every student should do in their college career. Why? Well for one: it’s a great way to start living in a country. For two: you can use your university fees towards truly expanding your travel experiences. Need I go on?

The problem with studying abroad, however, is finding a balance. Well, have no fear potential students (and parents) there is a way and our wanderer, Emily Ross who is studying in Hong Kong, will explain how she has managed to find her way:

So, I’m off to Mainland China in a few hours and am hurriedly stuffing my binders and notes into my backpack. This week I officially finished my lectures at City University of Hong Kong, which means time off to travel! Unfortunately, this also means time off for study leave before exams.

When signing up for studying abroad, you hear an abundance of encouragement -‘think how much you’ll be able to travel!’ – and warnings – ‘you are studying abroad!’ – reminding you of your new opportunities and old responsibilities. Further exacerbating the problem is that students studying abroad are on different marking systems –some are on ‘pass-fail,’ which essentially means they only have to pass and the number grade is irrelevant, and some (myself included)…well, everything counts and is directly transferred to your university! It can be difficult to keep on track with your studies whilst travelling if your travel buddies are on pass-fail and you actually need to ace the exams!

So, here are a few tips I think would be helpful in balancing travel with study. A challenge for every exchange student but it can be done without sacrificing experiences!

The Library at City University (what's a library?)

1.) Make a study schedule – outline what you want to cover each day (be realistic) with the aim of having already covered everything at least a week before your exams (you don’t want to be learning new things at that point!). If you set, say, three topics to look at each day and get it into your mind that you ‘have’ to cover at least those three, you’ll be more likely to do it. Giving yourself limits on how much to cover each day will help prevent you from getting overwhelmed.

2.) Make use of ‘down time’ – planes, trains, buses, sun tanning, sleepless hostel nights – it’s all part of backpacking. Switch off the iPod, put away the trashy mag and pull out the books. At this point your friends won’t be doing anything more interesting than you are so you might as well use the time constructively!

3.) Choose your travel buddies wisely – make sure you’re travelling with somebody who understands that you’re going to have to take out a couple hours a day to do some work. If you make use of down time, it shouldn’t affect their plans all that much but if you think they’re likely to persuade you out of getting what you need to get done then maybe you ought to reconsider! It extends even beyond balancing travel with study – whenever you travel you want to be with flexible, understanding people should you encounter the unexpected!

Gardens at City University of Hong Kong

4.) Don’t be away for too long – Use summer for your big trips. Trust me. Do the mega-backpacking adventure when you have nothing to do BUT travel and enjoy. When you’re still in term time, stick to weekend trips and sightseeing or beach holidays. These types of holidays are less taxing and you’ll be more likely to set aside time for work. Plus, let’s be honest, you’ll work better when you’re not seeing super exciting new things every day – so when you’re in uni, keep the trips short and sweet. Discipline can only get you so far.

5.) Make sure you get at least a couple of hours study in a day – When there’s no apparent down time, it may seem difficult to fit in revision. It’s easier than you think, don’t stress! Stick in an hour before breakfast and an hour before/after dinner. You may need more or less than two hours, but enough time to cover your target topics for the day. Again, if you’re travelling with people who know in advance that you’ll need a bit of time to hit the books, you’ll be fine! And studying at these times is unlikely to disrupt your daily travel plans.

So there you go! Be realistic about what you can achieve and you’ll find it easier to keep on track. Don’t go on super taxing trips and most importantly, don’t forget why you’re here in the first place! Studying abroad should in no way disadvantage you but you have to be disciplined. And, like I said, save the big trips for when you have lots of time and few responsibilities.

Until next week!

Pack light, and start your adventures with travel buddies in tow!

Sure we normally hear from Nicola Arnold on a Saturday, but this week? Well this week she was busy talking to about 200 students in Guelph, Canada.

Two Hundred Students?!! ? I guess we can give her a hall pass. Plus she has wrapped-up what she said to them, for us, here in her how to study abroad column. Enjoy:

What does every traveller wish to share with the world? Their travels! Travellers bring back more than just stomach bugs and souvenirs from abroad… they are also have a jumbled assortment of adventures, advice, anecdotes, and a dazzling array of photos.

This wish was recently granted to me. Imagine: a large lecture room, full of 200 sleepy students on a Saturday morning. These students are anxiously preparing for study abroad for the next school year. The first presentation of the day  is from a girl who shares with them 15 minutes of photos along with stories and helpful hints… from exchange in France, from village life in India, from travels in Europe and Africa… once she’s gotten over her stage fright by imagining everyone in their underwear! And she’s from Bermuda.

Interested? Want a recap? Here goes!

10 Things I Wish I Knew… Before I Studied Abroad:

1) Prepare beforehand: If you know you are going to study abroad, you will probably be away for 4-8 months (or more!), so…

- Check out airports nearby your area – great for weekend trips!

- Know others going to your destination, or who have been before? They are likely to be interested in chatting to you  – just remember, take their words with a grain of salt, as everyone will have a unique travel experience.

- Bring something from home (Bermudian flag, pins, or why not rum cake?!), since you never know who you will meet or what invitations you might receive!

Eat the local food, such as giant chocolates in Italy!

2 ) Culture: Whether you are living in Bermuda or studying in Canada, US or UK, things change when you study abroad in Europa, Asia, Oceania or the Americas.

-  Your shoe size in North America may be size 7… but in Europe it’s a 37.5

-  In Canada, people tend to eat dinner around 6-7pm. Studying abroad in Spain or Turkey? I can bet you get used to eating a lot later, try 8-9pm.

- If you live with a host family, or share meals with locals, one of my favourite sayings is “the more you eat, the more they love you”… after all, I lived with an Indian host family for 4 weeks!

3) Language: A myth of study abroad is that you must speak a foreign language… (not true!), although you can definitely learn a second language if you wish.

-  Even English is different world-wide(ie. pop = soda = fizzy drink = cold drink)

- miscommunication will abound, but it does make for funny stories (at least, in retrospect since you will probably by frustrated at the time!). For example, when I was at a market in Greece, I tried to ask for 6 oranges but the vendor thought I had asked for 6lbs of oranges! I bet I would have staved off the common cold.
4) Packing: A great rule of thumbs is “Half the clothes & double the money”.

- Don’t underestimate the power of toilet paper/tissues/baby wipes (ie. hostels, backpacking, host families, when you get a cold, picnics, a 15hr train ride),

- Pack a mini sewing kit, a spork (half spoon, half fork), and a quick-dry towel… you can find these things if you raid a travel/adventure/camping store – I promise, they were the best things I packed.

In the Thar Desert in Rajasthan for our overnight camel safari... a thrilling adventure for sure.

5) People: Make connections as much as you can, with locals, native students, exchange students, host families, etc.

- Try to integrate into your university, town/city, and enjoy the new friends.

- If you are still grappling for words in your new language, then try to find children’s songs & books. Better yet, if you know some children teach them English games. Songs are universal, and a smile transcends any language

- Travel buddies “get” each other… you are on an adventure together, and will probably remain friends afterwards too. Plus, they can visit you in Bermuda!

Represent Bermuda... or the country where you study... or both!

6) “Plan B”: When travelling… expect the unexpected! If you follow a plan and a routine, you will have to think outside your normal pathway to handle if…

- There is a strike at your host university?

- Your planes or train was delayed/cancelled?

- Your friends invite you on a spontaneous weekend adventure?

7) Traveller vs. Tourist: If you are spending a semester or a year abroad, this is your temporary home. Enjoy it!

- Eiffel Tower? Climbed it. Great Wall of China? Walked it. Sydney Opera House? Taken that photo. Get off the beaten path and explore something non-touristy!

- Learn something local – perhaps the local dialect or language. Attend a special festival or even better… PARTICIPATE in the special festival!
- Studying in Denmark? Ride a bike. Staying with a host family? Help with chores.

Fav pic of India, in a red & yellow sari of my host mother and holding my host sister, Yogita, just shy of 3yrs old.

Food: You are sure to experience it all… the good, the bad and the “mysteries”! – Try some delectable delights (frog’s legs? kangaroo? blood pudding? )

- Enjoy street food but take things in moderation… and take along hand sanitizer.

- Be green wherever you are, even if it is not how the locals live. Take a travel mug and water bottle with you abroad. Bring reusable grocery bags for picnics and groceries.  But if you are in Europe… don’t expect to be able to take a doggie bag with you from a restaurant!

- If all else fails, enjoy a diet of nutella, pasta, or the local fruit… since you may not find peanut butter or Kraft Dinner where you are studying abroad!
9) Safety: As with anywhere you may live, be smart with your stuff.

- Don’t try to be a ninja, but beware of pickpockets especially in tourist hotspots.  - Consider wearing a money belt when you travel, and if nothing else, separate some emergency money in a few spots in your bags/luggage.

Home for Nicola!

10) Going home: In reality, for me at least, it is always more like “home”?

- Squeeze it all in before you go… lasting memories, over-packed luggage

- You will probably experience a bit of nostalgic/longing/homesickness for your “other home” and the freedom, independence and adventures that you left behind. Turn your travels into action! Write a blog, keep in touch with travel buddies, and definitely add your study abroad to your resume!

- Explaining your experience can potentially turn into a “you had to be there” situation, or a 3500-photo ordeal. Pick and choose your photos and stories to share!

The view out of my window.

Ok maybe not the view out of my window today…..but it was a view outside my window at Niagara on the Lake in Canada while visit the Inniskillin Winery.

Vineyards stretch for days in this beautiful spot only an hour and a half from Toronto (Bermudians why are you not here?!?!) Best known for their Ice Wine, the Niagara Wines are a surprise for an area I had no idea even produced wine.

I think Canadian wine and I think British Colombia, but here we were in Niagara on the Lake enjoying glasses of wine in vineyards that could have been BC or California.

Or French for that matter. And in fact it was the French who brought the wine to this region. Yes thanks to Mr. Charmes of Chateux de Charmes, Niagara has wine! He immigrated from Algeria and began figuring out how to make plants sturdy enough to withstand Canada’s cold. He succeeded.

Now the area celebrates with festivals that are hard to pass! Wine and Herbs is the next one and information can be found here.

When is it? May 7/8,14/15, 21/22, 28/29 from 11 am to 5 pm and a pass, which you can buy on the website I included above, allows you access to wine and herb pairings at all 26 wineries of the region!

Need a weekend away? I can’t think of a better one (from Bermuda jump on WestJet or AirCanada, rent a car and in about five hours you will be sipping sweet ice wine while indulging in the beautiful Bed and Breakfasts of the area!)

Enjoy your weekend.

Toronto!

“What do you call a fish with no I’s?” asked the WestJet steward across the plane’s sound system. Ignore, ignore ignore. “Fshh…..” Ugh. Why my lack of enthusiasm for humour? It was 12.30 a.m. and I was still sitting on a plane destined for Toronto.

Thanks to centimetres of unexpected, spring snow the very day I left, my flight got delayed…..by FOUR hours. Adding salt to the wound, not the snow, my travel buddy and I had landed on a plane with a steward who thought comedy was truly his calling.

My trip was not starting-off on a good note and poor Toronto already had a lot to prove to me before my humourless steward stepped-in. Sure, the popular sentiment is that everyone deserves a second chance, but I’m not usually a proponent of second chances. If a city doesn’t capture my interest quickly I don’t usually care to visit a second time; my time as a tourist is too important!

But the fares on WestJet to Toronto offered me a flight for little more than $300. “Tarana” you’ve given me reason one to try again. My first time with WestJet? Well, besides their employees poorly-timed attempt at comedy, I would say not a bad experience (I can’t really blame them for the snow….can I?)

Visiting St. Lawrence Market

Reason two to visit Toronto? It’s the perfect city for a quick shopping trip or a cultural visit or both. i.e. you can easily fill 24 hours (because we all know vacation time is petering away) or a week (if you’re really lucky) indulging further. So to start with this week in the Rock Fever column we explore 24 hours in Toronto and reason three to visit: recovering from a flight is easy with a gourmet coffee and gluten-free sun-dried tomato wrap at the St. Lawrence Market. Overwhelmed by fresh produce of all sorts of colours, cheeses from all varieties and organic, free-trade woven bags, the St. Lawrence Market is one uber-downtown grocer.

Make it your first stop and plan to wander for at least an hour or two to the sounds of the music provided by local musicians and eat to your hearts content. Of course that leads to reason four to spend 24 hours (or more): Toronto has gone Gluten-free (GF) and organic! Of course you probably only care for GF if you’re celiac (but we’re multiplying so I figure it’s a fair reason). From gluten-free biscotti in coffee shops to vegan, gluten-free burgers in “regular” restaurants and every location proclaiming seasonal produce (i.e. sourced locally) there was very little stress for someone with food allergies or someone hoping to eat “green”.

Mural on the Flat Iron Building

Reason five ok, maybe this one is a stretch, but they, like New York, have a flatiron building. Yes, a building shaped like an iron. At least in Toronto there is a great mural on that resembles a wall on an apartment complex and you can have a drink in the basement bar. Ok, it was a stretch, I already said it but it’s next to the St. Lawrence Market so…. reason six, is once you are in the St. Lawrence Market/Flat Iron building area, you are in the heart of Old Toronto.

If you wander further East you will run into the Distillery Historic District where wine couples with music, patios and pubs. But if you’re not quite ready for a glass of wine after breakfast, wandering up to reason seven and Queen Street (just a little bit of home for us) is a good start on Toronto. Jump on the street car and let it move you amongst the “empty” streets of this city.

Side Note: Perhaps the problem with tourists and Toronto is that areas of interest are interspersed with random streets filled with overwhelming office buildings. Navigate toward the neighbourhoods with smaller buildings and personality (i.e. Queen Street, Kensington Market, even China Town) and you will enjoy Toronto!

Dragon-shaped Signs in China Town

So wander and shop along Queen Street with its boutiques and mainstream shops until you reach Spadina Avenue and you head north through China Town. Complete with dragon-shaped streetcar signs and chinese figures explaining a grocery store (I think), it’s a fun area to wander through.

Especially since the walk will bring you to Kensington Market near Baldwin Street and reason Eight….Kensington Market. A bit bohemian with a tad of the inevitable gentrification, Kensington Market (which isn’t so much a market as an area i.e. New York’s West Village) has coffee shops (not Starbucks) filled with very happy baristas and gluten-free toast (I told you!) and shops dedicated to chocolate! Heaven. Shops are painted various colours, and are filled with the random (frog-shaped salad tongs) to the useful (unique clothes).

AGO

Enough chocolate and coffee? Head East again! Reason Nine: a little bit of culture might be needed in your 24hours, so why not head to the Art Gallery of Ontario. Of course it’s shaped like a canoe (inside there are actual wooden beams warped into the shape of the boat) so really how can you miss it? Plus with your best smile and nicest “Good Afternoon” you’ll get a discount on the temporary Maharaja exhibit and yes, Canada has art. All well and good, but after a day wandering, shopping and photo-taking, some food and drink is deserved. So ten is of course the wide selection that is offered in Toronto.

Like the canoe-shaped museum? Why not visit Canoe the restaurant and bar? Yes, on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower on Wellington Street, not only will you not need to visit the CN Tower (which costs $22.95 for adults unless you eat at the restaurant) for a view of Toronto, but you’ll also get to sip on good and affordable wine while you do it. Want more than a drink? Canoe offers great, organic food to enjoy while watching Toronto below. Reason 11: Had an early enough dinner? Want to finish your 24 hours in the city with a bang?

Well when you finish at Canoe you’re in the Toronto Entertainment District so visit: www.torontoED.com to see what’s happening! And finally, reason 12 (and I could go on, but this is already too long) want one last push for shopping? Head back to the Eaton Centre, which is filled floor to basement and everywhere in between with everything you could ever need. It’s enormous is what I’m saying.

Victoria's Mansion

Then head back “home”. Me? I chose Victoria’s Mansion for it’s price ($140 a night) and quaintness. Plus it was two minutes from Yonge Street (Toronto’s Broadway) and central enough that the Eaton Centre was only 15 minutes away. Now that you’re head is on a pillow, though, make sure you get some sleep. Toronto is not only a great city to visit, but a great gateway to Niagara. And no, not just the falls.

mong kok street food

What better way to start a Monday than with food?! Thank you our wanderer, Emily Ross in Hong Kong. She samples some of the best street food her current homeland has to offer and even with a name like Rat Alley, Emily’s stomach has been safe!

So Emily, how do we eat on a budget in Hong Kong?

If you’re travelling on a budget one thing of highest priority (at least in my opinion) is finding food that’s GOOD, teaches you something about the culture and doesn’t break the bank. One of the great features of Hong Kong is the wide availability of cheap eats. If you have plenty of time here as I have then there’s every opportunity to explore further and discover local gems. However, here is my pick of the best cheap eats in the more popular sightseeing destinations in Hong Kong.

Street Food in Mong Kok

If you’re out visiting the Ladies Market and get peckish, there’s plenty of delicious food all for around 10HKD (about 1.25USD). There are skewers galore – both the mysterious and recognisable. I had hands down the best grilled octopus of my life at this one street stall off of the Ladies Market – it was perfectly cooked – tender and not chewy. When she asks you if you want sauce: just.say.yes.

Emily Ross eating Grilled Octopus

At every street stall there are two sauces – this mysterious curry/maybe satay sauce and chilli. I like things spicy, so I got both…it tastes amazing. For those of you who aren’t octopus fans, there’s chicken, pork and veggies as well. I recommend trying as much as possible – it’s all so cheap and there’s such a huge range of different foods. Wash it all down with a bubble tea (bubble tea vendors are all over the place in Mong Kok) and call it a night!

if you want to photograph dumplings you have to act quickly

Temple Street Market Seafood

Visiting the night market in Jordan? Don’t miss out on the seafood! Nothing compliments the busy market setting like a beer, some steamed rice and steamed prawns (soy, chilli and garlic on the side). The famous fried spice crabs and steamed whole fish are obviously more expensive – but all the food here is for sharing. Go with a group and stuff your faces…then laugh at the bill.

What's left of the Jordan prawns

Dumpling Yuan

Dumpling Yuan is a hole in the wall dumpling restaurant in Central specialising in Shanghai style dumplings. Located next to Nha Trang Vietnamese restaurant (very reasonably priced and fantastic quality in comparison to the other Soho restaurants…just be prepared to line up) and a busy noodle joint (also a good cheap eats destination), it’s easily missed. Don’t. The dumplings are amazing, particularly the vegetarian ones (surprisingly!). Order both the steamed and fried variety (that’s pan-fried, not deep fried), dip in vinegar and chilli and enjoy. If you get the table in the corner, don’t despair: this is right next to the table placed outside the kitchen where the dumpling dough is made and the dumplings are filled before heading into the busy little kitchen. Also, get a side of tribute vegetable in sesame sauce. I’m not sure what tribute vegetable is, but it tastes amazing.

Rat Alley! Not a very appetizing name!

Rat Alley

Wing Wah Lane, known affectionately as Rat Alley, is one of the ‘must sees’ of the cheap eats world of Hong Kong. Located just off of Lang Kwai Fong (a popular Central clubbing destination), you’re met with an alley filled with tables (and filled with people)…and will probably be shown to your own by an Indian man with Elvis hair. Known as ‘Elvis,’ he’s become somewhat of a tourist attraction himself! You’re met with an extensive menu of Thai, Malaysian and Indian cuisine. So it may not be traditional Cantonese – the food is awesome, particularly the Malaysian dishes. It tastes great, is cheap and nothing beats the atmosphere. Order a beer while you hunt for the perfect curry. Oh, and get the papaya salad. Trust me.

Cheap eats can be found near popular Hong Kong sights – go and enjoy the food and the environment surrounding it. You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well – and if you were wondering, I haven’t gotten food poisoning once here. Until next week!