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J P H Travel Adventures
J P H Travel Adventures

J P H Travel Adventures

We love travel. Working with international students and business clients made us realise early in life that most people who travel have a broader perspective. They understand we all have a beating heart and smile that transcends our differences. Read more🇨🇦Windsor, ON
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  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    The Explorers Lounge on the Viking Sun
    Hot balloon over the harbour our last eveningTreats for Swedish FikaUnique fountain as you enter Stockholm harborPilot boat rendezvous1

    Home at last!

    June 9, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    All good things must come to an end and alas our amazing adventure has come to a close and the stretchy pants required for the trip home are telling us enough of this excess. We are so thankful that every piece of the puzzle went as planned from flights to incredible weather amazing food and a diverse group of new friends.
    We soaked in one last morning of the picturesque Stockholm harbour from our balcony then started our 24 hour (by our body) trip home from Stockholm through Munich on to Toronto and the long drive back arriving to Windsor early Sunday morning.
    We said a heartfelt goodbye to our travel companions Jean et Lucie who made this trip so enjoyable to be able to chat through more information than we could ever absorb.
    On the way home Paul and I were talking about how this trip has helped us understand so many more pieces of history and culture in a way we never thought possible filling in many gaps in our knowledge bank.
    Thank you for following along with us. It has been interesting for us to use the blog for the first time. In a fairly simple format it has helped us keep the days and a few pics in sync rather than all jumbled together.
    Nice to see my garden in bloom and waiting for me this morning. So thankful.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Cruising the archipelago of Stockholm
    Perfect morningSailing into the harbourView of Stockholm harbour from our balconyStockholm city hall where Nobel prizes are awardedStockholm ancient city..we really enjoyed our walk around hereWaffles and pastry everywhereAn amusement park in the harbour

    Stockholm Sweden

    June 7, 2019, North Sea ⋅ 🌫 13 °C

    Sailing into Stockholm on a crystal clear morning calm as glass. Breathtaking!
    The sun has not really set in Stockholm..it is light all night as we are within a couple of weeks of the eqinox . It is amazing to see the sun set after 11pm. The temp today 30C..clear and hot.
    Paul and I enjoyed a leisurely walk around the old town this morning as our tour was not till the afternoon. Fun to see Swedish Fika everwhere..the tradition of coffee and a pastry I remember hearing from our students.
    It is evident Sweden is a very wealthy city with an abundance of talented professionals. Many doctors train here at the university of Stockholm and excellent facilities abound.
    We visited the city hall where the Noble prizes are awarded..quite awe inspiring. I took a pic of Paul in the couryard where so many great minds have stood...saying that is where he could be awarded the Nobel prize for Quality Lol!!
    There are 10 mill in Sweden..2.2 in Stockholm ..they are members of EU but not of Nato. We were told the citizens wish they were as their neighbour to the east is a concern for all.
    There are 14 islands 60 canals. 57 bridges..it is hard to get around lots of traffic issues.
    It is a very old city dating back to 1252. It is home to many writers journalists and scientists.
    Stockholm..very expensive..dinner out 120E average meal
    Housing very expensive pepple spend 45 percent of their income on housing. They pay some of the highest tax in Europe.. .
    We loved the vibe and found it very picturesque. Wish we had more time here.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Sibelius Park commemorating Jean Sibelius Finland's greatest composer 600 steel pipes in a wave
    Helsinki Lutheran cathedralBeautiful..pipe organ..played while we were thereStatue St NicholasAt city hallLoved the Scandinavian design furnitureCentral promenade ...lovelyFlowers everywhere...all beautiful

    Helsinki Finland

    June 6, 2019 in Finland ⋅ 🌫 23 °C

    Helsinki is a very pretty city filled with well kept gardens and sculptures. It is park like with lots of trees and rock formations and feels a lot like Canada. It is an old city with Russian and Swedish roots.
    All school children speak Finnish and Swedish and start learning English at age 7.
    Saunas and spas can be found everywhere...a very Finnish thing to do.
    Beautiful water front with a huge vendor stall open air market selling food and all sorts of goods.
    Independence from Russia was first in 1917
    Inc tax 30pc incl health ins. There are many new hospitals and claim leading edge techniques..they train lots of doctors sought after world wide. The city is full of modern buildings and looks prosperous. We found it to be very expensive but full of gorgeous international shops. We viewed the large Lutheran cathedral St Nicholas in the centre of Helsinki. It was built in 1855... quite lovely.
    Finland has 5.5 million population. .600k in Helsinki
    We shopped around and had lunch..very nice
    Finnish sandwich and cappuccino on a patio. It was very hot about 85F but nice breeze from the harbour.
    On to Stockholm.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    The central pool..we used it most days..often to ourselves.
    Paul and Jean love all the treatsShip band ..dancing under the stars..one of the best dance parties we have ever attended..fun!Ship store...Russian dollsThe spa thermal poolGorgeous sunset off shipThe gym..we did go a couple of timesThe spa..has hot sauna and ice room after...no thanks!1

    Viking Sun

    June 6, 2019 in Estonia ⋅ 🌫 27 °C

    A few pics of our tough life at sea..hard to know what to do first. Far too much eating that is for sure! Every meal is better than the last..afternoon tea fit for royalty...supper at any of five restaurants all wonderful...small vignette bars all over where you can get cappuccino or drinks and additional treats anytime.
    Our thoughts. Life is short.....if you have the opportunity...invest in yourselves...and just do it!!! An amazing adventure coming to a close after Stockholm.
    Thankful to have shared this amazing experience with Paul....we are soooo lucky...and with Jean et Lucie our travel companions... who share our interests in world travel. We have shared lots of laughs and a few beverages while debating the depth of history that surrounds us.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Catherine palace
    The Hermitage1In front of the Hermitage1Unbelievable amounts of gold leaf cover everythingArtillery museumLada carSpilled Blood Cathedral gold leaf spire can be seen everywhereWar ship and naval academyPeter the Great....and PaulHermitage

    Russia

    June 4, 2019 in Russia ⋅ 🌫 22 °C

    Happy to report we made it in and out of St Petersburg Russia without a visit with authorities. The cruise director kept warning everyone not to fool around with the customs requirements...saying "there is no rushing the Russians" it takes time to clear customs be patient. We were a little apprehensive as Paul was here in 1972 and had a minor traffic issue that involved Russian police...so I was very thankful when he cleared the gate after I was already through.
    St Petersburg home of the Tsars..it is like a work of art......it is mind blowing...5.8 million people ..only 63 sunny days a year and we were here for two of the most perfect. We toured this canal city by boat...68 islands and canals. The canal wall made of granite was built in 1733. It surrounds the city..unbelievable engineering. It is known as Venice of the north ..one incredible building after another dating back to the 1700s. Katherine and Peter the Great built many castles. The amber room at the Katherine Palace is stunning. ..a whole room of amber walls and decor can't be described. The gold leaf in the palaces and churches throughout the city is hard to comprehend.. During the war years many of the art treasures from all over Europe were taken to Russia and hidden...it is this vast collection of fine art that fills the Hermitage and other great palaces. Amazing to see.
    The Russian baroque style used by many architects and the ornate carvings covered in gold leaf readily available instead of marble like the rest of Europe. The churches are exceptional in design, size and decor and full of historic tombs.
    We saw the artillery museum...scary...they have so many munitions..and ships now anchored that were used in many pivotal war maneuvers.
    After the revolution everything was state owned and the country has a difficult transition moving to public ownership and commerce. The city has prospered with shipbuilding..science and IT development, logistics..and big port infrastructure.
    Following our 9hr tour day..we had another wonderful dinner and dancing under the stars on a beautiful evening. The Viking cruise is truly top notch, fun and we have met so many interesting people.
    What an experience to see all this history and the fine art of the Hermitage, knowing we haven't even scratched the surface.
    The weather has been incredible for our whole trip. Not one rainy day anywhere. It was cool but sunny in Scandinavia but this week has been 80F plus. Wonderful!

    .    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Tallinn very pretty town..ancient city
    Tallinn ancient city wallGilds of many crafters and tradesOld pharmacy in continuous operation since 1400sAncient main streetBeautiful Russian orthodox church..service in progress..interesting to see Estonian women in prayer dressesCobblestone walks date to 13 and 1400s hard for us to comprehend and easy to break an ankle2nd highest beer consumption per capita after Czech Republic.Map of Estonia areaThe modern city...tons of IT and science specialists

    Tallinn Estonia

    June 3, 2019 in Estonia ⋅ 🌫 15 °C

    Tallinn Estonia feels like you have stepped back in time to one of Europe's oldest and best preserved medieval towns. It is the same land size as the Netherlands but population only 1.3 million.
    It is has storied past of many wars and conquests but it is a great example of preserving history while building a modern city. The economy of agriculture and forestry is now supplemented by IT research and development by such companies as Virgin mobile..Branson doing world class IT development using cheap labour. The university is famous for Medicine and IT grads sought after word wide.
    Independence in 1918 from Russia . It was just one of the Scandinavian and other european countries wanting to control Estonia a walled city 2.6 mi and 44 towers protecting the harbour on the Baltic.
    We toured the beautiful Russian orthodox church dating back to 1400s all real gold leaf heavily decorated ...people stand..no pews. A service was in progress and we were able to see Estonian women in ordinary prayer dress.
    Lutheran is the base religion but few citizens attend today.
    In WW2 Estonia was aligned with Russia and Germany until Germans invaded Russia and the subsequent end of the war. Estonia went back to communist denomination where the citizens lived under an oppressive regime in poverty and limited movement until 1989. We saw the KGB building where they intercepted citizens from churches.
    Most fun was touring the guilds of the ancient city. Guilds where crafters and vendors of every type. It was a lovely afternoon seeing felting, spinning, leather making, knitting,quilting,stitching, woodworking and so many other guilds dating back centuries. No wonder these counties have exceptional craftsmen, people are trained from cradle to technical school.
    As the war ended when Germany invaded Russia Estonia was under Russia..the people remained very poor..could not leave or travel until until 1989 with the uprising where citizens formed the Baltic chain joining hands and singing..... ultimately overthrowing the government resulting in their freedom in 1991 for the Baltic countries..
    Other notes:
    second highest consumption of beer per person in world after Czech Republic
    57 pc tax
    Low unemployment. 1pc
    Social benefits..are poor compared to other countries ...but.after the war there was no financial base..and mafia ruled...with help from Finland and Sweden..they now have a very low crime rate and hard working economy.
    Families subsidized to have children to increase population
    Earn 800 per mo after tax
    Rent apt 450 euro plus electric etc
    Olympics Moscow 1980...sailing was held in Estonia harbour...    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Old centre of commerce for grain exports from 1400sMany old and refurbished buildingsAncient buildings used to dry grainAncient town centre1Perogies yum!The shipyards where Lec Walenza started the Solidatity movementWedding in St Marys church while tourists meanderNational dress at wedding

    Gdansk Poland

    June 1, 2019 in Poland ⋅ 🌫 18 °C

    Poland the land of perogies, honey meringue pastries and cheap beer has intrigued me since my friend Alicja introduced me to polish culture and food about 30 yrs ago. Our bus tour of Gdansk on a beautiful sunny day 70F gave us a taste of Poland and a feeling we would love to return.
    Their 1000 yr history particularly the golden era from the 15th to 17th century as grain farmers and merchants created much wealth known as the golden era. Seen as a safe place for Jews and mennonite farmers from the Netherlands the society developed quickly until Sweden raided all their riches and Poland collapsed in 1800s.
    June 1st the day we are here is a celebration of independence after WW1 and known as Children's day. It also celebrates the right to vote achieved following the Solidarity demonstrations of 1989. It was a wonderful vibe to meet local parents with their children enjoying the ancient centre. G. Farenheit was born raised in historic poland city centre founder of temperature measurement.
    WW2 tension started when Poland was attacked by the Germans which started the WW2 in 1939. The intense bombing and occupation from 1943 virtually destroyed Gdansk and many historical buildings. Poland lost over 6 million Jews and citizens during the occupation.
    We walked through the historic old town, the Green gate, the Golden gate and explored the ancient town area were buildings now restored, dried grains for world export. The location of the city 5mi back from the Baltic Sea made it a safe port and home to much wealth. There are many shops and restaurants featuring honey meringue pastries and all sorts of perogies.
    St Mary's Basilica..largest brick church in the world..housed many treasures of Poland. Many were saved from destruction being sent to private collections worldwide..a concerted effort to get them returned is in progress. While tourists meander around the ancient church, local weddings take place in the nave of the church such as the one we witnessed with many guests wearing national dress...fun!
    In the past decade there has been tremendous growth..immigration from the Ukraine, Italy and Spain has brought labour required to re-build the city. Many international head offices exchange employees and families due to free education....and easy development opportunities in construction and business ventures. The complaint by citizens is the government has little experience with urban planning over time to make liveable cities with green spaces and acquiesce to developers money rather than lifestyle.
    It is very cheap to fly from Poland to other European centres so many citizens come to Gdansk for services such as mechanical car services, dental care or holiday wknds and for cheap alcohol.
    In 1979 strikes for food began as corruption by Russian government left people starving and being killed for revolting. In 1980 Lech Walesa led the first trade union of shipyard workers known as Solidarity to a massive nationwide revolt against food wars. The Solidarity revolt led Lec Walesa to become President of Poland leading to the beginning of democracy and to winning the Nobel Peace prize.
    We all loved Gdansk and would love to see lots more of Poland another time.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Holocaust memorial
    1Remnants of the Berlin wallCheckpoint CharlieCheckpoint Charlie1Brandenburg gateHolocaust memorialConcentration camps and places of horror1On the street cobblestones and plaques mark where the wall was standing2After our drink stop..these Berliner bears are everywhere..symbol of Berlin

    Berlin Germany

    May 31, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌫 20 °C

    We knew we had a full agenda when booking our Viking cruise and today's 13 hr tour starting at 6.15am was no exception. The ship docked at Warnemunde Germany where we joined our guide Lars for a 2.5 hr train ride to Berlin. En rte we met another couple Lori and Randy who joined us for the day. An included bus tour of Berlin provided highlights and orientation to the history and famous sites. Germany pop 89 mill. Berlin 6 mill on the Spree river. In 1933 Russia conquered the country. Hitler and the reich ruled during the war ending in 1945.
    Since the fall of the Berlin wall sweeping transformation of architectural and cultural modernization has emerged. The Berlin wall divided the city during the cold war from August 1961 to 1989 for 96 miles. The wall was guarded by 16000 snipers where many lost their lives trying to cross the 70 foot death zone to escape
    Our guide an east Berliner told us about life in east Berlin where for 50 yrs they were separated from the rest of the world by the Berlin Wall. They could see across to the freedom of the west, had to attend oppressive schools fed by the communist regime and listen to English music and tv while dreaming to live on the other side. He took us to the Brandenburg Gate..an emotional site for Berliners. Growing up they knew if they could walk through the gate..it means freedom. The gate originally built in 1791 has been refurbished removing tons of bullets...it is the site where Ronald Reagan said to Gorbachev if you want peace bring down the wall..within two yrs it was down... Peter Jennings Cdn led the commentary the night the wall came down.
    Breznev of Russia and Honniker Germany signed the treaty of German reunification the following yr.
    We saw Checkpoint Charlie, one of 6 points where people could go in and out of east and west side for specific reasons.
    The historic centre of Berlin has been rebuilt using vacant land where the wall and army were. Some of the new buildings include the State library, the Opera house the most modern in Europe, the Einstein centre and the State library replacing one where all books were burned by communists in 60s, the new glass parliament known as the Reichstag and we viewed the historic one where russian flag claimed victory in 1933 and where later Hitler and germans signed unconditional surrender in 1945 and his ultimate suicide.
    Visiting the holocast memorial was very sobering. Thousands of people viewing the wall and historical artifacts in silence. The horrors of the slaughter of so many is difficult to see.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Lucie and I need new knees and feet
    Delightful stop for lunchLittle Mermaid and tales of Hans Christian Andersen1Historic Wharf Copenhagen1Centre of Copenhagen on walking tour..cathedral in backgroundTown square..loads of people, international shops, music..great vibe2Our stop for real danish pastry..like nothing we have had before...so goodThe pastry shop

    Copenhagen Denmark

    May 30, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ 🌫 13 °C

    Copenhagen May 30
    Denmark is the smallest, flattest country in Scandinavia 5.8 million people and surrounded by water. It has 6000 windmills creating 25 pc energy..very environmentally responsible. Our guide showed us a huge new facility that turns garbage to energy for the whole area of Scandinavia. The building is multi purpose...as the country is so flat. It was built on an angle so people can dive in the underground layer by the sea and ski down the angular roof or rock climb up the building.
    The country was occupied by the nazi's from 1939 to 45. Danes were known for saving 6,000 Jews during the war. They have a long history of very smart naval defense from historic times to the cold war. They say they have no resources to export so they gave free education creating a society of very bright leaders who have become leaders in corporations around the world. We visited the little mermaid at water's edge and the sites of Hans Christian Andersen. Paul remembered being there in 1972.
    Maersk the world's biggest transportation co..created a huge danish foundation that built the danish opera house designed by Larsen..in 5yrs.... 500 mill US dollars. Danish designs feature simplicity and functionality and harmony with nature. Most sustainable country..great architects..use sea water to cool and heat buildings.
    People swim at harbours...any sunny day...known as most swimmable country..
    600km bike lanes and trails...throughout Copenhagen..bikes and electric scooters everywhere.
    Following the tour we walked all over ending up at Tivoli Gardens. We all loved the historic city and vibe of Copenhagen.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Historic Luthern church dates to 1400..see ship hanging in centre..prayers for sailors
    Owners of this house back to 1700sHistoric church doorHome of Trolls..everywhere in ScandinaviaPolitical campaign..elections next week handing out roses for candidateRed Bull Pub...fun!Old town hall AalborgOne of the young Danish guys..shared happy hour with usHistoric Aalborg

    Aalborg Denmark

    May 29, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ 🌫 11 °C

    May 29.. Aalborg Denmark is the oldest monarchy in the world. Crown prince and queen Marguerite are figureheads have no political power and live in the royal palace in Copenhagen. Their flag is a white cross on red background. It is known as a flag of celebration... people use the flag for decoration and clothing quite freely. Denmark is known as a welfare state where everyone is looked after..free healthcare, free education, free senior and child care. People pay 40 pc tax. Including 1pc to church and state tax. They are known as the happiest people in the world
    Our first stop Aalborg 4th largest city pop 120,000 ...home of Knudsen ...architect of Sydney Opera House....the university has world renowned school if architecture. The city features many architectural beauties.
    Our walking tour (we walk/tour 15,000 to 20,000 steps most days) highlighted oldest church dating back to 1200s ..city known for export of white cement worldwide.
    Following our tour we stopped for drinks at the John Bull Pub where we spent a delightful evening chatting with a couple of local young people about everything from beer to sports to life Denmark. They had both travelled extensively but decided to return to Denmark citing the quality of life. We all thoroughly enjoyed their company.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Lupine and lilacs on our walk
    Cruising into Eidfjord11Eid fjordMachine that digs the tunnels through mountains massive!1Stavanger oil museumStavanger area1Lovely cafe and bakery stop in Stavanger

    Eidfjord and Stavanger Norway

    May 27, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Perfect sunny day enjoying the fiords of Norway. Pinch me...we are here! Cruising in to the Eidfjord fiord at sunrise was breathtaking. Smooth as glass, crystal clear, peaceful, surreal. We were taken by bus to a Norweigan national park and nature preserve. The bus followed the river, rocky fast flowing and full of fish ladders all the way. An interesting presentation about the natural elements and origination of this land. The mountains are right upon you..straight up. The Noweigan trekking cloths are sold everywhere and far superior to anything we see at home. Following the tour Paul and I walked 6km up some trails following the river then back through the town. A very enjoyable afternoon.
    Another perfect sunny day in Stavanger..pop 130 000. the oil capital, fourth largest and most international city in Norway. Immigration to support the oil and fishing industries has made this a very multicultural city.
    It is very cool and windy but warms up nicely for our walking tour of the city center and oil museum.
    1969 gas was found off coast Norway..in the north sea..by comparison it was mid 80s before it was found off Newfoundland. The geology ..of the oil ..is 3 layers..of sea bed..to a reservoir layer that contains oil. The highly sought after light crude is 2500 to 4000m below the surface and easiest oil to refine. Norway owns more of the sea..re oil than land. There are approx 200 installations in Norwegian sea..operating about 80 at a time. The oil museum is fascinating and one of the best most developed museums anywhere. It has been paid for from the oil trust fund that provides for the high quality of life in Norway. The fund is worth billions and spends approx 4pc annually on health care, education, infrastructure and culture.
    A walk through the old town preserved from 17 and 18th centuries is delightful. Cobblestone streets, over 250 wooden buildings, the highest concentration of historic buildings on the continent, all restored from the trust fund. The fish market and historical stops at the old cannery where herring was processed and shipped worldwide are fascinating. The town is very much filled with locals and lots of bakeries and cafe's. Norwegians rank second in the world for amount of coffee consumption. We stopped to try a delicious pastry and coffee then continued on our own exploring for a couple of hours.
    We have met many interesting guests on the ship. The enhancement lectures by three retired university profs provide excellent background info on our next stops and many other topics.
    The food is exceptional..Paul and Jean were right into the seafood buffet last evening and many other choices abound.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Azaleas everywhere...glorious!
    UNESCO protected original timber buildings of BergenRestaurants have sheepskin and blankets so guests can enjoy eating outside in cool weatherAll kinds of fish at local marketAll kinds of fish everywhere..market has been continuous since 1500sThis market continues since 1500sI want to bring home all the textiles...just gorgeous2Street games for families in Bergen. About 50 games so many families having fun together

    Exploring Bergen

    May 26, 2019 in Norway ⋅ 🌫 10 °C

    Our ship is the Viking Sun...beautiful 2 yr old ship. We are docked beside the Viking Sky the ship that had all the problems in March where waves washed overboard and guests were helicoptered off in the middle of the night. So there have been lots of comments about making sure we get back on the right ship.
    We lingered a bit his morning enjoying the ship, then joined our tour of Bergen before noon.
    We learned some of the history of Bergen.
    May 17 was constitution day..independence from Denmark so lots of festivals still in progress.
    Historically Norway's oldest houses are around Bergen.. old German and Norwegian merchants brought in cod to trade with rest of the world around 1100. The Hensietic league rogue businessmen from Germany overpowered the fishermen for years.
    Most buildings are made of wood then later of stone a symbol of power.
    Bergen gets 265 days of rain it is the rainiest city in Norway so we are very lucky to have a gorgeous sunny day today. The population of Bergen area is 280,000
    Big explosion of Bergen 1944 burned most buildings, the re-build after the great fire started the culture change.
    Bergen is a city of 7 mountains..Norwegians love to hike the 7 mountains..... hiking is very close to people's hearts..often a first date is to go on a hike...see if you are cut out to be Norwegian on first date.
    Crime very low in Bergen..highest standard of living in world so low social issues..low crime...low unemployment...health care for all...government paid education for all...open immigration they need people..to help develop country...very environmentally conscious.
    Old and new..civilization and nature live side by side. Known as happiest society in the world. Very trusting of others...they have a good life do not need to steal etc.
    Money came from oil..oil fund only uses 4pc of the billion dollar fund. They spend the interest of the fund in infrastructure and health care.
    There are a lot of tunnels up to 26km underground paid for by the oil fund Bergen is now well connected by tunnels and ferries where it was previously isolated..
    Immigration largely from Poland and central Europe till recently..now from all over.
    Great music hall..composer Edward Greig ..known for songs such as Morning Song. We heard a concert of Greig music on the ship last evening.. lovely.
    Numerous buildings even today made with wood even foundation. They have the most Tesla's in world..want electric cars...no sales tax..no tolls...charge cars free around country. Environmental very big.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    A collapsed volcano crater
    This is what an earthquake 6 on richter scale did to a house in Iceland.Enjoying happy hour last sunny evening in ReykjavikAwesome little local spot for fish soups in bread bowlArriving BergenFirst view of Viking SunBergen harbourOur suite balconyOur state room

    Goodbye Iceland Hello Bergen

    May 25, 2019 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Iceland we love you.
    Every day was better than the last. Perfect weather...the air is so crisp and clear. The water is so good ...to drink and to use..it is crystal clear. The country is so environmentally responsible..no litter anywhere..no bags..lite packaging..way ahead of the rest of the world.
    The sun barely sets. It is still light at 11 at night and bright by 3am...hard to get to sleep but so beautiful. The people so friendly so eager to chat...so full of optimism. Neither Paul nor I have any sign of allergies or dry eyes...air so crisp and clear.
    Iceland is a modern society embracing innovation and technology. Unemployment under 3pc..but tax 24pc...average salary $4500 mo..many make lots more.
    We arrived in Bergen about 2.30pm.
    I have wanted to visit Norway since I was 17. As a Rotary exchange student I met many exchangees from Norway who sparked an interest in seeing this rugged country and the fiords. The weather is damp and drizzly about 50F but clearing later. The airport is modern and clean. The grounds have azaleas blooming everywhere..gorgeous!
    We arrived to our ship the Viking Sun...found our suite..got settled and enjoyed drinks and dinner with Lucie and Jean pinching ourselves that we are able to enjoy this experience.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Pingvellir National Park Unesco site where fissure opens up separating Iceland
    National park...Unesco site..tectonic plate shift and fallsVolcanic rock with rope form rock

    Iceland Golden Circle Tour

    May 24, 2019 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    The circle tour highlights farms greenhouses and geology. Loads of lichen moss and berries.
    The Vikings used up the natural forests in 1500s and no reforestation took place for hundreds of years as it takes over 500 years for trees to grow in this climate. This caused greater isolation for Icelanders with no resources to trade. They were under Norway..then the Danish until 1944 when they got their own independence
    Our tour moved on to the National park a Unesco heritage site. It is a holy place...known for history and geology and separation of tectonic plates. Everything has to be built to stand 7 on the Richter scale.
    Lunch was included at the Geyser National park site..amazing lunch loads of fish dishes interesting salads and full hot buffet selections..wonderful! Andrew and Socheata would love it.
    The geysers are spectacular shooting up 100 ft every few minutes from 3000 feet down. The water is 100C crazy hot! Getting an instant photo a fun challenge. After lunch we followed the circle route to the water fall..it looks like Niagara Falls....water everywhere is crystal clear..you can see down 30 ft or more    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Original thatched roof homes
    Original Icelandic thatched roof homePerlan centre...the bubble exceptional view of Reykjavik..was originally built as a water towerView from Perlan centreVolcanic rockVolcanic rock rope formationDinner ar the market where we met young Icelandic tech prosDandelions are as big as daffodils and found everywhere. Frequently see young girls making braided crownsRio Tinto aluminum processing plant uses cheap geo thermal energy

    Reykjavik Day 3 afternoon

    May 23, 2019 in Iceland ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Our afternoon bus tour included five stops around Rekyjavik with our knowledgeable local guide. It included a tour of the outdoor museum exhibiting the original thatch houses and a thatch church still in use. An archeological dig is taking place at this site. All very interesting to learn about the development of the culture and economy of Iceland.
    Most interesting is the positive effects of geo thermal heat since WW2. At the time of the war Iceland was 100,000 people a very simple culture speaking old norse. The Icelandic people were poor but very well read as a society and even yet are the highest book readers in the world. They were occupied by 50000 British troops. They brought road building...its all round abouts...they also brought engineers who helped make geo thermal heat widely available to everyone at low cost from volcanic geysers. Farming techniques and rule of law were also influenced by the occupation. Following the British the island was occupied by US troops through Norad till 2006 bringing technology and money.
    There is a 2cm crater and active volcanos on the island.
    Geo thermal heat has brought a lot of development and the brightest and best people developing new technology through the University...new greenhouse industry and social and cultural improvements such as home heat.
    Paul was delighted to see a Rio Tinto plant that makes aluminum for the plant he is doing consulting with in Windsor. Due to cheap geo thermal heat.... production cost is cheap. There are four aluminum smelters on Iceland. Paul would happily have stopped for a supplier quality audit but alas the other passengers were not as interested
    We also passed three large golf courses, a new development in Iceland.
    Finally we visted Perlan the bubble..overlooking the city..an architectural beauty built to house the city water supply. Very impressive.
    At supper at a large indoor market you could our have whatever you like from various vendors. A fun place with lots of locals and young people. We met four young Icelanders with two American tech professionals who told us about the leading edge careers happening here in the tech world. The Americans come over regularly and told us the brightest and best are here in Iceland and its an exciting time to be working in this business.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Water is blue from silica
    Volcano that erupted in ice age ..ice 400m thick..so volcano erupted under the ice..Skin smooth as baby's bum after spa

    Reykjavik Day 3 morning

    May 23, 2019 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    An excursion to the Blue Lagoon started our day following another wonderful breakfast buffet. The trip took us through the surreal lava landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the geothermal spa located in the middle of a rugged lava field. The water of the lagoon is 37 - 40C mineral rich and reputed to have healing properties. Its blue colour and high lava wall create a unique atmosphere. Our package included a mineral mud facial and a beverage at the swim up bar. It is a gorgeous day here with clear blue skies. We all agreed our skin was smooth as a baby's bum after our healing spa.Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Grand Hotel Reykjavik
    National Church of IcelandPipe organ in Lutheran cathedralVery interesting church ..very different than rest of Europe...very clean, clear,peaceful all about the Light!Lief Eriksen an Icelander and founder of North America

    Reykjavik Day 2

    May 22, 2019 in Iceland ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Smooth flight 5.5 hrs Toronto to Rekyjavik..via Icelandic Air. We were met by our Viking Rep and transported to our hotel the Grand Hotel Rekyjavik..lovely.
    We have read about no trees and volcanic landscape but were very surprised to see the entire landscape of volcanic rock and moss. It is a beautiful day clear skies and sun already bright at 6am. We arrived at the hotel and were invited to enjoy the hotel breakfast buffet as rooms were not ready until after noon. The buffet was amazing and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We were able to catch up with Lucie et Jean our travel companions. We met on a previous cruise and found they share our love of travel and our desire to gain a broader perspective of life through travel.
    Iceland has a population of 350 000 and hosts over 2 million tourists a year. Our first impressions are it is so friendly, very clean and has unlimited potential being developed by tons of young people.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    At the harbourLucie opening scarf and card to celebrate our tripOur fish and chip dinnerHarpa centre amazing architecture and culture centre

    Reykjavik Day 2 pm

    May 22, 2019 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    After brunch we went on a long walk exploring rather than rest from our no sleep night. We visited the beautiful National Church of Iceland designed by architect Samuelson. We saw the statue of Lief Eriksen the Icelandic discoverer who found North America before Christopher Columbus. We walked through lots of old streets and found a restaurant with authentic Icelandic food and then a decadent bakery. We got back to the hotel ready to drop. Our rooms were ready so we both had a nap.
    We woke up refreshed and took the hotel shuttle to the harbourfront for supper. We enjoyed a lovely happy hour watching the ships. Lucie and Jean opened the card and gift of a scarf I had made for them and celebrated the start of another travel adventure. The oldest fish and chip restaurant in Reykjavik was recommended to us for a delicious casual meal and Paul found Reykjavik's most famous ice cream shop across the road to finish off our first full day.
    A taxi had our name on it and we took a ride back to hotel about 10pm still full daylight.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler
    Toys packed ready to go
    Oh no I really have to go to Natalie'sPaul enjoying the priority loungeIceland Air

    Windsor to Reykjavik

    May 21, 2019 in Canada ⋅ 🌫 12 °C

    Ready set go!
    Following a lovely happy hour hosted by Lesley and friends we were all set to go. Our dog Cody had toys packed ready to go until sensing with ears back that Dad was taking him to Nathalie our groomer to stay for three weeks. A wonderful place to keep our boy where her family loves him as their own. Then the drive to Toronto...horrible truck traffic and a large transport losing a tire hit a car in front then us. We had no damage luckily but other guy significant damage.
    Found the Priority lounge a very civilized place to wait till plane time. Paul was happy to start vacation trying all the complimentary food. Always surprises me how much he can eat on vacation.
    Met Lucie and Jean both anxious to get this party started..their flight was 45 min late coming from Ottawa so a bit of a rush to get to our gate.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresIceland and the Baltic 2019Traveler

    St Clair Beach Ontario

    May 21, 2019 in Canada ⋅ 🌫 13 °C

    This is a test of the Find Penguins network.... a test adding our friends to the blog

  • J P H Travel AdventuresFrance 2015Traveler
    Sur le pont d'avignon ....this is the real bridge!!! very cool

    Avignon and Marseille

    May 10, 2015 in France ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape .....does it get any better... amazing experience to be at this winery... dating back to the 17th century. A lovely town Avignon looking at the 17 and 18th century collections of porcelain, tapestries and antiques... very friendly town. and we saw the real pont d'avignon from the song...very cool
    We disembarked and made our way to Marseilles for the flight home.
    Loved our Paris and South of France adventure.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresFrance 2015Traveler

    Arles France

    May 9, 2015 in France ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Arles ...a lovely town beloved by VanGogh. Some of his greatest paintings originated here. A tour of the old Roman arena was part of our walking tour. Thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of Arles the art throughout the town and the original VanGogh home.
    Back at the ship the farewell reception and toasting many new friends. Sal and Bea Vaccarino ...native Italian who lived in Scotland were our dinner companions along with Mike and his wife from Hawaii. We had a week of lovely conversation. Sal is a trained opera singer and treated us to amazing entertainment each evening.    Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresFrance 2015Traveler

    Lyons France Day 9

    May 5, 2015 in France ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    We left our lovely flat in the Marais and headed by train to Lyons to join the Viking ship Hernod for our river cruise. Due to spring rains we found the river boat would not sail as it would not fit under the bridges of the Rhone river. We were able to take in all the stops but had to be bused to each place. We enjoyed looking around Lyons and rented bikes to explore the city. We met some great people on the ship and thoroughly enjoyed the Viking hospitality.Read more

  • J P H Travel AdventuresFrance 2015Traveler

    Marais Paris Day 6

    May 3, 2015 in France ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    Another amazing day walking all over Paris. Paul is very good with directions and Metro etc. We loved the Rodin gallery...very cool to see the Kiss and the Thinker up close. Visited the Gallerie Lafayette amazing... St Chapelle, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. We had supper at the neighbourhood authentic French cuisine Le Bistrot Gourmand du Haut Marais on rue Charles Francois Dupuis. Food was so good...lovely wine...memorable after a wonderful day.Read more

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