Happy Spring

March 22nd is a beautiful day which (hopefully) is the last sign of snow for awhile. The weather warms up, the sunshines more, people work through the garden/storage clean up. Its a refreshing time; motivational even! It encourages people to think about the summer and plan vacations, like to Montreal...

We are booked to go the first weekend in May - fly there and Via rail home. I have fallen in love with Old Port and this time we're scratching things off the bucket list. The train home is a first for us - last time we went it took 10hrs to drive (long wknd traffic) so we said nope, never again! Booked us a fancy Business Class train ticket and plan to relax on the way home; maybe take a nap. In order to do this we would have to take the train or fly there. Since the timing for the train wasn't the best, we were able to find a flight in the evening. Easy Peasy.

Another, bucket list check for us is to see the new Cirque du Soleil - Volta, in Montreal! Tickets....check. Great seats? Double Check! Its brand new and opening April 20th, so we we will be there a few weeks into the show. Last summer we saw the tent still set up and I had tried to get tickets beforehand (sold out). This will be my 4th show - all others were seen in Toronto.

One last check of the bucket list will be to visit Bota Bota Spa. Its a former show boat, converted into a full on spa. We saw this on our "touristy" boat trip up the river when we were there in July. I said yes, definitely, must do next time. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we'll be able to enjoy the full experience inside and out.

The rest of the time we will fill in he gaps with eating, wine, walking around the shops. We use Airbnb and found a great place just around the corner from the Notre Dame Basilica. We chose it for the location mostly - its a beautiful apartment, complete with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, laundry, living room, large windows and  a fireplace (just in case its cold!) We are about a 10min walk to the central train station. Starbucks down the street, about 8mins to Bota Bota, Jacques Cartier is about 12mins, beautiful view of Downtown Montreal (at least in the pictures). Can't wait to go!!

We love these weekend trips - a quick jaunt across the provincial border. Seeing things that are different than the typical Niagara Falls trip, or cottage. Don't get me wrong...I love those things, we are just looking for different sometimes.


What are some favourite spots in Montreal? Food? Site seeing?
Favourite weekend getaway?
Have you tried Airbnb before? Experience?

Vacations: Worth every Penny

For the past one and a half years, I have wanted (needed) to go on a vacation. I wasnt entirely picky at first; I just wanted to get on the plane and go somewhere HOT. I researched everything I could about places I've never seen, starting small of course. I saved my money for months - including Christmas and birthday presents I had to buy for! And in the new year, we booked our first big trip away. We had a budget and already booked the time from work that would make it a bit easier to be away from Adriana. I needed that break. I had such a busy work season from August to end of December, and then again for the pass few weeks. Treat yo self.

Here we are in...The Bahamas!!

So admittedly this is not my first time to the country - however this is the first time visiting this island. I've been to Freeport a few years back for my sister's wedding. We are visiting Nassau this time. Staying on the beautiful Cable Beach at The Breezes Resort and Spa. I have to say...first impressions are everything! I about nearly died from excitement when we got to our room! See above picture (no joke!). We can see Atlantis in the distance and watched a few cruise ships come and go!

After reading the reviews, I had hoped for a high room, odd number and in the west tower - these were supposed to be the best rooms in the hotel beside the Presidential suit. Every room is ocean view, which is amazing. We are on the TOP floor (8th), odd number and in the west tower - Winning!!

From the bus transfer to the view, its been amazing! Jeremiah helped load our suitcases on the bus after guiding us to the bus area from the airport doors. A quick drive down the left side of the road and through a few roundabouts, we arrived at the front of the resort. Its an open concept lobby, which let's the breeze flow through nicely. Checking in was easy least and after we went to check out the menus for the restaurants again.

At the same time, they had a political party staying at the hotel for a few days. They were all polite, friendly (said hi to us all the time) and was never overwhelming in common areas. Plenty of seats, sun loungers, food, drinks, space for everyone.

The beach is my ultimate favourite thing! If a resort doesn't have a good beach...I probably won't go. White sand, clean, lots of sun and shade available. I read its the best beach in all of Nassau. I can understand why now! Its over 1000ft long against the crystal clear water.

Only Day #2 here and we have some adventures planned for the next several days we are here. I miss Adriana because I know how much she loves the beach - and kept asking if she can come back here one day! Most definitely will plan a trip with her - just not here because its Adults only ;)

Time to finish breakfast and head to the beach for the day!