Scenes from Paradise

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

It’s hard to believe that our glorious Jewish singles Amazing Journey in French Polynesia has come and gone. What an adventure! What relaxation! What pristine beauty!

Among other things, we snorkeled along our private motu, explored an island by 4 x 4, gazed at flipping dolphins, shopped for a black pearl (or ten!), kayaked off the back of the ship, dined at a fancy restaurant with sand between our toes, danced with Polynesian princes and princesses, and just chilled out on the balcony with a good book.

The islands we visited, the fun we had and the many friends that we all made will not soon be forgotten.

Tags: Amazing Journey, black pearl, dolphin, Frency Polynesia, Jewish Singles, kayak, motu
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Ia Orana (“yo-rah-nah”)

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

Ia Orana is a proper greeting (“Hello” or “Welcome”) in the Tahitian language. This week 36 AJers will will say Ia Orana to each other, and to Tahiti as we embark on an 11-night journey to French Polynesia. Perfect weather is an understatement as balmy days turn into moonlit nights, and where tropical breezes blow while brightly colored fish swim just below the surface of clear turquoise waters.

The pampering begins with two nights at an incredible resort in Tahiti followed by a seven night cruise aboard the luxury ship, Paul Gauguin. Built specifically for French Polynesia, this intimate voyage will glide our group of honorary Jewish single Tahitians through some of the most remote islands of the world. Some of these islands you may have heard of: Tahiti and Bora Bora seems to be familiar to many. But there are 118 islands-about 50 of which are inhabited-that make up French Polynesia. Our journey will also take us to the tiny but pristine islands of Moorea (More-aya), Raiatea (Ry-a-taya) and Taha’a (pronounced exactly how it looks).

The ship is equipped with an array of unique features such as a drop-down watersports marina where passengers will enjoy complimentary kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing and waterskiing. On board, unlimited complimentary drinks, three exquisite restaurants, Polynesian entertainment and a ratio of one crew member to every two guests will translate into one huge Ia Orana (“Welcome”) and memories to last a lifetime. The word ‘vacation’ cannot be more clearly defined than what is in store in French Polynesia.

To share in the tranquility of these unique islands our new friends will travel from four countries to be a part of this amazing journey: US, Canada, Australia and England. Stay tuned to our Amazing Journeys facebook (www.facebook.com/AmazingJourneys) page over the next 2+ weeks for a front row seat on our adventures.

And then…don’t be left out in the cold yourself. Why not consider joining us on one of our next upcoming Amazing Journeys: Spain, China, West Coast Cruise, India, Music Cities of the South, New Year’s Caribbean Cruise, Alaska…and lots more. Visit: www.amazingjourneys.net

Tags: Alaska, Amazing Journeys, Bora Bora, China, Cruise, French Polynesia, Ia Orana, Jewish Singles, Moorea, Music Cities, New Year's, Paul Gaugin, Tahiti
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Vacations That Change Your Life

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Over the past 20 years, (the last 11 years under the name Amazing Journeys) we have taken over 6000 passengers across seven continents to places once only dreamed of . We tag our Amazing Journeys with “vacations that change your life” and there’s a reason we do so.

Together we’ve gone jetboating in New Zealand, hot-air ballooning in Australia, dog sledding in Alaska, snorkeling in the Caribbean, zip lining in Costa Rica, parading at Carnaval in Rio, biking in Europe, off-roading in Iceland and even swimming in Antarctica!

We’ve seen the Statue of David, the Sydney Opera House, the massive Alaskan glaciers, the Aurora Borealis, the Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, The Grand Canal in Venice and The Grand Canyon itself.

We’ve been kissed by dolphins, cuddled by koalas, snorkeled with sea lions, swam with the stingrays, witnessed the birth of a buffalo and waddled with penguins. And….we’ve been the venue for the introduction of over 100 “happily ever after” individuals who, for obvious reasons, won’t be seen on an upcoming Jewish singles Amazing Journey.

Check out some of these life changing experiences we have provided and shared with our Amazing travelers. If you are one of the lucky one’s who have ‘been there, done that’ then you can attest to the life changing experiences we offer to our travelers and we invite you to come back for more. If you are one of our readers and followers and facebook friends who have yet to travel with us…what are you waiting for? Life is too short to stay home. Get out there with us and experience what it’s like to have, by true definition, an Amazing Journey.

A vacation that will change your life.

Tags: Alaska, Antarctica, Australia / Pacific, Caribbean, Costa Rica, dog sled, Great Wall, Hot Air Ballooning, Jewish Singles, New Zealand, penguins, snorkeling, Vacations, zip lining
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In The Spirit Of The Holiday Season

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

The Torah explains that Jews have 613 mitzvot by which we should base our good-deeds lives upon. There are mitzvot about foods, holidays and prayers, kindness and cleanliness, honesty, how to treat other people and lots more.

Some of the mitzvahs we should try do are:

Honor your mother and father
Give Charity
Learn
Pray
Visit the sick or elderly
Care for animals

This past weekend in the heart of New York City and just a few days prior to our Days of Awe, an amazing journey of another kind took place thanks to the kindness, generosity and mitzvah of three siblings. Bruce and Steven Stark and Ellen Gabe, owners of Beacon Paint & Hardware (www.beaconpaint.com) hosted their 12th annual Guiding Eyes for the Blind fundraiser; an organization that raises and trains seeing-eye dogs.

After Shabbat on Sept 24th, over 300 supporters gathered in a school yard adjacent to the Museum of National History for music, food, puppy playtime, socializing and a presentation full of accolades to those who helped make the event possible. The food, lighting, staging and even t-shirts were all donated for this worthy cause and by the end of the night over $15,000 was raised for this wonderful cause.

I traveled up from Pittsburgh to take part of this meaningful event. I returned home after the weekend touched and honored to have been invited to take part. This was not an event about loving animals, although those who love dogs were certainly overjoyed. This was an event about helping people in need. It takes tens of thousands of dollars to raise, train and support a service dog and their meanings to the lives of needy people cannot be understated. Bruce, Steven and Ellen know that premise all too well as they had a sister who suffered blindness and greatly benefitted from her beloved service pup.

In the spirit of Rosh Hashana and the most powerful, meaningful time of year for us Jews….cheers to Bruce, Steven and Ellen for all their mitzvahs during this amazing journey of a different kind! And yes, Amazing Journeys passengers were grand supporters as well. Over 40 local (and a couple out of towners) came to the event – and dozens more sent in donations.

Shana Tova to one and all. May this year be amazing; full of love, good health, prosperity, great friends and lots of togetherness.

Tags: Amazing Journey, Beacon Paint, dogs, fundraiser, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, mitzvah, mitzvot, New York, Rosh Hashana, Shana Tova, Travel
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Weeeeeee…….

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

Everyone loves a good roller coaster. Whether its a fast one or one with corkscrews or one with a 200 foot vertical drop…or one that goes from zero to 80 mph in 3.2 seconds , the need for speed takes many turns on a good coaster. Coasters are the lightening rods for fun at Amusement Parks; the featured fun…the thrills that give you chills…and, the reason that 3-hour wait lines were invented. Over 7 million people attend an amusement park every summer and chances are you were one of them.

Amusement Today, a publication that covers the amusement and water park industries recognize the best parks in 25 categories as ranked by “experienced and well-traveled” fans who know their way around the amusement park world.

This year’s winner is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio! The honor will come as no surprise to diehard amusement park fans who track these things, seeing as this Park has ranked No. 1 in the annual competition since it began 14 years ago.

In other categories, winners include industry giants like Universal Studios and Disney, as well as family run enterprises like Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Ind.

Curiously, though the results were tallied from an international database of fans, according to Amusement Today, not a single non-U.S park landed on the “best” list.

A sampling of 2011 awardees are:

*Best Amusement Park – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
*Best Waterpark – Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
*Best Children’s Park – Idlewild and SoakZone, Ligonier, Pa.
*Best Marine Life Park – SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
*Best Seaside Park – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.
*Best Steel Coaster – Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
*Friendliest Staff – Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
*Best Halloween Event – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
*Best Landscaping – Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va.
*Best Food – Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa.
*Best Outdoor Night Show Production – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, Orlando, Fla.
*Best Water Ride – Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
*Best Dark Ride – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
*Best New Ride of 2011: Amusement Park – New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas
*Best Indoor Roller Coaster – Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
*Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction – Noah’s Ark at Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pa.

Got an opinion? Here’s your chance to cast a vote. What’s your favorite amusement park and why?

Tags: Amusement Park, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, Disney, Harry Potter, Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, Roller Coaster, Seaworld, summer, Universal Studios, water park
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Savoring the Charms of Barcelona

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

If you’re in the mood to surrender to a city’s charms, let it be in Barcelona. Life bubbles in its narrow old town alleys, grand boulevards and elegant modern district in Spain’s most vibrant and famous city. While Barcelona has an illustrious past — from Roman colony to 14th-century maritime power — it’s enjoyable to throw out the history books and just drift through the city.

We are in the throes of promoting our Amazing Journey to Spain and while the charm is fresh on our plate, please enjoy these tantalizing top treats of Barcelona:

Las Ramblas – A stroll down Barcelona’s main pedestrian drag is a freefall into sensory overload. This grand boulevard takes you through an endless current of people and action. As you navigate this one-mile strip, you’ll meander past a grand opera house, elegant cafes, outdoor artists, street mimes, and even a bird market. Be mindful of pickpockets (wear a money belt).
Gothic Quarter – East of Las Ramblas is the Barri Gotic, which centers around the colossal cathedral. The narrow streets that surround the cathedral are a tangled but inviting grab bag of undiscovered Art Nouveau storefronts, neighborhood flea markets, classy antique shops and musicians strumming the folk songs of Catalunya (the independent-minded region of northeast Spain).
Joan Miro – Modern artist Joan Miro lived in the Barri Gotic. His designs are found all over the city, from murals to mobiles to the La Caixa bank logo. If you enjoy his child-like style, ride the funicular up to Parc de Montjuic, and peek into the Fundacio Joan Miro, a showcase for his art.
Pablo Picasso – The Barri Gotic was also home to a teenage Pablo Picasso. It was in Barcelona, in the 1890s, that Picasso grabbed hold of the artistic vision that rocketed him to Paris and fame. The Picasso Museum, in the La Ribera district, is far and away the best collection of the artist’s work in Spain. Seeing Picasso’s youthful, realistic art, you can better appreciate the genius of his later, more abstract art.
Eixample – For a refreshing break from the dense old city, head north to the modern Eixample neighborhood, with its wide sidewalks, graceful shade trees, chic shops and Art Nouveau frills. Barcelona was busting out of its medieval walls by the 1850s, and so a new town — called the Eixample, or Expansion — was laid out in a grid pattern. Over time the Eixample became a showcase for wealthy residents and their Catalan architects, who turned the flourishing Art Nouveau style into Modernisme, their own brand of decorative design. Buildings bloom with characteristic colorful, leafy, and flowing shapes in doorways, entrances, facades and ceilings.
Antoni Gaudi – Barcelona’s most famous Modernista artist, Antoni Gaudi created architectural fantasies that are quirky, curvey and crazy. His works of art are smattered here, there and everywhere around the city, but just like his work, you never know what or where you will see it. Gaudi fans also enjoy the artist’s magic in the colorful, freewheeling Parc Guell, a 30-acre hilltop garden once intended to be a 60-residence housing project, a kind of gated community.
Sagrada Familia – Gaudi’s best known and most persistent work is the eternally unfinished Sagrada Familia, with its melting ice cream cone spires and towers. The Nativity Facade, the only part of the church essentially completed in Gaudi’s lifetime, shows the architect’s original vision. Mixing Christian symbolism, images from nature, and the organic flair of Modernisme, it’s an impressive example of his unmistakable style. The church is supposed to be completed in 2026, which marks the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.Your admission helps pay for the ongoing construction.

From art to food to markets, Barcelona specializes in lively — and that’s why it’s such a hit with vacation travelers. Amazing Journeys’ Jewish singles tour of Spain culminates with three days in Barcelona.

Tags: Amazing Journeys, Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Eixample, Gothic Quarter, Jewish Singles, Joan Miro, Las Ramblas, Pablo Picasso, Sagrada Familia, Spain, tour, Vacation
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SWIMMING AT THE POLES

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Granted, this is not a common thought to those of us living in a civilized modern world, but if one were to think on such a plane, one would consider the secret of survival in the Arctic Ocean to be to stay in the boat and not go in the water. Right?

Well…given a challenge and the opportunity (and being just a li’l ol’ visitor from the aformentioned civilized world), I decided TO go in the water; to plunge into the 38 degree Arctic Ocean from the northernmost point in the United States, Point Barrow, Alaska. Barrow is the nearest bit of American mainland to the North Pole and when Amazing Journeys took our Jewish singles group there in 2007 after our annual Alaska cruise, we had the opportunity to join the real and official Polar Bear Club. Membership into The Polar Bear Club in Barrow is authenticated by Club member witnesses from a nearby host restaurant who accept a $15 fee for the right to freeze your butt off. The do provide the towel, however. They also provide authentication of such prowlness. The feat must include full submersion into the water and all successful plungers receive a certificate of authenticity and a Polar Bear Club Patch.

For Barrow visitors, going in the water is something of a tradition, a ritual for the young at heart and the easily bored. But swimming is not Barrow’s sole attraction. There is the novelty of 24-hour light in summer and 24-hour darkness in winter. There are traditional Iñupiat Eskimo festivals—Piuraagiaqta to celebrate spring and Nalukataq for the whale harvest. There is the land itself, flat ground and subtle hills rendered treeless by the permanently frozen soil. There are Iñupiat carvings and handmade fur gloves. There are polar bears.

But we were there to see a land rarely seen by most people from the lower 48. We were there to meet the people who are mostly isolated from the rest of the US. We were there to taste a remote culture where entertainment includes blanket tossing and whale meat festivals. We were there to swim (well, I was)….because I could. Although it stung like a thousand needles, inside, I felt exhilaration as I reveled in the idiocy of my actions.

Cold water swimming is not new for me. Not anymore anyway. It was a rare feat to submerge in the Arctic Ocean, but less than three years later, in February of 2010 I had the chance to say that I could be in rare company. First to swim in the Arctic Ocean and now, the even colder (35 degrees) Southern Antarctic Ocean. I had two friends join me in the Barrow swim, but this time I also had two friends…who didn’t really take the word “submerge” so seriously. Antarctica doesnt’ offer an authentication, so they got certificates too – but your’s truly took the plunge yet again.

Sure there is no way to jump into this icy water and be manly about it (yes, we all came out screaming like little girls) – another thousand needles poking my skin….but I am now a swimmer of both poles.!

How utterly cool…in so many senses of that word!

Tags: Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic Ocean, Barrow, Jewish singles group, north pole, plunge, Polar Bear Club, south pole, swim
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Summer Time – Amazing Times

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Summertime conjures up an innate desire in all of us to do something different than we do during the three other seasons. Likely this premise dates back to our youth when summer vacation was the end result…the reward…the yearning of every student each and every school year. As adults we never really shed that urge; to “vacate” somewhere during the summer.

For many of our Amazing Journeys friends who live in New York, that means buying into a share at Fire Island for weekends of beach time, party time and time with friends. For teachers, it means that the job breaks for 2 months and its time to get out of dodge (our friend Bob C from Toronto and Maris J from New York–both teachers–actually spend more of their time in foreign countries than at home during their summer breaks. “School’s out, pack my bags and see ya at Labor Day!” are their summer time mottos). For others, its simply that the weather is nice and the desire to get out of the house–way out of the house–is what they’ve been waiting for. The “summer vacation” impression is so deeply rooted in our souls from days gone by in our youth, we almost have no choice but to succumb to that urge and take that break.

Knowing that the summer is an important travel season to so many people, Amazing Journeys plans 2-3 impressive, destination-oriented and very well attended vacations annually at this time. After a very successful and mesmerizing tour of the Canadian Rockies in July, we just returned home from an amazingly fun and memorable tour through England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. 98 passengers from 20 cities and 6 countries shared some special times throughout the British Isles, partaking in their choice of 24 different private tours throughout the two weeks around the towns and scores of relaxing enjoyable activities aboard our Princess Cruises floating hotel.

The town of Edinburgh, Scotland was a favorite of many as we joined the locals in celebrating the annual Fringe Festival and Royal Military Tattoo performance. With hundreds of festive street entertainers, musical performances, local fare, medieval castles and the absolutely incredible theatrical concert of the Military Tattoo celebrating the Scottish heritage, our time in Edinburgh is a memory never to be forgotten.

A few of the other many highlights throughout our tour of the British Isles included:

* A tour of the Guinness Storehouse factory in Dublin

* Entrance into the Eiffel Tower in Paris

* A visit to the Royal Suites in Buckingham Palace in London (where Kate’s wedding dress was on display),

* A speed boat ride on Loch Ness (with many claims of seeing glimpses of Nessie),

* A tour to the Beaches of Normandy and commentary on the incredible story of D-Day,

* Tours of ancient medieval castles dating back to the 12^th century-including the fortress and surrounding land that inspired the film Braveheart and a most meaningful “Political Tour” of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Our two-part journey took us on a guided tour through the Protestant neighborhood with commentary on that point of view, followed by a separate guide leading us through the Catholic neighborhood sharing that viewpoint. Each neighborhood was separated by a wall that, while not monitoring who could cross, was a clear divide between who was welcome where.

Ahh…summer. Its been a great season of travel at Amazing Journeys. And, we’re not done yet. In just over a week we have one last summer getaway with over 40 eager travelers joining us on our 5-night cruise to Bermuda.

Its been a summer of amazingly fun times here at Amazing Journeys, with much more to come. Even though summer is a popular travel season, any season is travel season at Amazing Journeys. Travel in the fall with us to French Polynesia or the Music Cities of the south. Travel in the winter with us on a New Year’s Caribbean cruise or to India. Travel with us in the spring to China or Spain. Or…if you are the quintessential summer traveler, join us in 2012 in Alaska or on a cruise in the Black Sea to Turkey, the Ukraine, Romania and Greece.

Wherever and whenever you want to go, Amazing Journeys will be there for you with a great group of Jewish single travelers, value-added vacation packages, exclusive touring, carefree travel planning and the greatest team of group leaders in the industry.

Make some plans today!

Tags: Belfast, Black Sea, Edinburgh, Eiffel Tower, Guinness, Jewish, London, Medieval, Royal Military Tattoo, Scotland, single, summer, Vacation
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Heli-hiking in the Bugaboos

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

It’s easy to get energized from the mountains. Enjoying the smell of the mountain air, feeling the cool breeze that comes directly off the glaciers, the chance of an animal sighting – whether a bear, moose, elk, mountain goat or cougar. Imagine combining the enjoyment of hiking in the majestic Canadian Rockies with a twist – taking a helicopter to the tops of mountains and glaciers, where you are surrounded by lakes and streams, meadows and rock formations. It’s called heli-hiking and it takes hiking to a whole new level.

The liveliness that comes from this type of experience is unmatched anywhere. We arrived at the lodge after a two- hour drive from Banff in Alberta, where we drove into British Columbia. We arrived at the heli-pad where we were wisked away to our lodge, embedded deep into the hillside with nothing around but glaciers, mountains, meadows and trees.

Once we arrived at the lodge, we were shown to our rooms and fitted with hiking boots, backpacks and outerwear. You can show up at the lodge with little more than a few items of clothing, and outfitted with the rest once you’ve arrived. After meeting out guides, getting a briefing on helicopter safety and having a hot lunch, we were off for our first hike. We were placed into several groups, depending on your level of fitness the kind of hiking you wanted to do. Our helicopter swooped down to pick us up, and deposited us on top of a mountain peak. From here, we walked along the ridge and down the side of the mountain. Through snow covered peaks and wooded mountainsides, we worked out way down until we again met up with our helicopter, three hours later.

Once back at the lodge, we enjoyed our surroundings and walked around the property and adjacent area…a lake, a stream, a cabin and a glacier.

Our 28-room lodge is equipped with family style dining (with great food!), a bar, a living room where guests gather to socialize and relax, a hot tub, Jacuzzi, steam room, exercise room, an indoor rock climbing wall, a laundry and even wifi!

Anyone interested in a heli-hiking amazing journey?

Tags: adventure travel, Amazing scenery, Heli-hiking, mountains, Nature, scenic beauty, Vacation, Wildlife
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The Majesty of the Canadian Rockies

Monday, July 11th, 2011

I came to the Canadian Rockies with high expectations. For over 30 years, I have wanted to travel here…ever since I saw my first brochure of the area, filled with photos of majestic snow-capped mountains towering over lakes with the bluest water you can imagine. The Canadian Rockies as a destination was at the top of my “bucket list”. Those who had traveled with me on Amazing Journeys always asked, “if you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?” My answer, for the past 30 years has been, “the Canadian Rockies”.

This past week, 40 travelers and I ventured into Alberta, Canada, the Wild West. We arrived in Calgary and headed north to Banff. Our castle- like hotel was situated right in Banff National Park, on a hilltop overlooking a river and a waterfall, and sat below high granite mountains. We were nestled in between natures beautiful landscape – just as those travel brochures had portrayed it, all those years ago. We explored the area from horseback below and from a gondola high above. It was beautiful from every angle.

We left Banff and headed west to the Columbia Icefiends Parkway where we discovered a glacier that we could walk on! Our “glacier busses” put us right on top of an actual glacier, where we could walk around, and drink glacier water from a river that ran through the face of the glacier. It was amazing!

We arrived in Jasper National Park and stayed at the historical Jasper Park Lodge. It felt just like summer camp. Our “cabins” were scattered all around a lake. The lake was crystal clear, and some of us walked around the 2.5 mile circumference. Standing at the pier, you could see all the way down to the bottom. It was like glass, with a reflection of the mountains every where you looked. Geese and ducks enjoyed the calm surroundings, as did we! Some hiked, some went on a float trip down the river and some enjoyed a peaceful cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake. In the evening, we enjoyed a wildlife specialist who taught us about bears, moose and elk and brought us antlers to hold and replicas of actual bear feet that were so huge, we decided that we never want to be up close and personal with a grizzly!

Driving back across the Columbia Icefields Parkway, we stopped first at a lake with green water, then one with turquoise water. Amazing and unbelievable. I had always thought that the photos in the brochure must have been touched up and that they were a little over zealous in their coloration process. These lakes are real and have so much color you can hardly imagine!

We arrived at Lake Louise and were overwhelmed at the Chateau Lake Louise Hotel which was constructed at the turn of the last century and is so palatial! We dined at the Fairview Restaurant, where Prince William and Kate dined together just one night before. The scene over the lake from the restaurant was magical. We were looking out over a glacier, right in front of us. Most of us took a two mile hike around the lake and were closer to the face of the glacier. It was a scene out of a fairy tale and took our collective breath away.

Our last stop on the tour was Calgary, and we were treated to the famous Calgary Stampede, a once-a-year event where Calgary becomes a town filled with cowboys, rodeo and country music. Upon our arrival at the Stampede Grounds, we were each given a cowboy hat and went to the rodeo! Bucking broncos, bull riding, rope tying…we all got a good cowboy education. We rode amusement rides, listened to music at the Nashville North Tent, and visited an Indian Village. We saw baby pigs, giant Clydesdale horses and learned about agriculture. That night we switched gears and went to Temple Tikva where we enjoyed Shabbat services with the local community. It was a real treat to be invited to this warm and welcoming synagogue. The next day we went back to the Stampede grounds where we saw Chuckwagon Races and the grand finale, the famous Grandstand Show. This was one of the best shows anywhere, ever! A combination of Circ du Soliel, the Muppets and Hollywood, combined with a horse or two, a marching band and a comedian. And fireworks!

But the best show of all was the beauty of nature. After waiting 30 years to see the wonders of the Canadian Rockies, high expectations and all, I was not disappointed.