Mosaicultures Internationale

If there is one exhibit not to be missed this summer it's Mosaicultures at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Running from June 22 until September 29th the exhibit basically "draws its inspiration from global environmental issues". Tickets are $25 but are valid for two separate visits. One thing to keep in mind is that going on a weekend can be very crowded so either buy tickets online ahead of time or try to go on a weekday. I went with my family on a Thursday afternoon and waiting to buy our tickets still took us over 30 minutes.

According to the website the exhibit is a first in terms of large green-certified events. It necessitated the purchase of over 3,000,000 plants of which 95% came from (environmentally-friendly) Quebec producers and the Botanical Garden. Apparently a special kind of irrigation system is being used that waters the plants according to rainfalls which saves wasting water that could potentially damage some plants. In addition, great actions are being taken by the city of Montreal to reduce carbon emissions in the area so shuttle buses are linking the garden to the two closest metro stations and extra parking spots for bicycles have been added. The website states that "Greenhouse gas emission produced during the organisation of the event will be offset by the planting of trees." There are simply far too many beautiful pictures to post from my visit so I have selected some of my favourite ones below.

Take a look at the Website at the Botanical Garden and be sure to visit this breathtaking exhibit very soon!

Mont Tremblant

Every other summer I go to Mont Tremblant, Quebec with my dad and usually some relatives or friends. This year I went for three days and although the weather wasn't superb, we still had a fantastic time and got to see a lot of the countryside in and around the resort. Since the weather was often chilly or rainy swimming on the beach was nearly impossible so we did a lot of walking instead. One day a deer came so close I started feeding it crab apples from a nearby tree. One of the interesting shots below is of the deer relieving him/herself in front of a small crowd. 

Mont Tremblant is generally famous, however, for the skiing season as it's one of the biggest mountains north of Montreal. I recall skiing there many times in my teens although prices for the ski passes have since skyrocketed and so has my laziness so skiing seems less like an option these days. The conditions are great though for anyone wishing to have a decent skiing experience in Eastern Canada. The resort is quite different in the summer and attracts a completely different, more family-oriented, crowd. 

To find out more about skiing in Tremblant: Ski Resort or General Tourism, or to read a recent article on the property value in the area: Buyer's Market.

Tolkien's Galadriel

"For you little gardener and lover of trees, I have only a small gift. Here is set G for Galadriel, but it may stand for garden in your tongue. In this box there is earth from my orchard, and such a blessing as Galadriel has still to bestow is upon it. It will not keep you on your road, nor defend you you against any perils; but if you keep it and see your home again at last, then perhaps it may reward you. Though you should find all barren and laid waste, there will be few gardens in Middle-earth that will bloom like your garden, if you sprinkle ths earth there. Then you may remember Galadriel, and catch a glimpse far off Lorien, that you have seen only in our winter. For our spring and our summer are gone by, and they will never be seen on earth again save in."

-J.R.R. Tolkien, 'Lord of the Rings' author.

Coconut Water

There is no secret as to where this deliciously thirstquenching water comes from. In its natural form it is found exclusively inside every young coconut. In countries where coconuts grow wild the drink is obviously more popular, but lately I have noticed a surge in coconut water in Eastern Canada. It has a slightly sweet taste and yet contains an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, is low in salt, fat and cholesterol free, and obviously gluten-free as well. I've recently tried coconut water from Thailand and Brazil, both of which were around the $2-$3 mark for a size no bigger than a regular soda can. Many companies are marketing coconut water as an energy/sports drink due to its high potassium content which may or may not be true. The first time I tried it I didn't particularly enjoy the taste. It grew on me to the point that I actually do enjoy it but due to the high price rarely buy it.

Check out this random Coconut Water Website and read more on the dubious benefits of Coconut Water.

Religious Gardens

St. Joseph's Oratory is one of the must-see tourist attractions of Montreal. Every time a relative or friend visits this city I feel compelled to take them there. This year I took a group of friends from Ottawa and they had a wonderful time as usual. For the first time, however, I walked around the Oratory and noticed a series of religious statues mostly depicting Jesus suffering in some way. I found them to be quite beautiful even though I am not religious myself. In any case, they are worth a look if you ever make your way there. Looking at the website, however, I noticed something a little odd. Beside the option to "Make a Donation" there is something called "Prayer Intention" which in essence is an online space for prayers. Mandatory are the fields of first and last name, city, and email address which I find even stranger. Does someone actually reply to these prayers? Is this the new direction churches are taking? Am I the only one who finds this odd?? In my mind prayers are completely private or between a person and their God only. Maybe I am the one being too traditional!?

For the general website: Saint Joseph's Oratory or for some tourist information: Montreal

David Suzuki

Almost every Canadian has heard the name David (Takayoshi) Suzuki especially in reference to protecting nature. He was born in Vancouver, B.C. in 1936 and became an environmental activist and visionary who has produced, starred in, or initiated countless documentaries, television episodes, films, and projects in Canada and around the world. Since there is so much fascinating information about this man here are ten randomly chosen facts that I find interesting to some degree.

1. Was placed in a Japanese internment camp in B.C. throughout most of the Second World War.
2. Is one of four children, including a twin sister named Marcia.
3. Earned a PhD in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961.
4. Began a career in television in the 1970s with The Nature of Things debuting in 1979.
5. His daughter, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, is also a passionate environmental activist.
6. He co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990.
7. Was a professor of genetics at the Univerity of British Columbia from 1963-2001.
8. Has had 52 books on various topics and for different age groups published in his lifetime.
9. Has received honorary degrees from 24+ universities in Canada and elsewhere.
10. He is ranked as the fifth most important Canadian of all time.

Above: "Forces of Nature" trailer

Below: Severn Suzuki speaking