A Piece of Paradise

Written by Donna Cederstrand

As I enter Elysium Garden, it is like being transported into a different world-a-land that you only hear about in fairy tales.

I meet Jacquie Cherot (owner), a demure woman dressed in a beige nursery workers uniform, hat upon her head and a friendly smile upon her face. She is warm and inviting and walks me around the grounds, explaining that the lush grass under our feet is the old floor of the orchard that sat here many years ago.  As I enjoy the sun shining, I can hear the robins singing their songs as they perch on apple tree branches; some of the original trees still speckle the four acres. The bees buzz about happily from rose to rose and the butterflies dance from lily to lily.

The Alligator Farm & Zoological Park ~ St. Augustine

Written by JP Chartier

Just off the North Eastern coast of Florida, lurking in the green murky waters of Anastasia Island, are terrifying creatures with sharp teeth, armoured skin and nasty attitudes.

The Zoological Park : Photo Credit: JP Chartier

The terrifying creatures I'm talking about are crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharial) of course, and they can be found in abundance at the Alligator Farm & Zoological Park on Anastasia Island just a hop, skip and a jump from St. Augustine.

There are 7-acres of lush tropical wilderness at the Alligator Farm, a wooden bridge snakes its way over the network of waterways and swamp-like ponds allowing visitors to experience these creatures up close and personal. This is the only park in the world that contains every living species of crocodilian on earth, so it goes without saying that you will be immersed in everything gator.

The Pride of Baler ~ Where All the Pain and Patience Pay Off

Written by Angel de la Flor

I have been in the Pacific Coast when we were in California in April.  I longed to stay there, the waters were all wild and beautiful ... and I very much expected Baler to be the same as it also fronts the Pacific Ocean.

Baler is a second-class municipality in the province of Aurora, in the Philippines. In 2009, it topped the list of beach destinations in the country. It was also described as one of the 'top surf spots' with hundreds of surfers during the surfing season from September to February.

The trip to Baler was extra special; it was the first beach destination in summer and it was also the first weekend I had since I started working.

But, Baler went beyond its wildest waves and farther than the stretch of its coast. It offered so much warmth from the locals, food flavours that remind you of home, and beauty that leaves you so grateful for being in your own country.

Are We Expecting Too Much from the Taste of Manila in Toronto?

Taste of Manila in Toronto is a test for the taste of the Filipinos!

The "Little Manila" in the Toronto streets of Bathurst and Wilson is a witness in approximately twenty five thousand in attendance, and maybe more. It is a big surprise ~ to the organizers and the people who are instrumental to its success.

Taste of Manila is the first street festival organized by the Philippine Cultural Community Centre headed by Rolando Mangante, in association with the Philippine Consulate Office of Toronto. It is a two-day festivities attended by the Filipino-Canadian community and their non-Filipino families and friends. A very festive weekend celebration on August 23 and 24. 

Filipino-Canadian crowd at the 1st Taste of Manila - First Day August 23, 2014 - 25,000 people

Bathurst and Wilson streets were partly closed, contrary to what was originally reported, to accommodate the influx of Pinoys coming from the neighbourhood and the neighbouring cities. 

And yes, for those who still don't know, the area of Wilson and Bathurst is home to many Filipino-Canadians and so with the many Filipino businesses mushrooming the two streets.

Enjoy the Best of Toronto ~ Dinner Cruise with Skyline Views

Enjoy the best of Toronto!

You can save more than 50% on a "wonderful evening" on the Toronto Harbour that Travelzoo users love for the "excellent" food and "magnificent" views.

Why we love this deal

Travelzoo guests rave about this scenic harbour dinner cruise; it's simply a "wonderful evening" Dine on food that "impresses" (Toronto Star), including a catch of the day and chocolate fondue Take in picturesque views of the city skyline or dance on deck to the music of a professional DJ Good through Dec. 14; buy now and plan a fall evening on the water with friends and family To save $5 more, download our iPhone or Android app and enter code GIVEME5 during purchase What's included