Monthly Archives: October 2009

Customers Matter at TransGlobe

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With a sense of community service to the places where they do business, TransGlobe Property Management has been establishing quite a reputation for themselves in Canada’s neighborhoods.  They have an excellent record of quality customer service, responding to service requests with both efficiency and courtesy.  It’s a business where the customer matters.  When it’s something that deals with people living and working, there needs to be a sense of commitment to helping the neighborhoods.  In Canada, we understand better than most places how neighborhoods and communities are created, and not simply moved into.  TransGlobe understands these principles, and it’s lovely to see them put into practice.  A spirit of quality service guides their business practices, and with over 15 years of experience here, they know the neighborhoods they work with.

It’s always welcome to see local businesses participating in community events, and it just might be the best advertising there is.  It demonstrates that they’re not just here to sell things, but are making genuine efforts to get to know the members of the community, and take an active role in its development.  It also suggests that it’s not just here to make temporary changes to turn a profit, but has a long-range plan for staying here, and really watching it grow.  That’s why it’s such a pleasure to see the photos of TransGlobe Property Management taking part in parades, and giving time and resources to charity causes.  It really does make a difference in the community, and it’s not just the single events themselves, which are all very important and worthy, but the long record of good deeds that really tell the tale about a company.  And TransGlobe has a splendid tale to tell, and it will be exciting to watch them move with the communities into the future.

My Sister is moving to Hartford, CT

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I remember hearing that Hartford, Hampton and Harrisburg hardly have hurricanes from the musical My Fair Lady as a kid. I have to admit I had no idea where these places were nor really gave it any though. The memory of that play cam back to me when my sister said she was moving to Hartford. I said Hartford? Where is that, she laughed at me and said Connecticut. I was not happy to hear this, she and I are very close and moving all the way across the country to Hartford, CT was not making me happy at all. She is getting transferred by her company and does not really have a choice is she want to keep working the job she has. So after deciding weather to move or quit she decided to move.

I guess I can not blame her, she loves what she does and does not want to leave her company at this time so move it is. I have been helping her sort through her things and figure out what is going to CT, what I will keep for her and what will be sold or given away. It is always a big task, moving, but moving across the country adds another aspect to the complication. She will be getting movers for the furniture and boxes of stuff. I am hoping she decides to have her car shipped to CT and not drive. I know she is a big girl but I would worry about her traveling across country by herself I know she is still thinking about is and I am pushing for flying and shipping the car.

She is planning on taking a two week vacation at the time of the move so as a surprise I have booked myself at hotels Hartford the second week of her vacation so I can be there to help her unpack and settle in. I am sorry to see her go but I know this will be a good move for her.

New York’s NEC

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With a sense of hospitality that can’t be matched anywhere, NY hotels have the reputation they deserve as the finest in the world.  The industry goes back a few generations here, and there are a spectacular array of cultures in the city adding their own traditions for fine hospitality to the mix.  One of the greatest things about the city is that its diversity allows for a constant reinvention of the way things are done.  There is absolutely a sense of local tradition here, and some of these are fiercely protected, but the east coast sensibility has an intelligence that accepts and integrates new ideas when they come around.  This means that the city has a spectacular balance of the old and the new.

Some would say that it’s a precarious balance, but that’s one of the things that makes it so exciting.  There’s always a sense of the unknown, and it’s often impossible to tell what will happen next.  The spectacular performing arts scene bases itself on this excitement, and there’s no question that you’ll see something amazing when you’re here, if you look in the right places.  If your time here is taking you to the heart of Broadway in midtown, have a look at what the Negro Ensemble Company might be up to.

They’re one of the longest running black theatres in the country, and very likely the first, or at least the first to have the mission to make theatre by and about black people for a culturally diverse audience.  They began in the mid 1960s when Robert Hooks directed a short play by Douglas Turner Ward with stunning results.  A few years later, they formally founded the NEC, which was hoped to be an outlet for black theatre practitioners in the country.  More than 40 years and over 200 productions later, they have certainly achieve what they set out to do, and there is still much more to come.  There are some fantastic talents that have passed through their doors, such as Phylicia Rashad, Gus Edwards, and Denzel Washington, and there are more coming.  Their role in the Civil Rights Movement has been crucial, and the work they continue to do is risky, interesting, and continues to give young black writers, actors, and directors a place to call home.

Deep Breathing and Hot Water: Portable Hot Tub Therapy

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There are many different signs of stress, and many of these are physical.  The body always feels tired, breathing is difficult, headaches and stomach aches and other symptoms might develop, accompanied by a certain feeling of unease.  There are thousands of remedies these days against stress, perhaps because it is so common now, and everyone feels stress at some point.  Even children report feeling stressed out, and it seems to be starting at a younger age than it used to.  There are remedies that work for everyone, or nearly everyone, and some of these include deep breathing, meditation, and relaxing in hot water.  Your portable hot tub is a great addition to your home, no matter what the reasons for it, but it’s good to know that you also have the perfect stress reliever right in your back yard.

They’re not recommended for people of all ages, however, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about family members who are very little, elderly, or pregnant, and find out more about how a hot tub might help.  But for the rest of the population, they seem to work as well as any of the remedies, and you’ll soon discover that they can be simply spectacular.  On their own, hot tubs can improve circulation, and lower blood pressure, and also help improve sleep cycles, inducing a deeper sleep state.  These are all fantastic relief against stress, but you might want to try combining your spa experience with deep breathing and meditation.  It can be quite spectacular to have all three working together, to achieve a state of mind that is really out of this world.  It’s interesting to consider that being out of this world in moments of deep meditation can improve your experience in the waking world, and lovely to know that you have access right in your own home.

Cape Town District Six Museum Focuses on Local Artists

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Jim believed that visiting a city’s local museums is one of the best was of forming a connection, or really getting to know the area when on vacation. Every time he found himself in a city for the first time, he would immediately look up the museums that predominantly featured local artists, or where reflective of the city or region’s culture and or history. This was no different when he visited South Africa for the first time with his good friends Joe and Wilhelm.

By the time they were meeting for breakfast on their first morning in one of the Cape Town South Africa hotels Jim already had the information on District Six Museum. Joe and Wilhelm weren’t shy about stressing that museums may be good attractions, though they were not the top of their lists for places to visit that day. Jim, however, insisted that they all go and finally convinced his friends to make a stop there.

Wilhelm and Joe were stunned when they got to the museum and realized how relevant it was. Joe was interested in the history of the district, which he read about in the lobby. Jim particularly appreciated the focus on the early diversity and thriving dynamic of the district prior to the beginning of forced removals. The permanent exhibit allowed the three of them to really see some of the early residents and get a feeling for what life was like for them through the years. Wilhelm was particularly impressed with the sculpture festival. The focus on drawing in local artists and creating a sculpture culture really impressed Jim. All three of the men left the museum feeling inspired and also having a strong sense of connection to the district and felt they were well on their way to having an amazing stay in Cape Town.

Upset Plans in Thailand

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When I arrived in the afternoon and got off the airport bus at the Khao San Road, I set about finding somewhere to stay. That’s never a problem on the Khao San Road. I booked a room at one of the many Thailand luxury hotels. This area has all the traveller conveniences and I could quite easily spend my whole time in Bangkok without leaving the road and all the bars. But that wouldn’t be experiencing all of what Bangkok or Thailand has to offer.

My first few hours in the city were bizarre. I was to hook up with a friend who is also travelling around the world and we were to start travelling together. But, when I met up with him at our designated point that’s when he told me that he unfortunately left his money back in Vietnam. He told me his travelling effectively ended here in Bangkok. I had to decide then if I was going to continue on with our plans and go to India and Nepal alone. I remember being hesitant about travelling with Bert in the first place, not that he would be a bother, just the opposite. Bert’s a blast, but as you can see, he’s a bit irresponsible. So, my answer should be yes, right? But, prior to arriving in Bangkok, I had decided I wasn’t going to continue on with our plans. The reason being is I met a girl and we really hit it off. She lives in Canada. We met in Korea and we’ve been in touch ever since then. So, actually, it’s very fortunate that Bert lost his money. It made my decision so much easier.

So, the next morning, Bert was busy with trying to figure out how to meet up with some other friends who will help him get back home (I did give him some money, but not enough to make it back home), and I was busy making flight plans to Canada. It was so easy to book a flight from Bangkok, to London via Bahrain, then to Dublin and off to Canada for a few weeks. I was weird to be booking a flight that will bring me to Canada instead of India. I had planned this trip for over a year. I really wanted to see Nepal and Tibet. Those were mostly the reason for my traveling, but what can I say, this girl, Sarah, is really fantastic.

Taking the Wife to the Harrisburg Christmas Show

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I am planning a surprise for my wife just before Christmas. I am going to take her to Harrisburg, PA a long weekend in the city. Most of the tear we rarely get a chance to get off the farm here with all the work that needs to be done. Really from late winter when we begin to prepare for spring planting through to the end of the harvest and putting up the crops there is no end to the work and now with all the kids off to college it is just us with out as much interaction as we had when the kids were around and bringing their friends over for dinner or to hang out and play.

So no I’ve booked out hotels Harrisburg for the weekend of the Christmas Bizarre. I know my wife will really enjoy that. She goes all to when decorating for the holidays. She starts just before Thanksgiving with lots and lots of fall / harvest and Thanksgiving decorations and then after that watch out as the Christmas decorations replace the previous decorations.

She usually starts with the biggest tree she sets it up in the living room. Everything on it is old and antique. There are ornaments she puts on that tree that were owned by her mother and grand mother. I suppose this is the favorite of the trees. I enjoy looking at the old ornaments and imagining all the holidays the ornaments have seen. Next she’ll set up a series of small trees in the living room and hall. Each one is a different theme, nut crackers, candy canes, Santa, angles and on and on. From that point I loose track as stuff starts to appear just about every were. The kitchen, the bed rooms, the stairs, the bathrooms and the dining room. No spot is left undecorated! Well this is why I know timing a trip to Harrisburg during the Christmas Bizarre will really make her happy.

Going Food Crazy in Singapore

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The red-eye from Colombo to Singapore got us there extremely early in the morning, but right on time. We hooked up with Shandi, a personal taxi driver that our friend Hanji arranged for us. Shandi drove us straight to one of the best Singapore hotels where we checked in, un-packed and went back down to the restaurant and enjoyed a marvelous breakfast. We then went back to our room for a quick nap. Several hours later, we woke up still hungry. So, we set out to find something to eat outside our hotel.

It was so good to be back in Singapore. It’s the second busiest port in the world, right behind Rotterdam, and because of this, Singapore is a melting pot of culture. The Chinese is predominant, then theirs the Indians, Europeans and then the Southeast Asians, and all the rest. So, our only problems about figuring out where to eat, was to figure out what we wanted to eat. All the food appears to be exceptional and ethnically diverse. We decided to make it easy for us to choose, we will pick Thai today, Tex-Mex tomorrow, Japanese the next day and Indonesian after that. Or should we do that arrangement for every meal? Well, we thought we made it easy, guess not.

When we were in Sri Lanka, we weren’t all that crazy about the cuisine. We ate Deli France and french fries more than we would’ve liked. Some Sri Lankan food is okay, but most we found to be extremely spicy and lacked a balance of nice spicy, like sweet and hot combinations that the Thai’s use. Another issue was adhering to the 3rd world eating guidelines, which are ‘peel it, cook it, boil it or forget it’. We attempted to eat mostly vegetarian and avoid salads or any other raw vegetable, so that didn’t leave us much to eat. So, being here in Singapore, our bodies were craving fresh green vegetables like no-body’s business. We decided to go Indonesian and have salads and then do Japanese and do raw meats!

Connect with the Culture through Hong Kong Restaurants

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Travelers prefer to experience new countries, cities and states in various ways. Some people feel that they really connect and get to know a new place by attending local theatre productions or music recitals or concerts. Other people think the art museums and small galleries that show local artists are the best way to get to know a new place. Meanwhile some people think that eating in local independent diners and restaurants is definitely the way into a city’s heart, much as a woman’s cooking used to be considered the direct path to a man’s heart. Many travelers believe that it is best to become familiar with a new place by experiencing a combination of these elements.

For individuals that choose the cuisine of a city or region to really get a feeling for it, the Hong Kong restaurants are certainly up for the job. As with any city of its size and cultural significance, Hong Kong is full of restaurants serving various genres of food and ethnic cuisine from around the world can be found there. However, for the tourists who are visiting Hong Kong for the first time and are eager to get the full experience, dining in the local and independently owned restaurants is definitely the way to go.

Of course many of these will serve Chinese food, and it is often reported that some of the smaller cafes offer the best Chinese food available. Some of the standard dishes that most tourists will be familiar with include, various chow mein and fried rice. Other popular and common dishes are beef with broccoli and various seafood and rice dishes. In addition, Chinese food is extremely popular with vegetarians, as there is always a nice selection of dishes available. One thing many travelers wish to explore, however, is the unique and local favorite dishes they will find there.

Nooteboom’s Ibiza

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As the largest of the Balearic islands, Ibiza is a blend of natural wonders and urban pleasures.  The nightlife here is legendary, and it continues to evolve and shift, with every new dj and every new guest, coming to explore the limits of music.  Beach living here is sumptuous, and it lives up to the imagination, with gorgeous waves and interesting people.  There are many things to see and do in Ibiza.  Car rentals are a fantastic idea, as the freedom of having your own vehicle here means you can see what you want to see, and at your own pace.  The thrill of being able to drive from one side of the island to the other is a genuine one, and you might be reminded that, at one time, all the roads here really did lead to Rome.

They might not lead to Rome today, or more likely, you won’t want to be anywhere except Ibiza, where you can enjoy an island whose hours are totally different than anywhere else in the world.  Late nights can very easily turn into early mornings here, and it’s nice to have the option to stay up late at a club, and then go get breakfast.  You set your own hours here, and the island will accommodate.  You’ll soon see by the sometimes soothing and sometimes very dramatic landscapes that the place is always more than it’s cracked up to be. Ibiza is an island that is old, with a very long list of cultures who have occupied the space, and also very much under construction, with an elusive identity that is constantly evolving.  A trip in a car will immediately inspire lofty thoughts, and has been a source of inspiration to many who have come before you, such as the Dutch writer Cees Nooteboom.


Nooteboom traveled here in the 1950s for the first time, and some of his best travel writings come from his inspirations here.  The writer has often been rumored to be on the list for the the Nobel prize, and no one can doubt the brilliance of his phrasings, and the way he can turn one melancholy afternoon into a thought that spins into a novel.  He has a very compassionate and existential view of who we are, and found some of the traces of the more mature thoughts during formative moments spent in Ibiza.