“How likely is it that I will get ill travelling?” The simple answer is yes, you will get ill travelling. It doesn’t matter where I go or how pristine the water may be; it will upset my system after a few days. It isn’t anything serious, and I am used to it now, but it always happens. Water in various places has different minerals; even boiling it will not affect that. Are you planning an exciting adventure to a far-flung destination? Or perhaps you’re about to embark on a relaxing beach getaway? No matter the travel plans, one question often…
Category: Humour
The Variety of Toilets and Toilet Paper
Toilet Paper on the Run Outside your hotel, I strongly advise taking wipes, tissues, or even your own toilet paper roll that you can use in a public washroom. Generally speaking, these are to be avoided, but that’s not always possible. Some countries have a person outside the washroom, keeping an eye out and handing out toilet paper, as we found in Bangkok. And while in Thailand, tipping isn’t necessary, although a couple of coins is a nice gesture. In other countries, a tip is required if there is a washroom attendant, and it is well worth the money. Paying…
What is worse? Dog Poo in Paris or New York
Let me say that any discussion about dog poo in this post is not a criticism of the poor animal but rather the owners. I would also like to add that I love Paris, where I lived for six years, and New York, where I have been several times and will now stay in Manhattan for a few months. Here’s my analysis of why New York dog poop is worse than in Paris. In Paris, about 90% of dogs are tiny little things. In New York, maybe 60% or small, 30% are mid-size, and 10% are large. That means a…
The Hidden Dangers of Underground Parking – A Comedy of Errors
You are bound to be forced to use underground parking on your travels. It may be because of the hotel, shopping malls, or a crowded city centre. They can be nerve-racking at the best of times, but the first time is always the most challenging. For this reason, I prefer to rent a smaller car than a bigger one in Europe. Let this story be a lesson to us all! Let me preface my comments by saying that Place des Arts is a wonderful venue, and I have been many times. If you have an event there, it is in…
Halloween In Honolulu
Halloween is a big deal in the states, but it seems to take on a new meeting here in Waikiki. People started in the stores dressing up the day before. Families appear to come out with their little kids to all the stores with a little bucket of candy they give out. Everyone seems to dress up whether they are going to a party or not. However, it seems to get a little rowdy once the kids are gone. The police are out keeping a watchful eye. From Hugh Hefner to Bette Midler to Marilyn and Elvis. Halloween In Honolulu…
The only thing I hate about Montreal . . .
Montreal drivers, roads and traffic! I realize these are three items I hate about Montreal, but I couldn’t find a collective term to cover everything. An old Canadian joke says Canada has two seasons: winter and July. This may not be as true now with global warming, but the Montreal version is as accurate as ever. Montreal has two seasons: winter and construction. A recent survey showed that none of the top ten terrible and worst roads in Quebec were in Montreal. At first, I found that hard to believe. But I’ve come to understand why. Every other road is…