Baracoa – Mirror of the Past

Baracoa was the very first capital of CUBA. It is a place where time stands still. A reflection of the past, with life in its present. Life seems simple to the foreign eye, yet poverty has planted moulds into its existence and hope. A cloud of melancholy floats above the city; yet faces glow with genuine smiles, homes are filled with love, and streets echo with music. This is a lieu of confusion rooted in motionless time. Visit The Compass to read the full article.

Cenotes- The Sacred Waters of Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula, south-eastern tip of Mexico, is mainly composed of limestone; hence the region has almost no rivers and only a few lakes. Instead, one finds thousands of underground rivers, exposed to the outer world through cavern formations and passageways. It has taken thousands of years for these flooded underground rivers and caves to form. And once the roof of a cavern collapses due to erosion, it forms a water hole known as - cenote. Over four thousand cenotes are spread through Yucatan, with many still not having been studied nor registered. Read more...

A Breath of Dead Air- Czech Republic

“Would anyone like to stop by the Ossuary?” asked our tour leader with an uncertain voice. One brave lady and I raised hands with excitement. This was the moment I was waiting for! The rest of our passive group sank into the softness of their seats, giving us a disgusted stare with little whispers of, “Oh no, my goodness, No”.

The Sedlec Ossuary contains approximately 40 000-70 000 human skeletons in forms of decorations and furnishings. During the Black Plague of the 14th century, one of the most deadly pandemics in human history, Europe carried as many as 50 million deaths. Read more...

Sidi Bou Said- An Artist’s Mecca

The café overlooked an unknown square with the main street rolling down the hill into the Gulf of Tunis. The sun bounced against the white walls of this mysterious town creating a glare towards every direction. As I sipped on my mint tea, I was drawn into the everyday Tunisian life.

Sidi Bou Said, a little town located in the Northern Tunisia, is not only colourful in its appearance, but in its people too. At 20 km from the capital, it has become a popular tourist trap. Despite of it, it has still kept its traditions as an authentic lieu where Tunisians reside up to this very day. Once you leave the main street of Habib Thameur, you will begin to experience the real Tunisian life. You find yourself along hidden passages with carefully lined cobblestone streets and colourfully painted doors. Each door may have a new story to tell. Painted with unique patterns, they represent signatures and symbols of Tunisia. One may be the entrance to the mosque; another will lead you to the backyard of a local. It may even be a mere boutique hiding behind a green and red striped masterpiece.

Many speak of Sidi Bou Said as the ‘Artist’s Village’. Read more...

Seville: Experiencing the best tapas

Seville, the heart of Andalusia, the south western corner of Spain, is known to the world for many reasons. Here one comes to experience the intense art of bullfighting, the aggressive passion of flamenco, the colourful mosaics of Moorish architecture, and the many flavours of tapas.

Tapas are an essential part of life in Seville. In the early days they consisted of a slice of cheese or ham which was offered at the bar to cover drinks; hence the meaning of the word ‘lid’. There are many myths as to why this was done. One of the more popular ones argues that placing the slice over your drink would keep the flies away and hide the smell of cheap wine. Read more...

Let there be light: Lyon Festival of Lights

Each year, on December 8th, Lyon hosts a vibrant festival of lights. For four days this UNESCO Heritage of south-eastern France takes form of glorious illumination. Visitors from around Europe come to participate and admire an outdoor art exhibition of light in all its forms: candles, projections, installations, illuminations and fireworks.

It first began in 1852 when every household would light up candles at their windows in honour of Virgin Mary. As the night fell, locals gathered in a pilgrim walk up the hill to the Fourvière Cathedral carrying lanterns.

Today, this celebration has allowed artists from around the globe to express their creativity through the use of light. The city’s main architecture sites are matched by unique light displays which bring out the vibrancy and detail of each building. The numerous bridges, for which Lyon is known, are illuminated as well, creating a transcending reflection along the rivers of Saône and Rhône. Unusual animations are projected by light beams against many historic monuments. Whether you are strolling down the narrow alleys of the Croix Rousse hill or relaxing at the river banks, you will be enchanted by the playful movements of light and music.

Imagine Lyon’s history come alive with thousands of lights. The city is now not only known as the culinary capital of France, but as one of the best kept secrets of Europe.

Ice-skating for fitness and socialization

Ice-skating has become a mainstream sport in Toronto. In winter, Torontonians meet at one of many outdoor rinks to exercise, play and socialize. It is an aerobic workout, combining both fitness and fun.

If you are a novice, it is time to try this out. Sure you will take some falls, but that is part of the fun. The only way to learn is to do it yourself. Grab an experienced friend who can hold your hand during the first nerve-racking hours and head out onto the ice. If all your friends are virgin skaters, then why not try a skating lesson? The Harbourfront centre hosts annual lessons for beginners with the next session starting in January.

Some health facts:
Ice-skating improves your balance and coordination. It is a great workout for your abs, quads, calves, and hamstrings. The more experienced you become the better workout you will have.

Where to skate?
There are two outdoor skating rinks located in the downtown core. Both rinks, at Nathan Phillips Square and the Harbourfront, are well lit with inviting music and atmosphere. You may choose to skate at Harbourfront while admiring the tranquil movements of Lake Ontario, or glide along City Hall surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers and trees.

To learn more about ice-skating activities and lessons visit: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/noflash/skating.php