Magic in Manitoba

Up there amongst my most moving experiences to date, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is one not to be missed. Now more than ever before, given the ghastly times we live in. It does require a visit though to little-known Winnipeg – admittedly, a city that’s not on anyone’s radar or route. But having been there on three occasions now, I can assure you – the city of less than a million punches a lot higher than its weight class.

Back in 2017, while traveling across Canada by train, we had a 4-hour halt at Winnipeg, and I took advantage of a tour originating right outside the station to explore the city a bit. The museum’s distinct architecture – symbolic of a dove – had caught my eye then, and finding myself in Winnipeg once more – some eight years later – I made it my first order of business. But there’s more to the city than just that museum. The capital and largest city of the province of Manitoba, Winnipeg is strategically located, historically relevant, rich with indigenous culture, and home to a young and diverse population. It boasts some grand architecture, excellent parks and riverwalks, a solid food scene (some of the best Filipino cuisine I’ve had), and an impressive bus system to get you around. The city left such a good impression on this second and longer visit of mine, I was already looking forward to being back there in a matter of days.

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The Big 5 0 African Odyssey

“One Zambia, One Nation” proclaimed the large sign on the highway leading south from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. It was leftover from 2024, the year Zambia celebrated 60 years of its sovereignty. I was in Africa for my own milestone, and the Zambian capital was my first stop. With jacaranda-lined streets, and a mild climate, Lusaka was a lot more pleasant than I’d expected. It wasn’t particularly built up or congested either, and I was staying in a nice part of town too – along Church Road, at the Southern Sun Ridgeway – although I had really wanted to stay at The Pamodzi, a neighboring property, formerly run by India’s Taj group. I could always walk over and get a meal there at some point, I thought. The day ahead, in theory at least, was meant to be a relaxing one. But it was already filled with anxiety.

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Despatches from The Mara

Thursday, 10:35 AM – Kichwa Tembo

As our aircraft awaits a couple of tardy passengers, we step out and stroll over to the front of the Dash 8 to watch the action. Kichwa Tembo, a private airstrip serving a safari lodge by the same name, is busy at this hour. It is one of several dirt strips in the Maasai Mara, and even though the stop doesn’t feature on our schedule, Safarilink‘s flight 001 is a hopping flight in every sense of the word!

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