March 2009
Hello from Ottawa – The Lord Elgin Hotel – A Historic Landmark in the Heart of Ottawa
As far as travel to Ottawa is concerned, you’d be hard pressed to find a more central lodging location than the Lord Elgin Hotel. It is located right at the Intersection of Elgin and Laurier Streets, just steps away from Parliament Hill, the War Memorial, the Chateau Laurier, the Government Conference Centre and the National Arts Centre. Confederation Park, one of the main locations for Winterlude, is located right across the street.
We could not have found a better spot for our Ottawa Winterlude getaway last weekend. My room on the 4th floor was very comfortable and I had a perfect view out over Elgin Street, looking at the Chateau Laurier and the War Memorial on one side, and facing Confederation Park and the Rideau Canal on the other. We literally left our car parked for the whole 2 days and were able to get everywhere we wanted on foot.
The Lord Elgin was a perfect starting point for our adventures on the Rideau Canal, and our excursions to the ByWard Market and Sparks Street. Further south on Elgin Street is another major entertainment area nestled inside an established neighbourhood with exclusive homes and condominiums.
Ann Meelker from the Lord Elgin Hotel was kind enough to give me a lay of the land and pointed out the local landmarks. She also explained to me that the National Conference Centre actually used to be a railroad station many years ago, when train tracks were routed right next to the Rideau Canal.
My big interest in this hotel was its history as it was constructed more than 60 years ago. So I did some reserach to dig into the background of this historic building.
In 1940, as the Second World War brought more and more official visitors into town, Ottawa found itself desperately short of hotel accommodation. A local entrepreneur and city alderman by the name of Chester Pickering, President of Dustbane, Modern Building Cleaning, and Michael’s Industrial Equipment, was entrusted with the job of bringing a good hotel to the City. He connected with Jack Udd, a wealthy businessman from Rochester, New York, the president of the Ford Hotel Chain.
They were looking for a suitable site for the hotel and finally found one in an abandoned lot at the corner of Elgin and Laurier. However, obtaining the land was complicated by the fact that it was owned by the federal government.
It seemed highly unlikely that this land could be obtained from the government, but through personal connections and various outright shenanigans Chester Pickering was able to get the property. Chester Pickering knew that then Prime Minister Mackenzie King longed to make Ottawa the most attractive capital in the world, so he was sure that the idea of cleaning up this run-down area would appeal to the Prime Minister.
And not only did Pickering get the land, he also got a low-cost tax assessment on it, in light of the fact that government had not been receiving any taxes on this federally owned property at all before. With all the conditions met, Jack Udd started building the hotel and Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King even laid the cornerstone. The Lord Elgin was completed in 1941 in a classical French chateau style at a cost of about C$1,500,000.
All throughout Prime Minister Mackenzie King took a strong interest in the hotel and virtually designed the pillars in front of the hotel himself. He also insisted that the hotel be built of stone, not brick. Jack Udd agreed on a compromise and used stone at both ends and in the front, but he would put brick in the back.
The hotel is named after James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine (1811 to 1863) who became Governor General of Canada in 1847. He became the first Governor General to remove himself from the affairs of the legislature, which led to the essentially symbolic role that the Governor-General of Canada has today.
Ann also allowed me to have a look at some correspondence between Prime Minister Mackenzie King and the grandson of the original Lord Elgin, who donated two marble busts of his grandparents, Lord and Lady Elgin. The correspondence dates back to 1940 and talks about shipping the busts on warships during World War II from Scotland to Canada.
Ann also mentioned that during the summer a portion of the Changing of the Guards ceremony can be seen directly outside the hotel. And the starting line for the Ottawa International Marathon is located immediately in front of the Lord Elgin Hotel.
Being the nosy person that I am I wanted to get the real low-down on this property and Randy Battcock, Guest Services Manager at the Lord Elgin, agreed to take me on a tour through the property. Randy is an interesting individual himself, he hails from Newfoundland and worked for a local airline for 21 years. After running a guest house in Ottawa for 8 years he applied for the Guest Manager’s position and got the job the next day. It is obvious that Randy loves what he does.
During our tour through the building, Randy explained that the original building was H-shaped and that the back was filled in many years ago to enlarge the rooms. In some of the boardrooms on the higher levels you can still see the former street faade on the west side, now forming an inside wall.
Two 8-storey towers were added on the north and south side and they added 55 additional bedrooms, an inground pool and a restaurant. Another little known fact is that there is a 3 bedroom apartment on the 12th floor which to this day is the residence of the former manager of the hotel who spent 50 years managing the hotel and raised his children there. The apartment has the only patio in the building with a perfect view east towards the Rideau Canal.
Randy also enlightened me that of the four guest elevators, two are original and date all the way back to 1941. The fourth elevator used to be a smokestack for the furnace in the basement, but it was dismantled bit by bit to allow for the construction of an additional elevator. The building still has an original functioning mail chute where you can drop your letters from any floor and gravity will take them to the mailroom from where they will be sent out.
Although the Lord Elgin Hotel is one of the most renowned and venerable institutions in Ottawa, it has a cozy feel to it. During my stay it was hosting hundreds of people who were attending Winterlude, so you saw all these families with children dressed up in heavy winter garb walking through the hallways. I had several friendly chats with staff members, and in particular with one young bellman who was part of the Lord Elgin team in the 26th Annual Bedzz Race on Dow Lake.
The spot in front of the fireplace in the lobby was always taken by people relaxing, reading a paper, or conversing while warming up after a cold day. We noticed that the atmosphere was always relaxed and down-to-earth, never snobbish, as you might expect of a hotel of this stature. For us it was the perfect location for a weekend of exploration in Canada’s capital.
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.
Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.
“Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons”.
The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/ottawa_lord_elgin.htm)
Ruaha; Sought After by the Discerning Traveler
The Great Ruaha River flows along the eastern border of the park, which is at its most dramatic under moonlight. The warm nights with the crickets signing and the occasional laughter of hyenas is a constant reminder that this is truly Africa in the wild
Open topped safari vehicle are preferred for game viewing in this park. Ruaha has an arid landscape; a combination of rolling hills, flat open grassland with the occasional acacia, tamarind and fig trees; there are small kopjes and balancing rock.
For the bird spotter there are over 436 species of birds with thousands of birds flocking to Ruaha on their annual migration from Europe to Asia. Some of the birds to be spotted in the park include eagles, love birds, bee-eater, sunbird, whydah, goliath heron, yellow billed and open billed stork, Egyptian geese and the hornbill.
Many herds of Elephants concentrated by the river and often an elephant or two has been know to keep guests awake as they dismantle and devour tress close to the lodges. The wild dog is found here, there are no wild dogs in the Northern Parks of Tanzania. This park is noted for having greater and lesser kudu. It is the northernmost example of miombo woodland, common in central Africa, and it is usually here that you will find many lions sheltering from the African sun.
Ruaha is not a cheap option but it is the genuine article if you want a popper African safari.
We at http://www.betheladventure.co.uk are a non profit organization. Our purpose is to use tourism to fund community projects in northern Tanzania. Using tourism to change lives.
Why Costa Rica?
Someone recently asked me why anyone of sane mind would want to move to a third world country such as Costa Rica and actually plan to live there. I would like to share, and to document, the reasons for this to my fellow American citizens who may someday decide to pick up their roots and do the same.
One of the primary reasons Costa Rica was selected is because of the multitude of climates that you can select to live in. If you want to live by the ocean and the great beaches of Costa Rica where it is hot and the humidity is high, the Caribbean coast is the ideal location for you.
If you desire to live near the ocean and more great beaches where it is hot but the humidity is significantly lower, then the upper Pacific coast is the place for you. If you like it better in the temperate zone between 65 and 75 degrees, the western central valley is beckoning to you. Drive 20 km north in the central valley and you may need a sweater by day and two blankets by night. The coastal areas are the only places where you may need air conditioning and then only occasionally. There are cooling breezes throughout the country.
Another major reason is the lower cost of living. Utilities such as electric, water, and phone rates are drastically reduced. Food costs are extremely low with most restaurant meals so inexpensive that dining out may cost only a few U.S. dollars. Housing in many parts of the country can be obtained for as little as $100.00 U.S. per month for an unfurnished home or apartment. The purchase of a three bedroom home in many locations can be found for $30,000 or less. There are many retirees who will vouch that they live very comfortably on a retirement income of less than $20,000 U.S.
The Costa Rican people are found to be a gentle, non-violent, and considerate people. They believe in family and traditional social mores that many times appear to be lost in other countries. Costa Rica itself is a democratic country, does not have a standing Army, and relies on its police force to maintain law and order which they do very well.
Violent crime is almost unheard of in Costa Rica. There are occasional break-ins of vehicles, some purse snatchings, but these are not of the violent nature where firearms are used and human life is in danger as in many other countries. These mostly occur in or around the larger cities. In the country and smaller towns they are almost unheard of. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries to vacation or to retire in that can be found.
Another very appealing fact to many is that foreign residents may purchase property in Costa Rica with many safeguards in place by the government. These may be used for vacation, investment, or retirement purposes. Property taxes are extremely low and there is a ready source of labor for domestic and other purposes in the country with maid and general labor costs of just over $1.00 U.S. per hour. Homes can be constructed by master builders for one fourth to one fifth the cost of a similar home in the U.S.
I have not as yet mentioned the breathtaking scenery of the mountains, rainforests, wildlife, birds, waterfalls, fishing, sailing, boating, and the many wonderful tours that can be taken from the many good tour operators in Costa Rica which are outstanding.
I am sure that given the proper time, I could climb out of my hammock here on the terrace where a cool breeze is blowing, put down my drink, and think of many other reasons why someone would choose to live in the wonderful third world country of Costa rica. However, at this time I have overtaxed myself in my accounts of these wonders. As we say in Costa Rica, “if it does not get accomplished today, there is always manana”. I hope I have answered some of the more basic questions of why anyone would move to Costa Rica. If you ever get tired of where you are living, and want to vacation or retire to the wonderful country of Costa Rica, there is always room for you in our beautiful adopted country. Pura Vida everyone.
Bob and Debby Stone are former residents of Naples, Florida, and are now residents of Costa Rica. You may visit them at their website which is at http://www.costaricapropertysa.com
Card-Playing: Betting Room Games of Luck
If you have little understanding of betting saloon games, be sure to peruse the following…
A description of a betting hall is a construction that organizes card playing. At such a place, guests will be encouraged to bet by challenging the slot-machines or a slew of other wagers. Gambling house games on the whole include transparent likelihoods constituting them which safeguard the gaming hall grasps on to its interests above the gambling devotees.
Rather a lot of betting room games can get you hooked rapidly. Consider the the stereotypical one-armed-bandit, a cash operated appliance with 3, sometimes more drums which swivel when a lever coupled to it is pushed. This appliance commonly reimburses in correspondence to predefined patterns of images perceptible on the dials on the instrument. Unfortunately, gambling saloon games suggest an appearance of remaining in control, thus deluding the gaming devotee – the punter is provided with alternatives, but in actual fact these cannot truly compensate for the patron’s overall disadvantage. That is caused by the the gaming hall never refunding the full wager as hoped for. This philosophy is typically noticeable in acclaimed casino games like five card stud, dice games, roulette or blackjack.
Stud poker is truly a highly popular casino pastime. The gambling enthusiasts, holding fully hidden cards, will bet in the pot which is ultimately granted to the prevailing player sitting on the winning combination of cards. (Obviously, the bluffing hand may actually win too…)
Much the same as poker, blackjack is likewise an incredibly fashionable casino game. A sizeable amount of its appeal is based on its particular mix of chance and talent & choice making, as well as a procedure dubbed “card counting”. It is a pretty complex technique through which gambling buffs will actually bend the odds of the game for their own good both by wagering & tactical decisions in accordance with the cards dealt.
“Craps” is a well known gambling hall wagering game where you try to predict the roll of two dice. Gamers bet on the result of 1 roll, or on a series of rolls on 2 dice. Contrary to blackjack, there’s absolutely no feasible bona fide winning tactics you could exploit to ramp up the chances.
Roulette is an incredibly popular casino game — a croupier twirls a roulette wheel accomodating thirtyseven (classical roulette) or, alternatively exactly 38 (American roulette) separately marked cells in which the rolling pellet will come to settle, thereby deciding the winner as well as the other chances that will come with it. Whenever the punter has put money on a specific number which hits it i.e. it’s their lucky day, the dividend is thirty-five to 1, the original wager is repaid. Consequently in totality it’s multiplied by thirty-six.
We recommend you try to be very very wary however, because these gaming establishment gambling pastimes may well be somewhat obsessive. Plenty of lives have probably been damaged due to reckless gambling + albeit it undeniably feels like fun, do your best to moderate oneself.
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Getting Discount Fishing Tools on the World Wide Web Today
Acquiring the correct fishing items is a crucial thing to bear in mind when your are looking at your next fishing trip. You need to allow yourself the proper equipment to fall into the “frame of mind” and receive the best benefits of fishing. Procuring the correct tools will support you in many different ways. As you may know, the more supplies you buy the easier the fishing will become. One of the essential things you ought to ask yourself is, do you have all that you require previous to you heading out on your fishing expedition? To be successful you would be prudent to make sure that your fishing expedition starts off with getting the proper fishing supplies. There are various brands of tools and it usually depends on type of location you will be fishing in, what type of fish you are searching for & the style of fishing that you desire.
There are many brands & styles of fishing reels that have a series of costs. If you are looking to take part in commercial fishing you will need to make certain that your fishing tools is intended for that kind of use. Professional fishing requires a great deal more robust gear. Since commercial fishing items demands twice to 3 times the use they wear out much sooner. This makes it much more rational to pay put the extra cash up front. There are a mixture of items so that you can make a decision based on wishes on top of what you can actually actually get. Find great offers on snowboarding equipment online today.
The specific make of fishing rod is another vital part of the tackle that you will want. You may perhaps want to consider what type of rod that you need for your fishing journey. Just as there are many different reels there is a variety of fishing rods to purchase. Base your judgement on the sort of fish that you are endeavouring to get.
Website to Show UK’s Broadband Coverage
Point Topic, the analysis company and Gavurin, a graphical representation company have come together to offer a new service which shows the broadband coverage in the
The service uses a map to depict how the levels of broadband adoption, speed and other related information are distributed in different regions across the country. The powerful and uncomplicated interface lets the users explore the map through convenient features like scrolling, zoom-in, zoom-out etc. The site can be accessed by anyone by simply entering a valid email address.
The distribution of services in the country is categorized for easy understanding, for example, the 2009 UK broadband speeds have been divided into three categories – “High Speed Heaven” (speeds of 8Mbps or more), “Average Access” (between 2Mbps and 8Mbps) and “Slowband Land” (below 2Mbps). Different categories are then depicted with a different colour on the map, making it intuitive and quick to grasp the information. For instance, almost immediately one can notice that
Point Topic plans to put past data on the new interface too, as it believes the simplicity and effectiveness of this new way of representing data will be a hit with the users and help it draw a wider audience.
Prostate Function – the Natural Way
The medical industry term an enlarged prostate benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. Put simply this entails that the prostate gland, a gland similar in shape to a walnut sited just beneath the bladder and winding around the urethra, enlarges this can compromise and possibly stop urination. As some males age, their prostate grows and may produce complaints for example difficulty passing urine, a weak flow, and an impression of fullness in the bladder after passing water. Nighttime frequency and even persistent urinary tract inflammation may also be caused by a swollen prostate gland.
Swollen Prostate Gland – Available Solutions
Males in their sixties frequently have an enlarged prostate. Yearly examinations are suggested for all males in their fifties and beyond, irrespective of the occurence of any symptoms, to aid in maintaining better prostatic health. Get medical intervention straightaway if blood is found in the urine or if unable to urinate. Therapies for prostate enlargement can be surgical procedures or the use of pharmaceuticals. However, surgical operations may lead to more symptoms such as erection difficulties and incontinence. High blood pressure drugs and drugs to shrink the swollen prostate can also be prescribed for better prostatic health, however, medicines frequently result in unwanted repercussions what alternatives are indicated? Swollen Prostate Troubles? Natures’s Way to Gain a More Healthy Prostate Gland
To encourage improved prostate gland function and also avoid the symptoms associated with prostatic enlargement, various holistic remedies may offer relief. Inflammation is greatly controlled by Afican pygeum, bringing relief from any more annoying symptoms. A derivative of the fruit of an African evergreen plant, African pygeum has been tested on a large scale by the Europeans for many years as a alternative treatment to encourage improved prostate health.
A decrease of fats in the diet may offer ease, so will excercising on a regular basis, frequency of ejaculations to relieve pressure in the prostate gland, it is also useful to avoid staying seate d for a long time. Taking non-prescription antihistamines or decongestants can worsen the problems associated with a swollen prostate, so please consume these with care. Reduction of caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drink, do not drink near going to bed to reduce bothersome urges to pass water during the night. Prostate Gland function may be also respond to other natural remedies these are the herb saw palmetto, Borago officinalis oil capsules, the element selenium, and also lycopene, which can be found in tomatoes. Before you start whichever herbal therapy make sure you check with your physician.
UK Financial Minister Unveils Latest Rescue Plan, Is This Going To Help The United Kingdom Recession
Gordon Brown has announced last recovery project to assist the financial system, to help banks. The strategy includes an insurance scheme to protect the financial system from potential new toxic debts. Banks have to pay for the insurance policy, with money, no shares allowed. However all that presages the daily cost of life will go down, deflation will increase saving which could further reduce the British economic recovery.
UK property assets are supposed to descend fast, and the country’s greatest mortgage lender, Halifax, declaring, a 16 % yearly decline in during 2008. Prices have already gone down twenty per cent from their peak in 2007 and further falls are to be expected as consents for new home mortgages are at its lowest record, as reported by banks.
The number jobless people surged up to one million in November, climbing super fast since early 1990s. The economic crisis has led to thousands of professions cuts in different market areas, and forecasts of 3m unemployed by the end of 2010. Several high street stores have gone bankrupt recently. Stores have also been reducing retail prices to to make sure they paid their bills.
The fiscal policy resolutions of the UK PM are mainly focused on recovering the financial system but do nothing to the currency. As a result GB sterling is probably continue to go down. Markets may be seeing the pound being stable around one euro however forecasts for pound is not that good.
Rumours amongst financial analysts say that most likely the Monetary Committee will cut borrowing costs to 1.25 points from two %, taking the interest rate to its lowest since founded.
This means less profits for investors who then invest abroad, thus causing a decline in the value of Sterling.
Some policymakers have said the Bank of England may eventually have to cut the rates to zero and resort the only solution, essentially producing new sterling to push the recession. This looks like to tie in nicely with the government plan of attempting to spend their way out of the credit crunch crisis, which is the opposite of majority of European governments attitude, hence a possible cause for the massive fall in Sterling compared to the Euro and American Dollar. Currency exchanges are a great way to make money – find out how with Foreign Currency Direct.
Honeymoon Safaris in South Africa
South Africa is a country of extreme beauty and natural wonders. Honeymooners are increasingly looking at South Africa as the ideal honeymoon destination. Safari Honeymoons have become a firm favourite amongst newlyweds as they combine the adventures of the wild with luxury accommodation and treatment. After the stress filled months leading up to a wedding it is important for a bride and groom to spend time with one another away from it all, why not spend it revelling in the awesome beauty of the African bushveld and experiencing the wonders of nature together?
Planning Tips
When you are deciding on your honeymoon location, focus on things that are important to you as a couple and select a destination that neither one of you has been to so it will be a new as well as a bonding experience for both of you. Decide on the style of safari honeymoon you would like to have, establish whether you are looking for adventure or luxury or a unique combination of both. It is also helpful if you prearrange special treats for the both of you before you arrive such as such as a massage or a sunset cruise to enhance the romantic experience. It is advisable, when booking air tickets to your destination to make your wife’s reservation in her maiden name so it corresponds to her passport. You should always check with your GP a few months before you are due to leave as to what medical precautions, if any, you should be taking.
Safari in Africa
The word safari is rooted in Swahili, one of South Africa’s traditional languages. Meaning “long journey”, it is most often used to describe an overland adventure through African national parks to observe wild life in their natural habitats. South Africa is synonymous with the term the ‘Big Five’, the promise of seeing these magnificent creatures up close and personal lures many wildlife enthusiasts to the numerous parks and reserves scattered around South Africa. Safari is often thought to be a tough experience, roughing it in the wild. This is a common misconception. Many of South Africa’s game reserves are home to stunning and luxurious accommodation offerings which are often utilised for romantic Honeymoon getaways.
Luxurious Safari Offerings
The most famous amongst all safari destinations in South Africa is the world renowned Kruger National Park and its surrounding reserves. Situated in the Kruger National Park the Singita Lembo Lodge offers honeymooners a slice of paradise amongst the wild terrains and animals that roam the Kruger National. The Sabi Sands reserve is located within the Kruger Park, the absence of any restrictive fences between the two reserves allows for excellent game viewing opportunities. Sabi Sabi Game Lodge is a firm favourite amongst travellers seeking romantic getaway spots whilst the ultra-luxurious Ulusaba Lodge(owned by Sir Richard Branson) offers panoramic views of the African landscape and its spectacular sunsets.
Apart from living in 5 star luxury for the duration on your stay at these lodges you can partake in game drives at various times of the day and night, guided foot and fly-in safaris as well as self-drive safaris. The memory of witnessing a herd of elephants frolicking at the watering hole at sunset will be forever etched onto your soul.
After the Sunset
There is something spectacularly mystifying about sharing an African adventure with someone you love. Being surrounded by pure natural beauty with the person you have decided to spend your life is a truly sublime experience.
When you return home to the reality of your new lives together and to the everyday pressures of life the memories of your African Honeymoon will linger.
Superior Choices specialises in luxury accommodation in some of South Africa’s most renowned game reserves which are ideal locations for uniquely romantic escapes. Why not celebrate your honeymoon with a luxurious safari under the African sun.