Tag Archives: Travel

Spirit Island and Maligne Lake under cloudy skies, Jasper National Park, Canada.

My Canadian Rockies Trip, Part 6: Maligne Lake, Spirit Island and Jasper.

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Continued from My Canadian Rockies Trip, Part 5: Lakes Louise, Moraine and Peyto.

After yesterday’s visit to three scenic lakes, we headed out today to see yet another—the stunning Maligne Lake. Spirit Island in Maligne Lake is perhaps one of the most iconic and photographed spots in Jasper National Park, seen in advertisements by Apple and Kodak showcasing the enhanced photo-capabilities of their iPads and films. A must-see place and I was looking forward to it.

The route to Maligne Lake took us through almost unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife. We saw numerous elk and wild mountain goats grazing by the roadside.

A superbly antlered bull elk observing us as we drove past.
A superbly antlered bull elk observing us as we drove past.
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The blue of Lake Louise and snow.covered Mount Victoria.

My Canadian Rockies Trip, Part 5: Lakes Louise, Moraine and Peyto.

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Continued from My Canadian Rockies Trip, Part 4: Bar U Ranch and Banff.

We started the day with a hearty breakfast at our hotel in Banff and readied ourselves for the trip to three iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies known for their uniquely beautiful, blue shades; Louise, Moraine and Peyto Lakes. We had glimpsed Lake Louise from the top of Sulfur Mountain as described in the last post. Today I was looking forward to viewing it up close.

Lake Louise, is named after Princess Louise Carolina Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. The glacier covered Mount Victoria provides the unique backdrop seen through the V formed by forest-covered peaks. It is no surprise that many peaks, provinces and features in Canada are named after members of the British Royal Family.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canada.
At Lake Louise, Canada, with Mount Victoria in the background. Note the turquoise color of the water.
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My patio—A place to sit, relax and contemplate

On Planning for and Enjoying Retirement

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After twenty-two years in the US pharmaceutical industry, I was laid off. I remember that day very well— a bleak winter morning rendered bleaker by the verdict, a devastating blow. No job, no regular pay checks, no routine or fixed schedule in my life. How will I manage? It was disorienting.

What should I do now, I pondered.  Get another job? With my background and experience that would not be too difficult. But, do I want to? Same old, same old did not appeal to me. Why not try something different. But what? Decisions, decisions!

On my patio with a book and a drink.
Relaxing on my patio with a book under the flowering Japanese Cherry tree in spring.
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The Plaza Grande in Merida.

My Mexico Trip, Part 8: Mérida, Yucatán, The Montejos and an excellent Mezcal.

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Continued from My Mexico Trip, Part 7: Uxmal.

Mérida, capital of the state of Yucatán, is an old and beautiful city. Founded in the 1540s, it prospered by trading throughout the entire peninsula. The new wealth found expression in lavish villas along the newly formed Paseo de Montejo which was designed to rival the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Many of these villas and estates still exist, transformed into boutique hotels which allow a small glimpse into the laid-back life of the wealthy in those times. After the busy morning at Uxmal, we drove into Mérida to see the city.

Villa along the Paseo de Montejo, Merida.
Lush gardens surrounding an arched villa on the Paseo de Montejo, Mérida.
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The Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal.

My Mexico Trip, Part 7: Mystic Mayan Uxmal, Sun and Sand, and a Ballet Folklórico.

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Continued from My Mexico Trip Part 6: The Forested Ruins of Palenque.

We got up early for another walk through the lush surroundings of the hotel in Palenque. Our rewards were unique bird-calls and a healthy appetite. After breakfast we boarded our bus and started on the long drive to Mérida. The picturesque forested ruins of Palenque kept going through my mind. What could beat that, I thought! Little did I know of what was yet to come in Uxmal (pronounced Oosh-mal).

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