Travel memories: Madeira Flower Festival
Every year, the Portuguese island of Madeira holds a festival of flowers celebrating the spring bloom, usually around Easter time. This year, however, the Madeira Flower Festival is presently running from now until September 27th, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The flower festival is also running in conjunction with a fabulous Wine Festival. Wine and flowers, along with great food and island life, sounds like paradise to me!
I visited Madeira in 2018 when the Flower Festival was taking place. I managed to catch a part of it in downtown Funchal. Here are some photos that I wanted to share of the festival – travel memories from 2018:
Top museums and art galleries to visit in Toronto
Looking south over Fort York, the Gardiner Expressway and the Toronto Island Airport. (photo credit: The City of Toronto)
If you are visiting Toronto, or live here, and want ideas for cultural activities to do this season, here is a list of top museums and galleries in the Toronto area to check out. The museums range from history to living museums, and the galleries are primarily the major ones (there are oodles of smaller ones scattered across the city that are also well worth a visit).
Note that at the time of writing, Toronto is still currently not fully opened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so please check the respective websites for updates, opening hours and public safety guidelines for visitors.
Royal Ontario Museum (photo credit: Taxiarchos228)
Top museums and galleries list (in alphabetical order):
Art Gallery of York University
Art Museum at University of Toronto
Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery
First Floor Gallery and Architecture & Design Gallery
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Gallery
Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre
Market Gallery, St. Lawrence Market
Morris and Sally Justein Heritage Museum
Orborne Collection of Early Children’s Books
Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum
Royal Canadian Military Institute Museum
Royal Regiment of Canada Museum
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre
TD Gallery at Toronto Reference Library
Toronto Scottish Regiment Museum
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch
As well, the city of Toronto holds Virtual Exhibits. For more info, visit Ontario Museum Association and Toronto Tourism.
Railway Museum (photo credit: Arild Vågen)
Ancient Chinese art at ROM (photo credit: Wladyslaw)
Resources: Ontario Museum Association, Toronto Tourism, Ontario Tourism
Sources: Wiki
Making ancient rye bread in Switzerland
During this time of COVID-19 (coronavirus), many people around the world are making bread as they are quarantined or self-isolated in their own homes. I don’t bake, but on my last trip to Switzerland, I did manage to learn how to make bread from an ancient Swiss recipe.
Here’s some highlights from my trip:
This is Gremintz village in Switzerland’s Valais region. Its charming houses, restaurants and shops are adorned with geraniums. Walking along the streets and alleyways one transported back to a different time.
A visit to the local bakery and the next thing I know I’m learning how to make traditional Valais rye bread using an ancient recipe.
In this video, I follow the instructions – easy: you roll the dough into form, flatten it out with a stone, pop it in an oven – while sipping on local wine.
MORE PHOTOS OF THE VILLAGE OF GREMINTZ:
Shannon Skinner is a writer, international speaker and creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
Hotel and transportation courtesy of Swiss Tourism.
This Swiss female winemaker is trailblazing
Mathilde Roux, owner of Cave de L’Orlaya, is a winemaker in the Swiss region of Valais, a relatively small, but important wine region in Switzerland. At 29 years of age, this trailblazer is one of few female winemakers in the country.
Mathilde Roux
I recently visited the Valais region of Switzerland to learn about Swiss wine. I’ve been fascinated with Swiss wine since my last trip to Geneva in 2014, and discovered that the Swiss only export a small portion of their wines, which means if you want to taste Swiss wine, you have to go to Switzerland. On my trip, I was scheduled to meet Mathilde and tour her vineyard and winery, but due to an unexpected schedule change, I was not able to make it.
So upon my return to Toronto, I did a Q&A interview with her to share on this blog. She is passionate about her business and an inspiring young woman.
Here it is – enjoy!
Mathilde Roux was born in France and grew up in the southern Côtes du Rhône, in Gigondas, where her parents were wine producers. At age 11, she moved to Switzerland with her family.
Roux’s vineyards
As a university student, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Life Science at EPFL and then studied at the Agronomy School of Montpellier and obtained a Master’s degree in Wine and a National Diploma of Oenologist. After two internships in Côtes du Rhône, at the prestigious Châteauneuf du Pape (Clos du Caillou) and Tain l’Hermitage (Paul Jaboulet Ainé), she returned to Switzerland to work in the canton of Vaud and had several experiences in wine production (La Côte – Hammel, Lavaux – Raymond Chappuis, Chablais – Christophe Schenk). She also discovered some winemaking methods by going abroad to New Zealand (Marsico Vineyard) and South Africa (Morgenhof).
Later, as fate may have it, through mutual friends she met the owner of the Cave Orlaya winery at the time, Gérard Roduit. She fell in love with Valais wines and so she decided to move to Fully in the Valais region and make fabulous wines that the Valais is known for. And so, in 2016, she purchased the Cave de L’Orlaya (8 hectares) cellar from Ronduit (he had three children who did not want the business) and she now manages it. Some of the grapes they grow include Petite Arvine, the signature varietal of the Valais region, Humagne, Gamay, Pinot Noir and others. She produces 65,000 bottles of wine per year.
Mathilde with Paul Roduit (left), son of the previous owner, and boyfriend , Jan Počta (right)
SS: What inspired you to become a winemaker?
MR: As a kid, I was always outside playing in the vines and being around my dad. I can remember every time of the year with its (seasonal) ambiance. Harvest time, it was lots of work, but also there was so much exchange and partying. Winter, when he was traveling abroad to meet clients. Spring, when the new vintage started, and you are always outside – and summer. I saw that I loved the changes throughout the year and loved to make something from nature that you have to sell.
SS: What is your first memory of wanting to become a winemaker?
MR: The idea was never like a flash, but more like something that started naturally to be a wish. Seeing my dad and my mom all year working, I think I said to myself “this is what I want to do in life.” Of course, it got reinforced with time when I started to taste wines.
SS: What makes your vineyard and winery unique?
MR: I don’t know if it is unique, but I have a vineyard with steep slopes (up to 60%) and many local varieties (around 15 different ones). I bought a winery that is 35 years old in the middle of habitation, and I’m making lots of improvement renovations.
SS: How did you choose the kinds wines that you make?
MR: I think it is more about the terroir I chose. Here in Fully, we have granitic soil, which allow us to make wines with minerality and tension. So I try to respect this terroir and respect the grapes as much as I can to keep elegance and minerality in the wines.
SS: What is the biggest challenge you face in your business?
MR: I have a small winery and I sell everything myself, so the biggest challenge was to make myself a name and to find my own clients.
SS: What is it like to be a female winemaker in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry?
MR: I think nowadays it is okay. You still can have small “jokes” or remarks that are about our differences. It’s usually not a problem now. It can also be a big advantage to be a lady because the public is really enthusiast about a lady winemaker and optimistic about us, which gives us good exposure.
SS: It isn’t easy being a winemaker. Where do you find support to keep going?
MR: My family and especially my parents who know what I am going through. My boyfriend and some friends. Also wine producers in Fully are amazing and they have been supporting me a lot.
SS: I understand you have an interest in biodynamic viticulture and organic winemaking in the future. Could you explain?
MR: I am not exactly in biodynamic now. We will make a trial next year. We are almost organic. We will be probably be organic next year. This transition from traditional to organic (winemaking) needs a little bit of time to adjust.
For more information about Mathilde Roux and Cave de L’Ordlaya, or to contact her, visit her website.
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For similar stories, read more about my travels through Switzerland:
7 Days in Valais, Switzerland: wine, cheese and marmots
Valais, Switzerland vineyard hike and wine festival
This Swiss Hotel and Thermal Park is ideal for wellness travel: review
Inside Switzerland’s Kasperskian Caviar company: caviar with life
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning host/creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, international speaker, author and travel journalist. She lives to travel the world, discover fine wines and write about it. Follow her on Twitter at @Shannon_Skinner.
Visit these famous wine regions and river valleys
Wine tourism is growing in popularity. There is something adventurous and, dare I say, good for the heart about visiting wineries, vineyards and their surroundings as a way to explore a country. For some nations, such as France and Italy, wine is at the heart of their culture, history and national identity (France even has a wine museum).
Mosel wine region of Germany, on the Moselle River (photo: German Wine Institute)
Many of the great wine regions of the world are located near major rivers, such as Portugal’s Douro Valley. When you combine a stunning view with a glass, or bottle, of a fine vino, it is no wonder wine tourism (enotourism) is a growing industry segment.
River valleys, such as the Loire, are ideal for grape growing. While soil type, sun and water are important elements in the vineyard, a river naturally moderates the climate, acting as a reservoir of heat or a cooling agent. This allows grapes to fully ripen and develop a balance of acids and sugars. Acidity is important. After all, it makes the difference between drinking a glass of wine or grape juice. When the vineyards are located near a river, it is easier to achieve desired acidity levels.
Not all wine regions have a river or are near a large body of water, such as La Mancha in Spain. But do not let that stop you from trying wine from arid areas, or from visiting. The wines can be good, although maybe not quite as notable as wines from regions with a river that moderates the climate.
Lastly, rivers are a terrific way for travelers to access the most spectacular wine regions, particularly by riverboat, and taste some of the finest wines in the world.
“Take me to the river.” ~ Al Green
If learning about wine and wine tourism is of interest to you, here are some ideas to get you going:
1. World-famous French wine regions: The prestigious Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Loire Valley (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites) are filled with charm and history; and their winemakers produce some of the finest wines in the world.
2. City of Wine (La Cité du Vin): Located on the banks of the Garonne River in Bordeaux wine country (approximately 5 hours from Paris), this museum is really a theme park for wine lovers.
3. Mosel Valley, Germany: Enjoy a relaxing pace in the picturesque Mosel Valley (UNESCO), with its quaint villages, medieval streets, steep vineyards, fairytale castles and, of course, world-famous Rieslings.
4. Duoro Valley, Portugal: Douro Valley (UENSCO) is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and is the home of Port wine. It is a spectacular region and many vineyards are open as hotels.
5. Piedmont, Italy: One of Italy’s most acclaimed wine regions, situated in the Po Valley, between the Alps and Apennines. Famed for Nebbiolo noble grape. Italian cuisine and Barolo – what’s not to love?
6. Napa, United States: Napa is making some notable cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and merlot wines, and is a hop-skip-jump from Toronto. Indulge yourself in a cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America.
7. Australia’s Margaret River: If you have plans to go Down Under anytime soon, check out Margaret River, Australia’s most famous wine region, located south of Perth. It is home to many world-class wineries and award-winning restaurants, and there are plenty of food events throughout the year.
8. Niagara, Ontario: Closer to home, Niagara wine region is always worth a day trip or weekend getaway to explore its wineries and vineyards, and the quaint shops and restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Viking Longship on the Rhine River between Ehrenfels Castle in the foreground and Mouse Tower (Mäuseturm) in the background. The town of Bingen is across the river (photo: Viking River Cruises)
9. Riverboat Cruising: A practical way to see many European wine regions in one trip is to take a river cruise, such as the world-class Viking River Cruises.
10. Study and Learn: One of the best ways to learn about and “travel” the wine regions of the world, without breaking the bank, is to take a class. George Brown College has a terrific wine specialist program (I’m a graduate myself). Also consider hosting a wine tasting party for your friends by doing a tasting of wines from around the world, and you can learn together. Check out my website for more ideas.
What is your next wine adventure? I would love to hear from you. Tweet to me at @Shannon_Skinner.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning broadcaster, international speaker, author and writer, who lives to travel and discover fine wines. She is also a graduate of George Brown College’s Wine Specialist Certificate program. She is based in Toronto. For information on her speaking engagements and interviews, visit: www.ShannonSkinner.com and www.ExtrarodinaryWomenTV.com.
* This article originally was published in Toronto Waterfront Magazine (Summer 2017).
Act on what you love
I go in and out of inspiration. First, I get infatuated with a creative idea. Sometimes I act, sometimes I don’t. When I act, sometimes the inspiration lasts a while, and sometimes it is fleeting. It is not possible in time and space to create everything all at once, so I believe this is one of the reasons this happens. But one thing I know for certain is that creation begins with infatuation and it is the inspiration that is like jet fuel – and that inspiration is founded in love. So, do something you love, because then you have a good chance not only at success, but more importantly, fulfillment.
So how do you know whether to act on what you love to do- or let it go? Here are some action steps
1. Decide – what would I love to do in my life from today-forward?
2. How can I get paid to do what I love?
3. What are the top action steps that I can take to get me achieving this?
4. Think through what the challenges will be and come up with a way of mitigating.
5. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, because that determines where you will have success.
For me, travel and meeting extraordinary people are high on my values, as is writing and speaking to share stories of love and wisdom. These are things I act on without outside motivation.
What is it that you would LOVE to do in life – and what steps are you taking to make it happen? I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below or tweet to me at @Shannon_Skinner.
Shannon Skinner is a Toronto-based, award-winning television and radio show host, international speaker, author and creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. For information on her speaking engagements and interviews, visit: www.ShannonSkinner.com and www.ExtrarodinaryWomenTV.com. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
Globetrotting with expert Dr. John Demartini: Travel Tips
A renowned polymath, Demartini travels the world speaking, writing, researching and teaching. Every year, he travels to 45-60 countries, at an estimated annual cost of $500,000, and has logged a whopping 17 million miles. When not on the road, he lives on a ship, The World, a floating luxury condominium that visits 150-200 ports annually.
“My life is travel,” says Demartini, who was hijacked on a plane from Miami to Peru, has shared an aircraft with goats and chickens, and was mistaken to be a terrorist on a flight to Tel Aviv. “My existence is simple; I go from city to city.”
At age 21, Demartini had a vision of speaking to a million people from a balcony, and visiting every country and city. Now, at 62, he has spoken all over the world, including Greece’s Amphitheater. He is so travel-efficient that he can pack and unpack his bags, and organize his items in hotels, in 4 minutes.
JD: I have four bags, including one for my computer, gratitude journal and harmonica; a research bag containing 7-20 books and magazines; and two Tumi bags that have 6-8 suits, mix and match shirts and shoes, and accessories.
2. SS: How do you stay productive?
JD: When I am standing in line, I read. In club lounges, limos and airplanes, I pull out my computer or read. I don’t have much down time. I am able to produce wherever I am, except when checking in, or going through customs/immigration and security. I have no downtime at hotels with the exception of business meetings and dinners. I work into the wee hours of the morning.
3. SS: How do you eat healthily?
JD: I can usually find yogurt, fresh fruit and multi-grain bread in every country. Regardless of what is on the menu, I can usually get steamed veggies and fish, or soup.
On my ship, I can get whatever I want. On flights and in club lounges, I may not always get what I prefer, but can get healthy food.
4. SS: What do you do for exercise?
JD: While flying, I stretch, do neck rolls and exercises. At the hotel, I do light calisthenics like swimming or surfing. When I’m teaching workshops, I stretch and move my feet to keep my veins pumping to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
5. SS: How do you cope with jetlag?
JD: I don’t get jetlag as long as I rest. If I can’t sleep, I meditate because I can get by on meditation.
6. SS: What is your secret to living a global life?
JD: Ever since I was 21, I’ve said the affirmation: The Universe is my playground, the world is my home, every country is a room in the house, every city is a platform that I share my heart and soul. I envisioned an astronomical vision and a global life.
7. SS: Greatest challenge?
JD: When airlines overbook flights.
JD: I love being on my ship because it goes to every destination. I don’t know a better address on earth.
9. SS: Best advice for travelers?
JD: Think out your travel things and what is the most efficient way of doing it. Make sure you have a back-up of toiletries, underwear and shirts in case your bag is re-routed to the next city. And be mindful and carry a checklist at security to ensure you get your stuff.
For more information about Dr. John Demartini, visit: DrDemartini.com.
Shannon Skinner is a Toronto-based, award-winning television and radio host, inspirational speaker and author. For information on her speaking engagements and interviews, visit: www.ShannonSkinner.com and www.ExtrarodinaryWomenTV.com. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
Photos courtesy of The World
Republished from Toronto Waterfront Magazine (www.waterfront-magazine.com), with permission.
Experience the life of a Maharaja in India’s “Pink City,” Jaipur
Rajasthan, the “land of the Maharaja,” is an exotic desert state in western India. It’s capital, Jaipur, is a historic walled city famous for enchanting “pink” fortresses and palaces, and royal dynasties. Here in the “Pink City,” I got a taste of the opulent lifestyle of the Maharaja, the once powerful rulers of Rajasthan, by staying in a royal family home.
“Rajasthan has many small boutique hotels that were the residences of noble families,” said Vikas Abbott, managing director, Vasco Travel, India’s largest family-run, inbound travel company. “Now they’ve converted them into nice heritage hotels. It’s really a different experience and these hotels give you that character of India.”
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, when this area of India comprised Princely states. Men wore silk robes, jewels and colourful turbans (some continue the tradition); and women wore elegant sarees. It’s a place I have always been draw to.
This May, I traveled to Jaipur after speaking at the Women’s Economic Forum in Delhi, for some creative inspiration. In the midst of the desert, despite a heat wave (47C), I found an urban oasis: the Samode Haveli (“palace”), a heritage luxury hotel built nearly two centuries ago as the residence for the rulers of Samode, Rajasthan. Today, it is owned by Mr. Raghvendra Singh and his brother, descendants of the rulers, who inherited the royal residence.
Faced with the challenges that come with inheriting a royal residence, such as finances and maintenance, in the ‘80s, the Singhs decided to convert their property into a luxury boutique hotel. “I had a vision and it turned out to be good for us,” says Mr. Singh, a distinguished and modern businessman. The Singhs were ahead of their time, when many other families who inherited royal residences also faced similar challenges.
The royal apartments were turned into deluxe rooms and suites, and each has a unique and distinctive character, while maintaining contemporary amenities to meet the needs of the modern-day traveler. The rooms are situated around courtyards, gardens and a stunning swimming pool. There is even a modern spa and fitness area. Meals are served in opulent rooms with chandeliers and paintings of the family’s Maharaja ancestors (note: I must say my favourite meal was stuffed tandoori bell peppers with potato and dried fruit and cheese).
The Singh family (Raghvendra, his wife and two children) resides in a private residence in the complex; and expansion plans are underway for 50 more rooms.
It was like staying in a palace and I felt like a queen.
In addition to staying in a royal home, there are many sites in Jaipur to visit to get a taste of the life of the Maharaja:
1. Amber Fort: A popular attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is to ride an elephant to the gate. Located 12 km north of Jaipur in the town of Amer, Amber Fort (aka Amer), is a 16th century architectural marvel made of red sandstone and marble. Its Palace of Mirrors has beautiful mirrored ceilings; and there are several courtyards and “apartments” for each of the royal women (the king had 12 queens), and a lovely garden and temple.
Underground tunnels connect to nearby Jaigarh Fort, part of the same complex, that was built as a military fort to protect Amber Fort and palace. Renowned for the world’s largest cannon on wheels and an intriguing story of hidden treasure.
2. Naharghar Fort: the “abode of the tigers” was built at the edge of the Aravalli Hills, and offers a must-see view overlooking the Pink City.
3. Hawa Mahal “Palace of Winds:” a 5-storey façade built for royal women to watch processions and street festivals below through windows covered with lattice, as they had to be hidden from sight.
4. Maharaja’s City Palace: a former royal residence that is now part museum with a small portion used by Jaipur’s current royal family. The museum has a variety of weapons, textiles, and clothing of past kings. In the courtyard, music students attend flute lessons.
5. Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory: this UNESCO world heritage site is one of the largest stone and marble-crafted astronomical observatories in the world, built 1728-1734 by Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II.
6. Galta Monkey Temple: a newer temple built on ancient land that looks like a palace, honours the Hindu Monkey God. Many monkeys dwell here. Local Hindus come to swim in the water that flows from the mountains, and it provides tranquility from the city.
Accommodations provided courtesy of Samode Haveli; arrangements for land transportation and guide provided by Vasco Travel.
Shannon Skinner is a television and radio host, speaker and author, and occasionally writes travel articles at http://www.ShannonSkinner.com.
Tonight on Shannon Skinner Live: anti-aging secrets with beauty expert Vian Sharef
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, June 16, 2015 — Tonight on Shannon Skinner Live radio show, host Shannon speaks with beauty expert and owner of Toronto-based Dermedix Laser Clinic, Vian Sharef, about beauty and anti-aging secrets. Tune-in to VoiceAmerica Women at 7pm EST/ 4PM Pacific.
Vian Sharef, owner, Dermedix Laser Clinic
Shannon Skinner Live is a weekly radio show that uncovers the stories and solutions to living an extraordinary life and making this world a better place. It features interviews with experts, visionaries and activists, and more.
About Vian Sharef:
Vian Sharef is a single mother, beauty expert and the founder and owner of Dermedix Laser Clinic, based in Toronto. Born and raised in Iraq, Vian came to Canada as a teenager with her family, after living in a refugee camp for 3 years in Turkey. She would eventually achieve a successful career in the financial services industry – and get married. Later, in 2008, life would have its challenges again. Vian lost her father, job and her marriage disintegrated within 6 months, and, as a single mother to a young daughter, she made the decision to go back to school to study medical aesthetics. Today, she is a successful businesswoman and has helped thousands of women and girls look and feel their best.
About Shannon Skinner:
Shannon Skinner is a Canadian television talk show host, speaker and writer. In 2010, she launched Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TV, the first of its kind, as a live web TV show, and later developed it into an broadcast television show and online platform that is the ultimate online life-guidance resource for women. She is the author of the Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity; and she writes on a range of topics, including creativity, inspiration, feminine leadership, change and travel.
Shannon Skinner Live radio premieres tonight on VoiceAmerica Women
TORONTO, June 2, 2015 — Shannon Skinner Live radio show premieres tonight on VoiceAmerica (World Talk Radio) Women. Join host Shannon Skinner and her guests as they delve into celebrity activism, what it means and how it impacts the social good. Tonight’s show guests are Dr. Samita Nandy, Director, Centre of Media and Celebrity Studies (CMCS), and cultural critic on fame. And Dr. Carolyn Harris, royal historian and author of Magna Carta and Its Gifts to Canada, who is a regular media commentator on history and royalty. Both are based in Toronto.
Shannon Skinner Live is a weekly radio show that features interviews with experts, visionaries and activists, dedicated to helping people live their magnificent lives and making this world a better place.
About Dr. Samita Nandy:
Dr. Samita Nandy is the Director of the Centre for Media and Celebrity Studies (CMCS) and writes as a cultural critic on fame. She has been featured in many media outlets including CBC TV and the Globe and Mail. Her work has been published in books “The Performance of Celebrity” and “The Emotions Industry.” Her forthcoming book “Fame in Hollywood North: A Theoretical Guide to Celebrity Cultures in Canada” will be published in 2015. Samita earned her PhD in media and celebrity culture from the Department of Media and Information at Curtin University, Australia. She is based in Toronto.
About Dr. Carolyn Harris:
Carolyn Harris is a royal historian and author of “Magna Carta and Its Gifts to Canada.” She received her PhD in European history at Queen’s University and teaches at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. She often provides historical and royal commentary for print, TV and radio.
Shannon Skinner is a Canadian television talk show host, speaker and writer. In 2010, she launched Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TV, the first of its kind, as a live web TV show, and later developed it into an broadcast television show and online platform that is the ultimate online life-guidance resource for women. She is the author of the Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity; and she writes on a range of topics, including creativity, inspiration, feminine leadership, change, lifestyle and travel.
