Our Amazing Waterfalls!

I’m Patricia and I come from Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. I’m almost leaving Vancouver but I had a lot of fun here and intend to come back here one day!

But today I’m here to talk a little bit about my city, and what I miss the most, besides people, of course: Iguacu Falls!!!

The waterfalls are the biggest reason for our thousands of visitors, coming from everywhere in the whole world. And they are really amazing!!!
It’s a real spectacle of nature with their 275 falls (it can be less in dry season, less but not less beautiful!).



Iguacu Falls are shared between Brazil and Argentina and are located in Iguacu River. Iguacu is a Tupi-guarani etymology word that means “Big Water”. The great falls are only 19 and, actually, only 3 of them are located in Brazilian side. From Brazilian side we have the best view while from Argentinean side we have more contact and interaction with nature.

Visiting Argentinean side, you can get closer to the falls and to the deep cleft of erosion called The Devil’s Throat. Both sides offer a variety of nature sports like rafting, rappel, rock climbing, canopy tour and boat trips for Iguacu River and among the falls.

We had a dry season in July and August, 2006, and you can really think that was awful to visit because it changed the view. To tell you the truth, it really changed the view, I’ve been visiting in August with a friend, but it was just a different beauty!! I don’t have the pictures here with me but, as soon as I arrive my city, in the end of January, I’ll try to post them so you can compare with those that are posted with this description.

The ideal is to visit both sides so you can complete appreciate the beauty and the spectacle that our binational Iguacu Falls offer: amazing view, great contact and interaction with nature!!!

Besides that, the National Park (where the waterfalls are located) has some interpretative trails where we can really have a deep contact with nature!

Foz do Iguacu is a touristic city, so you’ll find a lot of attractions but, with no doubt, Iguacu Falls are the most amazing that we have!!!

Hope you enjoy it!!!

Paty

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Poland

Do you know Poland? Have you ever been to Poland? Have you ever been to Europe?

I would like to invite you to that beautiful country. It is not very big but this is a very special place. I was born there and that is the country where I want to live in the future.

Poland is a country in central part of European continent. Poland's total surface area is 322,500 km². Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe, after:

1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. France
4. Spain
5. Sweden
6. Germany
7. Finland
8. Norway

and the 63 rd largest in the world. Poland is 120 times bigger than Liechtenstein and 520 times bigger than Singapore.

The capital city is Warsaw.
Population of Poland is 38 mln.
This figure makes it the 29th most populated country in the world and the 8th in Europe. In 2006 females made up 51.4% of Poland's total population while males accounted for 48.6%, so for every 100 men there were 106 women. Polish society is relatively young considering the European average. 56% of Poles are below their 40s.

Poland is a member of:
· the European Union EU (since May 1st, 2004)
· the World Trade Organization WTO (since 1995)
· Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development OECD (since 1996)
· North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO (since 1999) etc.

Ju.

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Denver, Colorado (USA)

Did you enjoy the Canada Day? What did you do during the long weekend? I really liked that holiday. On Friday I went to Denver, Colorado (USA) and spent there 5 days. I saw so many beautiful views and visited so many beautiful places. Nature there is amazing. And the weather… there is extremely hot.

I started my journey at the International Airport in Vancouver. Unfortunately my plane was late but I wasn’t in hurry. I landed at 4.30 p.m. and I knew that I would have great time there. On Saturday I went to Boulder where University of Colorado is. Boulder is a famous because of the university which look like typical English school. The campus is very big and there are many nice places where students can spend their free time between classes. I had a walk there and I found ‘red rocks’.

On Sunday I visited the historic downtown and the most famous street in the city ’16th Street’. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops and of course many tourists. On Monday I visited Colorado Springs and Canon City. In the first mentioned city there are: beautiful cave “Cave of the winds”, very nice falls “Seven Falls” and “Gardens of the God”. In Canon City there is the highest suspension bridge in the world and 13 prisons (9 state and 4 federal prisons) but I didn’t visit them :) . If you do not know where to go during your holidays, I recommend Colorado. It was a great weekend!










Ju.

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Whistler

If you like to go skiing or snowboarding, I strongly recommend you to go to Whistler.

If you have never tried skiing or snowboarding before,

you should try here in Canada. (especially in Whistler)

You can take a lesson and try easiest route.

I heard there are about 300 slop in Whistler mountain.

Literally, it is huge ! Also, It is beautiful.

It snows a lot in the winter season. That's why the snow is very soft

There is a mountain called Blackcomb there. Blackcomb is as beautiful as Whistler.

If you go there you can choose which mountains to go OR you can go both!

However it closes before 3:30PM or 4:00PM

So, you should go there early as possible and enjoy as much as you can!

Also, there are lots of hotels you can stay over!

It is quite expensive during the high season but it's worth it!

The room is pretty good and you can go sightseeing during the night!

The night view of the Whistler village is very pretty!

Above of all, staying there for few days is absolutely amazing! isn't it?

I had wonderful time in Whistler. I wish I can go there again !!

And YOU! should go there !

by Erin.

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Between Victoria & Vancouver

Do you know Victoria? As many international students live in vancouver also know, of course this isn't just girls name. it's a one of the most beautiful city in canada. Victoria is set in the midst of some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world.As many peeple know, Canada environment is very beautiful and clean. But if you visit Victoria you can breathe more fresh air then Vancouver. I think many international students live in vancouver know about the victoria but many international students haven't been there yet.

NOW I WANT TO SAY ABOUT VICTORIA FOR YOU!

Probably you may have a question where do i have to visit in victoria as a tourist?I am about to interduce somewhere gorgeous in Victoria. Here are answers.

First, 'Inner harbour'
When you walk around the beach near Inner harbour. You can find that A building in victoria harmonize with nature of Victoria very well. FRESH AIR, BRIGHT SMILES come from the natives, THE BUATIFUL SUNSHINE. you can also see the Empress hotel which is the most famous hotel in victoria. you can feel somethings speacil from the Empress hotel(It's a little bit hard to explain but The Empress hotel is pretty diffrent from many hotel in vancouver).

Second, 'Buchard Garden'
These gardens are really a place that you have to visit when you come to Victoria. It's one of the most popular gardens and the biggest attraction here. There are many different gardens like the sunken gardens, the Japanese gardens, the rose gardens, and the Italian Gardens. Especailly, In the summer the gardens are fill with lights at night. And in the winter for Christmas. I've been there 3times with my girl freind before. It was amazing every momonets when i've been there wtih my girl freind. Beautiful gardens, Beautiful light, Beautiful mood~
It might be good chance to make a good mood with a your sweety heart as well. :)
Obviously It is not lack to make a good atmosphere not only with a your sweety heart but also with your freinds , family~~.

Third, ' Crystal Gardens'
This indoor tropical rainforest in the heart of British Columbia’s capital features the world's smallest monkeys; over 65 species of endangered birds and mammals; hundreds of tropical plants and vibrant blossoms; and dozens of species of exotic butterflies. Along your journey, you will also find fascinating information about everything you see! It's a very interesting place to visit. The why you visit here that you want to retrive your childish innocence. It must be excellent choise~!:)

Even though I've just mentioned about three place to visit but there are many amazing things in victoria. YOU WOULD BE FELT AT EASE VISISING VINCTORIA.
Have you been feeling heavy because of excessively a high building in vancouver?
Have you been feeling heavy because of too much a car?
If you feel like that and you feel that you need freedom~
you've already readied to go~~!
IF YOU ARE AGRRE WITH THESE
OK! JUST DO IT~!:)

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Travelling Around Alberta

Two years ago, I stayed in Vancouver and I traveled to Alberta. My friend and I booked a flight to Calgary and finally we left Vancouver on Aug.14. We were so excited. When we arrived in Calgary, we met someone who was going to guide us around Alberta.

On the first day, we got up at 8:00AM and we headed to Edmonton. I expected to go to Rocky mountain that day, but we went to the dinosaur museum.I was dissapointed but there were a lot of intersting things there. Also, I saw real dinosaur bones. I heard the place was the habitat of dinosaurs.It was pretty interesting. After seeing the museum, we went to Edmonton mall which is the biggist mall in the world. Everything was there like a shopping mall, swimming pool, a musement park and so on.

The next day, finally we went to the Rocky mountains. The weather was great but the view of the Rocky mountains was absolutely beautiful. After all we arrived in Banff where I liked the most in Rocky mountains. Especially Lake Louise was fantastic. I've never seen that emerald color lake. I didn't want to leave that place. It was getting dark when we left Benff. We went to a pub to drink beer because it was our last day in Alberta.

Next morning, we got on the plane to go back to Vancouver. I already missed everywhere in Alberta even though I didn't leave Alberta. I want to go back here with my family.I want my family to see that wonderful nature.

by Erin

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Travel around Canada and the US

I have traveled around Canada and the US for 40 days by bus.

It took for more than 70 hours to get to Toronto from Vancouver by bus. When I got to Toronto, I was exhausted.

There were a lot of places to visit in Toronto. I liked CN Tower the best. It has "The Glass Floor". You can look down at the ground from 340 meters high. When I stood on the floor, I was chilled but it was fun.

Quebec was a beautiful and quiet city. There were tiny stores and restaurants along narrow streets. I found some artists were displaying their works on a narrow and short street. It was interesting.

I visited many churches in Montreal. And I was very impressed when I visited Notre-Dame Basilica. When I was a little girl, I saw a beautiful picture of the Basilica in my text book. When I entered into the Basilica, I remembered about the picture, then I felt like I was daydreaming.

I had so much fun in New York city. There are some big museums in New York city. I visited American History of Natural Museum, Moma, and Metropolitan Museum. I think all of these museums are worth visiting. Then I enjoyed seeing the famous musical "The Lion King" at Broadway. It was awesome.

Boston was a quiet city. I liked the buildings in Boston. They looked old and traditional. It was during Christmas holidays when I visited there, so most of the stores were closed unfortunately.

Miami was hot! It was a strange and interesting experience. When I got on the bus at Boston, it was freezing. And the bus went down to the South. Then I noticed that every time I got off the bus to transfer, it was getting warm and warm. When I got off the bus at Miami, it was just like summer. Many people were swimming in the beach.

I was scared all the time when I visited New Orleans. Because of the big hurricane which happened few years ago, the buildings were still broken and there were many homeless people everywhere.
I was surprised when I saw the Mississipi River. It looked like sea because it was very wide.

I passed through a long highway in Texas when I went to San Diego from New Orleans. I liked the highway. I did not see any people or animals on the highway. There were only huge ground and blue sky.

San Diego was a beautiful and peaceful city beside the sea. Old town was a very good place. I saw many old traditional buildings, stores and restaurants there.

When I visited Hollywood in Los Angeles, I found a foot print of Arnold Schwarzenegger! He is my favorite actor so I was very excited when I found it. It is my best memory in my life so far.

I enjoyed walking around inside the Pike Place Market in Seattle. There were a lot of interesting stores. And I enjoyed having a cup of coffee at the first Starbucks.

That's all. I recommend everyone to travel around Canada (and the US) by bus if you have enough time. It does not cost so much money if you use bus. I am sure you will enjoy it! I am sure it will be a great experience for you!

		Toronto
		Quebec
		Montreal
		New York
		Boston
		Miami
		New Orleans
		Texas
		San Diego
		Los Angeles
		San Francisco

By Kurumi

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Quebec city-The pictureque city in Canada

How long have you been to Canada?


Have you ever been to
Quebec city???

If not,you must visit at least once.

The atmosphere of Quebec city is totaly different from the rest of Canada.
When you enter the walls around
Quebec city downtown,there are
houses pulling carriges, antique
attractive buildings,blick roads,wall
paintings,churches,funcy
cafe,antique shops,restaurants open
until midnight..............lots!
You feel
like you are in Europe.

Don't worry! You don't have to be able to speak French.
People in Quebec city can speak English also.

Not everyone ,but many of them.

There is at least one person can speak English everywhere.

If not,,,,,still don't worry!They are very very NICE!!!!!!!!!!

They try to understand you patiently.

And you will hear.....

Bonjour=Hello

Comment ca va?=How are you?

Tres bien =Fine

Merci= Thank you

Bienvenue=Welcome or

You are welcome

I recommend you to visit QUEBEC CITY !

Such a nice city there is!!!

Why not?!!!!!

by yoshi

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Hiking

There are many wonderful hikes to do in the Whistler area. An excellent day hike, for those in good physical condition, is to hike to the Joffre Lake glacier at Joffre Lake Provincial Park, which is located north of Whistler. Although the hike is fairly steep, the views are amazing! Be sure to take adequate foot and drink. haha

The Joffre Lake

Firstly, we looked for the person who drive to the Joffre Lake for hiking on web site. You can find hiking enthusiasts and can ask them to take thier destination with them. Because my friend did everything at that time, I'm not sure in detail or if there are some way to get there like a rented car. But if you could find a person, it would be very nice. Because he or she might have lots of knowledge about a mountain and hiking. Actually, the guy who went hiking with us knew plants very well. So he often explained us about them on hiking. It was so interesting.

Unfortunately, the day we went hiking rained slightly almost all day so I was cold before hiking. However even though it was rainy, I was getting very warm as I climbed the Mt. The guy said that this hiking course level was midium. That's unbelievable. He climbed very fast but we were so slow. We didn't think it was midium level at all because there were many rocks and it was fairly steep! we were already tired in 30 min. I tried the same steps as the guy because he was good at choosing the best way. But I couldn't walked as fast as him so I couldn't catch him. We met some groups on the way and I was astonished. Even a dog climbed the rocks very well! I was impressed it. The hiking was very tough but I got amazing views during the hiking. Also the air was very clear and fresh. I felt refreshing. After all, it took 7 hours to hike. It seems a long time but actually I didn't feel such a long time. Although it was extremely hard, it was also fun so much. If you have time in Vancouver, I recomend it to you.

Lets go hiking :)

the Map of the Joffre lake ↓↓

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=114539546930082263002.00043569eef8d943e3075&ie=UTF8&ll=50.226124,-122.574463&spn=4.814866,10.217285&z=7&om=1

By Yukiko

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Rocky Mountain

Rocky mountain is one of the world heritages. However I was wondering that how is it different from other mountains. Because I thought that a mountain is a mountain. That's why it was commemorative that I went there. But now I really think it was very good that I took a trip to Rocky Mt. I was touched during a tour. There were so many sight which were impressive. It was a totally different scene what I saw on pictures. I was struck with the grandeur of Rocky Mt. Also there were lots of lakes which were clear and bueatiful. So I could have seen the mountain which reflected in the lake.

The Columbia ice field

When I arrived the Columbia ice field, I was at the climax of the tour. I have never seen a bueatiful piece of scenery like the Columbia ice field. We went there by a exclusive car. It was a big yellow car and had such a huge tire. There was surrounded by snow and ice as the name. However I didn't feel cold-in fact I was excited too much and I did't feel cold. So I was romping around. haha Also there was the murmur of a stream by melting ice. The water was very very clear. Some people drank it but I didn't have bravery to drink it. Because even though it was clear, there is no guarantee that it was clean. That is from my experience in Thailand. haha

Anyway, I really felt a nutural greatness in this trip.

Rocky Mountain made a deep impression on me. :)

By Yukiko

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Seattle

The border

Have you ever seen the borders of Canada and USA??

There is the gate and are two flags on the top of gate. Of corse it is canadian and american flags. Because we don't have a border in Japan, I was excited when I came here. Actually, there was a long long line up for a immigration at that time so we waited about 1 hour. That's why we had enough time to look around there.




Finally, we arrived in Seattle. Seattle is small city so we walked around without publick transport. You might go everywhere by foot. We went to Starbucks which is the first shop as you know. To my surprise, it was such an amazing situation there. I was not sure that it was the reason why there were lots of people in the store but I believed that they must have wanted to get something for a souvenir at the first shop. It's just like my friend. haha And then we enjoyed looking around the market. That was so big! There were many kinds of fresh food, fish, fruits, flowers and so on. It was colorful market. Although we spent a lot of time there, we didn't buy anything. Why?? Because the crowd made us tired, we didn't have enough power to choose things what we want among so many stuff... But still it was very fun!!! We went there next day again.







Last day, we went SAFECO FIELD to watch the baseball game (Espesially, ICHIRO) . It was the first time to watch the game at a stadium for me. The studium was huge and the facilities were very clean and I was soooo excited!!, and what's more, Ichiro hit a homerun! I was very happy. I recomend that you go there and watch a game if you have a time. :)

I had have a great time in Seattle.

By Yukiko

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A plan for weekends in Vancouver

Bowen Island

When you've had enough of study and life in downtown, here is many places that you can enjoy your holidays surrounded by fresh air.

Above all places, my favorite place is Bowen Island.

It's located only 15min from West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay by ferries.

Before arriving the island, you can enjoy cruising with looking at breathtaking sights of mountains.

If you want an active holiday, it offers hiking and cycling trails.

The nature in the island helps you to be relaxed. Also, The buildings in there are very pretty ! I heard many artists call Bowen as their home, and you can see their work in the markets.

Victoria

Do you have any idea where is the capital city of British Columbia?

To confess, I had no idea about that before I planned to visit Victoria.

As you can see, Victoria, a well-known tourism destination, is the capital city of BC. Because the city is in Vancouver Island, it takes a little bit long time to get there. For me, with friends, it doesn't matter how long it will take, though.

There are full of spots to visit like heritage architecture, museuns and shops.

The British Columbia Parliament buildings are one of the landmarks of Victoria.

You can join a tour at there while there is no assembly. It will be amused you a lot and is good for your listening exercise.

I like this British-like beautiful city. It really makes me feel traveling !

By Miki

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