Meet Guest Blogger Rosa L. : Being a travel counsellor for the past 21 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to travel all across Ontario. I would have to say that the most rewarding part of my job is being able to inspire and share my experiences to visitors from Ontario and from all over the globe. My husband and I have two children and we both come from large Italian families, so needless to say I spend a lot of my spare time cooking and baking for the steady stream of family gatherings. I thoroughly enjoy reading travel literature and influential novels like “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. How lucky I am to fulfill my passion of travel through my job!
Favourite Spring Things
This morning I noticed my son cleaning out the garage and starting to organize his fishing gear. This was definitely the first sign of spring in my household!
At the travel centre, the signs of spring are evident when the Stratford and Shaw Festival open their doors and the local residents flock to the centre asking for the 2012 summer theatre programs. Last year, my family and I made a quick stopover in Stratford for the first time. I now know why people have been drawn to this picturesque town. The streets were lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and charming inns. This summer, we hope to return to see “A Word or Two”. This play stars the Hollywood actor, Christopher Plummer. Move over Justin Bieber, there’s a new celebrity in town!
Photo by Rosa L.
For me, April is the beginning of packed lunches and daytrips into Essex County. Every spring we head out to Leamington where the endless array of greenhouses supply garden centres with annuals and perennials. Our trip always includes a stopover at Colasantis. While my daughter and I visit the exotic birds and petting zoo, my husband and son challenge each other to a game of mini golf. You can be certain that we never leave without a bag of their famous mini sugar donuts.
We also enjoy heading out to Point Pelee National Park where spring bird migration is in full swing. From May 3-21, 2012 families can enjoy the annual event – Festival of Birds. We love walking along the boardwalk and canoeing in the marsh, but walking down to the tip of Canada’s mainland never seems to get old. I envy those who get to experience that feeling for the first time!
Photo by Rosa L.
Whether it’s the opening of Covent Gardens Outdoor Market in London, or the opening season for the Blue Jays at The Rogers Centre, the signs of spring are all around in Ontario. I know how I’ll be celebrating, how will you?
Watch for more picks from our Ontario Travel counsellors on our blog or visit a travel centre in person on your next Ontario adventure!