Some history for those too lazy to go to my previous posts to read, Palermo stands for over 2700 years of culture, history, gastronomy and architecture. Although founded by the Phoenicians, it was only named by the Greek before joining the Roman Empire. It was then part of the Byzantine Empire, ruled by the Arabs, then became its own Kingdom. It later on joined the Kingdom of Naples before the Italian unification in 1860. In short, TOO much history to cover here. Get yourself on a plane and go visit. Again, I have to admit that I met some of the nicest people in Southern Italy and Palermo, like Napoli, welcomed me with arms wide open.

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Palermo stands for over 2700 years of culture, history, gastronomy and architecture. Although founded by the Phoenicians, it was only named by the Greek before joining the Roman Empire. It was then part of the Byzantine Empire, ruled by the Arabs, then became its own Kingdom. It later on joined the Kingdom of Naples before the Italian unification in 1860. In short, TOO much history to cover in one post or to have photos speak about it at night. I have to admit that I met some of the nicest people in Southern Italy and Palermo, like Napoli, welcomed me with arms wide open, and of course the best seafood grill I had anywhere

Siracusa, or Syracuse, on the other hand is extremely rich in Greek history. It is also some 2700 years old with so much culture and history, but it is very well known as the birthplace of the great mathematician and engineer Archimedes. The city is listed as by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. No wonder there I would say. Syracuse is also mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles book at 28:12 as Paul stayed there. Major things to see in the historic centre of Siracusa includes the Temple of Apollo which as adapted to a church in the Byzantine Empire and a mosque under the Arab rule, the Greek theatre, Ear of Dionysius or Orecchio di Dionisio, the Roman amphitheatre,  Tomb of Archimede, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. So many other things to see there but I guess that will exhaust this post.

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Canada has a rich cultural history that is immersed in both British and French Colonial. There are numerous museums and landmarks across the country for history buffs as well as mountains and lakes, that all give a sense of adventure, for both the young and the old. Here’s a quick guide to places you should visit on your Canada holidays;

Below are just a few of the many attractions that Canada offers:

1. The Toronto Zoo is the largest, spread across 710 acres and houses more than 5000 animals in their natural environment.

Toronto Zoo

2.  Wonderland in Toronto has 70 rides and 15 roller coasters with the recently added feature called Planet Snoopy and 2 live shows; Snoopy Rocks on Ice and MTV Games Rock Band Live!

Wonderland

3. The Vancouver Aquarium  houses about 300 species of fish, 30000 invertebrates, 56 species of amphibians and reptiles and 60 mammals and birds. Various educational talks along with daily shows like feed the sea otters, beluga whale shows, feed the sea lions etc are held.

Vancouver Aquarium

4. The Walk in the clouds tour at Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a four hour trek over forests and lakes, offering a bird’s eye view  of wolves, foxes, moose etc, ending at the Canopy Boardwalk.

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve

5. The Model Trains and Ships Museum is located in British Columbia. The Train Museum has the world’s largest collection of model and toy trains, while the Ships Museum houses submarines, warships, sailing ships etc.

Model Trains Museum

6. Pan for gold in Dawson City, at Claim #6 which allows you to pan for gold for free, keeping whatever gold you find. Panning equipment can be rented as well as lessons on how to pan for gold.

Pan for gold

7. Sign Post Forest is located in Watson Lake, Yukon. It is the most famous landmark along the Alaska Highway, started by a homesick GI in 1942 who posted a sign for his hometown. Presently there are more than 65000 signs.

Sign Post Forest

8. Take a ride in Jasper Tramway, which is the longest aerial tramway in Canada, guided only by aerial ropeway through the Canadian Rockies, and offers break taking view of the mountains and lakes below.

Jasper Tramway

9. The Aurora borealis, or Northern Lights as it is commonly known as is best viewed in the Yukon territory. The dancing red, yellow, blue and green lights creates a never before again experience.

Northern Lights

10. For Dino lovers, visit the Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has one of the richest fossil beds where 40 dinosaur species has been discovered. You can see the dinosaur exhibits, the fossils, the history etc.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

11. The NASCAR SpeedPark in Ontario has tracks like the Qualifier, the Champions, Family 500, Slidewayz, Mini Motor Speedway. Additionally, they also have other rides like the Pro tow, Indoor Playground, Junior Speedway etc.

NASCAR SpeedPark

12. The Parade with the swans was started since 1918 on the Avon River Stratford in Ontario. More than 28 swans are paraded back to the river accompanied by the Stratford Police Pipes and Drums Band.

Parade with the swans

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