winkypoo

This is on my “to do in life” list. Someone please send me money and an adventurous travel partner!

Road Trip!

National Music Camp of Canada, baby! When I think back to how long ago it was that I was here, I feel pretty old. But it remains one of the best experiences of my life.

Something I remember that was written on the cabin wall: “Sex is like Ontario: Yours to Discover”

Road Tripped it to see Sarah Harmer & Hayden at the Tralf in May 2004. We were 15 feet away from them. There were maybe 150 people at the club. It was so intimate. Excellent, excellent time.

Within a few kilometers, you have Playa Del Carmen, Xpu-Ha (where I got stung by jellies snorkeling), and Xcaret Eco Park (definitely go for the underground river attraction here!). Beaches here weren’t as white sand-blue sky as in Holguin, Cuba, but the waves crashing against the rocks were very impressive.

One of the best memories I have with my dad. When we were there last year, the tour guides said the government was going to stop letting people climb the pyramid because the steps were getting too worn and slippery. So climb it while you can! Going down is definitely scarier than going up. Oh – and while you’re on the ground, stand about 30 feet away, directly in front, and clap one, twice, three times as loud as you can. The engineering of the building makes the echo come right back to you. So cool.

On the way back to Tunxi after leaving this place, I got a jade bracelet to forever remind me of the beauty of the Chinese landscape. If you go here, be sure to get up early to catch the sunrise over the mountains and (if you’re lucky) the sea of clouds. We missed the sea of clouds when we were there, but the sunrise itself over the mountains was incredible. Eastern steps, baby.

My favourite part of Beijing was climbing the steps of the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass. To think.. who shovelled the snow off all those steps? How did it feel to be standing on that wall, watching the intruders close in over the mountains? How many families were broken up to defend the great and mighty country so that the Chinese civilization lasted for 4000 years (and counting)? An amazing place to appreciate the power of human determination.

In Quebec City: Check out the market by the water (Marché du Vieux-Port), if you can! It’s got genuine Spruce Beer (yes, made from trees), delightful european sandwiches and fresh fried chips. The spruce beer kind of tastes like a carbonated air freshener… but c’mon, where else are you going to find this kind of stuff?!

The mountains are gorgeous, but watch out for the moose! Dozens of people get killed every summer, driving that stretch of highway between QC City and Chicoutimi.

If you’re up here, I suggest going to the Fromagerie Boivin, the original makers of the “squeaky cheese” that goes in le vrai poutine. Delicious and actually squeaky!