New Year's Day Dragon and Lion Dance Parade

On January 1st, Hong Kong kicked off the New Year by hosting the annual Lion and Dragon Dance Parade in Kowloon.  To top off the hundreds of lions and dragons, this year over 1,000 parade participants were decked out with happy Buddha masks.

The Parade started at Canton Road, ran along the Avenue of Stars and finished at the UC Centenary Garden in East Tsim Sha Tsui (next to the Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hotel).

B and I headed out to the Avenue of Stars about half an hour before the parade was expected to pass in order to find ourselves a good vantage point to watch the festivities, and near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre so we'd be close to washrooms.  I'm not a big fan of crowds but the length of the parade route meant there was a comfortable number of people along the way, so the parade was easy to see and it was easy to navigate the route even with a stroller.

New Year's Eve in Hong Kong

The cost of a harbor-view room in Hong Kong on New Year's Eve:  Don't ask...

Being able to watch the fireworks from our room:  Priceless!

B and I enjoyed four nights in Hong Kong over the New Year and I saved up to get a harbour-view room at the Intercontinental Grand Stanford in Kowloon.  

While not quite as central as some of the harbour-view hotels closer to the Star Ferry Pier, our hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui East was far more affordable and the views of the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks were amazing!  I knew it would be impractical to wake up B at midnight to take him out to the promenade to watch the fireworks, so the harbour-view room worked out perfectly and was well worth the expense.  We watched all the action from the comfort of our window sill!

El Valle, Panama

A framed image of El Valle greets me every time I enter my kitchen.  The print of a painting, by my talented friend Pirkko Saari, beautifully depicts her visit to the El Valle Artisan market many years ago.  So, when we visited Panama, I knew we simply could not miss a visit to El Valle.

A two-hour scenic drive, El Valle is located about 120 kms Southwest of Panama City.

What to see in El Valle

The Artisan and Vegetable Market - As the subject of the lovely print in my kitchen, this was a must-do visit for us.  Though small, this market is a colorful and interesting place to peruse handcrafts and stock up on delicious local fruit.

Chorro El Macho Waterfall - At 70 meters high, it won't likely be the tallest you've ever seen, but it is located in a beautiful location accessible just a short walk from the parking area.  Pathways are rough and a bit slippery and the route includes a short rope bridge.  Caution is certainly advised if visiting with small children, but the short walk is definitely do-able.  At the time of our visit, B was about 18 months, so I carried him most of the way.  Be sure to use lots of bug repellent as there are a lot of mosquitoes here.

El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Gardens - El Nispero is a small zoo with a large collection of animals and birds and is a pleasant spot to spend a few hours.

We visited El Valle as a day trip, and in hindsight, there was so much to do, it would definitely be worth staying a few days.

For more information on El Valle, visit El Valle Tourism

Building excitement with books!

One of my favorite ways to get prepared and build excitement about an upcoming trip with B is to read books together about our destination.  Thankfully there are some wonderful book series available for preschoolers. Here are our favorites!

The Sasha Series by Shamini Flint - This series is our favorite!  Ms. Flint writes her stories through the eyes of her daughter Sasha as the pair visits a variety of destinations in Asia and around the world.  Alpana Ahuja supplies the delightful illustrations.  The Sasha series includes visits to the Maldives, Mumbai, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beijing and London as well as 7 titles dedicated to the city and attractions of Singapore.  (Parents might enjoy her Inspector Singh mystery series which sees her detective solving cases in Hong Kong and Bali, amongst others.)


This is...  Series by Miroslav Sasek.  Mr. Sasek (1916 – 1980) was a Czech author and illustrator who wrote a number of charming books for kids to help them learn about destinations such as Paris, London, New York, Rome, Venice, Edinburgh, Australia and Hong Kong to name only a few.  The books are jammed with lovely illustrations, facts and observations about the location in question. I will never forget the delight B expressed upon seeing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, after having seen and read about the painting prior to our visit in Sakek's "This is Paris".

Hello...!  Series by Martha Zschock.  Ms. Zschock's series of board books focuses on U.S. destinations including Boston, New Orleans, Maine, Cape Cod, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington.  Cute illustrations and clever rhyming text make these books a delight to read.  Since B and I travel frequently together without Daddy along, I am especially fond of these books because the illustrations are of a solo parent and child exploring together.  Ms. Zschock is also the author of the Journey Around... From A to Z series of books which include New York, Boston and Cape Cod among others. 

The Adventures of Bella and Harry Series by Lisa Manzione

offers kids the opportunity to read about the adventures of sibling Chihuahuas Bella and Harry in ten of the world's most iconic cities including Paris, Venice and Cairo.  Four new titles including St. Petersburg and Vancouver will be available in 2014.

For older kids, there are a number of other excellent book series:

Lonely Planet's Not for Parents Series offers kids the inside story about many of the world's most famous cities and continents including Rome, London and New York and Asia.

The Recipe for Adventure Series by Giada De Laurentiis follow the adventures of Zia, Alphie and Emelia in some of the world's great food cities.  Titles to date include Naples, Paris and Hong Kong.  Her fourth book highlighting the foods of New Orleans is due to be published in June 2014.

Cooper's Pack Travel Guides allow kids to follow Cooper and his pals as they have adventures around the world, including destinations such as Alaska and Seattle. Upcoming titles include Athens and Bangkok.

The Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton Series follow mouse siblings Geronimo and Thea as they solve mysteries and have adventures around the world.  Some of the more intriguing titles include Geronimo Stilton and Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro and Thea Stilton and the Mystery on the Orient Express.  There are literally dozens of titles so you are bound to find something of interest touching on the area in the world you are traveling to.

Do you have favorite travel books you read with your kids when preparing for a trip?

Salem with a Toddler, revisited

At this time of year, my thoughts naturally turn to fond memories of visiting Salem, Massachusetts this time last year.  Salem certainly has their hands full THIS year, not only with all the Halloween festivities but also with Hurricane Sandy.

Salem is best known as the location of the witch trials in which over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned between February 1692 and May 1693.  In all, 20 people (14 women and 6 men) were executed in the mass hysteria. As a result of it’s history, October, and Halloween in particular, is Salem’s busiest time for tourism. 

Many of the attractions in Salem aren’t suited to babies or toddlers, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t activities and sights for them to enjoy.  It just meant saving the graveyard visits until B was napping and skipping the haunted houses. October’s Haunted Happenings is a month-long series of events leading up to Halloween, including many family-oriented events such as trick or treating and children’s costume parades.

  

Things to do

The Salem Visitor Center  is a good starting point for maps and ideas, and is right across the street from Salem’s main parking garage.  Kids can check out models of sailing ships and the wharf area, and there is a small activity center with games, coloring pages and crayons.

Red lines painted on sidewalks make Salem an easy place to explore and they are marked on most tourist maps.  The red lines create four loops through town, passing the majority of Salem’s most important and interesting sites.

Salem Common is a large, well-tended green space; lots of space to run around and a large play ground.  Grab a delicious latte and chocolate chip cookie from Jaho Coffee & Tea on Derby St. and admire the attractive, historic homes along the park’s perimeter while the kids play.

Salem Trolley Tours - B was thrilled to ride on a red trolley bus for a tour of the town.  It’s a hop-on, hop-off tour, so if the kids get antsy, you can hop-off and rejoin the trolley later if you wish.

Great food

We enjoyed lunch at Red's Sandwich Shop on Central Street, a popular and friendly restaurant which serves enormous servings of delicious food.  B asked for pancakes.  At $3.50 for one, this pancake was a bargain… a foot in diameter and an inch thick… B had a big meal for lunch, we ate the leftovers for dinner that evening and still had some left!

Victoria Station on Pickering Wharf has great seafood and a good kid’s menu.  We skipped the offerings on the kid’s menu and ordered B the Boathouse 5-cheese mac and cheese from the appetizer section of their regular menu.  B enjoyed it, and so did we – it was probably the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had, so it was easy to polish off what B left behind.

Yummy treats

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Company on Derby Street is America’s oldest candy store, and is filled to the brim with tempting chocolates, candies and fudge.  Try their famous Gibralters, sugary chunks of rock candy available in lemon and peppermint flavors.

Maria's Sweet Somethings on Front Street has super-cute Frankenstein petit fours, chocolates and ice cream.

Fun shopping

You won't be able to fit a stroller in the shop, but the Derby Square Book Store on Essex Street is definitely worth a visit for discounted books for adults and children. The tall stacks of teetering books bring to mind Dr. Seuss, though the shelves are strategically secured with bungee cords so they won’t fall over.

You can’t beat Witch Tees for cute souvenir t-shirts of your visit.  There is a branch along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and another in the Museum Place Mall next to the Visitor Center.

The Happy Sunflower on Pickering Wharf has a huge selection of ornaments, perfect for topping off a gift or decorating your Christmas tree and personalization is free.

Practicalities

Depending on traffic, Salem is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Boston.  There are only a couple of accommodation options in Salem itself, and many more options in nearby Peabody.  

A sturdy stroller is a must for the cobblestone and brick streets.  Automatic doors and wheelchair ramps are few and far between though I found there was never a shortage of people to hold a door or lend a hand getting B’s stroller up or down steps.

Resources:

Official Guide to Salem

History of the Salem Witch Trials

Desert Dune Dinner Dubai - Camels, Dune-Bashing and a Kid-Friendly Good Time

Our Toyota 4x4 is perched over a precipice and it looks like we are about to fall into an abyss of sand.  Finally the car drops over the ledge and we zoom down a steep incline then back up a big dune again.  But I can barely hear myself think because B is laughing so hard. 

Our desert adventure starts with a brief visit to a camel farm, where we have a chance to meet a few new friends as our drivers remove some air from the tires to allow better traction on the sand.  Large groups of 4x4s travel in convoys to ensure there is always assistance nearby if a vehicle gets stuck.  Next we stop at a cluster of immaculately perfect sand dunes, where B had a blast climbing and trying to slide down!

After getting pockets full of sand, and about 45 minutes of mild dune bashing, the sun has set and we arrive at the 'camp.'  Long low tables are lined up on huge carpets and we settle onto our comfy cushions.  After stuffing ourselves full of delicious Middle Eastern finger foods, we dive into the BBQ buffet with an extensive offering of grilled meats, salads, veggies, tabouli and hummus.  (There was also a special 'kids' buffet tucked into a corner, serving hamburgers and other items which might be appealing to pickier kids.)

Filled to the brim and teetering on our cushions, the exotic music begins and out comes a belly dancer.  Cheesy? Sure.  Fun?  You bet!!!

I wondered how B would cope getting back to bed so late past his bedtime (we arrived back at around 10:30 pm) but he did just fine.  He napped all the way back to our lodgings, giggled when he saw how much sand came off him in the bath, and went to sleep in the wink of an eye.

Logistics

Depending on the tour company, vehicles will take between 4 and 6 passengers.  Being a group of 4, we were sure to get a private vehicle to ensure nobody's fun was spoiled by asking the driver for a calm ride.  But driving through the desert will have its bumps no matter how cautious the driver, so it is imperative to have a car seat for young children.

By law in Dubai, children under 6 years of age must ride in a car seat.  I highly recommend taking your own car seat, or rent one from a company like http://www.rentacrib.ae/index.htm.  Several tour companies will offer to supply car seats for their tours, however we found the seats unsuitable for B's age and weight, and that is if one is actually provided. (Twice, we booked a car seat for transfers but they were not supplied.)

The Panama Canal with a Toddler

The Panama Canal may not be the first place to come to mind when thinking of toddler-friendly attractions in Panama but it made for a fun and memorable family outing. On our visit to the Miraflores Locks, B enjoyed playing in the open space on the viewing deck while we got to view the ships going through the canal.

Tips for visiting the Miraflores Locks with a toddler:

• It's the kind of place you want to linger a while to watch the ships go through the locks.  All this waiting can be a test of a toddler's attention span, so be sure to bring along water, snacks and toys to keep kids entertained.  Mark and I brought along our favourite O Ball and took turns keeping B entertained while the other watched the ships going through the canal.
• Bring sunscreen!  There are no shaded areas on the viewing deck.  We were lucky to visit on an overcast day, but it would get pretty toasty there on a hot, sunny day.
• The Miraflores Restaurant in the Visitor's Center has a delicious buffet with a view.  There are plenty of kid-friendly foods and high chairs are available.  If you are considering eating there, be sure to make a reservation in advance or you may have a long wait for a table.

Paper City Paris: Print, Cut and Play!

Planning a trip to Paris?  Kids will love playing with these cut-out landmarks of Paris.  Just print, cut, fold and play. And they are free!

Paper City Paris

And, check out the travel-sized version, perfect for storing in a little tin or box.

Paper City Paris - Travel Size

Sigh. No European River Cruising for us. Yet!

In my 30s, most of my European travels were on two wheels.  I loved the freedom to explore all the small villages and stop whenever I wanted.  I have enjoyed island-hopping in Denmark, beautiful towns in the Czech Republic and eaten more cakes and pastries than I care to admit in Austria.  Thank goodness I covered enough distance to work those off!

I must admit, now that I'm older and with a toddler-in-tow, I am not quite as gung ho on independent bike touring.  Plenty of families do it and have a great time, but honestly, I am feeling less ambitious these days and am looking for more relaxation on vacation.  I love Europe and a river cruise sounds like a good trade-off.  The ability to discover a new place each day (and most river cruises have bikes available for use), without having to pack and unpack numerous times or live out of a panier. 

Traveling so much with B, I am starting to feel as if there are no limits (bike touring aside) to the places we can travel with him.  So I was a little surprised to find traditional river cruising off the table.  Here are four of the largest and longest-running European river cruise companies, and the minimum ages for travel:

AMAWaterways - 4 years and up

Avalon Waterways - 8 years and up

Uniworld - 4 years and up

Viking River Cruises - 8 years and up

I guess I shouldn't really be surprised... the traditional demographic of river cruisers tends to be empty-nesters and seniors, and they probably don't want to be surrounded by a bunch of noisy kids.  Frankly neither do I.  I should also note that none of these lines caters to kids, so if child care, kids meals and kid-specific activities are on your agenda, it would be best to steer towards more traditional cruises.  Another thing to keep in mind if you are considering a European river cruise, is none of these companies allow more than two people in a cabin.  For many families this means having to book multiple cabins which can be a costly proposition.

Read about Cruising with a Baby and Frommer's Best Cruise Ships for Kids.

So I guess a European Christmas Market cruise will have to wait until B is in college.  In the meantime, we DO have a bike and barge adventure planned for this coming fall.  More on that later...

Afternoon Tea with a Toddler in Muscat

Ya, ok, so going for afternoon tea is not usually the best activity with a toddler... But I learned long ago through our travels that you can make fun pretty much anywhere as long as you are equipped with stickers and other activities (and an episode of Dora on my iPhone doesn't hurt either).  We were in Muscat, Oman, looking for a place to cool off and relax after a day of exploring this beautiful city and the Al Bustan Palace Hotel was the place to do it!

Read about our afternoon tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai

  

Dubai Double Double

On my visit to Dubai with B, I was surprised to see Tim Horton's locations everywhere!  The offerings are the same as what you'll find back in Canada - coffee and baked goods.  I was hoping to bring Mark back a Tim Horton souvenir mug with the name in Arabic but unfortunately there was nothing to be found.  It would have made the perfect souvenir for my double-double addicted husband.

Tea with a Toddler at the Taj, Mumbai

For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed the ritual of Afternoon Tea, particularly when traveling.  From the chocolate buffet at the Sukhothai in Bangkok to the refreshing sorbets as part of the tea ritual at the Strand Hotel in Yangon, each tea brings something new and helps me relax and recharge for jumping back into my destination. Even now, traveling with a toddler, this hasn't changed.

Last month, traveling with B and my parents, we treated ourselves to Afternoon Tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai - a wonderful place to relax and unwind after the heat and sensory overload we encountered exploring this amazing city.  Sitting in the elegant and serene surroundings, I have to remind myself this hotel was the scene of quite something else in November 2008, when a series of terror attacks in Mumbai shook the city and resulted in the deaths of 172  - including 32 people at the Taj Hotel.

The hotel has since been restored and the Sea Lounge is the perfect place to relax and munch on a scone.  The lounge is elegant but not stuffy and B is warmly welcomed.  He loves choosing sweets (always the chocolate first!) off the three-tiered tray and sipping on his 'special' (caffeine-free) fruity, iced tea.  And the cozy couch and cushions make for the perfect place to have a cat nap while Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa finish their tea.

While the afternoon winds down, we have the perfect view of the Gateway to India and the boats along the waterfront.  The ideal way to end our day in Mumbai!

The Best Views in Dubai - Beach-side at Beachcomber Restaurant

How is this for an amazing beach view!  The Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai was out of our budget for a place to stay, but it was well worth it to head over to their Beachcomber restaurant for the delicious buffet and for the view of the neighboring Burj Al Arab.  When B was finished eating, we could watch him play in the sand from our beachside table.  And when the sun set, we were treated to the amazing changing face of the Burj Al Arab.

Snow Tubing in the Desert at Ski Dubai

We've put on our snow suits, we've strapped up our boots, and B is excitedly putting on his helmet.  It's almost 100 degrees F outside the door of The Mall of the Emirates, and we are about to step into a world of snow.

Everything about Dubai is larger than life, and Ski Dubai is just one of the attractions that makes the city a great destination for kids.  With 5 ski runs for skiers and snowboarders, a freestyle zone, snow park, a quad chair lift, and two alpine-themed restaurants, there is lots to see and do.

Even the most hard-core skiers (who might tire quickly of the short runs) would have a hard time not being 'wowed' by the sheer magnitude of this place, and the success to which Ski Dubai has created a mountain resort atmosphere in the middle of the desert.  I wasn't feeling ambitious enough to get B onto skis, so we spent our time playing in the snow and zipping down the gentle snow tube runs.

The Basics:

• Snow Park Admission - Adults 130 AED, Children 120 AED (approx $30 U.S.) including use of a snow suit, boots, warm socks and helmets for kids.  The only thing not provided are hats and mitts which can be purchased inexpensively at the Pro Shop
• Children under 3 are not permitted. (I admit I fudged about B's age at the ticket booth since he isn't quite 3 yet)
• Snow suits and boots are available in the smallest of kids sizes, and are clean, comfy and warm
• The process of picking up our suits and boots was quick and efficient and there were plenty of room in the change area and lockers for use
• Strollers can be safely stored at the security desk

Quick Facts

• The 22,500 m2 area is covered with soft powdery snow year round
• Temperature maintained at a comfortable -1º to -2º
• Quad chairlift and tow lift
• Mountain resort theme
• Ski lessons are available
• Changing areas with locker rental

After having one of the warmest Toronto winters I can recall, it seems crazy we've had to travel halfway around the world to the desert to play in the snow. I had my hands full trying to pull B away when it was time to leave.

Trøndelag Folk Museum, Trondheim, Norway

If visiting Trondheim, Norway with toddlers or young children, don't miss the Trøndelag Folk Museum.

The open-air museum features over 60 buildings from Trondheim and the Trøndelag region, divided into urban and rural sections.  We enjoyed visiting the historic buildings in the natural setting, and our 2 year old loved running in the open spaces, and visiting with the resident pigs, sheep, rabbits and other animals.  The Visitor Center features exhibits of more modern-day life in Norway.

Covering 75 acres, a visit to the Trøndelag Folk Museum involves a fair bit of walking and several hills, so a stroller or carrier is highly recommended if you are visiting with a baby or toddler.

Photo: Light Show at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza Overnight

I'm a sucker for beds with mosquito nets, and B enjoyed reading and doing crafts in his own little 'fort.'  We loved our bungalow at the Mayaland Hotel in Chichen Itza.  You can't ask for a better location - just a short walk to the Chichen Itza Archaeological site, gorgeous grounds and refreshing swimming pools!

Dolphin Encounter in Cancun

On our recent trip to Cancun, I contemplated taking B for a swim with a dolphin.  Would it be worth taking a 2 1/2 year old at $80 USD each?  Would B even enjoy it?  What if he is too scared to take part?  Would there be any danger?

Over the course of our holiday, we ended up at La Isla Shopping Center no fewer than four times.  Once, for a visit to the Interactive Aquarium.  Another time for lunch and to do some souvenir shopping and other times, simply to relax, enjoy a stroll, and get a refreshing iced coffee from Ah Cacao.

On our first aquarium visit, I kept a close eye on the dolphin program to see if there were any other little kids participating, and to get an idea just what to expect.  During lunch at Jugo de Limon, you can actually get a table perched over the dolphin pool which allowed us to watch more dolphin interactions, and kept B entertained through our meal.  We watched many small children (about 2 years old and up) participating and enjoying themselves.  I got into the custom of carrying our swimsuits with us wherever we went, and on our fourth visit to the mall, decided "Let's go for it!"  Mark isn't a big water fan, so he remained on the overhead viewing area to take photographs while B and I got ready for our dolphin encounter.

To start off, we headed over to the seal enclosure for a photo opportunity.  To my surprise, B wasn't the least bit phased by getting a big kiss on the cheek from the huge, friendly seal.  We were given a short safety and information briefing and then the group was divided into those taking part in the Educational experience (what we did), and those taking part in the more expensive Advanced program which involved actually swimming alongside the dolphins.   After a quick trip to the change room and a shower, we were fitted with life jackets (lots of toddler-sized jackets available) and into the pool we went.

For the next 45 minutes, we were able to pet, feed, splash around and interact with our new friend, Yakuun.  Again, to my surprise, B wasn't the slightest bit afraid of Yakuun and couldn't wait to pet him again and again.  When the opportunity came for a get a picture of Yakuun 'kissing' him on the cheek, B planted a kiss right on Yakuun's lips!

The aquarium's photographer snapped photos through the whole experience.  After the swim, you exit via the gift shop where you can purchase photos (prints or on DVD) if you choose, but be warned, they are pricey at $25 each.  Those entering the pool are not permitted to bring cameras for safety reasons, but those not taking part are permitted to take photos from the overhead viewing area, or even from the pool deck from behind a short wall.

The aquarium itself is not a huge place, but it is lovely, clean, well-maintained and fun. B especially enjoyed the shark tank, the sea horses and the wonderful turtle and ray tank where he could stand right next to the glass as the creatures sailed by.

Our dolphin experience definitely was a splurge, but the trainers were fantastic, the experience was fun, professional and worth every dollar.  It remains one of the most memorable experiences from our holiday.

The Mother of All Pancakes

B couldn't believe his eyes when his pancake arrived at the table at Red's Sandwich Shop in Salem, Massachusetts.

Read more about traveling to Salem with a toddler.

Midnight in Trollfjord

On our Hurtigruten cruise in Northern Norway, Mark and I took turns heading out on deck to view the amazing light in Trollfjord at midnight while on our son slept away in the cabin.