Winter Celebration in Ottawa

Where better to celebrate the Canadian Winter than in our National’s Capital? A two day short break enabled me to sample some of the delights of Ottawa. I stayed at Ottawa’s newest boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo Ottawa, ideally positioned at Metcalf and Laurier. Designed for relaxation and renewal, the décor changes seasonally and it is an apt and comfortable HQ for exploring Ottawa, positioned close to the many cultural attractions.

Culturally the National Gallery of Canada constantly amazes me. The permanent collection is wonderful and the Group of Seven exhibit always leaves me in awe. But the travelling exhibits are particularly noteworthy and this winter’s Ron Mueck’s installation of a giant baby is certainly that!

Christmas Lights across Canada

Of course winter in Ottawa means Christmas Lights and Winterlude. Too early for the world class festival of Winterlude which takes place in February, I was however able to enjoy the sparkle of the lights in the downtown area, which presage the great New Years fireworks display. And my CJAD co-host Sharman Yarnell certainly got into the spirit of Winter!

Sip Savour and Spa

Relaxation came in the form of a classical Thai massage at Holtz Spa – a rejuvenating experience perfectly complemented by a meal at Santé, the healthy eating restaurant onsite. And talking of eating – I was fortunate enough to experience - and I do mean experience – a culinary event of perfection at The Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute. It was an amazing sequence of perfectly complimenting dishes and wines – just right for that very special occasion.

Finally no visit to Ottawa would be complete without spending time at the heart and soul of the city: Byward Market. Decked out for Christmas, there are cheese and pastry shops you can’t pass by and stalls selling everything from seasonal décor to my secret Ottawa vice – Beaver Tails!

Caladesi Island - the real Florida

As the sign says: Caladesi Island is the real Florida. Although it’s just a few minutes north of the buzz of Clearwater Beach, this State Park could be a million miles away. It’s accessible only by ferry from Honeymoon Island and the 20 minute boat trip transitions me to a world of mangrove swamps, hiking trails, and some of the most pristine beaches anywhere in the US. I spent the day with Carl, a Park Ranger who has been on the island over 20 years. Together we explored the trails, spotted tortoise, armadillo and ospreys. To my disappointment we couldn’t find one of the rattlesnakes that are common on the island. Then after a bite to eat at the little café, we took to the water to explore the tidal mangrove trails in a couple of kayaks. These arced tunnels vein the eastern side of the island and are a unique way to get up close and personal to the mangrove ecosystem. With a four hour maximum stay, my visit comes to an end much too soon, but I have been privileged to see this “real Florida”.

St Petersburg / Clearwater Sunsets

And ah!........those sunsets. One of the reasons why many Florida aficionados prefer the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast are the spectacular sunsets every evening over the Gulf of Mexico.

Segways and Electric Boats

There’s some interesting ways to of seeing St Petersburg / Clearwater sights by land and water. For a sedate but fun way of touring down town St Petersburg / Clearwater I took a Segway Tour on an environmentally friendly two-wheeler. It takes a few minutes to master and then we were off on a guided route around the downtown neighbourhoods. Continuing the Green theme I then hired an electric boat and spent a leisurely and peaceful hour cruising the harbour amidst impressive yachts and around the inverted pyramid of The Pier, St Petersburg’s iconic landmark.

Tarpon Springs

No visit to the St Petersburg / Clearwater region would be complete without traveling to Greece…… at least the little bit of Greece called Tarpon Springs that is just a half hour north of Clearwater. Greek sponge divers came together a hundred years ago to form this fascinating community which developed into the world’s largest sponge industry. I took a cruise from the Sponge Docks on the Anclote River and watched as a young diver brought the valuable sponges to the surface from the depths below, using old- style diving suits. A massive and delicious Greek meal capped off the trip and a Tarpon Springs sponge now sites atop my bathtub at home.