Atlantis - Day 5

Heading home, with transfers well executed and flight on time, we are reflecting on a great vacation and a fabulous package deal from Westjet.

Atlantis resort is definitely worth the visit if you like water parks and beaches. More than a dozen different pools to choose from, long expanse of beach (ocean front or more calm internal spots), lots of water rides and slides. For walkers, there are lots of paths and aquarium lined tunnels to explore.

 I recommend you skip the meal plan, unless you are a really big eater. Its too much food and restricts your choices as not all restaurants apply. There are 2 Starbucks on the premises (one open late), a pizzeria, sub shop, beach and pool side dining, etc for light meals and several fine dining options for that special evening.

We will definitely be doing this again.

Atlantis - Day 4

Started off today with another picture taking expedition. Got some great shots in the Predator Tunnel, as we were surrounded by sharks.

Joined some local friends at the Bahamas National Trust '23rd Annual Wine and Art Festival', a lovely outdoor event, showcasing over 50 talented Bahamian artists and featuring wine tastings from a selection of over 60 wines from around the world - what a civilized way to enjoy art!

Back to Atlantis for some more pool time and a couple more turns around the lazy river rapids. Discovered some more pools we hadn't come across yet - did some lengths across the Mayan pool, must be Olympic width.

After dinner we went for a vacation closing martini on the second floor balcony of Cafe Martinque and were pleasantly surprised by a Junkanoo parade, the national dance of the Bahamas.

Back at our room, we barely had enough time to reflect on our good fortune in catching the parade when the fireworks started. With a perfect view from our balcony, we took in, what I'm told could have been a wedding celebratory fireworks display. What an awesome way to end a fabulous day !

Atlantis - Day 3

Nice leisurely walk along the waterside paths for some panoramic vistas and photos to start our day.

After lunch we head to the Blues beach for some relaxation and great music, as well as the impromptu entertainment of what appears to be a wedding party.

On our way to the closest entrance to the lazy river rapids, we found another path we hadn't seen before. Did I say this place is big. Really!

Took a couple of turns on the lazy river rapids - about 20 minutes a circuit, then back to the other side of the Coral hotel for some time in the hot tub. Then through the tunnel and back to the Blues pool for a refreshing dip. 

A little stroll in the village, to pick up a cool Bahamas logo T-shirt, then dinner at Murphy's Deli. A great spot for a delicious meal, reasonably priced and reasonable portions (except for the huge slab of carrot cake - recommend you share dessert).

Set off to the far end of the resort to try out the margaritas at Mesa Grill and discovered yet another path we had not gone down before - really, we were sure that we had been over all the grounds by now. Loved the ambiance of Mesa Grill and the Cove.

The architecture, extensive aquariums and aquatic creatures, numerous pools and water activities are quite incredible. This is definitely a magnificent place.

Atlantis - Day 2

A great day in the Bahamas at Atlantis started off with an amazing breakfast buffet featuring an incredible array of local and traditional breakfast items, including an 'eggs your way' station - so hard to keep from over eating!

Another walk around the grounds, discovering more of the resort and surprising ourselves by how much we missed yesterday. This place is massive (did I say that already).

Spent the afternoon on the lazy river and water slides. This lazy river has rapids, tubes and drops - take the exciting or calm route, at your discretion. Coolest trip was the tube slide through the shark tank. You could move slowly and observe the sharks as they swum around you. Lots of different slides to choose from, with curves, black out or steep drops, depending on your courage.

Dinner at Virgil's, renowned for shared barbecued dishes. I recommend you do not go here unless you have a big group. We ate less than 30 percent of what we ordered - it was a ridiculous amount of food.

Finished the evening off with a martini on the upper porch of Cafe Martinique. Lovely view of the water in the marina and very pleasant spot to relax.

Atlantis - Day 1

Westjet was late once again, but at least not by much today. Took a while to figure out my headphones were working fine - its the seat jack that is defective. However, flight attendants are super friendly and nice, so was a good experience overall.

We booked the cheapest accommodation at Beach Terrace, but were upgraded to Coral - seems as though its a bit slow at this time of year. Several of the restaurants are also closed today and tomorrow.

Went for a walk around the grounds - its a massive place! Found the aquarium and the tunnels that are replicas of an ancient city, weaving around the aquarium. Lovely walk and lots of fascinating fish of all sizes, sharks and stingrays to enjoy.

Had an excellent meal at the Marketplace - fresh stir fry, rotis, blackened fish, lots of veggies and other sides, great antipasti and salad bar and, of course, great desserts. Also plenty that would appeal to children, so an excellent family choice.

CanStage - Yukon Style

Quite an interesting play - some slightly exaggerated flawed characters, each running from a past that is best left behind. Taking place amidst the Robert Picton trial, we learn a little about the anguish of some of those affected.

CMA Ontario Convocation

What a party! If you ever have an opportunity to join a loved one at his or her CMA convocation, I strongly recommend you attend. I won't give away any of the details, but this organization really knows how to celebrate its graduates and there is a lot of thought and attention that goes into making this a very special day. The pride and excitement of the graduates, as they receive their diplomas, was a joy to experience.

CMA Ontario Convocation - Chris Hadfield

The key note speaker this year was Chris Hadfield and he was every bit the engaging speaker, that we have heard about and come to appreciate via his social media links while in space. He expertly weaved together his leadership experiences with the business challenges the graduates would be facing, displaying a natural sense of humour and comfort with the audience. I got an opportunity to meet with him before the event and, it sounds cliche, but he is really down to earth. I hope he continues to make science accessible ....

TSO POPS - Cirque de la Symphonie

Awesome show. As my teen son says "you can't beat the combination of circus and great music". Some pretty incredible, flexible, nimble, comic and incredibly strong performers. I guess that could apply to the orchestra too, given the beautiful and challenging pieces they played. We really enjoyed this opening to the POPS season!

Soulpepper - Farther West

Interesting depiction of the dichotomy between pious and wanton. In the old west, pushing the boundaries of civilization, this play imagines what life would have been like for a woman, who craves personal freedom above all else, in a world that sees her as a chattel, always trying to bind her by someone else's rules. Based on the life of a true character, who earned some notoriety running a brothel and evading the clutches of men - both good and evil. Be prepared for some nudity and lewd behavior.

AGO - Ai WeiWei: According to What ?

I saw this show in Washington last fall, but enjoyed it much more here in Toronto - it probably helped that my companion had a lot of background knowledge on Ai WeiWei and the show. Paying attention to the messages underlying his work, you gain a real appreciation for how modern art can speak. Knowing the relationship of each piece to Ai WeiWei's life experiences added a lot of depth and insights into the struggles of the disadvantaged in China. I found it to be a compelling and moving show and strongly encourage you to read the inscriptions by the pieces as you go through, but perhaps also to read a little about the artist before you visit the show.

AGO - David Bowie is

I have to admit I only attended this show as a good friend of mine was really interested in going. However, I was very pleasantly surprised as the integration of sound and visuals evoked many memories and it was an amazing presentation of a large body of work. Not being a Bowie fan did not stop me from enjoying the rich display of costumes and artwork, marveling at what a unique character he is and how he has changed his persona over the years. The interactive nature of the exhibits was a creative and enjoyable approach to experiencing this installation and this was evident in the packed house, as people were clearly taking their time. You must see this show, whether you are a Bowie fan or not, but hurry as many time slots are already sold out.

CanStage - Venus in Fur

Great show! The female lead is incredible - great comedic timing and effortless shifting between very disparate characters. The plot deliciously builds to a not entirely unanticipated climax. Beautifully written and artfully executed - you will thoroughly enjoy this play.

Nuit Blanche

So half of my family was out and about with our posses for Nuit Blanche and, no surprise, we didn't run into each other. With the press of crowds in some locations we could have been two feet apart and not known it.

Kicked off the evening at the Cocktail Generator Gala. Pick you primary taste, secondary aftertaste and finish and the mixologists will put it together for you - a different drink every time. There were some hits and a few misses.

Wandering up Queen, from Bathurst to City Hall, we passed several installations. Had a nice pit stop at the Yellow Tail tent, where we enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine while being entertained by various circus performers.

Checked out the installations around City Hall, in particular the Ai Weiwei bicycles and observed the phenomenon that was a one hour line-up at Starbucks - I guess these people really had all night!

Ended the evening at Wychwood Barns to check out a flaming musical instrument and the Artscape Glass and Pottery show. Some really great finds at the show.

Saw lots of groups of young teens (my son was somewhere out there with his friends), taking in the opportunity to stay out late and enjoy the city in a new way.

I didn't last all night, but certainly enjoyed the event, and outlasted my son ......... 

Mirvish - Les Miserables

Wow - what a amazing cast and set of pipes! The actors playing Jean Valjean, the inspector and Eponine were particularly powerful. Its hard not to be moved by the passion, romance and struggles of the poor in pre-revolutionary France. The relentless pursuit of Valjean by the inspector with a very hard heart is beautifully and tragically portrayed. The staging is really creative and the transitions are very cool.

Canstage - The Flood Thereafter

Based on the mythological story of Odysseus and the lure of the siren, the story starts with a woman so beautiful she makes men cry and a narrator who takes us back and fills in the details. The maid is indeed beautiful and the narrator is superb. Some nudity and crass language, so this is not for the faint of heart. An interesting, but somehow not quite compelling play.