YOU, ME AND ONTARIO

‘Isang Ami’ which translates –my journey, is my space where from time to time, I share my journeys with you our readers and encourage you to visit somewhere you have never been before. As simple as it may seem getting away for the weekend can recharge your internal batteries. Scientists at Rutgers University in the USA have proved that a change really is as good as a holiday. They report that a change of scenery and novel experiences boost dopamine in the brain, which activates the brain’s pleasure centres. So getaway to somewhere new at the weekend or, at the very least, venture into a new neighbourhood or restaurant and give your dopamine a well-needed boost.

Isang Ami, took me to Ontario, Canada where I was rightly informed that when crossing the border by land into Ontario -- either from the U.S. or from Ontario's bordering provinces of Manitoba and Quebec -- one of the first things travellers might see are "Ontario: Yours To Discover" signs. The province's slogan is meant to encourage adventure and exploration, and there's truly a lot to see. The province is huge at (344,092 square miles), so planning a trip means focusing on few famous sights.

My host was the great family of Global Wealth Trade Corp, makers of the luxury designer lines FERI and FERI MOSH, there was no dull moment and I had an exciting time. Many thanks go to Ramin Mesgarlou – CEO Global Wealth Trade, Sanaz Hooman – VP Product Development and Design and the many Luxury Consultants but to name a few Brain Arrindell, Sherry Zhao, Errol Trench, Chris Li, Tammy Fung and Mai.

With so many places to visit within a short time, a few stood out to be memorable, from the famous hot pot Chinese restaurant, which I must say went quite well to trying out some Persian delicacies at lunch with Sanaz as well as the Korean squid dish with Sherry, Chris and Augusta; it was an ultimate adventure.

Being adventurous at heart I was open to try many new things especially in the area of cuisine from this multicultural country and I felt in a way like the famous chef and TV personality Anthony Boudain (CNN), although I was never lost like he tends to be on his show. (lol).

Visiting the famous CN Tower, which is hard to miss as it rises 553 metres above the city of Toronto and dominates the skyline from every vantage point. It reigned as the world's tallest freestanding structure from 1976 until the opening of Burj Khalifa (Dubai) in 2009, but still it has not lost any of its shine. Lifts, which ascend on the outside of the Tower, have the same thrust as a jet airplane taking off, and take less than a minute to the top.

The climax of my break was the visit to the famous Niagara Falls. It's one of those unfortunate 'luck of the draw' things I'm afraid to say, because the majority of the fall is technically in the United States and to see it, you have to be on the Canadian side. That's why Niagara Falls lands on Canada's Top-Ten list. Niagara Falls is also a popular place to get married, competing with Las Vegas for favourite wedding destinations and was once rated as the World's Most Romantic Place.

It was a fun break and I enjoyed every bit of it. I would advise that you take a leap of faith and experience adventure.

It could be a weekend getaway or just checking into a hotel and I promise when you do, you will surely feel exhilarated.

Drop your comment and also share your personal fun travel experience and it could be published in our travel magazine "Tourist Xperience Magazine"