Category Archives: International Features

Explore the islands of Hong Kong, wildlife safaris, hot air ballooning in Arizona, Mexico’s marvellous beaches, Great Barrier Reef diving, Caribbean cuisine, Guyana’s Rupununi rainforest, Byzantine monasteries in Meteora and temples of Korea. A few of the exotic video experiences in the months ahead. (Photo: Heidelberg Marketing GmbH)

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Cuba: The Taste of Travel

Posted on November 4, 2014 by On Top Of The World


We combine our archival footage of Cuba with input from Julie’s Cuban restaurant in Toronto to reveal the intriguing multicultural cuisine of the island. The largest of all the Caribbean islands, Cuba was originally inhabited by native tribes, settled by the Spanish and impacted by African and Chinese labourers. All have left their mark and we discover why it’s worth slipping away from your all-inclusive hotel package to try some local and traditional dishes. For more information: check out episode #122 in the International category.

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Canada & Europe: Remembering a Century of War

Posted on October 28, 2014 by On Top Of The World


As the llth hour of the llth day of the llth month approaches, we reflect on a Century of War and visit France, Britain, Canada and Malta to learn why it is so important to remember the impact of WW1 and WW2. Our journey takes us from the tunnels of Arras and the trenches of Vimy Ridge, to a commemoration service in Dunkirk where little ships landed after crossing the channel to evacuate British troops. We hear stories of the French Resistance in Calais and explore the tunnels dug into the cliffs of Dover in Britain. We travel to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Brandon, Manitoba, in Canada, and visit Valetta in Malta to learn how the country became known as the “Nurse of the Mediterranean” and why the whole island was awarded the George Cross. For more information: check out episode #113 in the International category.

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Finland: Mustio Manor – Along the King’s Road

Posted on October 28, 2014 by On Top Of The World


Mustio Manor is Finland’s oldest private residence and uniquely built in wood. It was an important stop along the King’s Road and was once occupied by an intriguing Russian Countess who defied the rules of etiquette where women were concerned. A tour of the house reveals unique works of art, some sensational tales of Swedish Kings and even a ghost, or four! For more information: check out episode#115 in the International category.

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Germany: Dusseldorf – The Paris of the North

Posted on October 28, 2014 by On Top Of The World


Dusseldorf was founded over 700 years ago at the point where the River Dussel flows into the River Rhine. It is a busy trade centre and railway hub and a departure point for Rhine cruises. Our exploration of the old city, the fashion district, the parks, trails, pubs and restaurants reveals why this City is known in Germany as the “Paris of the North”. For more information: check out episode #114 in the International category.

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Caribbean: Barbados – The Crop Over Festival

Posted on October 28, 2014 by On Top Of The World


July is a hot time in Barbados for more reasons than one. It’s Crop Over and people come from all over the world to participate in the festival of Calypso music, street fairs and colourful parades as they celebrate the traditional end of the sugar cane harvest across the Caribbean island. For more information: check out episode #112 in the International category.

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USA: Arizona – Taste of Travel

Posted on October 28, 2014 by On Top Of The World


It’s a race to the heart of the flowers to beat the bugs and sample the delights of the desert in Arizona. To discover how native Indians and Cowboys have impacted cuisine we visit Scottsdale, the Hopi Learning Centre and the restaurants of local hotels where we are encouraged to taste clay-baked chicken, prickly pear leaves, wafer bread, tortillas, mesquite grilled steak, and, of course, baked beans. For more information: check out episode #111 in the International category.

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The Responsible Traveller: Photography — Close Up and Personal

Posted on October 27, 2014 by On Top Of The World


Professional photographer, Gary Crallé, gives expert advice to The Responsible Traveller. This short tip includes a cultural fact and the importance of asking for permission when taking pictures of local people met and/or observed during a holiday experience. For more information: check out episode #124 in the International category.

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Haifa, Israel: The Baha’i Temple

Posted on October 27, 2014 by On Top Of The World


The port city of Haifa in Israel is home to the Baha’i Temple, the world centre for the Baha’i religion. Situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the complex includes the Temple, the Golden Dome of the Shrine of the Bab, and nineteen separate terraced gardens. For more information: check out episode #121 in the International category.

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USA: Buffalo, New York – The Other Buffalo

Posted on October 27, 2014 by On Top Of The World


The City of Buffalo borders Lake Erie. We explore the revitalized waterfront, buildings in the downtown core, and the gracious homes of nearby east Aurora. Our visit includes the Naval and Military Park, a theatrical production in Delaware Park, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Herschell Carrousel factory, and Martin House, one of five houses that were designed by the American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. For more information: check out episode #123 in the International category.

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Taiwan: The Marble Gorge – Taroko National Park

Posted on October 24, 2014 by On Top Of The World


We flew from Taipei in Taiwan to Hualien our entrée to Taroko National Park and its marble gorge considered one of the seven wonders of Asia. Our journey takes us on the section of East-West Highway that was cut into the sheer marble cliffs, through winding tunnels, and alongside the Liwu River. Stops along the way include the suspension bridge to the Pagoda and its Staircase to Heaven at Tiansiang, the Bridge of Motherly Affection, and the Shrine of Eternal Spring, a temple that was built to honour the workers who lost their lives during construction. For more information: check out episode #120 in the International category.

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