Travelling Alone

Often people are shocked when they hear that I love to travel alone. Some state that they would be afraid to do this while others imply that they just don't think they would enjoy the trip without having people accompany them.

Well, there are several advantages to going solo:

1. Planning is much easier. You just think about where you would like to visit and start researching your options. You can open an email with flight offers and book whatever grabs your attention at the time without having to consult or compromise.
2. Traveling is more flexible. If you miss a plane or decide to get sidetracked you can coordinate things based on one schedule only - your own. You don't have to worry about anxiety or commitments of others in your party. In fact, you could even choose to give up your seat on an overbooked flight and receive hundreds of dollars from the airline for doing so.
3. Opportunities abound. It is a lot easier to purchase one ticket to a popular event that two. Several times I have impulsively arrived at a box office and found that the concert was sold out - except for one great ticket - MINE! Would you believe twenty-third row center for Natalie Cole in Seattle?
4. Relationships develop. Frequently I am invited to join interesting people at their table for a meal when they realize that I am on my own. I have made amazing friendships and enjoyed great conversations on trips that wouldn't have occurred if I had been with other people.
5. Culture can be experienced first-hand. There is always time to visit with hotel or restaurant staff, discover local adventures or learn about the language and customs from a shop keeper because no one is waiting for you or wanting to do something else.
6. Plans can be altered. You can sleep in, order lunch in mid-afternoon or take an impulsive detour without upsetting anyone else's itinerary.
7. You set the pace. I have learned to walk slowly and rest often - a situation that does not match that of many other people. Last month, in Ronks, Pennsylvania, for example, I chose to take advantage of an outdoor Amish-made rocking chair so I could just rock and people-watch for two hours. I loved it but know that not everyone would have felt the same way!
8. You spend less money. At least I do because I know that I am the one who will have to haul my luggage around from place to place. And I don't want to pay an extra transportation fee if it weighs in att over fifty pounds.
9. I also eat better when I am alone because I am not in restaurants three times a day trying to finish everything on the plate. In fact, I eat only one restaurant meal a day, ask for a take-out container and then supplement my left-overs with fruit, vegetables or snacks that I have purchased throughout the day.
10. Finally, and with tongue in cheek I enjoy the fact that there isn't anyone to correct my stories!

You don't have to be afraid to travel on your own if you are wise. Just use your common sense, ask hotel personnel for advice about safe areas and keep your eyes open. With just a little practice, you will find that traveling on your own can be a wonderful experience!

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com
From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

The Guide to Pinot Noir Wine

Pinot Noir is a red wine grape that originated in Burgundy and it is one of the oldest wine spices planted in France. The name is derived from the French words pine and black, pine to describe tightly clustered grapes. Today, Pinot Noir grapes are all around the world. The first historic evidence is associated 2,000 years ago in the French region known as Pasco Robels - this was an ideal soil to produce tightly packed clusters. Some wine experts call it "heartbreak grape" because of the thin skinned grapes capable for early ripening with overwhelming flavour.

The thin skin of these delicate grapes requires diligent management as the balance of the wine can be easily destroyed by intervention. As one of the fines wines in the world, it is recognizable by cherry aroma mixed with strawberries. Soon after the wine ages it can bring the potential to develop "barnyard" aroma and savoury fleshiness with more fruit prominent and cleaner appearance.

The international success of the Pinot Noir as the most highly prized wine is typically evident during the late 1980`s and through the next couple of decades. The 1990`s showed an increase in the world production and sale in several wine growing regions of Australia, Austria, Canada and France. This wine is very fickle and can have quite a range of aromas, depending on the vintage and the earth where it`s grown. The major Pinot Noir produced in Burgundy is usually herbaceous with earthy aromas close to wet leaves. The wine in Germany tends to offer more sweet and fruit aromas which are quite different from Italian Pinot Noir where the climate is much cooler. Pinot Nero, as the Italians call it, tends to have more colour extraction and higher alcohol content.

Australians have identified Victoria and Tasmania as being cool enough for this wine. New Zealand is capable to produce the best Pinot outside Burgundy and certainly there are many fine examples of cooler regions in which the grape can develop interesting flavours. Often described as a difficult grape to deal with, wineries around the world are really passionate about its sensuality for the purpose of making wine. The popular image persist that this type od wine creates a long lasting impression in every person`s memory. The aroma is widely accepted as one of the most complex of all varieties starting with fruits enhanced with cinnamon and mushroom as common spiciness for identifying Pinot Noir. Most of the best Pinot Noirs are bottled under screw caps, which further highlights the fresh, clean fruit of these wines.

There is one component in which Pinot Noir seems naturally quite rich, 3-4 times higher compared to other varieties, especially when it is grown in chiller and more humid environments: resveratrol. While this may not affect the aspects of sensory enjoyment, it may draw the attention of health-conscious consumers.

Pinot Noir is not a simple wine. It is likely that it fascinates everyone by its greater complexity rich with dark fruit aromas and flavours.

If you are curious about how it tastes why don`t you take advantage and order a bottle of Pinot Noir wine from an online liquor store at extremely reasonable prices.

Canada: The Trouble With a Northern Escape Plan

When I lived abroad, some of the fellow global wanderers I got to know were Canadians. One sure way to get on their wrong side was to ask what part of the States they were from... which could easily happen if they hadn't yet said "about."

It wasn't that they disliked the U.S. - although there was some of that, especially circa 2003 to 2004 - they were just frustrated that if you speak as we do, you must be American by default. In other words, they disliked being seen as appendages of the mighty republic to their south.

Canada has always attracted some Americans. Thousands of us served in their military from 1939 to 1942. During the Vietnam War, absconding to Canada was quite popular, as I recall. But all in all, amongst Americans, Canada is more popular as a butt of silly and inaccurate jokes and stereotypes than as a place to live.

Recently, however, Internet searches for "moving to Canada" have suddenly spiked to all-time highs in the U.S. (and the U.K.). I'm sure you can guess the push factors.

The question is: Can Americans actually get in? I set out to answer that question, and what I found wasn't encouraging...

Oh, Canada. Land of ice hockey, geese, "eh," plaid shirts and Bob and Doug McKenzie. What's not to like, right?

There are plenty of Americans who spend a lot of time in Canada. U.S. citizens are allowed to stay in the country for less than six months within a one-year period without a visa or other special paperwork. Many Americans summer there and winter in the U.S. But six months each year is the maximum.

Some Americans can even work temporarily in Canada without a visa. For example, I have a friend who is a hunting guide who often takes goose-hunting parties out in Manitoba during the U.S. summer.

When it comes to permanent residence and citizenship, however, Canada isn't so welcoming. Like Australia and New Zealand, it sets a high bar for foreigners wanting to live there permanently.

Retirement Visas

Canada has no formal retirement visa program. Your only option is to apply for an investment visa as a retired person. In this respect, the Canadian government considers your ability to work and support yourself, just like any other immigrant. If you're well-educated and speak fluent English (even better, French), you're more likely to qualify. Similarly, even though you're retired, it helps if you can demonstrate that you have financial resources to take care of yourself and your family. If you have funds to invest in Canada, that's another plus.

If you have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, however, you may be eligible for the parent and grandparent super visa, which allows you to remain in Canada for up to two years.

Work Options

Countries like Panama or Costa Rica have visa programs that allow you to live there on the proceeds of work that you perform abroad, like an Internet-based consultancy, since it doesn't involve competing with locals for work. Canada doesn't have anything like this. The only way you can obtain residence as a self-employed person is to be a "cultural worker" (e.g., artist) or farmer.

Applications for Canadian employment permits are managed though the Express Entry Immigration Program (EEIP). It's a points-based system based on age, marital status, adaptability, language proficiency, education and work experience. There are a possible 1,200 points, and you need a score of roughly 500 points to qualify. Going this route requires a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer in a job category that has been identified as subject to skill shortages.

At the moment, some of the key categories for immigration under the EEIP are not accepting any new applications.

Investment Options

For new investors, there is the Start-up Visa. It requires written investment support for a qualifying business from a government-approved angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator. It also requires passing the Canadian Language Benchmarks test for either English or French, and an adequate amount of money to settle and pay your expenses before your business starts providing an income.

For Americans with an existing business looking to invest in Canada, or for skilled workers, most provinces have their own Provincial Nominee Program with different criteria. Most seek investors or workers with skills in short supply in those parts of the country. Francophone Quebec is a little different - its Immigrant Investor Program requires a minimum net worth of CA$1.6 million and an investment of CA$800,000.

Once you're a permanent resident, if you've lived physically in Canada for four out of six years (183 days out of each of those four years), you may apply for citizenship.

The Verdict

I have bad news for those fearful folks who think they're just going to pack up the minivan and the kids and head across the border if the election result in November doesn't go their way. It ain't gonna happen. Canada, in fact, is more restrictive than the U.S. when it comes to immigration.

In part, that's because the country is far less populous, and has a much smaller pool of immigrants to start with. That means there are fewer potential immigrants trying to get in on the basis of family relationships with someone already there.

Of course, Canada has a strong history of welcoming refugees from situations of war, oppression and civil strife. Who knows? Perhaps Americans will qualify soon enough.

Now wouldn't that be ironic...

Ted joined The Sovereign Investor Daily in 2013. As an expat who lived in South Africa for 25 years, Ted specializes in asset protection and international migration. Read more of what he has to say about offshore living here.

Labour Day - Yesterday and Today

Each year we celebrate Labour Day in a number of countries. For most of us, it is merely a long weekend that signals the end of the summer season. Its roots, however, were ones that involved struggle.

In Toronto in the mid eighteen hundreds there was a new industrialized economy where machines began to replace employees. Workers lost their power and therefore faced long working hours, poor benefits and deplorable working conditions. This situation led to a need for solidarity by the workers. They began staging protests and parades that were attended by crowds of up to 10,000 supporters.
Over time, they gained the attention of society and the government.

It was the workers who actually set up an annual celebration for workers' rights. The first Labour Day that was recognized by government as a national holiday was declared by Prime Minister Sir John Thompson in 1894.

According to Statistics Canada, the employment rate in Canada in May 2011 was only 60.9%. This year there are still many who are not working for a number of reasons:

1. Age - Our laws prevent children from legally being employed until they are fourteen years old. The demographic bubble that resulted from Canada's "baby boom" after World War II has increased the proportion of the population who are now receiving pensions or have accumulated financial means to retire early.

2. Injury or illness - Many are not physically or mentally able to work. Onsite or personal accidents, disease or mental conditions might have put them in a situation where their health does not allow them to hold a job.

3. Economy - Over the past couple of years, the oil and gas industry has declined to the point that thousands of workers from that field are now unemployed. This situation has had a trickle-down effect on the rest of society. Some businesses have failed and others are struggling to the point that lays offs and hiring freezes have been put in place. There are therefore not as many available job openings.

4. Lack of skills - Not having English, computer or other marketable skills can prevent individuals from starting or changing careers.

5. Education - Many employers have minimum standards that prospective employees are missing.

6. Resources - Some people do not have the information or supports to help them learn about or secure employment.

7. Apathy - As much as we might not like to admit it, there is a small percentage of the population that do not want to work.

Labour Day is not just an extra holiday to end the summer season. It is a time to reflect on those individuals who were determined to fight for change that affects employment conditions across Canada to this day!

We do not have to be employed in order to respect and enjoy Labour Day. In fact, just knowing how it originated should give each of us a feeling of gratitude.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

The World's Most Bike-Friendly Cities

Biking is no doubt is a great way to stay active, many research shows the economic, social, environmental and health benefits of cycling. According to a study the society enjoys a net profit of 23 cents for every kilometer cycled and the society suffers a net loss of 16 cents for every kilometer driven by car.

Copenhagen, Denmark:

The beautiful city of Denmark is often considered the most bike friendly city in the world. Children are taught to ride bicycle before they are old enough to go to school almost half of all Copenhageners commute to work by bike and the city now has a Cycle Super Highway which connects the city to the town of Albertslund with plenty of facilities along the way, like safer intersection, air pumps and traffic lights timed to average cycling speed to minimize stopping.

Amsterdam, Netherlands:

You can't explore Amsterdam without taking a spin on bicycle. The flat streets of Amsterdam are often filled with bicycle; locals use them to go to work, drop children at school and cart around groceries. There are over 800,000 bicycles in the city and there are plenty of places where tourist can rent it.

Portland, Oregon:

To help citizens safely get around on two wheels, the Portland Bureau of transportation is making improvements. The public bike rental system of Portland is one of the greenest in the world. It offers other facilities too, including bike riding classes, bike lockers and etiquette guides.

Montreal, Canada:

The beautiful city of Canada has an impressive 600 kilometres of bike paths. Each year Montreal hosts a bike festival, welcoming bikers of all ages to take a tour around the town.

Boulder, Colorado:

Cycling is a popular way to get around in Boulder, its 300 miles of bikeways include on street bike lanes, designated bike routes, contra-flow bike lanes, multi-use paths and soft surface paths. The city also has a bike registration program to help protect bicycles from theft.

Tokyo, Japan:

About 14% of all commuters in the city are bicycle riders; it's impressive considering how large and dense the city is. Bike riders can enjoy lots of bike paths and cycling tours. Japan is well-known for making wonderfully constructed bicycles.

Strasbourg, France:

The city of France, Strasbourg is a great place to bike, almost 8% of Strasbourg population rides a bicycle, but the city is working hard to get the number up.

Paris, France:

Since the introduction of the bike sharing program in 2007, bikeways have begun to pop up all over the Paris. The flat roads, slow traffic and conscientious drivers, Paris is a great place to ride a bike.

Berlin, Germany:

The 900 kilometres of cycling paths make it easy to get around without worrying about the traffic.

These beautiful bike-friendly cities definitely deserves a visit. https://www.dwtltd.com/.

Tips to Get Your G Road Test Driving License

As we have said in our previous article, to drive a motor vehicle on Canadian highways, you need a valid driver's license, a vehicle that can be bought, rented, imported, etc. Canada has a large highway system that connects to the vast majority of the population.

If you have a driver's license in the United States, you have a great potential exchanged for the G road test booking Ontario without taking any examination, depending on the state you got the license.

Although the international license is valid for one year, and if you are residing in Canada (with any status other than tourist), you can only drive during the first two months. After this period it is necessary to obtain g road test booking Ontario.

There are three different types of license for driving cars:

G1: Allows driving long as it is accompanied by a driver who has a license of type G for at least four years. You must pass a theoretical exam to obtain this license. The restrictions of this license are:

• The blood alcohol level must be zero.
• It does not allow driving between midnight and 5:00 am.
• It does not allow driving on most highways.

G2: Allows driving without accompanied by another driver. To obtain this license must pass a practical exam and be in possession of a G1 license. The restrictions of this license are:

• The blood alcohol level must be zero.
• Limitation on the number of passengers... if the driver is 19 years or less and driving at night.

G: Allows free driving. To obtain this license must pass a practical exam and be in possession of a G2 license.

The steps to follow if you want to get a G license are:

• Make theoretical examination for the G1.
• Wait a year.
• Make practical exam get the G2.
• Wait another year.
• Make another practical exam to G.
• What Waits is a must, i.e. you cannot do so immediately after the exam, so the total time in the best case is two years?

The G1 test consists of 40 questions, 20 related to responsible driving and another 20 with signals. Four faults in total in each of the parts (eight in total) and there is no time limit allowed. Once completed, delivered and we corrected at the time. If we have overcome, give us a green slip of paper that is our temporary G1 license. After a few weeks, we will receive at home the last G1 license.

On test day, you should get something before the scheduled arrange the time at the test center. Driving schools classes take place in the same area where you are going to examine and teach two or three routes that always use the examiners, so basically consist of classes learned these routes. Pay special attention to speed limits, the stops, intersections and some new maneuvers such as three points turn, but all that you explain in class. The difference between the G2 and G consideration is that in the G2 does not take you by highway, also in the G tend to be stricter with the rules. The test lasts about half an hour and when the examiner tells you the mistakes you've had and if you've passed the test. If so gives you a green paper is the G2 / G temporary license. In a few weeks, you will come home the G2 / G final.

For More Detail: https://www.bookyourroadtestonline.ca/book-your-road-test.html

Sophie Lam is a professional writer located in Ontario, Canada and through her writing she tries to help the people who are looking for a driving test and driving information. In her articles, she suggests driving test tips which are very helpful to the beginners.

Mississauga City in Canada

Economy:
Among fortune 500 companies over 60 of the companies have their Global or Head offices located in Mississauga. Industries includes pharmaceutical, banking and finance, electronics and computers, aerospace, transportation and equipment industries. Few honorable mentions are Citi Bank Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, Microsoft Canada, Laura Secord Chocolates, Hewlett Packard, Air Georgian, Air Canada Jazz, Magellan Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace, Wal-Mart Canada and Kellogg's Canada.

Attractions:
Civic square in Mississauga is used for summer festivities. Mississauga organized over 60 free events to attract visitors to city square. Most of these events include Senior's day, Family day, Vintage Car and main events like Canada Day Celebration, Rotary Rib fest, Tree Lighting ceremony and Beach fest. In October 2012, the numbers of visitors attracted were one million.

The Art Gallery of Mississauga is a public gallery and a not-for-profit art gallery. It offers free entry and is open seven days a week. The Art Gallery is currently working on creating a digital gallery.

Square One Shopping Center, the largest shopping center in Canada is also situated in Mississauga. It has 350 stores and attracts 24 million visitors every year.

Real Estate:
Due to overwhelming tourist attractions and booming economy, city has a huge demand in Real Estate. Mississauga has attracted a lot of foreign interest in its Real Estate market. In Mississauga during 2015 the average sale price for a house of all types was 546,000 Canadian dollar. The average price for a detached home was recorded at 868,000 Canadian dollar where as in Toronto its well over a million.

The difference in pricing between Toronto and Mississauga tends to get buyers from Toronto moving into Mississauga. This reflects the Real Estate potential of Mississauga from the investment point of view as well as for the settlers.

In 2015 prices were increased over 7.9% and average sale volume was up 4% year over year. The average days on market was 22 days and the average list to sell price ratio was 99% averaged over the year. This means if the house is available to be sold in the market it will sell 99% of asking on an average of 22 days.

By looking at above stats it can be pretty much said that it is a seller's market and buyers tend to be in multiple offers in searching for their desired house. It is predicted that in 2016 the prices will see a drop due to higher prices recorded last year and strict lending rules introduced by the Bank of Canada on insured mortgages and decreased down payment for larger mortgages.

In Mississauga higher exports to US and EU have created manufacturing jobs. And due to the increase jobs there will be more demand for the Real Estate in Mississauga.

Mississauga Real Estate sale in June was valued at $864 million. Which is huge rise by 19.9% compare to 2015. This was the highest volume on record.

Real Estate Lawyers in Mississauga:
Transactions in Real Estate are not as simple as they appear. It requires documentation and binding of contracts between two parties. Many people are unaware of the complexity of legal work involve in it. In order to obtain peace of mind and security a Real Estate Lawyer in Mississauga has the potential to deliver to its clients with complete satisfaction.

Real Estate Lawyers in Mississauga have a network of lawyers throughout Greater Toronto Area (GTA) serving clients at various locations. With no hidden charges the lawyer's fee are mentioned on the website which reflects the credibility of Real Estate Lawyers in Mississauga.
For more queries and assistance kindly visit our website: https://www.slclawyer.ca