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EGYPT? Why NOT!

Published

9 years ago

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BY MICCA VANVIELD

It was in 2013 that I decided to embark on the trip of a lifetime. I was having a conversation with a friend where we discovered we were both craving that time away. She had always wanted to travel to Egypt to see the pyramids and her inspiration came from the book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. .Being the true adventurist that I am, I decided to dive right in and take the trip. When asked about their dream destination, most would say that I want to be laying on a beach for days without a care in the world. Ohers would say, I want the opportunity to embrace culture. I say I want the opportunity to do it all. My journey to Egypt did just that and it was a trip that absolutely changed my life.

Like every traveler out there, I started to do my research on the places I wanted to see and the things I wanted to do while I would be away. I had my itinerary set and of course the news hit about a possible revolution. Now, I am a firm believer in nothing being a coincidence, so with my faith ahead of me and some extensive research, I embarked on my journey. Being in the business that I am in, I embrace all things custom and getting the most value out of everything I do. I created an itinerary that had me visit family in London on my way to Egypt. It was almost like having two vacations in one.

It wasn’t until I arrived in Egypt that I discovered what direction this decision would take my life. Not only was it an amazing opportunity to see a land that plays such a significant role in our history, this trip really gave me an opportunity to find myself. I was at a point in my life where I felt like I needed clarity in certain areas and had no idea that this trip would offer that. I’ve compiled a list that will give you an idea of the experience.

The People: After arriving in Cairo at almost 3:00am we were met by a local representative with a warm welcome. He guided us to get the visa that was needed upon entry and even got our bags from the carousel. Though I noticed a difference in the look from the people of Cairo to Aswan to Luxor, the warmth and offers of hospitality remained the same. I believe that great characteristics of the people of a country you plan to visit is always a plus to make your vacation unforgettable.

Sightseeing: Where do I begin? If I start to point out the beautiful places, monuments and temples you can visit in Egypt, it’ll be such a long list. I started out my first full day in Egypt visiting the pyramids, located in Cairo (the largest city in the Middle East and also Africa). There is still something so surreal about waking up in a beautiful hotel, then driving minutes away, not realizing that you are about to witness one of the world’s great wonders. In Cairo you can also visit the Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Sakkara, Nile Cruises or Felucca Sailings. Every day was something new and amazing. One of my favorite sites was my journey on a boat to Agilika Island (in the south off the shore of Aswan) where I sat in the courtyard of my favorite temple (Philae Temple) and listened to many myths including the story of Seth and Horus (this is now highlighted in the new film Gods of Egypt). I also had an experience which I now know as my realization of a divine connection. To my understanding many people tour the lands of Egypt for this specific purpose. It is definitely life changing. Bathing in the River Nile, visiting the Valley of the Kings, Abu-Simbel, viewing the remains and treasures of the nation’s greats are just a few of the highlights you can explore while visiting Egypt. When you feel like you have visited one too many sites you can opt for rest and relaxation. You can visit Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada for sun, sea and sand; in other words the ultimate relaxation trip. Water sports such as diving, snorkeling and windsurfing are definitely a must here especially in Hurghada due to the very rare colored coral reefs that amaze divers. Alexandria is also full of great surprises and is a fantastic choice for a honeymoon.

Culture: All we can say about the current culture in Egypt is that the atmosphere is one that should be experienced.  It’s amazing how energetic, cheerful and optimistic everyone is. From young kids running up to the tour bus to play their role in the family business to sitting in a coffee shop having hibiscus tea in the middle of the afternoon or indulging in a local pastime of shisha. The food in Egypt is definitely mouthwatering and depicts the culture. Enjoying Kebab and Kofta in 5 star restaurants showcasing New Age Egypt to dining in the courtyard of a Nubian home or on the Nile while sailing Felucca. The experiences are truly priceless.

Weather: Egypt is a sunny place year round.  It rarely rains in the winter and you’ll always find close to perfect weather. Summer runs from May to August and the temperatures can be quite high. I remember visiting the Valley of the Kings on a day where the temperature soared to 48 Celsius. This was definitely an afternoon to cool off in the pool (or the Nile).  Winter runs from October to February and may get cool to the point where you will need a light jacket. September, April and March are also great months to travel where the temperature isn’t sweltering.

It doesn’t matter the reason for your trip. If you a person who enjoys relaxation or you prefer a crowded full of life place? Whether it for clarity, culture, people,  sites or food,  a trip to Egypt will definitely satisfy. Egypt certainly knows how to combine between a lot of aspects; a glamorous nightlife, oriental places, Nile cruises or the ultimate getaways. Follow your heart, take that trip. I might see you there.

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Antigua & Barbuda Welcomes More Canadians as Air Canada Adds New Flights

Published

2 years ago

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October 10, 2022

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St. John’s, Antigua – The dual-island destination of Antigua & Barbuda is seeing an uptick in Canadian traffic just in time for the winter travel season. Beginning today, October 8th, a new offering of flights from Air Canada is expected to help realize a recovery to pre-pandemic airlift levels in the Canadian market.
The Air Canada flight arrived this afternoon carrying 106 passengers from Toronto and the aircraft was given a welcome back water cannon salute.  Passengers were also greeted by cultural dancers and music and small token welcome gifts.
“We are extremely pleased with Air Canada’s decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors,” said Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “We know many Canadians are more than ready for a vacation and we are equally ready to provide the relaxation and escape that Canadians have been craving.”
As noted, the rollout of the new service begins today with a single direct flight weekly from Toronto (YYZ) to St. John’s (ANU). Service will continue to ramp up to meet the traditional demand of the holiday season, with Air Canada forecasting the eventual operation of five weekly flights at peak traffic.
Travellers from Montreal looking to fly south for the winter can look forward to once-a-week direct flights (YUL to ANU) beginning December 23rd.
The return of Air Canada flights to Antigua & Barbuda comes in the wake of the destination’s latest travel advisory, which has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for passengers arriving by air, yacht, and ferry. While a successful strategy of mass vaccinations and proactive public awareness campaigns has kept COVID-19 infection levels low, visitors are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces where crowds are likely to gather. You can read the latest travel advisory here.
“Over the course of the pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a monumental, joint effort involving both the government and industry stakeholders to make the destination as safe as it can be,” said Mr. James. “With that goal now realized and our Canadian friends set to return, we are extremely excited that our guests will once again be able to experience everything our home has to offer.”

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Gambling Regulations In Canada And The Caribbean: What You Need To Know

Published

2 years ago

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August 27, 2022

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There are several trusted licensing authorities that oversee land-based and online gambling in the Caribbean, and in Canada, it’s all overseen in each province by the local provincial government. You also have the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is situated on an Indian land reserve in Quebec.

This trusted licensing authority is independent of Canada, and it’s part of the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory government. At one time, it was the licensing authority in the whole of North America, prior to US states regulating online casino gambling. Here is a look at gambling regulations in Canadian and the Caribbean and what you need to know as a player.

Are online casinos in Canada licensed by the Canadian government?

In Canada, gambling at online casinos is legal, and the gambling operator that’s based in that province must be licensed by the local provincial government’s licensing agency. For example, in Ontario, gambling is monitored and regulated by iGaming Ontario, which is a subsidiary of AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario).

In other words, to legally operate an online casino in Ontario, an operator must have first obtained a license from iGaming Ontario. However, there’s still nothing stopping a foreign operator that’s based outside of Canadian borders from aiming their business toward Ontario citizens because they fall outside of Canadian jurisdiction. One of the other major licensing authorities that has issued licenses to hundreds of online casinos is the previously mentioned Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Because the regulation and licensing of online casinos and other similar real money gambling sites is still relatively new in Canada, it’s why you will see that many of today’s best Ontario casino sites are licensed outside of Canada, by one or more other reputable licensing authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, or the Malta Gaming Authority.

How is online gambling regulated in the Caribbean?

There are several different gambling regulators/licensing authorities in the Caribbean, but these are often referred to as ‘rubber stamp’ licensing authorities. For example, you have the Directorate of Offshore Gaming in Antigua and Barbuda, the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority in the Anjouan and Comoros Islands, and the Curaçao Ministry of Justice in Curaçao (the former Netherlands Antilles).

While not all online casinos that have obtained a license from one of these authorities can be classed as ‘rogue casinos’, the best thing to do would be to stick to playing at the sites that are licensed either by a provincial Canadian government licensing authority or by one of the others mentioned above (e.g., by the UK Gambling Commission – one of the most trusted online gambling regulators in the world).

Why sign up to a casino that’s licensed by a provincial Canadian government or the Malta Gaming Authority?

These reputable authorities don’t just hand out a license to any old operator that has the cash to buy one. They heavily vet their licensees and carry out the necessary due diligence prior to issuing a license. They have the best legal framework in place, and they only license the most trusted operators. Should an issue arise at a casino that’s licensed in one of these jurisdictions (which is highly unlikely), you would have the proper legal backing that you, as a player, deserve. In other words, your complaint or issue will not go unanswered and will be resolved within a relatively short period of time.

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11 Fun Vacation Ideas That Will Keep You Entertained

Published

2 years ago

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August 11, 2022

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When it comes to taking a vacation, many people think they need to go somewhere exotic to have a good time. This is not always the case! Plenty of fun vacation ideas will keep you entertained without breaking the bank. This blog post will discuss 11 different vacations you can take without spending a lot of money. So whether you are looking for an adventure or want to relax on the beach, we have you covered!

Hiking and camping

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, hiking and camping are great options. There are many trails all over the world that you can explore. And if you camp in an RV or tent, it will be even cheaper! This is a great way to get in touch with nature and see fantastic sights.

 

Try your hand at gambling

Gambling doesn’t always mean going to a casino—there are many different ways to gamble, and not all require money. You can play card games or bet on sports games with friends. You may wager on sports, horse races, and other events from anywhere with just a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. You should give it a chance now that single-game betting in Ontario is legal in different provinces. Numerous online betting firms provide bonuses and incentives, and the whole idea of gambling is to have fun.

 

Visit a national park

Another excellent option for those who love the outdoors is to visit a national park. There are parks throughout the United States and in many other countries. This is a great way to see some of the most beautiful places on earth without spending a lot of money. Many parks offer free or discounted admission days, so check out before going.

 

Take a road trip

A road trip is another great vacation idea that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can explore different parts of your country or even take an international trip! Just be sure to plan your route and budget accordingly. And don’t forget to pack snacks and games for the car ride.

 

Have a staycation

If you are short on time or money, a staycation is always an option. This is where you spend your vacation at home or in a nearby city. There are many things to do on a staycation, such as visiting local attractions, going out to eat, and seeing movies. You can also use this time to relax at home and catch up on some much-needed rest.

 

Take an art class

One fun activity you can do on vacation is taking an art class. This is a great way to try something new and connect with your creative side. You can find classes for all different types of art, such as painting, pottery, and photography. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

 

Visit a museum

Museums are another great option for those who want to learn on vacation. There are museums for different topics, such as history, art, and science. Many museums also offer discounts or free days, so be sure to check that out before you go.

 

See a live show

Seeing a live show is an excellent option if you are looking for some entertainment on vacation. Depending on your interests, you can see a play, musical, or concert. This is a great way to experience some cultures and see something new.

 

Visit a theme park

Theme parks are always a popular vacation destination. And there are many different ones to choose from all over the world. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun at a theme park. There are often discounts and promotions available if you plan ahead.

 

Take a cooking class

One last fun vacation idea is taking a cooking class. This is a great way to learn about new cuisines and get some hands-on experience in the kitchen. You can find cooking classes for all different types of food, such as Italian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

 

Visit a winery

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, visiting a winery is a great option. You can spend your days touring different vineyards, sampling wines, and learning about the wine-making process. And many wineries offer discounts or complimentary tastings if you visit during certain times of the year.

 

 

These are just a few of the many fun vacation ideas that you can try. So get out there and start exploring! And don’t forget to have fun!

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