Discovering San Francisco by Cable Car



Yes, I love San Francisco!

When I visited San Francisco for a quick two day trip with the family, I tried desperately to plan out every minute; trying to make the most out of our trip.

I wanted us to visit the national historic landmark Alcatraz, see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and walk along Fisherman’s Wharf on the waterfront.



Alcatraz from a distance

The children loved learning about Alcatraz and being able to check out the prison cells and the views from the small island.

They marveled over the Golden Gate Bridge and the views from it.

They also enjoyed walking along Fisherman’s Wharf, having some delicious fish and chips from the Fog Harbor Fish House while watching the sea lions in the Bay.



Please don't let me fall off! LOL

However what they think really delighted and surprised us the most, was riding the cable cars on our second day, and discovering interesting places along the way. Visitors can walk down to the turntable at Fisherman’s Wharf to catch one, or can pick it up along the stops by jumping on during its brief stops at various corners. A one-day pass costs $13.00 and children 4 and under are free.

What I liked most was being able to get off when we spotted something of interest and check it out. For instance, we made a stop at one of the crookedest streets in America (Lombard Street) which was also featured in the Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “Vertigo”.

The kids loved seeing the crazy hairpin turns of the road and it has great views from the top.

Our next hop off was at the cable car museum. It’s free to visit and the museum deck overlooks huge engines and the winding wheels that pull the cables. My nine-year-old son was enthralled by it.



Cable Car Adventure

Downstairs is a viewing area of the large sheaves and cable line entering the building through the channel under the street.

There are a few antique cable cars to view and tons of historic pictures line the walls.

A penny machine that costs fifty-one cents, allows children to immortalize their visit by embossing a cable car picture on to their penny.

We later got back on a cable car and took it up a few blocks to China Town, the largest China Town outside of Asia.

 The historic buildings are incredible, as are the bakeries and eateries along the way. The kids were also keen on visiting all the little shops that lined the streets.

 Our last stop of the day was at the Aquarium of the Bay. It's located along the water's edge and has tons of hands-on interactions with the marine life as well as an impressive crystal-clear overhead tunnel, which allows for fish to swim all around you as you walk through. A family rate (2 adults and 2 kids are $50.00).



Although there are many things to see and do in San Francisco that we will have to plan for another visit, the sheer spontaneity of the cable cars made it a fun, inexpensive way to explore and appreciate the city during the short time we had.

Disney Cruise Offers A Relaxing Family Vacation



My 6 year old daughter and I on our deck outside our cabin on the "Disney Wonder"

I’ve never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I think my biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. 

That’s probably one of the biggest misconceptions about taking a cruise.

We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to LA. It was a six-night repositioning cruise - which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-2,400 per person depending on cabin).

When we left the Vancouver port, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. However, I found myself still having some misgivings about leaving land behind.

My 9 year old son taking in the view from our deck as the sun went down

My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.

Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.

My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.

My daughter and her "Mickey" pancakes (notice "Fancy" Minnie ears!)

Each restaurant offers a different selection of food, different attire and different themes.  The food every night was exceptional. For breakfast, we opted for the buffet in the Topsiders restaurant. This was perfect for my children who are notorious for wanting different things in the mornings.

As food is included in our cruise, the children could “help themselves” throughout  the day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).

My next concern was keeping the kids busy.  This was soon dismissed after visiting the Disney clubs onboard, which provide different activities for different age groups. 

The Oceaneer’s Lab offered interactive activities like science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and The Oceaneer’s Club (3-12), which had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring; which was ideal for my daughter.  

My daughter and Sleeping Beauty

Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.

Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child, which is a great security measure. There is also a “wave” phone for parents to take with them, to be contacted by the club at any time, wherever they are on the ship.

The club was great for our children to meet other kids from around the world and spend time doing things they loved. It also was a perfect time for my husband and me to spend a dinner or activity alone (thus able to indulge ourselves as well during the vacation).

"Goofy" photo op

Our room on the cruise had a balcony with a surprisingly large, roomy cabin. We had a queen bed with bunk beds, which were a big hit with the children.

A Disney crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day. The evening service offers turn down service (with special touches like a towel turned in to the shape of an animal and chocolates on the pillows).

There was an itinerary provided each night to use as a reference as to what activities and special events were going on the next day. It was great to know where the Disney characters would be on the ship (which we couldn’t get enough of) and choose which activities we wanted to do as a family (there were dozens to choose from).

If you asked either of my children what their favourite part of the trip was, it would have to be the pool. Both of them could hardly wait to get on the large water slide. They loved swimming in the pool despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco; the children were oblivious to it.  

The entertainment aboard the ship was beyond spectacular. The live-shows each night in the Walt Disney Theatre gave shows on Broadway a run for their money (particularly one show called “Disney Dreams”).  The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our “favourite” parts afterwards.

I was able to run each morning on the top deck of the ship which had a track for walkers and runners. There was also a gym which I enjoyed using and a spa to unwind in for some “me” time.

I also enjoyed being in the cabin and sitting out on my deck. I loved looking out at the water and taking in the breath taking views. 

The Disney Wonder docked in San Francisco

I found peace on a family vacation - who knew that was possible as a parent?

On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.

Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes.

And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYO13uXA

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYO13uXA

I've never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn't sure what to expect.
My biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to L.A. It was a six-night repositioning cruise, which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-$2,400 per person depending on cabin).
When we left Vancouver, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. But I still had misgivings about leaving land behind.
My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.
Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.
My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.
As food is included in our cruise, the children could "help themselves" all day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve-yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).
Another concern was keeping the kids busy. I needn't have worried. The Oceaneer's Lab offers interactive activities such as science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and the Oceaneer's Club (3-12) had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring, which was ideal for my daughter.
Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.
Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child. A "wave" phone is also distributed to all parents to carry with them and be contacted by the club at any time.
The kids clubs were great for our children to meet other kids and spend time engaged in activities they loved. It also allowed alone time for my husband and I.
Our roomy cabin had a balcony, queen bed and a bunk bed. A crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day.
A helpful itinerary is provided each night to use as a reference to plan the next day's activities.
But it was the pool that most delighted my children. They could hardly wait to get on the large water slide and go swimming despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco.
The nightly live-shows in the Walt Disney Theatre certainly give Broadway productions a run for their money (particularly one show called "Disney Dreams"). The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our "favourite" parts.
My exercise included a morning run on the top deck of the ship that had a track for walkers and runners and a visit to the gym and spa for some "me" time.
Life is as busy as you want to make it on a cruise, but I relished sitting on the balcony outside our cabin and simply looking out at the water. I found peace on a family vacation. Who knew that was possible as a parent?
On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.
Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes. And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.


Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYO13uXA

I've never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn't sure what to expect.
My biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to L.A. It was a six-night repositioning cruise, which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-$2,400 per person depending on cabin).
When we left Vancouver, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. But I still had misgivings about leaving land behind.
My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.
Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.
My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.
As food is included in our cruise, the children could "help themselves" all day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve-yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).
Another concern was keeping the kids busy. I needn't have worried. The Oceaneer's Lab offers interactive activities such as science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and the Oceaneer's Club (3-12) had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring, which was ideal for my daughter.
Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.
Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child. A "wave" phone is also distributed to all parents to carry with them and be contacted by the club at any time.
The kids clubs were great for our children to meet other kids and spend time engaged in activities they loved. It also allowed alone time for my husband and I.
Our roomy cabin had a balcony, queen bed and a bunk bed. A crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day.
A helpful itinerary is provided each night to use as a reference to plan the next day's activities.
But it was the pool that most delighted my children. They could hardly wait to get on the large water slide and go swimming despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco.
The nightly live-shows in the Walt Disney Theatre certainly give Broadway productions a run for their money (particularly one show called "Disney Dreams"). The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our "favourite" parts.
My exercise included a morning run on the top deck of the ship that had a track for walkers and runners and a visit to the gym and spa for some "me" time.
Life is as busy as you want to make it on a cruise, but I relished sitting on the balcony outside our cabin and simply looking out at the water. I found peace on a family vacation. Who knew that was possible as a parent?
On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.
Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes. And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.


Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYNYkCKv

I've never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn't sure what to expect.
My biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to L.A. It was a six-night repositioning cruise, which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-$2,400 per person depending on cabin).
When we left Vancouver, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. But I still had misgivings about leaving land behind.
My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.
Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.
My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.
As food is included in our cruise, the children could "help themselves" all day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve-yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).
Another concern was keeping the kids busy. I needn't have worried. The Oceaneer's Lab offers interactive activities such as science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and the Oceaneer's Club (3-12) had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring, which was ideal for my daughter.
Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.
Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child. A "wave" phone is also distributed to all parents to carry with them and be contacted by the club at any time.
The kids clubs were great for our children to meet other kids and spend time engaged in activities they loved. It also allowed alone time for my husband and I.
Our roomy cabin had a balcony, queen bed and a bunk bed. A crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day.
A helpful itinerary is provided each night to use as a reference to plan the next day's activities.
But it was the pool that most delighted my children. They could hardly wait to get on the large water slide and go swimming despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco.
The nightly live-shows in the Walt Disney Theatre certainly give Broadway productions a run for their money (particularly one show called "Disney Dreams"). The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our "favourite" parts.
My exercise included a morning run on the top deck of the ship that had a track for walkers and runners and a visit to the gym and spa for some "me" time.
Life is as busy as you want to make it on a cruise, but I relished sitting on the balcony outside our cabin and simply looking out at the water. I found peace on a family vacation. Who knew that was possible as a parent?
On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.
Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes. And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.


Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYNYkCKv

Bieber turned me in to a "Belieber"

Me, Justin and my 6 year old daughter during his Meet and Greet

Ok -yes, I admit it; it wasn't just my 6 year old daughter who was thrilled to meet Justin Bieber in person during his "Meet and Greet" prior to his concert.

He is one stylin young man, and he was so gracious to my daughter. We had to endure two hours in a line up to meet him, but it was worth it.

Despite the thousands of screaming girls (and several older women as well), my daughter and I were able to endure it for the sake of our time with "The Biebs".


When we met him, he was everything we had imagined. With a big smile on his face, he greeted us and complimented my daughter on her t-shirt (she was thrilled). He then took the time for a picture with us and hugged my daughter (I don't think she will wash that shirt ever again!)

After we had our one-on-one time with Justin Bieber, we had to wait outside with the throngs of screaming fans to enter the concert. Once in, we made our way to our front row seats.

I won't lie - the view was pretty spectacular. We had tons of leg room, and didn't have to worry about anyone standing up in front of us to block our view.

Carly Rae Jepson opened for Justin Bieber and she was fantastic and full of energy. So cute. My daughter sang along to several of her songs, including "Call Me Maybe" which had her up dancing. 

















When she was done, there was a 20 minute break and you could feel the tension and excitement rising in the arena.

Then he came out. And boy, did he make an entrance.

“Age is Just a Number,” read one very distinct red sign, waved around by an enthusiastic 40-something woman.

When he began singing “One Less Lonely Girl” (typically reserved for a young girl to join him on stage), several older women crowded the edge of the stage, hands outstretched to touch the musician.

Bieber striking a move very similar to Michael Jackson's.

Bieber loved singing to the masses below

Justin never lost steam the whole night and continually surprised the audience with his dance moves during each song - and the large, interactive video screens behind him which acted like mini-movies and provided a background story about the singer.

All in all, it was a really fun and incredible night. One of those moments that you know you will never forget (I know my daughter certainly won't!)

I also did a review on Justin's concert for 24 Hours and the Toronto Sun here:

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/10/11/bieber-soars-to-new-heights-in-vancouver-concert

As well, I wrote a separate article on how Justin's fans are changing, which can be viewed here:

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2012/10/11/justin-bieber-appeals-to-fans-of-all-ages

And yes, I'm officially a "Belieber". ;)

Ferrari Experience in the Okanagan

Me with the keys to the newest FF Ferrari with Lake Okanagan behind me.

If you were given the keys to a brand new FF Ferrari, where would you go and what would you do?

That question was on my mind when I was handed the keys to the most magnificent piece of machinery I've ever laid eyes on for a week's test drive.

The FF Ferrari (FF for four-wheel drive and four seats) is a V12, and one of the most powerful and versatile cars Ferrari has ever built. As soon as I turned the key in the ignition and the motor roared, I was in love. So where to?

I chose to head to the Interior, where I could really have fun. If you've never driven in the Interior before, it's a must-do for many reasons-there are endless outdoor adventures waiting to be experienced.
Besides spotting black bears along the side of the road, I also discovered the Othello Tunnels, just outside of Hope.

It's a provincial park on the canyon of the Coquihalla River. Once part of the Kettle Valley Railway, it's now become a free walking trail with five tunnels and a series of bridges. Bring a flashlight to take into the darkened tunnels and a camera to capture the park's fantastic rock cliffs.

Back in the Ferrari, I tried hard not to speed, but let's face it, the car was built to move fast. The paddle shifters are easy to use, which allowed me to go from automatic to manual or race mode with one flick.

Me swimming in the infinity pool at Sparkling Hill Resort

When I arrived in Vernon, I stayed at Sparkling Hill, which is famous for its millions of Swarovski crystals infused throughout the hotel. Its many saunas and relaxing spa really make you feel you are away from home. And with Lake Okanagan as the backdrop, it was paradise.

On my drive back, I stopped along the highway in Penticton to see the "floaters" along the Penticton River Channel. I watched as hundreds of adults and kids alike float along the river channel (which is just over seven kilometres long).

Floaters enjoying a sunny day along the Penticton River

You can bring your own inner tubes or air mattress or rent them from launch site). It's a big draw for families thanks to the shallowness of the water and it's free.

In Penticton, a stop at Pier Watercraft Sports is a must if you want to try water sports such as sea-dooing and parasailing.

Penticton's Main Avenue also has some cool little shops that are worth a visit.

I also had to a stop at Peach King Orchard in Keremeos for some highly anticipated peaches. There is nothing like freshly picked fruit. I also found vegetables that defied the laws of physics including a zucchini that weighed at least five pounds.

When you visit the U.S., you stock up on alcohol (well, some of us do) and when you visit the Interior, you have to stock up on fruit-which is exactly what I did with two-flats of peaches that nestled nicely in the trunk of the Ferrari.

Me eating a delicious peach at Peach King Orchard

On my way back, I chose the longer route of Crow's Nest Pass (the Hope/Princeton Highway) from Penticton for its hair-pin turns and the winding road, which the car handled effortlessly.

If you have time, stop at Bromley Rock Provincial Park (just before Princeton) to see the beautiful Similkameen River, which was a perfect place to pull off the road for a quick dip. Several other people had the same idea. Some bolder adventure-seekers were cliff diving as well.

After several days with the Ferrari in the Interior, I felt a bit spoiled. It's like travelling first class and having to go back to coach.

As well as having an exhilarating road trip, I also learned a great deal.

The first is that it's hard to hand back the keys to a Ferrari, because- let's face it-it's an incredibly fun car to drive.

The second is that the Interior is one of the best places for outdoor adventures in B.C.
 
And the third?

No matter how much you like peaches, two-flats is just too much fruit for any one person.