Bermud-aaaahhhhh!

After the wedding in Toronto, we travelled to Bermuda for a break.

Why Bermuda? Have you been there? That is all the reason you need.

It was our first true downtime in about 2 years (probably since we were in Bermuda last). The biggest decision of the day was - pool or beach?

It is a beautiful group of islands out in the middle of the Atlantic oceanwith some great beaches, nice people and it is...quiet (as I sit here back in BA, the one thing I didnt miss was the constant traffic noise).

On the day we arrived it was the last day of the Tall Ships Festival - and they were leaving the port. They were magnificent. Our shuttle driver was equally interested in them and he took us a more circuitous route to the hotel so we could catch a glimpse of them sailing off to Charleston, South Carolina.

For a week, we walked along the beach,read by the pool,had a mix of weather (which allowed my sunburn to heal), played some golf, ate great food and drank (yes) Argentine wine. We also discussed what possibilities were in store for us as a result of the unsolicited offer for all the shares in our company that happened while we were away.

In Bermuda, you drive on the left hand side of the road and there are no cars to rent. Every household is only allowed to have one car so there are scooters everywhere. The speed limit is 40 km but who is in a rush anyways?

At the Dockyards, you can rent Segways and go on a guided tour.

We travelled back to Toronto and this is where Mimi and I parted company. She stayed in Toronto for a few days to visit her sisters and will travel to Calgary for a few weeks and I travelled back to BA.

The golf courses are great but you have to share them with the local fauna.

But what the heck...'Grip it and ribbitt'

After a restful week, we flew back to Toronto where I headed back to BA and Mimi will spend some time in Aurora with her sisters and then make here way back to Calgary for a few weeks.

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Family time

We travelled to Toronto for a family wedding.

My sister, Joanne's son Kyle was marrying his fiancee, Danielle.

The pre-wedding events were great. The rehearsal dinner was the same night as Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. There were several visits to the TV room to check on Pittsburgh's progress. The scrambling to and fro was as expected but it was great to see Kyle take the next step in his life and to see my family.

They chose the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg as the venue and it was great. It was an outdoor ceremony and the reception was inside the gallery.

Mom looked great, here she is with granddaughters - Bryden, Stephanie and Theresa...

The band was excellent. Rumors have it that they are already booked for Kyle's sister, Bryden's wedding next May.

Kyle (middle) and groomsmen will perform their interpretation of the Blues Brothers at that event.

And....we had some fun too!
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Making an impression

Mimi has travelled back to Calgary. She will spend some time with the kids (and I get to do lots more work in BA!).

We have developed a bit of a ritual here. On Friday evenings, we would go next door for a drink. Next door is the Alvear Palace, the grande dame of hotels here in BA.

Anyways, in our time here, the staff of the Palace lobby lounge have taken a shine to Mimi. When they found out she was leaving for several weeks, they presented her with a gift and a rose.

The chocolates did not last long.

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Road trip to Colombia

I travelled to Colombia on business. Mimi joined me. I was attending the SPE Latin American/Caribbean Conference in Cartagena. We have recently opened a new office in Bogota so we stopped there for a couple of days. Yes, security is something taken seriously there. Nelson, our driver picked us up at the airport. He was driving an armored Toyota SUV. If nothing else, the armor muffles the road traffic noise!

Bogota is a pretty city, situated at 2700 metres, the elevation moderates the temperature. Most business people are wearing suits, more formal than BA. I went into our office and Mimi went on a bit of a city tour. Nelson was gracious enough to drive Mimi around. She chose to sit in the front seat - you are little less obvious when you do that.

She said that the Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold) was amazing. I was afraid of what damage she could do in the gift shop!

The security was obvious at hotels and office buildings. Every vehicle that entered the building parkade was greeted by a big friendly dog. The dog hops into the car (front seat, trunk) and has a big sniff!

Speaking of security, if you want to steal a motorcycle - you have to steal the bike, the helmet AND the rider's vest because they all bear the licence plate number.

We then travelled to Cartagena which is on the Caribbean near Panama. The city has an old fort that had been attacked a couple of times but that hasnt been for at least 150 years. It is a very colorful city. Inside the old town there are lots of horse drawn carriages for rent. There were also lots of vendors who will approach you to sell you just about anything. Not pushy, just relentless - 'No gracias' was well practiced by both of us. The temperatures were a constant 32 degrees and 90% humidity every day.

We met a couple from Argentina who moved to Calgary about the same time we moved to BA. We met them for dinner and on the first night there, they wanted to go to a parilla, a typical Argentine type restaurant because they hadnt had a good empanada in months! It was fun.

We went for a walk one day and 'stumbled' into a local wedding. Dancers and musicians were waiting for the bride and groom to come out of the church and then they 'danced them down the street' to where the reception took place. It was really cool to watch.

While our time in Colombia was very nice, there is a strong military presence and we did see examples of torture - specifically cruelty to textiles.......

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Back in BA

I/we have been busy.......so lets get caught up!

We still are doing lots of walking. This trip with the Unashopper was to Puerto Madero.

You do have to share the sidewalk with the dog walkers. You see them everywhere in the city.The small fruit markets are quite inviting. Speaking of walking, we just couldnt figure out what you were even allowed to do in this one park (plaza). This sign was at the entrance.

Last month, we celebrated the wedding of my assistant, Juana and her husband, Pablo. A beautiful service and then a party at the Argentina Yacht Club.

Several of us from the office were there. The ceremony wasnt until after 9 pm and the party went on nice and late! The Yacht Club has a great view of BA's downtown.

A number of friends celebrated the anniversary of D-Day (June 6th) at Les Ancienes Combatantes, a French soldiers' club, now restaurant. Lots of fun, good stories and a fair share of wine. The french chef was very proud of his menu and it was easier to speak to him in French than Spanish or English - Mimi did well.

And we did consume our allotment of champagne as well.

This city has a gazillion restaurants. You would never know many of them even exist. We have one friend, Kathy who takes advantage of many internet sites. She finds reviews of obscure restaurants and then pulls together friends to try it. We have been to some great dining experiences as a result. Truly - a nothing ventured, nothing gained attitude. Les Anciens Combatantes was one of those experiences.

Speaking of obscure dining experiences (Ok, this one isnt)....La Mansion is (an old mansion) that is 'connected to the Four Seasons Hotel. Recent guests to book the entire la Mansion includes Madonna when she was here on her concert tour last year.

On Sunday's they have a brunch.....and we are not talking just any brunch. This one goes on allllllll afternoon. We stumbled out of there at around 5 pm after consuming probably more wine than eggs benedict!

Good thing it is just down the block.

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