Saturday, September 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Haunted Niagara Ghost Walks
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved a good spooky ghost story and I also loved telling them. Growing up in downtown Niagara Falls, there were no lack of bizarre and spine tingling tales and I was always fascinated with the legends of the spirits that haunted the downtown area and it's old and historic buildings.
I enjoyed my time as a Ghost Guide in Niagara-on-the-Lake and yet I yearned to tell the creepy stories of ghosts in Niagara Falls, my own hometown.
The Haunted Niagara Ghost Walk launches at this year's Springilicious and will be holding a historic ghost walk of downtown Niagara Falls on June 3 and June 4th at 8:45 p.m. After that, walks will run Wednesdays through Saturdays at the same time. Special group walks for birthdays or corporate functions can be arranged. Try something both eerie and educational for your next group function. Group discounts are available.
The Niagara Ghost Walk lasts approx. 1 1/2 hrs. and takes ghost hunters on a stroll past some of the scariest and most haunted sites in Niagara Falls.
Join myself and my 'partner in crime', Dino Tedesco (whose great-great uncle is one of the spirits that haunts the area) as we take a paranormal journey. Hear the stories of those that haunt the streets.
You will definitely want to bring a camera! Sometimes strange things show up in pictures once you have them up on your computer!
Haunted Niagara Ghost Walks will run 'rain or shine' so dress accordingly.
Of course, we want to hear your ghost stories so if you have a scary tale of your own, share it here on the blog with Haunted Niagara Ghost Walks and we will be happy to publish it!
We look forward to meeting you!
For more information see Haunted Niagara Ghost Walk page
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| Join my friends and I on a historical haunted Ghost Walk of Downtown Niagara Falls |
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved a good spooky ghost story and I also loved telling them. Growing up in downtown Niagara Falls, there were no lack of bizarre and spine tingling tales and I was always fascinated with the legends of the spirits that haunted the downtown area and it's old and historic buildings.
I enjoyed my time as a Ghost Guide in Niagara-on-the-Lake and yet I yearned to tell the creepy stories of ghosts in Niagara Falls, my own hometown.
The Haunted Niagara Ghost Walk launches at this year's Springilicious and will be holding a historic ghost walk of downtown Niagara Falls on June 3 and June 4th at 8:45 p.m. After that, walks will run Wednesdays through Saturdays at the same time. Special group walks for birthdays or corporate functions can be arranged. Try something both eerie and educational for your next group function. Group discounts are available.
 |
| Ghost Guide, Dino Tedesco |
The Niagara Ghost Walk lasts approx. 1 1/2 hrs. and takes ghost hunters on a stroll past some of the scariest and most haunted sites in Niagara Falls.
Join myself and my 'partner in crime', Dino Tedesco (whose great-great uncle is one of the spirits that haunts the area) as we take a paranormal journey. Hear the stories of those that haunt the streets.
You will definitely want to bring a camera! Sometimes strange things show up in pictures once you have them up on your computer!
Haunted Niagara Ghost Walks will run 'rain or shine' so dress accordingly.
Of course, we want to hear your ghost stories so if you have a scary tale of your own, share it here on the blog with Haunted Niagara Ghost Walks and we will be happy to publish it!
We look forward to meeting you!
Preview the walk on YouTube
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| Your hosts, Linda and Dino |
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
WHY DO CANADIANS SAY "EH" ?
As a tour guide for bus groups and individuals from all corners of the world, I get the most enjoyment with people that are first-timers to Canada. The majority know relatively little about our country. Often, they don't know who our prime minister is or the population of our country. Eh,,,,even less know that we won the war of 1812. Most don't even know that Canada had a war. However, some markers are indelible to our image abroad.
If you ask a 70 year old their first impression Canada they will say "Anne Murray" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 50 year old their first impression of Canada they will say "socialized medicine" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 40 year old they will say "Celine Dion" , "loose marijuana laws" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 30 year old they will say "Pamela Sue Anderson", "Jim Carrey", "SARS" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 20 year old they will say "Avril Lavigne", "winter olympics" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 12 year old they will say "Justin Bieber, EH??"
"EH" is the constant that defines us across generations and countries. Sure, we have a reputation for being polite and over using the word 'thank you' but that pales to the impact that our use of the 100% Canadian word "EH".
For my international friends, let me extol the virtues of the word 'eh'.
For Canadians, 'eh' is a short cut to almost any otherwise longwinded sentence. "EH" can mean any number of diverse things such as:
On my tours, I am always asked why Canadians say eh and what it means. I consider it an honour to give this lowly 'butter knife' expression the credit it is due.
"It dices, it slices, it never needs sharpening and it will save you time and change your life"!
For all international groups that would like to earn their PHd in "EH" while being educated and entertained by great Canadian tour guides, find more information here at DiverCities Niagara Tours.
Local folks are encouraged to comment on the blog and share how 'EH' has changed their lives.
If you ask a 70 year old their first impression Canada they will say "Anne Murray" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 50 year old their first impression of Canada they will say "socialized medicine" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 40 year old they will say "Celine Dion" , "loose marijuana laws" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 30 year old they will say "Pamela Sue Anderson", "Jim Carrey", "SARS" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 20 year old they will say "Avril Lavigne", "winter olympics" and you say "EH"
If you ask a 12 year old they will say "Justin Bieber, EH??"
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| Good photo op, eh? |
"EH" is the constant that defines us across generations and countries. Sure, we have a reputation for being polite and over using the word 'thank you' but that pales to the impact that our use of the 100% Canadian word "EH".
For my international friends, let me extol the virtues of the word 'eh'.
For Canadians, 'eh' is a short cut to almost any otherwise longwinded sentence. "EH" can mean any number of diverse things such as:
- I don't like what you're presently doing or saying and I wish that you would stop it before I get angry. This sentence can be summed up neatly in Canada by just saying "EH?" in a crisp, questioning and monotone tone.
- I didn't quite hear everything that you just said. Do you mind repeating that? Thank you. To shorten this burdensome request all you have to do in Canada is say "EH?" with the emphasis on the 'e' which sounds like a pleasant hard "A" sound, while letting the 'h' trail and fade into the background. At the same time, you lift up your eyebrows in anticipation and everyone knows what you mean.
- I want everyone to pay attention and check out what is going on through my eyes but by the time I explain it, the moment will have passed. In Canada you can make sure no one misses an experience by properly using the word 'eh'. For instance, when we are driving up north to get to the cottage at 70 miles and hour and someone in the back seat spots a family of moose along the side of the road after dark, the word 'eh', when said in an agitated tone while quickly recognizing both sounds, assures that everyone will turn their heads and not miss the moose family.
- Great job, my friend. Hat's off to you! Just say 'eh' while keeping the hard 'A' sound going in a paradoxically smooth but stuttering motion---like "E eeeEEEE eeEE H! That will suffice.
- I have just spent the last hour spilling my deepest secrets to you and crying and I haven't let you get a word in edge wise. Now I desperately need to hear your feed back to ascertain whether you are at all connected to my drama. I have finally shut up and this is your 'in'. I beg you to give me your take on things based on my take of things! In Canada, we avoid this by just saying 'eh' in a casual voice after our confessional diatribes. That is meant to give the other person free reign to respond and connect to us.
- "F---OFF, EH". As in other countries, some Canadians like to use the 'f' word to quickly get their point across in an edgy and memorable manner. Here in Canada you will often hear the dreaded "F" word being used in conjunction with the word 'eh'. Really, either one could be used on their own to purvey the message and effect. However, proponents of the 'f' word mentality of communication often like to double their effect by using both words together.
- I've been ignoring you for the whole evening and am just too busy to take time to talk to you but I don't want you to get the wrong idea and think that I didn't know you were here. You just have to say "eh" once to the person in question while they are within earshot and you need not explain any further.
- Don't rope me into being the one to organize the peaceful protest. It was only an idea, that's all! I was hoping someone else would take that ball and go with it. Saying "eh eh eh" multiple times in succession while holding up your hands with palms facing outward in a 'stop' gesture and waving them gently back and forth like the queen will let them know you are not going to head up any cause that you support. Three 'ehs' in a row is the equivalent to saying that you just don't have time, you would rather just stay in the background or you are all talk and little action.
- Canadians are totally awesome, are we not? "Eh" followed by a high five will suffice.
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| EH! |
On my tours, I am always asked why Canadians say eh and what it means. I consider it an honour to give this lowly 'butter knife' expression the credit it is due.
"It dices, it slices, it never needs sharpening and it will save you time and change your life"!
For all international groups that would like to earn their PHd in "EH" while being educated and entertained by great Canadian tour guides, find more information here at DiverCities Niagara Tours.
Local folks are encouraged to comment on the blog and share how 'EH' has changed their lives.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
DiverCities Tours Freedom Trail Tour Highlighted in the Buffalo News
For information on DiverCities Niagara Freedom Trail Tour and the History of the Underground Railroad in Ontario, follow the link to the article as it appeared in the Buffalo News on Sunday, February 20th.
http://www.buffalonews.com/life/travel/one-tank-trips/article347037.ece
http://www.buffalonews.com/life/travel/one-tank-trips/article347037.ece
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
SUISHA GARDENS GETS MY VOTE FOR BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT IN NIAGARA
This Valentine's Day my sweetheart scored extra points in his choice of restaurants by picking Suisha Gardens Japanese Restaurant in Niagara Falls as the romantic hotspot for the evening. Perhaps some of you are wondering how raw fish could possibly set the stage for an intimate evening. Well, fortunately the menu was incredibly diverse and I was spared the task of devouring eel while feigning that Valentine's Day come hither look.
The slogain on their business card says "YOUR TABLE IS OUR KITCHEN----the shows great, the food is even better!". That is no exaggeration. Suisha Gardens (suisha means waterwheel in Japanese) practises a teppanyaki style of cooking. Simply put, the skilled chef cooks at an iron grill that is built right into your table.
After drinks were served, everyone placed their orders from the stellar menu. Tony and I decided to share, so that we could sample each other's entrees. We worded a salmon entree and a N.Y. Strip Loin Steak entree. Others at the table had lobster and beef and chicken teriyaki entrees. Our choices came with soup, salad, shrimp, scallops, the main meat course, hibachi vegetables, Japanese rice and dessert. Not bad at all !
Our chef rolled out a cart with all the ingredients for the table of eight. With skills that would put Emeril to shame, he oiled up the grill and began to prepare the food, all the while performing juggling tricks with his spatula and making erupting volcanoes out of onion towers. Pretty fun stuff. I was glad when he didn't start juggling the razor sharp knives he was wielding around with childlike abandon.
Somehow, he timed all eight meals perfectly so that we were all served almost simulateneously within a very short time. This guy was a master. However, even the spectacular food prep display paled compared to the quality and taste of the food. Now, those flavours definitely pushed my romantic buttons! The servers came around frequently and attended to all details in timely manners. I heard not one complain by any one at our table. The Suisha Garden experience was PERFECT!
The decor was cozy and the restaurant was surprisingly spotless, with all the oil and cooking going on in the dining area.
They also have more traditional tables available for all sizes, as well as a bar and different food prep stations throughout the restaurant. The owner greeted us after our dinner and was kind enough to show us the large back room in the restaurant. This was done in typical Japanese style where you sit on the floor and the tables are recessed below that level.
The lounge featured a functioning water wheel, fireplace and comfortable couches to wait for your table and the washrooms were tidy and clean.
If you have not experienced this entertaining dining experience before, you must put it on your bucket list! Gentlemen, if you wish to impress then Suisha Gardens on Lewis Street in Niagara Falls is the place to do it. Suisha Gardens Japanese Restaurant in Niagara Falls is without a doubt, one of the best restaurants I have been to if not the very best.
For more information on Niagara Attractions please visit my article directory by following this link. To see the extensive list of services offered by DiverCities Tours and Niagara Tourist, to ensure you get the most out of your Niagara or Toronto vacation, take a moment to look at the Services list on my blog.
To view Suisha Garden's full menu and price list please visit their site by following Suisha Gardens
*Photos are derived from Suisha Garden website.
The slogain on their business card says "YOUR TABLE IS OUR KITCHEN----the shows great, the food is even better!". That is no exaggeration. Suisha Gardens (suisha means waterwheel in Japanese) practises a teppanyaki style of cooking. Simply put, the skilled chef cooks at an iron grill that is built right into your table.
 |
| The teppan tables at Suisha Garden Japanese Restuarant in Niagara Falls |
After drinks were served, everyone placed their orders from the stellar menu. Tony and I decided to share, so that we could sample each other's entrees. We worded a salmon entree and a N.Y. Strip Loin Steak entree. Others at the table had lobster and beef and chicken teriyaki entrees. Our choices came with soup, salad, shrimp, scallops, the main meat course, hibachi vegetables, Japanese rice and dessert. Not bad at all !
Our chef rolled out a cart with all the ingredients for the table of eight. With skills that would put Emeril to shame, he oiled up the grill and began to prepare the food, all the while performing juggling tricks with his spatula and making erupting volcanoes out of onion towers. Pretty fun stuff. I was glad when he didn't start juggling the razor sharp knives he was wielding around with childlike abandon.
 |
| The chef makes a tower of onion rings to resemble a volcano and with a little presto--flames shoot up from the middle |
Somehow, he timed all eight meals perfectly so that we were all served almost simulateneously within a very short time. This guy was a master. However, even the spectacular food prep display paled compared to the quality and taste of the food. Now, those flavours definitely pushed my romantic buttons! The servers came around frequently and attended to all details in timely manners. I heard not one complain by any one at our table. The Suisha Garden experience was PERFECT!
The decor was cozy and the restaurant was surprisingly spotless, with all the oil and cooking going on in the dining area.
 |
| The lounge area with the waterwheel in the distance |
They also have more traditional tables available for all sizes, as well as a bar and different food prep stations throughout the restaurant. The owner greeted us after our dinner and was kind enough to show us the large back room in the restaurant. This was done in typical Japanese style where you sit on the floor and the tables are recessed below that level.
The lounge featured a functioning water wheel, fireplace and comfortable couches to wait for your table and the washrooms were tidy and clean.
If you have not experienced this entertaining dining experience before, you must put it on your bucket list! Gentlemen, if you wish to impress then Suisha Gardens on Lewis Street in Niagara Falls is the place to do it. Suisha Gardens Japanese Restaurant in Niagara Falls is without a doubt, one of the best restaurants I have been to if not the very best.
For more information on Niagara Attractions please visit my article directory by following this link. To see the extensive list of services offered by DiverCities Tours and Niagara Tourist, to ensure you get the most out of your Niagara or Toronto vacation, take a moment to look at the Services list on my blog.
To view Suisha Garden's full menu and price list please visit their site by following Suisha Gardens
*Photos are derived from Suisha Garden website.
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