January 23, 2006
Living and Retiring Abroad: How about Nova Scotia, Dominica, Panama or Cuba?
Many of us dream of relocating to another country, perhaps to enjoy warmer weather, perhaps to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, perhaps because of a job transfer, or maybe simply because we are intrigued by a certain element of adventure and curiosity.
While moving to another country may sound like an exciting proposition, it is a very serious decision with major ramificiations, and there are many factors to take into account in making this decision. southerngospelquartets, tinsoldierempire.
I had a chance to talk with Phillip Townsend, author of the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. leantogreenhouse. For more information, visit: www.thegloballife.net.
1. reentrystardust, teacanisters. Please tell us about yourself and your background.
As an American who had a teenage fascination with Asian culture, after high school, I got a part-time job, saved my money and purchased a one-way ticket to Taiwan, Republic of China. groinkickingstories. After arriving in the Far East, I taught English and eventually landed an internship with SIDA, a German-based global risk consulting firm. sexybarefeet. After working as an intern and completing an extensive training program, my work took me to 13 East Asian countries, where I assisted corporate and government clients with international research and other consulting projects.
After returning to the United States, I opened and ran the firm's U.S. discountgascards. office until the company went out of business several years later. jimbaker. Afterwards, my career shifted and I began writing freelance and consulting independently, Later, I was hired as stringer (correspondent) for Money magazine, America's leading personal finance monthly. cellshowtimesleeper. After leaving, I wrote a biweekly international lifestyle Q&A column for the International Employment Gazette, which also appeared monthly in Industrial Tradesman magazine. clearwaterflorida. I have assisted the governments of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia on promoting tourism and trade (and was considered for an official diplomatic post with the latter). mortgagelenderphiladelphia, cancerribbons. My articles and other writings have appeared in publications as diverse as GQ, the San Francisco Chronicle and Expat World.
Currently, I spend most of my time writing and researching. interactivekiosks, onlinegames. I'm also a Country Contact for American Citizens Abroad, representing the Switzerland-based non-profit organization in Nova Scotia.
I have always been a so-called man of the world, and don't believe there is any single "best" country, but rather believe in reaping the unique benefits that each nation has to offer.
2. cardiovasculartechjobs, buildingmovers, northwestpassage. You are an expert on living and retiring in various regions, including Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Panama and Cuba. peeinginpants, stainlesssteelrefrigerator. Please tell us about how you became an expert on these topics.
In addition to my experience living abroad and traveling widely, over the years, I have dedicated my life to international living, conducting extensive research and advising hundreds of clients on every aspect of moving abroad and strategic planning (offshore personal and financial issues). gerberknifes. I've assisted people from all walks of life with moves to over sixty countries and six continents. interiorhousepainting, immigrationtocanada, sideeffectsambien.
3. semipreciousbead, freetableturn. Please tell us about living, retiring, travelling and investing in Nova Scotia. mooseracing, johnwitherspoon. What makes Nova Scotia a great destination for expatriate or retirement living?
Nova Scotia is the type of place that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty: The long stretches of picturesque coastline, a beatiful countryside, friendly people and a slower pace and reasonable prices make it one of the most livable places in Canada or anywhere in North America. racquetballwarehouse. The climate is another plus. boundmentickled, trumpetherald. In many places in Nova Scotia, winters can be much milder (with less snow) than in other places in Canada or the northern US. vermeerpainting, raybanglasses, graphicdesignfirms. Also, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent crime being remarkably low. healingpicture, fencepostdriver. Perhaps the most appealing benefit of living in Nova Scotia are the affordable real estate prices (some lots with ocean views can be had for as little as C$20,000). palmtxhandheld.
4. solderstick. Please inform us about living, travelling and investing in Dominica. childncsupport. What should one know about living and retiring to this beautiful island in the Caribbean?
With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. springschools, bingoonlineslot, nikkorlens. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. carolinespine. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean's most rugged isle. plungerouters. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels (some of which are for sale for a steal). halogenfamily, barebreastedwomen. Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth. nitrobuggy. For example, you can find oceanfront lots for prices ranging from C42,000 to C58,000, and build a home for as little as C$28,000 to C$47,000.
5. gloriavelezvideo. Please give us a brief overview about living, travelling and investing in Panama. nicecleavage. What makes this a desirable place and what do we need to know about it?
Panama's coast, both on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, is like Florida, but less crowded and with property prices about a tenth of the cost in many cases. linerecruiter, bathroomtowel, baseballmascots. Panama offers affordable real estate, a warm climate and great beaches. gothicwings, wholesaleincenseburner. In order to attract expatriates, the Panamanian government has put together an impressive list of benefits in their pensionado program, including 20-year tax-free status and discounts on everything from public transportation to restaurants to doctor's visits. treeclimbinggear. Best of all, anyone over 18 can qualify for these "retirement" benefits.
Though Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. sarahwinchester, replaceme. Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama's mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.
6. hisass, bathgel, televisionsetratings. Please talk to us about living, travelling and investing in Cuba. industrialsafetysupplies. What makes this unique island an interesting destination for foreigners thinking of living or retiring there? What do they need to know about Cuba before considering to move there?
Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2 million living in the capital, Havana. tiletravertine. The island's Cuba's rich culture, interesting political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nations with a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. businesscontingencyplan. The food, music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cuban people all combine to make it a great place to visit and potentially live.
U.S. creamsauce. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba would strengthen Castro's oppressive government. bagoilcloth. But critics argue that the Cold War-era U.S. gardenlandscape. embargo, aimed at forcing a change in Cuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being in place for more than 40 years. mercedesclkgtr, samplemarketingplans, austinwebdesign. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba (most through Canada or Mexico). snowboardsales, toddymaker, healthhabit.
Though most would-be expatriates will wait until the fall of the Castro-lead communist rule, a few have already made an investment in the "forbidden" isle by putting down roots there, with the hope that property values and other investments will multiply after the fall of communist rule.
7. ballandchain. Where are you currently travelling and what is on your agenda for the near future?
Currently, I'm in upstate New York, but will be exploring some interesting locales in South America and Eastern Europe. westindies, storesuspender, bighawk. I plan to continue my ongoing pursuit of reporting on new and interesting expatriate destinations around the world. southwesterngift, corporationdana.
8. screenfurniture. In general, what are your suggestions for anyone thinking of living or retiring abroad?
Many Canadians and Americans are lured abroad by a lower cost of living and higher quality of life. harpsfoodstore, greenroofsystems. Some will want to return to their ancestral homes or to places where they once vacationed, worked or studied, and fell in love with a country. indigestioncure, mrmetoo, keiclassminivans. Others will be enticed by retiree perks and tax incentives. lemoncleansediet, silverreefcasino. With literally dozens of appealing countries to choose from, narrowing the possibilities can be a daunting task. mexicospringbreak, fieldcrestcannon, cabcash.
No matter where you consider settling, the most important thing is to do your homework. actionpoolcue, japenesebeetles, decadencedisturbed. Make an exploratory visit and stay for a few months before committing yourself by purchasing property. nokiauk. Be sure to talk with locals and expatriates living there. tmdbeverlyhills, armadanissanpart. Most importantly, consult competent real estate and legal professionals before signing any contracts or other official documents.
While every place has it own set of rules and nuances, the process of buying abroad generally works like this: First, the buyer and the seller to agree on a price, a security deposit (generally, 10 to 25 percent) will probably be required to take the house off the market. aperfectlie, cedarleetheater. Your attorney should then receive a copy of the title and verify that the property is free from any liens or claims against the property. florencesriver, satellitephotography. They should also advise you of any strange archaic laws, like those in parts of Canada that allow anyone to fish on your land, those in England and France that allow sheep to pass through your property, those in rural Italy that give your neighbors first-refusal rights on any land used for agricultural purposes (which could leave someone else with the fruit in the vineyard or olive grove on "your" property), or historic construction bans that prevent you from making any external changes to a property (even installing a pool). nadatruck, pneumoniatreatment. Also, if you are buying anything in need of restoration (or more than a hundred years old), have a structural survey done. venetianblindsretail, jointpainglucosamine, funkybabyclothes.
Thank you, Phillip, for providing us with further ideas and important background information about a few interesting choices on living and retiring abroad. viagraprescriptiononline, banray, baggageshipping.
ABOUT PHILLIP TOWSEND:
Phillip Townsend is author the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. toplesssunning, vaisonlaromaine, sewerpipe. For more information, visit: www.thegloballife.net.


Presenting: Toronto's WinterCity Festival - Culinary Treats, Arts and Entertainment
January 24, 2006
Presenting: Toronto's WinterCity Festival - Culinary Treats, Arts and Entertainment - Toronto Parties In The Dark Of Winter
There is no doubt that Canada is a northern country and that our winters here in Toronto can sometimes be a little harsh. coldstorage, beddingprincess. But that's no reason to hold anyone back from getting out there and enjoying the city to the fullest.
To ease the winter blues, the City of Toronto has developed a series of special events dedicated to bringing the city to life in the middle of winter. barbaraeden. The WinterCity Festival is a city-wide celebration of Toronto's culinary offerings (the popular Winterlicious restaurant promotion), a wide variety of free entertainment events and a showcase of Toronto's vibrant arts scene, featuring live music, dance, theatre, spectacle shows, rink-side concerts and even aerial acrobatic performances. turnerbike, fayettevillecommunitycollege. Throw in a number of child-friendly events, and WinterCity has something for everyone in the family.
I had a chance to talk to Grant Ramsey from the City of Toronto who is one of the key people behind WinterCity and he is providing a much more detailed overview of all the special events, artistic and culinary treats on offer.

1. livelobstershipped. Please give us an overview of Toronto's WinterCity Festival. oilofolay, openwindow, ingramhill. When did it come into being? When and where is it held?
This year will be the fourth WinterCity held. elegantparishotel, jeeprecalls, cutelatinateens. Prior to the name change, it was called WinterFest, which took place on one weekend. timberframebarn, tacticalriflescope, kefspeaker. Since expanding the festival, it now runs for two-weeks and is held primarily at Nathan Phillips Square from, Jan. prototypecars, oracledatabase. 27 to Feb. eurekacityschools, epoxyflux, naturaljugs. 9
2. pleatedskirt, motorcyclerim, effiletower. Please tell us more about the "Wild on Winter Series". laptopsales, fedgrasspoultry, ringsymptomworm.
The Wild on Winter Series (WOW!) combines some of the best performances in Toronto. homefragrances, wallregister. Two large outdoor spectacle shows, "Walk the Plank" and "Il Corso", which take place on Saturday and Sundays of both weekends, feature some of the best pyrotechnic, special effects and sound displays in North America. revolvingcdrack, floridabluecrabs. Other WOW! Series performers include, stellar Canadian talent presenting the best in dance and live music all at Nathan Phillips Square.
Il Corso by Theatre Pan-Optikum
3. cutecowboys, smoothmuscle, lightweightlaptop. Please tell us more about the "Warm-up Series"? Where does it take place, what events does it include?
The Warm up series offers great discounted events at some of Toronto's hottest destinations. showboathotel, trafficcameras, vantagecareercenter. For those who just can't brave the cold, The Warm Up Series offer excellent interactive entertainment at The Toronto Eaton Centre and other venues around the city. thousandoakmall.

Toronto Eaton Centre Schedule:
- Spin Cycle
Monday, January 30: 12:30 & 5:30 pm
The international vaudevillian duo of Greg Tarlin and Kristi Heath combine their talents as award-winning circus performers, Second City comedy veterans and skilled writers to engage, amaze and entertain with skills that include juggling, unicycling, stilt dancing and more.
- The Silk Road Acrobats
Three Man Acrobats & Hula Hoop Act
Tuesday, January 31: 12:30 & 5:30 pm
This performance combines the grace, delicacy and poise of the Chinese acrobatic tradition with the power and athleticism of Russian acrobatics. truckforsale, levelc. Three professional acrobats perform multiple towers, falls and strength poses along with an up-beat performance using a multiple hoop apparatus. lightdimmer.
- The Silk Road Acrobats
Seven Man Acrobats & The Female Contortion Duo
Wednesday, February 1: 12:30 & 5:30 pm
Professional acrobats perform an amazing group demonstration of strength, coordination, group dynamic and impeccable timing. locksmithfortworth. While balancing delicate vases on their hands and feet, the acrobatic female duo perform graceful contortions and remarkable poses, creating an effect that is truly enchanting.
- High Strung Aerial Acrobats "Dy-no-mite"
Thursday, February 2 & Saturday, February 4, 12:30 & 5:30 pm
A two-woman high energy aerial show with a sassy disco flair. thailandnightlife, rainbowreading. Performed to hits from the 70s, like Disco Inferno, Ring My Bell and Macho Man, the show features aerial straps, a swinging ladder and trapeze. jeanmichelle. Throw in some audience participation, acrobatics and a kick-ball change or two, and you have a spectacle like no other.
- High Strung Aerial Acrobats "Impressed"
Friday, February 3 & Sunday, February 5:
12:30 & 5:30 pm
Witness aerial dance artistry, superior and surprising manipulations, and skills that seem to defy gravity. toledoscale. Wonder and marvel as these two breathtaking airborne lovelies perform startling acrobatic feats. projectmanagementoffice, lipidpanel.
Events & Shows hosted by some of Toronto's top attractions
Don't miss this series of special WinterCity events at Toronto's top urban destinations. crosscountrybank, manchesterdating, synthogyivory. For more details, contact each attraction directly.

4. plantlavender, cabinkits, kentuckymaps. Please tell us about the WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People.
WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
Meet four ordinary kids coping with the ups and downs of their lives. universityloan, gordonconwellseminary. Paige, the popular yet insecure girl. linestrainer. Adam the tough bully who is also a budding artist, shy Josh who learns magic tricks in order to become invisible and Charla the new girl who wants to be everybody's friend. sylviabrown, boardwalkdisneysinn. (recommended for ages 9-12)
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29, 2 pm
Kids and adults WinterCity price just $12 each. irishcelticcd.
Regular price $15-20 each
165 Front Street East
416-862-2222
www.lktyp.ca
6. funnynamegenerator. You also have an event planned that involves "Franklin the Turtle", "Elliot Moose" and the CN Tower. pascualama, ridinrimslyrics, mammothivory. Please tell us more about that. volleyballtechniques, melaminedish.
Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose & friends visit the CN Tower
Join Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose and their author friends, Elizabeth MacLeod, Irene Luxbacher and Aubrey Davis, at the CN Tower. blockingwhos, nikesweatpants, ocalafl. Enjoy winter crafts, no-bake chocolate recipes, storytelling and more. signofmono, teenpictureframe, tvsatellitedish.
This fun filled event is included with your special CN Tower coupon admission of 3 people for $30
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29
11 am - 4 pm
3 people for $30
301 Front Street West
416-868-6937
For full details on this event please visit, www.cntower.ca
6. russianexhibit, wholesalelots, herbaldrugstore. You also offer special free skating events, beer tastings, a big band event, discounted opera events and theatre performances, please provide an overview of those. killswitch.
DJ Skating Night @ Harbourfront
Slide down to Harbourfront's beautiful rink and skate to music including house, progressive and breaks with DJs Phantasm, Simon Jain and Tommy Gunners!
Free hot chocolate! Skate rentals, sharpening, lockers, snacks and drinks all available.
Friday, February 3, 2006
8-11 pm
FREE
235 Queens Quay West, South of York Quay Centre
416-973-4000
www.harbourfrontcentre.com
A Bite before Twilight
Under 30? Join the Canadian Opera Company for a feast of traditional Bavarian fare at the exciting Bier Markt Esplanade and a quick update of "the story so far" before gorging on the dramatic final installment of Wagner's epic Ring Cycle - The Twilight of the Gods (Götterdämmerung). flalottery, barleyrecipes, bonsaiplantstand. Meet other young opera lovers and fortify yourselves with beer and worst, fine food and good cheer in preparation for the experience of a lifetime.
Saturday, February 4, 2006
$60 for opera ticket and meal (includes taxes and gratuity)
4 pm dinner
Bier Markt
58 The Esplanade
www.thebiermarkt.com
6 pm performance of Götterdämmerung
Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts
1 Front St. tommybahamapants, shorteningsubstitute, femaleindiansupermodels. E. wilsondisease, cheapipodnano.
www.coc.ca
To order tickets, call: Ticketmaster at 416-872-2262
A Return to the Golden Era of Swing at Casa Loma
Dance the night away in one of Toronto's most beautiful rooms with the Toronto All-Star Big Band. capsuleendoscopy. Resembling a Mediterranean Courtyard, Casa Loma's The Conservatory is a spectacular setting with its gleaming brass doors, opulent marble and 30-foot stained glass dome. doyledykes, golfswingvideo. One of the most exciting bands around, the 17-piece Toronto All-Star Big Band, "cooks" with its powerful tributes to the heady hits of the 1930s and 40s. rampchevrolet, housesales, stuffingbelly. It's like watching Goodman, Dorsey, and Miller live. eliteprojectorscreen.
Saturday, February 4, 2006
8:00 pm
$25.00 per person (includes G.S.T. and finger foods)
Tickets available on-line at www.casaloma.org
One Austin Terrace
416-923-1171
www.casaloma.org
Letters from Lehrer
CanStage offers a 20% discount to the February 9th performance of Letters from Lehrer - written and performed by Richard Greenblatt featuring the words and music of Tom Lehrer.
There will be a Satirical Lyric Writing workshop for the closet songwriter. This pre-show workshop will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by the performance at 8 pm.
Thursday, February 9, 2006
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (workshop)
8 pm (performance)
20% discount on regular priced tickets
Regular price range: $26 to $51
Berkeley Theatre
26 Berkeley Street
Box Office: 416-368-3110
www.canstage.com

Letters from Lehrer
Coupons for discounted rates are available by visiting: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/coupons.nsf/coupons?openform where they can be printed.
7. Please tell us about "Winterlicious", Toronto's winter restaurant promotion.
The phenomenally successful restaurant promotion Winterlicious, presented by American Express, returns to Toronto January 27 – February 9, 2006. The fourth annual Winterlicious is part of the WinterCity Festival, an award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine.
More than 120 participating restaurants will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu where patrons can sample the establishment's tasty fare at fantastic price points. Prix fixe menu price categories are $15 or $20 for Lunch and $25 or $35 for Dinner. Prices are per person, plus taxes and gratuity. Beverages are additional.
In addition to the hugely popular prix fixe menus, 10 establishments will be offering unusual food-related events. These culinary experiences allow guests to savour delectable meals followed by dancing, unique tours and other rare experiences. To obtain details on the Winterlicious Culinary Experiences, the public can visit www.toronto.ca.
In past years Torontonians and tourists alike have enthusiastically celebrated Toronto's diverse and innovative cuisine with delicious menus available at restaurants city-wide. Winterlicious 2005 sold more that 183,000 meals over the 14 days – an increase of 67% from the previous year and resulting in an estimated $6.4 million in economic activity.
8. Please tell us about the family entertainment offered in the American Express Cool Ice Lounge, including ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment.
The third annual WinterCity Festival, the City of Toronto's city-wide celebration of the world's coolest winter city, presents the most fun one family can have with 200,000 pounds of ice at temperatures below -5 C — the American Express Cool Ice Lounge.
Created by Custom Ice Art and managed by the Liberty Entertainment Group, The American Express Cool Ice Lounge is Toronto's first ice lounge ideal for the whole family.
During the day, stroll through the Ice Lounge enjoying contemporary ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment. Stop for a beverage and snack at the ice bar and relax on the frosty furniture. Catch ice carving demonstrations twice a day at 2 & 5 pm on January 28 & 29 and February 4 & 5, 2006.
By night, this venue is transformed into a frozen night club venue complete with icy seating, an ice bar, and Toronto DJ's spinning the latest tunes.
During the day, the American Express Cool Ice Lounge will include live family entertainment, including:
The Magical Comedy of Stephen Elvay
Sunday, January 29 & Saturday, February 4 at 12 noon & 6 p.m.
Witty, engaging and supremely entertaining, Elvay is one of Canada's funniest and most popular entertainers. His fast paced and visual extravaganza of comedy and magic is expertly interlaced to provoke mystery and laughter.
Flying Debris Show
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
Kansas, USA native Richard Holmgren brings his hilarious comedy, amazing magic and unmatched juggling skills to the WinterCity festival. You'll be amazed by the wide variety of objects flying through the air during his show.
Flyin' Bob
Saturday, February 4 & Sunday, February 5 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
This one man three ring circus from Red Deer, Alberta has been entertaining audiences across Canada and around the world for the last seventeen years. Flyin' Bob's action packed show showcases his own brand of physical and verbal comedy, energetic juggling, spectacular balancing, and audience participation.
Scot Free Daredevil Stunt Show
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, February 5 at 12 noon & 6 p.m.
One of Toronto's favourite performers! Check out this skillful mix of character comedy, exciting daredevil stunts, sharp improvised wit and audience interaction. Fun for all ages, come see if this daredevil gets off … Scot Free!!
9. Please tell us about "Soup's On!" - a special event offering cooking demonstrations and soup tastings.
"Soup's On!," presented by Liberty Tax Services, offers cooking demonstrations and soup tastings from Toronto's top chefs matched with live performances from some of Toronto's most diverse bands.
The world of soup is vast and sophisticated. There are thick soups such as bouillabaisse that nearly cross the line from soup to stew, thin clear consommés, and everything in-between. Nearly all cultures have their own soup specialties: hearty Russian borscht, garlicky Spanish gazpacho, and Pot-au-Feu, a French clear soup made from boiled beef and vegetables.
Featuring soups from Spain to China and Jamaica to Greece, the "Soup's On" pavilion will have something for everyone. Hosted by food enthusiast Marty Galin, chefs from Toronto-area restaurants will provide live cooking demonstrations in a heated pavilion on Nathan Phillips Square with the public able to taste-test the results while listening to music from the themed country.
Click here for a listing of tasty concoctions, chefs and musical entertainment.
10. Please tell us about the "Tower of Light" performance.
Toronto's 14 day city-wide celebration, the WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, presents the North American premiere of The Tower of Light, a large-scale outdoor production blending fireworks and fire sculptures, music, lighting, special effects and spectacular visual images. The production is performed January 27, 28 and 29 at
7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.
Framed by the silhouette of Toronto's City Hall, this 30-minute production features a 15m tower of light and a carefully orchestrated outdoor performance of vibrant special effects and atmospheric music. Buckets of fire rise up into the sky as the lighthouse pulses with flares. Fireworks erupt from every level as the performers dance beneath the silver rain. The show comes to a dramatic close with a spectacular fireworks finale.
Walk the Plank is widely recognized as one of the UK's leading producers of innovative shows and magical spectacles. The company was established by John Wassell and Liz Pugh, its current management team, in 1991. Site-specific shows and fireworks have been a feature of the company's work since the beginning, but this area of work has expanded and developed over recent years. In 2001 Walk the Plank undertook its first international work with shows in Singapore and Portugal.
The Tower of Light has been performed at the Singapore Arts Festival, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival and Stockton International Riverside Festival.
10. Please tell us about "Il Corso", a 60-minute open-air theatre spectacle.
11. Please tell us about "Il Corso" performance, based on a book by Pablo Neruda.
WinterCity presents the North American premiere of Il Corso, a 60-minute open air theatre spectacle featuring actors, acrobats and musicians from Germany's Theatre Pan-Optikum. The production is performed February 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.
Il Corso will take place all over Nathan Phillips Square as the venue is transformed into a stage. Individual spectators will continually change their positions as they are caught up in the movement and, ultimately, even become part of the performance. Featuring a wall of fire, dancers on 10 ft. sway poles and huge metal structures including a human propeller, the production combines dramatic movement, installations, music, text, huge expressive images and pyrotechnics.
Il Corso tells the story of a human being in search of fulfillment and happiness and is based on "The Book of Questions" by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda. The 74 short poems contained in the book are structured as two-line verses raising 316 puzzling questions. Many of Neruda's questions are ones children sometimes pose such as "Where do shadows disappear to?" and "Why are leaves green?" These questions often expose the fact that adults cannot explain everything they claim to know. As Neruda says, "What we know is so small and what we assume so great."
In 2001, the "Kunstfest Weimar" art festival opened with Il Corso. In 2002, Il Corso was chosen from 80 invited open air productions and awarded 1st prize at the street theatre festival in Holzminden, after which Il Corso played 27 times in Germany and the Netherlands. Il Corso is currently the most played open air production in Europe.

Lee Restaurant, part of Winterlicious
10. What about the "Winter Moves" dance performances?
As part of the WOW! (Wild on Winter) Series, The WinterCity Festival presents Winter Moves – dance performances from four of Canada's top contemporary dance companies. Performances take place outside at Nathan Phillips Square on Festival weekends. Participating companies include:
• Company Blonde – Company Blonde has a unique and vital presence in the independent dance scene in Canada. Since it's inception in 1999, Company Blonde has been dedicated to creating dance works that are accessible to a vast audience of all ages blending comedy and theatre with classical modern dance. Company Blonde will perform:
• Awright, Awright, Awright! — Clad in bright 70's style one-piece snowsuits this highly energetic piece was designed for the outdoors but has found its way onto many small stages. The dancers (Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush) arrive in a car, music blaring, put out a few plastic palm trees and dance with all their heart to the pop music of Outkast. It is nearly impossible to resist shakin' it along side them. Awright, Awright, Awright! premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in March 2004 and has been performed many times since, at schools, on stages indoor and out and always in snowsuits.
• Binder Twine — This hilarious Wild West piece features outlaws, saloon girls, line dancers, tumble weed and baked beans! Featuring dancers Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush Binder Twine premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in April 2005 and was performed at the T.O Twang Festival at Harbourfront in August 2005.
• CORPUS — Founded in 1997, CORPUS is devoted to creating original work for broad audiences including children. Led by Sylvie Bouchard and David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour, the company combines contemporary dance and physical theatre. CORPUS will perform:
• Les moutons (The Sheep) — Les moutons is a humorous "live installation" where reality meets fantasy. Meet Julie, Marie-Louise, Bernadette and Cesar, three healthy young sheep and an old ram. The Shepherd is here too, talking you through a carefully studied overview of sheep behavior.

Les Moutons
• Tina Fushell / Choreographer / Dancer — Born and raised in St. John's, Nfld., Tina Fushell studied at the Quinte Ballet School and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. In 2002 Tina co-founded Ambitious Enterprises (AE) with Kate Franklin and Samm Higgison, producing the "At the Wrecking Ball" series, a now yearly event which has garnered much praise for the young company and ushered in a new generation of choreographers and collaborators from various disciplines. Tina Fushell will present:
• sTOries — sTOries is performed to live jazz music. This contemporary dance piece is inspired by Torontonians stories about Winter. The highly physical sTOries features a trio of dancers (Tina Fushell, Anisa Tejpar and Kate Franklin) dressed for Winter in full wool skirts, blazers and boots.
• Larchaud Dance Project is known for their strength-testing choreography and gravity defying movement and are certain to captivate, provoke, and entertain all audiences. Larchaud Dance Project's upcoming June 2006 production is based on the world and culture of videogames. Each piece in the show is based on a world/level of the game, albeit a jungle, a labyrinth, underwater, etc. At the WinterCity Festival, Larchaud Dance Projects will present:
• Ice World — Of all the levels of a videogame the ice world proves to be the greatest challenge. Not only must the players overcome the treacherous conditions of their environment, but they must conquer the evil Queen and her Henchman. It is she who controls this world, and in her defeat, they may progress onto the next level.
Please click here for a schedule of these performances.

Azure Restaurant - part of Winterlicious
11. Toronto's WinterCity Festival will also feature a number of live music performances. Please tell us about those.
The WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, the award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine, will feature two weekends of FREE live music and DJ's on an outdoor stage at Nathan Phillips Square as part of the WOW! (Wild On Winter) series. The WinterCity Festival takes place January 27 – February 9, 2006.
Friday Jan. 27
Opening Concert
Les Batinses, 7:30 p.m.
This young sextet plays world music with a Québécois slant. They embrace music from anywhere and everywhere to marry old-style folk and roots ballads with funk-driven acoustics.
Saturday Jan. 28
Sizzling Hot! Latin Dance Music
DJ Billy Bryans, 12 noon
Get on the ice and move! DJ Billy Bryans drops the latest in Latin music, reggaeton, salsa and the hottest timba cuts directly from Havana.
Chiva featuring Brownman, 12:30 p.m.
Toronto's Chiva fuses seductive Colombian rhythms with funk grooves and urban hip-hop beats against a Latin-jazz backdrop.
Latin Roots Orchestra, 2 p.m.
With a nod to the golden age of Latin music, this Toronto group blends the hottest sounds of classic salsa with the latest hip-shaking Latin grooves guaranteed to burn up the dance floor.
Tumbao Inc., 3:30 p.m.
One of Toronto's newest Latin orchestras, Tumbao Inc. offers catchy lyrics and memorable melodies combined with powerful percussive beats in merengue music and electronica.
Brownman & CRUZAO featuring Fito Blanko, 5 p.m.
Led by multi-award-winning trumpeter Brownman, CRUZAO mixes authentic Latin rhythms, jazz harmonies and modern urban grooves. CRUZAO is joined by special guest Fito Blanko, Toronto's rising star of reggaeton.
Ricky Franco, 6:30 p.m.
Talented singer/songwriter/composer, Ricky Franco delivers slick vocals layered over powerful Salsa Descargas with a soulful edge and the popular dance rhythms of Bachata.
Between sets, DJ's will spin. Following the final band, DJ's will spin club music outside until 11 p.m.
Sunday Jan. 29
Cool Blues
Ndidi Onukwulu, 12:30 p.m.
A new voice in Toronto's blues community, singer/songwriter Ndidi Onukwulu was born in BC and grew up listening to a variety of music including Nigerian juju. Set for release early in 2006, her eclectic debut album defies labels.
Tyler Yarema, 2 p.m.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Toronto pianist-vocalist Tyler Yarema dishes up high-energy boogie-woogie complemented by a smooth, fiery vocal delivery.
Wickens-Knight, 3:30 p.m.
Winners of the 2005 Toronto Blues Society New Talent category, Wickens-Knight blends blues, rock & roll, country, funk and a little rockabilly to create their own unique sound.
Reuben Cherry, 5 p.m.
Toronto rock 'n' soul band, Reuben Cherry, have created a distinctive combination of rhythm & blues, rock, gospel and soul. Watch for their new album scheduled for release in April 2006.
Carlos del Junco, 6:30 p.m.
Born in Cuba, del Junco is a two-time Gold Medal World Champion harmonica player. His daring and sophisticated style is at once sensitive, soulful, and sexy while never forgetting the rawness inherent in blues music.
Between sets, DJ's will spin. Following the final band, DJ's will spin club music outside until 10 p.m.
Saturday Feb. 4
Hot Rising Stars — Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Rock
Mr. Something Something, 12 noon
With a reputation for wildly energized live shows, this Afrofunk-inspired band brings the danceable rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana to Toronto stages.
Christine Evans, 2 p.m.
From Victoria, B.C, this extraordinary gifted singer/ songwriter is emerging as one of Canada's great, young talents. Her debut CD "Take Me Home" is a collection of evocative modern pop.
Matthew Barber and Union Dues, 3:30 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Matthew Barber's music is lyrically captivating, melodically sophisticated and disarmingly personal without forsaking the importance of the groove, the hooks and ultimately the rock.
Blues Underdog, 5 p.m.
After touring with the Black Eyed Peas, this seven-piece band is back in Toronto rocking the masses with their blend of hip-hop, funk and alternative rock.
Belinda Brady, 6:30 p.m.
Having performed with the likes of Shaggy, this Jamaican-born Canadian singer blends elements of rock, reggae and soul. Brady's debut album will be available in Spring 2006
Between sets, DJ's will spin. Following the final band, DJ's will spin club music outside until 11 p.m.
Sunday Feb. 5
Songs for a Winter's Day — Folk/Roots
Liam Titcomb, 12:30 p.m.
This 17-year old Torontonian's music is steeped in thick, lush melodies, indelible pop/roots hooks and expressive lyrics. His self-titled debut CD includes the hit single Counting Headlights.
JP Cormier, 2 p.m.
Renowned as a prodigious musical talent at age five, J.P. Cormier recorded his first album — a collection of bluegrass instrumentals — at age 16. Cormier has since performed with all the country greats and was awarded the Bluegrass Recording of the Year at the 2005 East Coast Music Awards.
Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot, 3:30 p.m.
Luke Doucet, Katherine Wheatley, Liam Titcomb & JP Cormier
pay tribute to one of Canada's finest songwriters
Katherine Wheatley, 5 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Katherine Wheatley has been captivating audiences with her vibrant lyrics and infectious grooves at folk festivals, concert series and clubs across Canada since 1992.
Luke Doucet, 6:30 p.m.
A 15 year veteran with three solo records and three with the band Veal under his belt, Doucet brings his sharp wit and fiery intensity to the world of alternative roots and country rock.
Between sets, DJ's will spin. Following the final band, DJ's will spin club music outside until 10 p.m.
For more information and a schedule of events about Toronto's WinterCity Festival and a schedule of events please visit the WinterCity Festival home page.


Travel Protection
Partners in Life, Partners on Vacation: Peace of Mind in Travel
It may be months away from spring and summer but now is the time to plan the adventure of a lifetime with your partner.
First, did you know that there are tours, cruises and adventures all over the world that are tailored for the LGBT? Second,
planning strategies are suggested that can make your vacation stress free and give you the peace of mind you need. Lastly, a
variety of travel destinations, events and research strategies are mentioned to help you plan that perfect vacation with your
partner. By the way, some of what I offer here is sound advice for preparation in business travel too.
FACTOIDS: American LGBT persons spent 54 billion dollars in travel in 2004; UK LGBT persons spent nearly 44.8 billion
dollars on travel in 2004
(These estimates include travel within and outside their respective countries, what part of the UK's $$ are coming to America
or vice-versa is not reported.)
All over the world travel industry specialists have developed great cruises and travel packages specifically designed for the
LGBT traveler and their partner. These travel accommodations/packages include, but are not limited to, gay friendly cruises
that include travel with others that are gay and vacations packaged for gay pride festivals.
There is a wide variety of cruise destinations available to the LGBT traveler. The new 2006 itinerary and offerings for gay
cruises are available throughout the internet. Destinations include Costa Rica, Ireland, Alaska and the Mediterranean to name
a few. Cruise liners/companies such as Atlantis and Windjammer West specialize in accommodating you and your partner a cruise
you will never forget. Consulting the many gay magazines online will also be a great resource to find your perfect vacation.
Gay pride festivals provide a vacation that is not only fun and inspiring, they also offer a time of mutual exchanges in
social solidarity. Worldwide from the United States to the UK and other localities, gay pride festivals are being organized.
For example, one of the largest and most popular gay pride festivals (GPF) is being held this summer in Paris, France.
Contacting the Paris office of Tourism will enable you to locate the best gay friendly accommodations. Through research on
the internet, you can find websites specific to booking flights and travel packages to this and other GPF events. The best
news I found was that you don't have to be wealthy to take advantage of the multitude of travel offers available.
On that note of affordability, much of the vast information I garnered from several research sources suggests that a huge
percentage of LGBT persons are wealthy. Many so-called experts have perpetuated the myth and refer to the community as being
"DINK" (dual income no kids). I don't know about you, but I am acquainted with several LGBT persons who aren't DINK.
Thankfully, the travel industry doesn't play into this myth (well not most of them) and many offer "travel packages" that are
affordable and inexpensive. So check out the internet, talk to friends who have traveled and can suggest a good travel
package or destination (word of mouth is the best), watch for websites that are tailored to the LGBT community. Many states
in the US and other countries have LGBT specific websites about travel and don't forget public and university libraries that
have travel sections full of reference materials. After you have chosen your destination, its time to plan that vacation.
Aside from researching your trip for a destination and a price comparable to what you can afford, start planning your trip
early. You will want to include in your plans arranging appropriate passports, hotel or rental car reservations, tickets,
visa's and travel insurance. Make sure the travel insurance you purchase covers emergency assistance, job loss or transfers,
uninhabitable accommodations, travel accidents, delays, lost or delayed luggage, weather-affected cancellation, medical and
dental expenses, terrorism, and identity theft. For the LGBT community one more consideration needs to be taken into account.
Be sure your travel insurance covers domestic partners. Travel specialists such as http://www.csatravelprotection.com/ are
one place to get useful information on the above mentioned insurance protections for travelers.
When planning your vacation find out if your hotel or B&B is gay friendly. Sometimes just asking the staff (or here's where
that word of mouth from a friend comes in handy) will get you the information you need. Does your choice of vacation location
have a variety of dining out options, exciting activities, local culture that you would love to explore? By doing some
research you can choose a location that will be fun and affordable.
We have talked about research and choosing your vacation destination, strategies and advice on planning. Now comes a personal
piece of advice. Don't forget to take the camcorder and two cameras. You two can decide who takes which camera but here's my
point. Have you ever been on a trip, came home and there's pictures of everything but what you wanted pictures of?

This article was written by Rita R. Powers with support from CSA Travel Protection, providers of Travel Insurance and travel
assistance services. Unlike other insurance companies, CSA offers travel protection for you and your domestic partner. Find
out more by visiting http://www.csatravelprotection.com. Any reproductions of this article must provide a link back to CSA
Travel Protection

Tuesday, January 22, 2008