Thursday 30 April 2020

Bucket List: Vancouver

The third-largest metropolitan area in Canada is one of the top cities in the world for livability and quality of life.  Moreover it's one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse, as 52% of its residents are not native-English speakers.

Native Americans are thought to have inhabited the area for thousands of years before European explorers came in the late 1790s and early 1800s.  However it was the Fraser Gold Rush in 1858 that brought more men who founded several settlements along the Fraser River.  Logging mills also sprang up in the 1860s, including one known as Hastings Mill which, along with an accompanying tavern, became the nucleus of a settlement that came to be known as "Gastown" (which today remains a neighbourhood).  With the 1886 arrival of the CPR transcontinental railroad and more colonists, the city was renamed after British military officer and explorer George Vancouver.

The city is one of the most temperate in Canada, with a dry summer climate similar to that of the Mediterranean.  The scenic location and oceanfront has helped the city to become a major tourist destination, with over 10 million people visiting annually.  Attractions include many museums, public gardens, and parks.  Look carefully and one might even spot a celebrity or two, because Vancouver also is a popular location for television and film shoots.

Official site www.vancouver.ca

Tourism Vancouver www.tourismvancouver.ca

Wednesday 29 April 2020

Bucket List: Upper Canada Village

In 1958 the Saint Lawrence Seaway project began, which was projected to permanently flood a large swath of the area between the cities of Cornwall and Iroquois in Ontario.  This necessitated the wholesale relocation of ten small communities.  Many of the buildings recovered from these communities were transported to a safe location near the town of Morrisburg and designated as Upper Canada Village, which opened to the public in 1961.

The heritage park depicts life in a rural 19th-century English Canadian setting, with over 40 buildings that include working mills, trades, and farming.  Staff members in period costume discuss the history of the buildings and aspects of the domestic arts and social life.

Open from early spring to late fall, the village hosts daily tours as well as special holiday events such as the award-winning "Pumpkinferno" and "Alight at Night".  It's also been the site of a film shoot: the 1973 adaptation of Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was shot on the grounds.

Official Web site www.uppercanadavillage.com

Tuesday 28 April 2020

Bucket List: Tokyo

This metropolis of 13.5 million people that evolved from a small 12th century fishing village called Edo is the capital of Japan and believed to be one of the most expensive places in the world to visit.  It is categorized as an "Alpha+" city, one that is a primary location in the global economic network.  It ranks third in the Global Financial Centers index, behind New York City and London.

The city is divided into 23 wards, each with its own elected governor and council that are held accountable by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.  Numerous outlying islands also look to the city for their administration and economy.  A number of land reclamation and green space preservation projects are underway within the area as part of the effort to reduce the urban heat island phenomenon

To a fan of Japanese animation and culture Tokyo might as well be a mecca, as it hosts numerous theaters, museums, and studios for film and animation.  One might worry about being understood since few Japanese people outside of those employed in hotels speak English.  However every major transport hub and tourist attraction has English signs - including the tallest tower in the world, the Tokyo Skytree.

Official travel guide www.gotokyo.org

Monday 27 April 2020

Bucket List: Southfork Ranch

In 1970, rancher Joe Duncan purchased 200 acres (80.9 hectares) of land outside of the small town of Parker, Texas, and built a 5900 square foot (550 sq meter) Colonial style house with an in-ground pool.  The property was known as Duncan Acres, a spot of greenery in the middle of nowhere, until Lorimar Productions chose it as the backdrop for the soon-to-be hit series Dallas in 1978, whereupon it was immortalized as Southfork Ranch.

Duncan and his family were living in the house while much of the filming was in progress, which required the construction of mock-up sets in California for the production to use during poor weather or when the house was otherwise unavailable.  In 1985 a 63,000 square foot (5853 sq meter) conference center was erected on the property.

Today the ranch is owned by a resort company and hosts business events, international conferences, and public tours for the thousands of people that visit from across the globe.

Official site www.southforkranch.com

Saturday 25 April 2020

Bucket List: Regina

My interest in Saskatchewan's capital and second-largest city stems from my mother's stories.  She remembered being only three or four years old when the family was living there during her father's military assignment.  The place was originally called Wascana, meaning "buffalo bones" in Cree.  However in 1882 it was renamed in honour of Queen Victoria.  Its location on the plains gave it few topographical features, so early city planners dammed Wascana Creek to create an artificial lake.

The Canadian Pacific Railroad brought development and trade, and in 1885 the city gained prominence as a debarkation point for troops during the Northwest Rebellion.  Regina grew rapidly until a combination of the Great Depression and drought seriously damaged the area's agricultural production.  Recovery was extremely slow, exacerbated by migration of many businesses away from the city center.

Today Regina struggles to remain vibrant, particularly given the recent loss of many major businesses and the unfortunate demolition of many of its historical buildings.  A new plan has recently been established to preserve green spaces and promote development of educational facilities.

Official site www.regina.ca

Friday 24 April 2020

Bucket List: Queen Anne Cottage

The Queen Anne style of architecture refers to a particular form that was developed during the reign of Queen Anne in the early 1700s.  Buildings in this style feature bilateral symmetry, rows of painted sash windows and a central entrance.  In the United States this design was modified to include high peaked and gabled roofs.  There are many historical and private homes in the style but the specific example this entry refers to is located on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, California.

The cottage was designed by architect Albert A. Bennett for real-estate speculator Elias Baldwin and his third wife.  The elaborate Coach Barn was constructed first in 1879, followed by the house and a nearby guest house in 1885.  The interior contained features such as black walnut doors, marble fireplace mantels, and stained glass windows.  An extensive renovation between 1951 and 1953 restored these and many other elements that had been previously removed.

Both the gardens and the cottage have been used as the backdrop in numerous productions, most famously for the opening of the 1978 TV show Fantasy Island.  It's considered a California Historical Landmark and public tours are given only twice a year.

Official Arboretum web site: www.arboretum.org

History of the Cottage: Baldwin's Belvedere: The Queen Anne Cottage at the LA Arboretum

Bucket List: Paley Residence

This imposing two-story brick mansion in Beverly Hills, California was designed for American businessman Jacob "Jay" Paley and his wife in 1934 by architect Paul R. Williams.  It combines a modern style with Georgian Colonial elements, particularly the interior as envisioned by Harriet Shellenberger, one of the most sought-after designers of the time.

The 20-room home cost approximately $100,000 at the time of construction.  The living space is over 15,000 square feet (1394 square meters) and it sits on a 2.55 acre (1 hectare) lot that contains manicured gardens along with an elaborate pool house and swimming pool, the bottom of which bears a custom-designed mosaic sunburst.  The house's principal attraction was the master bedroom, which rises the full two stories and has its own conic roof supported by columns.

Sadly, after Jay Paley's death in 1960, most of the Shellenberger interiors were removed and sold at auction.  The house has been used frequently as the exterior for many films and TV shows, but is best known as "The Belvedere", the family home in the Dynasty spin-off The Colbys.

House history and photo gallery: www.paulrwilliamsproject.org/gallery/1930s-houses

Wednesday 22 April 2020

Bucket List: Ottawa

Canada's capital and fourth largest city stands on the south bank of the Ottawa River in southeastern Ontario.  Its name was taken from that of the river, a derivation of the Algonquin word meaning "to trade", and trade has always been one of the largest facets of its economy.

Native Americans had been living in the area for centuries, but the first European settlers arrived in 1800.  The settlement of Bytown was founded in 1826, named after British military engineer Colonel John By who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal whose purpose was a secure route between Montreal and Lake Ontario.  The town was incorporated as a city and renamed to Ottawa in 1855, becoming the capital of the Province of Canada in 1857.

The city has survived political dissension, fire, and unrest to become one of Canada's cleanest and greenest cities, attracting 7.3 million tourists to the area every year.  It's known as having some of the most educated citizens in the country and is also home to many cultural institutions and national museums. 

Official Web Site https://ottawa.ca/en

Tourism Site www.ottawatourism.ca

Tuesday 21 April 2020

Bucket List: New York

One of the best-known songs about New York City was sung by Liza Minelli in 1977 but became more closely associated with Frank Sinatra in 1979.  They and many other performers had a long-standing love of the most populous city in the United States, which also has been described as the cultural and media capital of the world.

Its humble beginnings in the early 17th century as a Dutch trading post located on one of the world's largest natural harbours were quickly overshadowed by the British rule that saw the city bloom and become the capital of the United States between 1785 and 1790.  Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, New York welcomed millions of immigrants, making it one of the world's most racially and linguistically diverse cities.

Today the city's background is reflected in its many landmarks which include three of the world's most visited attractions: the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park.  Its nickname of The City that Never Sleeps is a testament to its continuing service to the nation.

Official web site www.nyc.gov

Guide to New York City www.nycgo.com

Monday 20 April 2020

Bucket List: Miravalle

Many television shows, particularly those from the 1980s, were set on estates and/or mansions owned by wealthy business people.  I always found the open country and huge properties appealing.  One such place is known as Miravalle.

The Victorian-style house is the main residence at the Spring Mountain Vineyard, a 342 hectare (845 acre) estate in Napa Valley, California that produces many internationally-recognized wines.  Miravalle, meaning "look valley", was commissioned in 1884 by Tiburcio Parrott, a Mexican-American businessman and mining prospector.  It was designed by San Francisco architect Albert Schroepfer.

After Tiburcio's death, the house wasn't used by his family for many years.  Eventually the estate was purchased in 1974 by real-estate mogul Mike Robbins who restored the property and built a new 1579 square meter (17,000 square foot) winery.  The estate subsequently became famous thanks to the 1981 TV series Falcon Crest.  Ironically, the 'falcon' figure in the mansion's interior stained glass display was actually intended to be a parrot.

Today the structures have been fully restored using original materials, and the winery is still producing, although it's currently closed to the public.

Official site www.springmountainvineyard.com

Sunday 19 April 2020

Bucket List: London

One of the world's most important cities has been in existence for over two millennia.  Settlements in the same area are known to have existed for much longer, but London as it's now known was founded by the Romans in the first century AD.  For several centuries it served as the capital of Britain until the fall of the Roman Empire when it was effectively abandoned.

However Anglo-Saxon and Viking tribes then moved into the area, and London steadily grew in population and significance as a major port and commercial center.  By the 11th century it became the largest town in England and has remained so ever since.

The city boasts some of the most famous examples of architecture in the world, including Westminster Abbey which is now a World Heritage Site, and Buckingham Palace.  It's been called (among many things) the most influential, most innovative, and most visited city in the world - it hosts over 20 million tourists annually.

Official web site www.visitlondon.com

Saturday 18 April 2020

Bucket List: Kouchibouguac

This community on the east coast of New Brunswick takes its name from the Kouchibouguac River, a Mi'kmaq word meaning "river of the long tides".  The modern town is an amalgamation of seven other small Acadian communities that were relocated in 1969 to allow for the formation of the nearby Kouchibouguac National Park.

Many residents were unhappy with the move, primarily due to the fact that their own ancestors had been part of the great Acadian expulsion in the mid-18th century.  Resistance to the park became so fierce that Parks Canada decided to change its own rules and allow certain people to continue living within the park's boundaries.

The park itself is 238 square kilometres in size (92 square miles), and is home to the second largest tern colony in North America, the endangered Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster, and many other animals and seabirds.  It's also famous for the long stretches of sand dunes and tidewater lagoons, boasting the warmest salt water beaches in Canada.

Parks Canada official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nb/kouchibouguac

Tourism New Brunswick: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Parks/KouchibouguacNationalPark

Thursday 16 April 2020

Bucket List: Jasper

The town of Jasper, Alberta was first established in 1813 as a major fur trade and supply outpost on a route toward what is now Vancouver.  It was named for one of the outpost's first managers, Jasper Haws.  Located in the Canadian Rockies within the Athabaska River valley, it's a place of majestic mountains and beautiful blue lakes.

The Canadian government was quick to protect the area in 1907 by creating Jasper Forest Park.  Soon afterwards the second transcontinental rail line was built, bringing more trade and adventure-seeking tourists.  The local Native Americans and Métis fostered an interest in cabin-building, a tradition that continues today.

Jasper National Park now extends over 11,000 square kilometres (4247 sq mi) and is the largest national park in the Rockies.  Its activities include back-country hiking and camping (in both summer and winter), mountain biking, and canoeing.  In 2011 the town was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve for its ideal conditions for amateur astronomers.

Town of Jasper site www.jasper-alberta.com

Discover Jasper Travel site www.jasper.travel

Tuesday 14 April 2020

Bucket List: Iceland

Straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge just below the Arctic Circle, the island of Iceland is Europe's second-largest island after Great Britain.  Due to its location, its climate is mainly tundra, punctuated by a series of active volcanoes and majestic fjords.

It's thought that the first settlers came from the various Scandinavian countries, and the people lived in a commonwealth-style society until internal political struggles necessitated the island being brought under the Norwegian Crown, and then later, Denmark took over.  Iceland gained its independence in 1918 and became a kingdom, but after World War Two a vote was held to establish a republic and create a constitution.

Historically, Iceland's economy was driven by the fishery, but in more recent times its abundant hydroelectric and geothermal energy sources have enabled the republic to become one of the top 10 greenest economies in the world.  The tourism sector is expanding, particularly in ecotourism, whale watching, and mountaineering.  Despite its remoteness and harsh climate conditions, much of the scenery is considered to be among the most breathtaking in the world.

Official web site www.iceland.is

Tourism information www.inspiredbyiceland.com

Saturday 11 April 2020

Bucket List: Hawaii

The U.S. fiftieth state.  The Aloha State.  The filming location of the 1968 police drama Hawaii 5-0, the 1980 detective series Magnum P.I., and their remakes.  The Paradise of the Pacific.  However people describe it, it's a beautiful and unique place.

The volcanic archipelago consists of 137 islands spread over 2400 km (1500 miles), and the name Hawai'i is thought to be derived from the name of a mythical figure named Hawai'iloa.  The islands were first settled by Polynesians between approximately 300 CE and 800 CE, but the first Europeans arrived with British explorer Captain James Cook in 1778.  Hawaii was governed by a series of monarchs, often supplanting each other by violence, until it was annexed by the U.S. and given self-governance in 1900.  It eventually became a state in 1959.

The tropical and volcanic climate and diverse scenery are a magnets for scientists and tourism.  Large sections of the islands are protected by national parks, including a Marine National Monument whose area is larger than that of all the national parks in the continental U.S. combined.  Hawaiians are fiercely proud of their heritage and culture, and are known to be extremely creative and friendly.

Discover Hawaii web site: www.hawaii.com

Friday 10 April 2020

Bucket List: Grand Manan

Grand Manan Island on the border of New Brunswick and Maine is the largest island in the Bay of Fundy.  Much of its land mass is made up of volcanic basalt that underlies most of the bay and the western coast of Nova Scotia.  The name of the island is a derivation of a First Nations word meaning "island place".  The Passamaquoddy nation in particular referred to themselves as "people of the island" and considered it a sacred place.

It's thought that 15th Century explorers Sebastian Cabot and Gaspar Corte-Real made note of the island, but it doesn't appear on maps until 1558 when cartographer Diogo Homem made his first comprehensive map of the New World.  A number of explorers came afterwards and traded with the First Nations, in particular Samuel de Champlain.  The island was claimed by the French and remained in their possession until handed to Britain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht.

Despite a permanent settlement being established on the island in 1784, the United States and Britain would squabble over ownership until 1817 when it became part of what would be New Brunswick.  The island's economy has changed little over time, being dependent on fishing, aquaculture, and tourism.  It is only reachable by ferry and small aircraft, and its inhabitants are known to loyally guard their "Fundy Oasis" and preserve its beautiful setting.

Official web site www.grandmanannb.com

Wednesday 8 April 2020

Bucket List: Filoli

The 1980s were a time of much creativity as far as TV series were concerned, and a great number focused on people who were wealthy or had come upon money unexpectedly.  Such productions showcased the lavish houses and estates in the Southern California area, one of which was Filoli.

Prominent San Franciscans Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn derived their wealth from gold mining ventures.  They chose architect Willis Polk to design them an estate in Woodside, California, nestled on the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains.  Construction of the house lasted two years, from 1915 to 1917, although the layout of the extensive 16-acre gardens wasn't completed until 1929.

The name of the estate is an acronym formed by combining the first two letters from the key words of William Bourn's credo: "Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life."  Today the house and gardens are owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and have been recognized as a California Historical Landmark.  It has served as the set for many films and is most famously known as the mansion seen from the air in the opening credits of the 1981 series Dynasty.

Official web site www.filoli.org

Tuesday 7 April 2020

Bucket List: Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable monuments to human engineering.  It stands on the Champs-de-Mars in Paris, France and is the result of the collaboration between two of the senior engineers working for the prestigious architecture company, Compagnie des Établissements Eiffel.

The World's Fair was to be held in 1889 and the engineers had discussed ideas for a suitable centerpiece to celebrate both the World's Fair and the centennial of the French Revolution.  Eiffel approved one of their designs, which was subsequently selected by the French government as being more practical and detailed than all other proposals at the time.  Construction began in 1887 and lasted two years.

Standing 324 meters (1063 feet) in height, the tower is the tallest structure in Paris and second-tallest free standing structure in France.  It has become the icon of France and one of the most-visited monuments in the world.

The popular British television series Doctor Who filmed a serial that showed the tower (City of Death, Season 17) with the titular character and his companion joking about whether they should take the elevator or fly to get to the top.

Official web site: www.toureiffel.paris

Sunday 5 April 2020

Bucket List: Drumheller

Drumheller is considered the province of Alberta'a largest town in terms of land area at 107.93 square kilometers (41.67 square miles), as a result of an amalgamation in 1998.  It was named after American entrepreneur Samuel Drumheller who bought the land and then sold it to the Canadian National Railway in exchange for development of a town site.  Legend has it that the town got its name as result of a coin toss between Samuel Drumheller and landowner Thomas Greentree.

Like many other communities in the western provinces, Drumheller got its start from coal mining, and at its peak there were 139 mines in the vicinity.  The last mine closed in 1979 and the names of miners who lost their lives on the job are memorialized next to the town hall.  Today the main industries are agriculture and gas production.

The town is the gateway to the Alberta Badlands, an arid glacial valley famous for its rock formations and fossil discoveries, which has earned it the title "Dinosaur Capital of the World".  One of the first fossils discovered in the area became known as Albertoasaurus, an example of which is on display at the Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Travel Drumheller web site https://traveldrumheller.com/

Official Canadian Badlands web site https://www.canadianbadlands.com/

Saturday 4 April 2020

Bucket List: Curry Rivel

My parents were always proud of our family history, particularly my mother.  I developed a keen interest as well, and when the resources of the internet became available I was able to search further back than either my parents or grandparents could.

The village of Curry Rivel, England is the birthplace of one of my mother's ancestors.  Located in the county of Somerset in the southwest of England, its name is derived from the Celtic language, translated loosely as "Boundary of Revel" - Sir Richard Revell being a 12th century land owner whose territory included the area where the village lies.

Much of the surrounding land was marshy and prone to flooding, resulting in many settlements and homesteads effectively becoming islands for much of the year.  Historical evidence indicates a flourishing trade of cloth products as well as crops suited for wet conditions.  Today the village and its parish support many farms and craftspeople.

The official village web site is www.curryrivel.org.uk

Friday 3 April 2020

Bucket List: Bryce Canyon


The world contains many natural wonders, untouched places that have been sculpted into their current forms by natural processes and time.  Bryce Canyon is one such, a fifty-five square mile area of rock spires and natural amphitheaters located in southwestern Utah.

The area was first settled by pioneers in the 1850's and named for homesteader Ebenezer Bryce, but Native American tribes had inhabited it for many thousands of years prior.  A myth surrounding the place indicated the belief that the spires, known as hoodoos, were legendary figures that were turned to stone by the trickster Coyote spirit.  A combination of drought and livestock overgrazing drove most of the people to move elsewhere by the mid-1880's.

Conservation efforts began in the early 1920's when it was discovered that unregulated visitation was beginning to damage the area's fragile environment.  After a great deal of effort by the federal government to buy the land, the Bryce Canyon National Park was created in 1928.  In 1961 the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association was formed, and a portion of its profits are donated to public land conservation.  The park receives over two and a half million visitors every year.  Activities include hiking, back country camping, skiing, and stargazing.

The Minecraft game biome of Mesa or Badlands was inspired by the area.

The official web site is https://www.brycecanyon.com

Thursday 2 April 2020

Bucket List: Arden Villa


With the deadly Coronavirus currently sweeping the globe, travel has been cut down to the bare essentials.  It struck me that a fun thing to do would be to use this year's April A to Z Blog Challenge to compile a list of places or attractions that I'd like to visit if time and money were no object.

Let's start with Arden Villa.

The unmistakable yellow stucco Palladian manor is located in Pasadena, California.  It was built in 1913 by the architecture firm Marston, Van Pelt, & Maybury for railroad and mining tycoon William Kennon Jewett and his wife.  The construction cost $35,000 USD - a huge sum in those days, and rests on three acres of land.

The villa itself boasts approximately 13,000 square feet of living space with grand entertainment rooms and lavish details.  Outdoor facilities include a swimming pool, tennis court, and extensive manicured gardens.  Discerning television and movie buffs might easily recognize the place, as it was used in multiple shows, including: Flamingo Road, Rags to Riches, Knight Rider, and Dynasty.

In 2017 the property was put on the market for $28 million USD, and by January 2019 the price had dropped to $19.5 million USD when it became known that its current owner, a Chinese investor, was having difficulty making his payments.  However the grounds are still being meticulously maintained and continue to attract film and television cameras.

For a virtual tour you can visit www.ardenvilla.com