[password] shipnavire1
[status]
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Usually when I'm travelling I'm looking for the exotic, to examine cultures different to mine. But this time I'm content that this Canadian culture is so similar to my own. Although ultimately travel is about meeting people and exploring local food and this trip is rich with both.
Toronto was about visiting family and shopping. We haven't had access to good western shopping for 14 months and won't again for another 16 so there were a few things on the list.
The superb Canadian hospitality has continued with cousin Linda accommodating us in her beautiful house close tot eh city. We had our own bathroom, and a fridge stocked with stuff you can't get in Majuro.
From there we visited the newest member of the family, one week old Leandro, son of Jess and Manny, who also had the delightful Maya 2, and Danica 4. Next we visited one of the oldest members of the family Jim, who at 90 was in excellent shape. It bodes well that David has healthy longevity family genes. Jim took us to a local restaurant where I discovered crispy quinoa. More on that coming up in my food blog. http://cookingclubwellington1.wordpress.com/
More good food was had in an excellent Toronto restaurant with a friend of David's who he hadn't seen in 40 years Doug Flood, and his lovely wife Christine. Thanks for the meal.

Next stop Halifax. Subway and train and a 100km drive and we were at cousin Mary's. Mary is a recently found cousin and an excellent addition to the family. After another luxurious night we climbed into their truck and hit the road for Halifax to meet Mary's daughter and family. Next thing I knew we were in France. Well almost. We'd crossed the border into Quebec and all the signage was in French. No English. And everybody spoke French as a first language. Our destination was Quebec City. Established in 1608, the original city has been preserved.
The following morning we drove to Hopewell Rocks which has the highest tides in the world - up to 46'. Then on to Halifax. Its absolutely wonderful having someone else organise the trip. Mary mapped it all out, booked the accommodation, and planned food. I felt very well looked after.

Check out my facebook posts for more detail and photographs. Have just posted a blog with photos too.[END]