Explore Peru: 2 Days in Lima - The City of Bones!

A Lima Travel Story & Guide

I'm an emotional person. For better or for worse my eyes tear up, much to my embarrassment, when I'm happy, sad, angry, saw something breathtaking, or for no reason what so ever. My three week backpacking trip across South America, starting in Lima, Peru, was going to be a test for my tear ducts for varying reasons.... thank gawd I packed tons of small packages of tissue! Let the emotional rollercoaster begin.

Lima, Peru

I flew into Lima on an early Tuesday morning last February. I've been dreaming of doing this trip for too many years too count and actually planning it for months. I haven't traveled for a long time for reasons that seem dumb now, but this trip changed everything, and travel will never take such a long vacation from my life again. The first of many teary-eyed moments was when I was waiting for my backpack to come down the luggage pickup area in the tiny Lima airport. I just couldn't believe that I was finally doing this trip. I was met by a friend, who already booked a night at a hostel near the airport and had a cab waiting, which my airplane-frazzled mind was grateful for.

Explore Toronto: Bathurst Station Gets Honest Ed-ified!

Honest Ed's Art Installation at TTC Bathurst Station Review

The building at the corner of Bloor and Bathurst Streets, covered in tacky bright lights and funny hand-painted signs, need no introduction - every Torontonian knows of the giant discount retail store Honest Ed's. Whether you love it or hate it, Honest Ed's has become a huge part of Toronto's landscape and found a place within the city's heart. The long lines to purchase one of the coveted hand-painted signs are a testament to how far people will go to get a piece of Honest Ed's.

As a tribute to the iconic landmark, the TTC has transformed Bathurst Station, into a 'Honest Ed's-style installation commemorating the retail store and its former owner Ed Mirvish, and the impact that they had on the community and the city of Toronto.

Explore South America: Life Lessons from Backpacking across South America!

Personal Insights Learned from Traveling in Peru, Bolivia & Argentina

I can't believe it's already March; February just flew by, especially since I spent most of it in South America, visiting some amazing places and meeting some fabulous people! I just got back a few days ago from my South American adventure and I'm so excited to share all my experiences, insights and travel tips I have learned along the way over the next several weeks. But first I have to get back into my regular, post trip routine, which has been proving extremely difficult.

Enjoying the view of Machu Picchu from the top of Wayna Picchu Mountain, Peru

For the past three weeks, I backpacked my way across three countries, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and I will share my adventures in each place with all of you as soon as I can put into words (and organize my pictures:) everything that I saw and experienced, but first I want to share some things I learned about myself and things I'm grateful about now that I'm back home in Canada.

Explore The World: South America or Bust!

My South American Backpacking Trip Announcement

How many things have you crossed off your bucket list? Do you have more than one bucket list? I myself have several bucket lists - career, family and travel are just a few of my lists. My travel bucket list pretty much includes every place in the world but there are a few places near the top that I really want to visit. I traveled a lot in my twenties and some of the places have been crossed off like Antarctica and Rome, but I haven't left the country in almost ten years.

So that's why I'm so excited to be leaving on one of my bucketlist trips tomorrow! I'm leaving for a three week trek through South America! I fly into Lima, Peru Monday night and I fly out of Buenos Aires, Argentina on Saturday February 27! Did I mention I'm excited??!!

Explore Toronto: Visiting Toronto's Past Surrounded by it's Future!

Historic Fort York Review

Several weeks ago I visited Historic Fort York, mainly to see the amazing Gertrude Kearn's Exhibit. While there I decided to tour the Fort's grounds and buildings, something I haven't done since a childhood school trip. And once I entered the grounds, I felt like I was transported back in time.

I'm sure plenty of us who grew up in Toronto or the GTA, had the opportunity to visit Fort York on a school trip, but I highly recommend revisiting it as an adult. I learned more and understood the significance of such an important time in Canadian history, which passed over my adorable 10 years-old head many years ago.

Explore Toronto: Living On The Edge at the CN Tower!

CN Tower Edge Walk Experience Review

I love exploring and seeing Toronto in a different light. Whether it's vising unique hidden gems in the city, like a new public art installation, or getting acquainted with a beautiful old park or neighbourhood, I'm always surprised at how much Toronto has to offer.

That's why when a friend invited me to join him on the CN Tower Edge Walk, I jumped at the chance to get the best view of the city.

Explore Toronto: Hauntingly Beautiful Memorial to Irish Immigrants!

Ireland Park Review

Along the waterfront, at the bottom of Bathurst Street lies one of my favourite public art installations in Toronto. Nestled between the abandoned Canada Malting Silos, Lake Ontario and a construction barricade is one of the most serene and heartbreaking places in Toronto - Ireland Park.

Until recently, I was among the many that never knew Ireland Park even existed. It opened in 2007 and then closed in 2010 for several years due to surrounding construction. A few months ago, I heard about an Irish monument down by the harbourfront, so last St. Patrick's Day a friend and I decided to go in search of it. And I'm so glad I did.

Explore Toronto: Finding Magic in Allan Gardens!

Allan Gardens Conservatory and Park Review

There is a place downtown Toronto that is full of magic and wonder. It contains flowers that bloom all year, plants from across the globe, and is home to turtles, fish, and waterfalls. This magical place is called Allan Gardens Conservatory.

The Allan Gardens Conservatory is over 100 years old, making it one of the oldest parks in Toronto. It contains six greenhouses which are open all year long, and is surrounded by a large green space containing a new playground and an off-leash dog area.

Explore Toronto: Fall in Love With Toronto!

Unique Valentine's Day Activity Ideas

Even with a big freeze hitting Toronto, I'm still excited about this weekend. Not only is it a long weekend (Woo-hoo!), but it is also Valentine's Day on Saturday.

You probably already have Valentine's Night planned, but because February 14th lands on a Saturday, it's an opportunity to plan fun activities during the day as well. If you are not leaving the city or hiding indoors, I have a few fabulous ideas on how to spend Valentine's Day, either with friends, your special someone, or you IPOD.

Explore Toronto: Chillin' at The Chill Ice House!

CHILL Ice House Review

Looking for a unique place to visit? If it's not cold enough outside for you yet, visit one of Toronto's coolest bars - CHILL Ice House.

Ice Bar in Chill Ice House Lounge

I recently visited the CHILL Ice House for a private event for Uniikii Inc. Located just south of King Street on Bathurst Street, it may look like an ordinary bar on the outside but inside CHILL Ice House is a winter ice wonderland. 

Explore Toronto: Strolling Through the Solar System While Enjoying the Many Charms of Toronto!

Walkable Planets Community Art Project Review

There are so many cool and interesting things to do and places to explore in Toronto. So many that even Torontonians don't know about them all or haven't visited them, like the Toronto Public Labyrinth. A great way to explore and learn about this amazing city is to take part in organized tours. 

 

There are a lot of city and site specific tours that cost money, like The Steam Whistle Brewing Tour. But a unique and economical way to explore Toronto is to take advantage of one of the many free walking tours, both guided by volunteers or self-guided, organized by Jane's Walk. Jane's Walk was founded in Toronto by a group of friends and colleagues of Jane Jacobs, who "believed in walkable neighbourhoods, urban literacy, and cities planned for and by people."  Jane's Walk organizes free locally led walking tours "in which people get together to explore, talk about, and celebrate their neighbourhoods" in over 100 cities across the globe. Please visit Jane's Walk to find out more information on walks around Toronto and other cities.

Explore Toronto: An Afternoon of Beer & Fun at Steam Whistle Brewery!

Enjoying the Steam Whistle Brewing Tour

There are so many great places and areas to visit in Toronto. I love exploring interesting places like the Toronto Public Labyrinth, and revisiting some fun places like Steam Whistle Brewery. Last week a friend and I enjoyed an afternoon of beer and fun, as we took part of The Steam Whistle Brewing tour at the Roundhouse downtown Toronto. I have been on the Steam Whistle tour before, but it was over 7 years ago, as part of a birthday party. I was excited to take The Steam Whistle Brewing tour again, as the details from my last tour are a little hazy.

Event: The Beauty of Ice!

Last Saturday night I wandered the Bloor-Yorkville Area in Toronto, to take in some beautiful Ice Sculptures. Last weekend was the annual Bloor-Yorkville Ice Fest and I took some pictures to share with you. Sorry about the quality, but enjoy!

Explore Toronto: Serenity Now!

  
Sometimes I find it hard to get some peace and feel grounded living downtown in North America's fourth largest city. I love Toronto and it is my favourite city in the world, but sometimes a girl has just got to get away! If I don't have the time or the means to leave the city for a weekend, I find myself walking the winding path of The Toronto Public Labyrinth downtown in the heart of Toronto. I walk the pathway towards the centre, just letting my mind empty of all the worries and questions that have been bothering me that week. Once I reach the centre, I just stand there and take deep breaths, feeling myself calm and content. Once I follow the path out and reach the end of the Labyrinth, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, more happy and able to see things with a better perspective.