Gluten Free Travel and Flying

Gluten Free Airline Food

It comes as no surprise to anyone that the quality of food served on an airplane doesn’t exactly rival a 5 star restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. However the average gluten free traveler understands that being able to eat an unidentifiable lump of meat is still better than sitting there starving on a long haul flight while those around you chow down. To guarantee you get a gluten free unidentifiable lump on your next flight be sure to follow the these suggestions:

Airline Meal Suggestions

Here are some tips to insure you have a gluten free meal in flight:

1. If the carrier you are flying offers gluten-free meals, it is necessary to make a gluten free request in advance of travel.

2. Typical advance notice required by airlines for a special meal is 24 to 96 hours to ensure that your special meal is ready at the time of your departure

3. Be sure to confirm your meal request directly with the airline or with your travel agent prior to your departure, especially If you booked through a third party site—Expedia, Orbitz, etc.

4. When you are assigned an airline seat your Gluten Free Meal is also assigned that seat number. If you change seats during the flight be sure to let the cabin crew know—otherwise someone else just might be eating your rice cake!

5. Singapore Airlines is reputed to have the best Gluten Free Meals.

6. The standard airline reservation code for a Gluten Free Meal is GFML.

7. Industry standard states that GFML indicates there is no wheat, rye barley or their derivatives in the meal.

Airlines With Gluten Free Meals:

Airline Name Country Notification Policy

Aer Lingus Ireland 24 hours

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Aeroflot Russia 72 hours

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Aerolineas Argentina When booking

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AeroMexico Mexico 48 hours

Air Canada Canada 24 hours

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Air France France 24 hours and 48 hours for Kosher

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Air India India When booking

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Air Malta Malta 72 hours

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Air New Zealand New Zealand 48 hours

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Air Pacific Fiji When booking

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Air Tahiti Nui Tahiti When booking

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Air Transat Canada 72 hours

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Alitalia Italy When booking

American Airlines USA 8-24 hours

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America West USA Offered in 1st class only – 48 hours

Asiana Airlines South Korea When booking

Austrian Airlines Austria 24 hours

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Britannia Airways UK 3 days

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British Airways UK 24 hours and 48 hours for Kosher

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British Midland UK 24 hours and 48 hours for Kosher

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Cathay Pacific Hong Kong 24 hours

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China Airlines China 24 hours

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Continental Airlines USA 24 hours

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CSA Czech Airlines Czech Republic When booking

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Delta Airlines USA 12 hours

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El Al Israel 24 hours

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Emirates UAE 24 hours

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Estonian Air Estonia When booking

Eurowings Germany When booking

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Eva Airways Taiwan When booking

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Far Eastern AT Taiwan When booking

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Finnair Finland 24 hours

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Gulf Air Bahrain 24 hours

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Iberia Spain When booking

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IcelandAir Iceland 24 hours

Japan Airlines Japan 24 – 72 hours

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Kenya Airways Kenya 24 hours and 48 hours for Kosher

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KLM/Northwest Netherlands / USA 36 hours

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Korean Air Korea When booking

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LAN Airlines Chile When booking

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Lithuanian Airlines Lithuania 24 hours

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Lufthansa Germany When booking

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Luxair Luxembourg When booking

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Malev Hungary When booking

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Olympic Airlines Greece When booking

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Qantas Australia 48 hours

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SAS Sweden 24 hours

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SATA Portugal When booking

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Saudi Arabian Air Saudi Arabia When booking

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Singapore Airlines Singapore 24 hours

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South African Air South Africa 72 hours

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Swiss Int’l Airlines Switzerland 72 hours

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TAM Airlines Brazil When booking

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TAP Air Portugal Portugal 48 hours

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Thai Airlines Thailand 48 hours

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Turkish Airlines Turkey When booking

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United Airlines USA 24 hours

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US Air USA 24 hours

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Varig Brazil 24 hours

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Vietnam Airlines Vietnam 24 hours

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Virgin Atlantic UK 72 hours

For more information about Gluten Free travel, or to join us on one of our up coming Gluten Free Italy tours check us out at http://www.glamourgetaways.com

Fun Facts About Kenya

FUN FACTS ABOUT KENYA

By Alejandro Guevara Onofre

DID YOU KNOW…

Kenya is an African country with vast mountains and beautiful scenery. It is a diverse collection of coastal waters, sanbanks, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and deserts. This land is home to a staggering diversity of plants and wild animals such as hippopotamus, cheetahs, hyenas, snakes, rhinoceros, lions, and leopards.

There are more than 65 national parks and wildlife preserves Each zone has distinct wildlife. Twenty hectares of rainforest contain more birds species than the whole of Europe. Much of Kenya’s native flora is not found anywhere else in the world.

Furthermore, Kenyan culture reflects a mixture of African, Indian, and British influences, similar in many respects to the traditions and superstitions of Uganda and Tanzania.

DID YOU KNOW…

Kenya, formerly known as British East Africa, became independent in 1963 and a republic in 1964.

DID YOU KNOW…

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is an international place with every kind of accommodation. Nairobi has many restaurants that serve everything from monkey to antelope.

DID YOU KNOW…

More than other Third World countries, Kenya is a multicultural country made up of numerous ethnic groups.

DID YOU KNOW…

The flag was designed by the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU); the dominant political party until 2002.

DID YOU KNOW…

Conservation is a global effort, and the African country is doing its part to conserve ecology’s bounty. Different from Peru and Ethiopia, Kenya has introduced wildlife conservation into the public school curriculum. The African country has an established record of cooperation with international conservation organizations.

DID YOU KNOW…

Kenya has become much more stable since the democratic elections of 2002.From 1963 to 2002, Kenya was a dictatorship.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Kenyan people have many idols: Henry Rono (runner), Richard Leakey (paleontologist and conservationist), Mama Ngima (ex-first lady of Kenya), Louise Leakey (paleontologist), Philip Leakey (businessman), Wangari Maathai (environmentalist), Grace Ogot (writer), Rebecca Njau (writer), and Kipchoge Keino (runner).

DID YOU KNOW…

In 2004, Wangari Maathai received the Nobel Prize for Peace for her dedication to women’s rights, ecology, and democracy. Wangari became the second woman from Africa to win the Nobel Prize. She is a really important model for the world.

DID YOU KNOW…

Since 1963, the economy has revolted around tourism. Kenya is one of the most prosperous black African countries.

DID YOU KNOW…

Paul Evans, a British runner, once said, “Only two Europeans men have made the stop three at the past four Olympics, one being the Italian Baldini, who won in Athens”. It is a problem of numbers. There are not many Europeans. In Kenya, you have tens and tens of new athletes every year…

Certainly, Kenya is famous for its athletes. Physical education is an important subject in every primary school, secondary school and college. The African country is the birthplace of Henry Rono, one of the best runners in the 20th century. In 1978, Henry broke four world’s records: the 3,000 meters steeplechase (8:05.4), the 5,000 (13:08.4), the 3,000 meters (7:32.1), and the 10,000 meters (7.32.1).In 1980, Henry qualified for the Kenyan Olympic team at the 1980 Moscow Games. But Kenya boycotted that year’s Olympics in Moscow to protest the USSR’s invasion of Afghanistan. This supreme athlete, the idol of millions of Kenyans, is a symbol in Africa.

Today Kenyan Bernard Barmasai is the fastest man in the 3,000 meters steeplechase with a time of 7 minutes, 55.72s.

DID YOU KNOW…

UNESCO has declared Lake Turkana National Park and Mount Kenya National Park World Heritage Sites.

DID YOU KNOW…

In fact, Isak Dinesen, best known as Karen Dixen, loved Kenya so much. Her first novel Out of Africa (1938) focuses on Kenya’s scenery. Furthermore, Out of Africa was also the basis of a 1985 Hollywood film starring Meryl Streep, one of the best American actresses.

DID YOU KNOW…

The most popular sports are cricket, track and field, box, soccer, volleyball, rugby, tennis, and field hockey.

Different Ways of Travel to Costa Rica

If you choose Costa Rica as your next vacation destination you have many options open to you when it comes to finding ways to travel to Costa Rica. The name is Spanish for “rich coast’ and Costa Rica is rich in beaches, culture and attractions.

 

If you want to fly to Costa Rica, you can fly into one of two airports. The Juan Santamaria Airport is located in close proximity to the capital city of San Jose as well as the cities of Alajuela and Heredia. At this airport you will find a selection of duty-free shops, souvenir shops and bookstores. There are a few restaurants and fast food establishments, such as MacDonald’s and Burger King. Some of the airlines that serve this airport include:

 

* American Airlines

 

* Continental Airlines

 

* Delta Airlines

 

* Frontier Airlines

 

* Air Caraibes

 

* Iberia

 

* Thomas Cook

 

* Mexicana Airlines

 

* Spirit Airlines

 

* United Airlines

 

* US Airways and

 

* Air Canada.

 

Non-stop service is available to Costa Rica from major cities in the US, from Toronto and Montreal in Canada and from European cities, such as:

 

* Frankfurt, Germany

 

* Madrid, Spain

 

* Bogota, Columbia

 

* Mexico City, Mexico

 

* Lima, Peru, and

 

all parts of Central America. The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport is located in Liberia in the Guanacaste province close to the Pacific Northwest coast. Many airlines serve this airport from major cities in the US and Canada.

 

You can travel to Costa Rica by car by way of the Panameican Highway. The country shares the northern border with Nicaragua and you pass through the border checkpoint at Penas Blancas. On the southern border with Panama, you pass through the border at Pasa Canoas. Along the way, you will pass through many small towns and villages, so you do have to very cognizant of the speed limit in these areas. There are random police checks for seat belts because it is against the law to drive without wearing a seat belt in Costa Rica. Most of the roads in Costa Rica are not paved and some are in such a terrible state that it could take you quite a while to travel even a short distance.

 

Buses run from Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala and there is an extensive network across the country with reasonable bus fares. Although the buses do depart on schedule, they often take longer than expected to reach their destinations. It is quite safe to travel by bus to get to Costa Rica and even if you don’t speak Spanish you won’t have any difficulties.

 

A ferry travels to Costa Rica twice a day, usually in the mornings, from Los Chiles in Nicaragua. The cost is very inexpensive. There are also small cruise ships that carry about a 100 passengers from Panama to Costa Rica. These ships visit all the popular tourist attractions and national parks of the country, but such a cruise is quite expensive.

 

Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you can get around the country by bus or rent a car so that you can travel at your own pace.

Where in the world to get the best barbecue – Part 1

I’ve lived in North Carolina, traveled thru Texas, visited Kansas City, and planned entire road trips based on BBQ festival schedules. I’ve had some absolutely amazing ribs, roasts, and brisket, and some pulled pork to die for. While there will always be a fight over which is best, vinegar, mustard, or tomato based, dry rub or not (I love them all) I would have to say the best BBQ I have ever had was in Argentina.

Known for their beef, Argentina is a country of BBQ. Sundays are devoted to asado (BBQ) when pounds of various cuts of beef are thrown on grills about the size of the cow the beef came from. Each house, and even some apartments, are outfitted with these shrines to bar-b-q, as asado in Argentina is practically a religion.

What makes Argentinean BBQ the world’s best is the beef. World class, the beef is free-range, grass fed, with no hormones or additives in sight. It is so good the Duty Free shop in the Buenos Aires International Airport has a section devoted to selling it.

Argentinean BBQ has no need for sauces, marinades, or dry rubs. The flavor of the beef is what makes the BBQ so good. Ribs, roasts, and other cuts are simply salted and cooked over a wood fire (no charcoal aloud) letting the true flavor and quality of the beef shine through. The wood fire imparts a hint of flavor to the meat but is not overpowering and the salt is just enough to enhance the natural flavor without masking it like some dry rubs can.

A true Sunday family asado is the best way to experience this world-class beef cooked to perfection. If lucky enough to be invited, bring a nice bottle of Argentinean wine and you might just taste the best BBQ on earth.

Purchasing Property In The Euro Zone

The main aim behind the creation of the Euro currency was the creation of greater political solidarity within the EU, but by having a common currency participating member states have additional benefits such as the elimination of currency fluctuation risks, transparency of pricing, reduced transaction costs and increased market expansion opportunities for greater inter-Europe trade.

The introduction of the Euro as a physical currency back in 2002 went quite smoothly, and until now the Euro Zone enjoyed a relatively strong and stable economy.

However, some experts believe those seeking the best value for money in the current climate in terms of the property they can buy, the Euro Zone is not necessarily the best place to be looking. The strength of the Euro against both the pound and the dollar has some say, taken the shine off the traditional overseas property markets in countries such as Spain, France and Italy.

Plus Europe’s worrying state of stagflation, (stagnant growth combined with inflation), is causing concerns about the overall Euro Zone economy and member nation’s forecasts for the near-term, an increasing number of astute buyers are looking further afield to see where the better property deals are to be purchased and where a more affordable lifestyle can be enjoyed. Below are some key markets to consider:

Turkey
According to Dominic Whiting from Buying In Turkey Collection, Turkey is an exceptionally good choice for those who specifically want the ease and affordability of European accessibility but who want to buy outside the euro zone and its current economic instability.

He said: “The cost of living in Turkey and the cost of buying property is a fraction of what it is across the Euro Zone, and what’s more, as Turkey aligns itself for ultimate EU entry, anyone buying in Turkey today is essentially gaining all the benefits of a European purchase without the resultant economic headaches caused by a strong euro and high levels of inflation.”

Buying In Turkey Collection has for example, Dream Village, a development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and villas with private gardens and swimming pools set in the area of Tuzla on the Bodrum peninsular. Conveniently close to the golf courses and airport, the prices start from 59,000 pounds / 75,000 euros.

Spot Blue has a villa development for sale in Gocek close to the local marina and with their own private swimming pools, parking and gardens at prices from 115,000 pounds / 160,000 euros.

USA
Thanks to the US dollar’s demise against the pound, America is certainly a favourite with British buyers looking to get more for their money abroad. However, pockets of the American housing market are to be avoided as over supply and lack of mortgage financing is stifling potential at least for the short-term. Astute buyers are looking for dollar priced property in locations where there is reason for strong and increasing demand.

Canada
If America does not appeal because its economy is suffering, John Prior, MD of Undiscovered Properties argues that there is only one alternative worth considering, Canada.

To suit someone seeking attractive property for both lifestyle and potential rental reasons, the Louisbourg Resort Golf and Spa might be the answer.

The resort has The Fortress18-hole championship golf course, complemented by a par 3 18-hole course, both designed by Nick Faldo. Located on the island of Cape Breton, Louisbourg is just 2km from the shore and close to the mountains so that residents can enjoy everything from fishing, whale watching, hunting, watersports, skiing, diving, snowmobiling and hiking.

The properties that are available for sale will be built to the architectural preference of the purchaser with 2, 3 and 4 bedroom styles available with a range of 8 architectural designs to choose from. Each lodge property comes with a basement, sauna and Jacuzzi. Prices start from 215,000 pounds / Canadian 438,512 dollars.

Bahrain
Those who have seen how the Middle Eastern property market in Dubai has rocketed and who want to get in on the next wave of property success in the region are targeting Bahrain.

Barton Wyatt International is marketing Riffa Views, the first residential golf resort in Bahrain. There are 870 high-end villas all set around the Colin Montgomerie designed 18-hole championship golf course. For sale are a range of townhouses and villas with between 2 and 5 bedrooms.

Riffa Views include a country club with a Boris Becker tennis academy, a health centre, community centres and sports and outdoor leisure activities including hiking and bike trails and water sports. Other features include a shopping mall and Fun Land for the children. Prices start from 260,000 pounds / 342,200 euros through to 1,800,000 pounds / 2,300,100 euros.

Isla Margarita
Isla Margarita in the Caribbean is, according to Mark Andrew from Emerging Earth, property an island that is particularly attractive for British and European buyers because some of its best property projects such as Caracola Beach and Spa Resort are soon to be priced in the weak American dollar.

He said: “Isla Margarita is just the perfect location for an investment property in a rapidly up and coming resort. The island benefits from the fact it is outside the hurricane zone yet well within the Caribbean and therefore of maximum appeal to all those going in search of warm seas, perfect soft sand and an ideal climate for most of the year.”

The island is seeing massive increases in tourism numbers and there are tax breaks for buyers plus insurance bond backed guaranteed rental returns of 7 percent pa for 10 years. Properties for sale are apartments and duplexes. There are on site restaurants, bars, swimming pools, chill-out areas, a spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, high-end retail outlets and landscaped gardens.

All apartments are 1 or 2 bedroom, come fully furnished and are also SIPP qualifying for British buyers who want to include property within their pension. Prices start from 79,000 euros / 63,000 pounds and are soon to be available in US dollars.

Egypt
Egypt offers European and British buyers one of the closest locations to Europe and the Euro Zone with year round sunshine, which has helped Egypt emerge as a tourism and property hotspot.

The Egyptian property market can be considered young in terms of international investor interest, and the nation certainly offers buyers a chance to get in now and potentially profit for the longer terms as tourism arrivals are set to increase over the coming decade. For sale in Egypt from Experience International and located on the Red Sea Coast 15 minutes from Hurghada International Airport is the Veranda project.

Veranda, situated on a white sandy beach, is a gated resort with 24-hour security and a wide range of facilities including swimming pools with waterfalls, tennis courts, restaurants, a luxury spa, a gym and a cocktail lounge.

Properties range from one and two bedroom apartments to three bedroom townhouses and four bedroom villas. Prices start from 60,750 pounds and allow the British buyer to secure their purchase in pounds sterling.

Malaysia
Also from Experience International is an opportunity in Malaysia which is a nation emerging as one of the strongest economies in Asia with growing tourism appeal.

The level of tourism demand presents Fly to Let investors with the chance to profit from rental returns, and it has ongoing property based interest from affluent expats seeking property for sale giving any buyer a strong exit strategy.

Experience International has a development for sale called Golden Palm Tree Water Villa in Sepang. It is located on what has been dubbed ‘the longest coastal paradise in Asia,’ the Golden Palm development is an exotic Gold Coast resort with properties having the unique architectural feature of being situated on stilts and being constructed out over the sea.

Facilities include swimming pools, a gym, spa and a library. Prices start from 147,709 pounds.

Brazil
Brazil is buzzing both economically and in terms of the attention it is receiving from overseas investors. In southern Brazil the Rio de Janeiro housing market is proving massively popular with investors seeking long-term rental units, and in Northern Brazil on the East coast the tourism market is booming.

The accessibility of the destination has already massively improved, and as a new international airport is nearing completion, so savvy investors know that the record growth the market in the region of Rio Grande do Norte has already seen will very likely continue as the region opens up to even greater numbers of visitors.

The Pipa Hills resort from Experience International comprises of 3 bedroom villas set in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and 200 metres from the centre of the town of Pipa Beach.

The development is also very close to Pipa’s pristine beach and it has luxury amenities such as a lagoon, swimming pools, bars and restaurants all on site. Prices start from 131,152 pounds.

Botswana
For investors seeking an alternative market opportunity the Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness Reserve is a unique investment opportunity in the heart of the southern African country of Botswana.

The reserve covers an expanse of over 80,000 acres with various lodges located throughout the reserve – but the properties themselves are just a slice of what the project offers purchasers. As an investor into the reserve one contributes to a unique and internationally acclaimed ecosystem model that Limpopo-Lipadi’s founders hope will set the standard in conservation sustainability in the 21st century.

An investor into the project effectively owns part of the game and wilderness reserve and can visit as often as they like, be part of the decision making process of the reserve or just simply enjoy the many diverse ecosystems.

Investment capital will be used for everything from further land purchase to the development of the lodges, camps and two commercial tourism properties for the introduction of paying guests to the reserve.
There are different levels of investment involvement that one can commit to from a purely financial point of view, entry level investment is 195,000 dollars, but the difference that you can practically make and the benefits that you can personally witness and enjoy are limitless.

Thailand
The appeal of Thailand is indisputable which is why it has an incredibly strong tourism market.

Buyers who want to tap into the high-end might like to consider The Village development on the Maphrao Island, Coconut Island, Thailand. The luxurious property development has been carefully designed to ensure that all properties enjoy views of the Indian Ocean whilst at the same time homes are situated around waterways and palm groves.

The Village is a haven for water sports lovers, with its own pier for boating enthusiasts and it has boat storage and quick launch facilities.

Fishing, diving, snorkelling and general exploration of the Phuket Islands are also activities available from the resort development. Phuket’s golf courses are a short boat ride away, and the resort has a private beach for sunset walks, all day sunbathing and swimming.

Prices for a sea view villa with two bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, one guest bathroom, a spacious living area and swimming pool start from 302,950 pounds / 18,950,000 THB.

Why to go to Lima, Peru? – Part 2

A lot of people think that when visiting Peru they should avoid going to Lima, as it is a dangerous, dirty, noisy, traffic-crazed and air polluted city. To some degree all those adjectives are true. But you shall not judge a rose by its thorns, or you will miss its perfume and the delicacy of its petals. Same goes for the “Ciudad Jardin”, the city of gardens. In the past decade, authorities have made a great effort to “rescue” the historical city center, maintaining it clean, safe and implementing artistic lighting on its old buildings. The result is wonderful, as one may not notice the richness of architecture Lima has to offer. True, it is better to go in a group or with a local or someone who knows which areas, or people, to avoid. If you don’t feel comfortable going downtown Lima, but still want to get that feeling of “time got stuck here” visit the main square of Pueblo Libre district, a 15 minute ride from Miraflores (where tourists tend to flock), for a taste of what Lima must have been in the 1800’s. Narrow streets, old churches and houses protected by forged iron gates are well worth seeing. The use of old style paint colors, mostly pastel pink, salmon, yellow and lavender, give the area a warmth that radiates in spite of the ever present traffic chaos and noise. Venture into the Bar Queirolo, an institution of good drinking and good eating in Peru’s capital, only a couple of blocks from the main plaza. If I dont give directions here is because in Lima you just need to ask any bystander and they will be glad to instuct you, sometimes even escort you to the place. Originally a winery owned by the italian Queirolo family, the large building was turned into a bar and restaurant. You will love the high ceilings with old oak wood shelves packed with wine bottles and the marble tables’ countertops. Ask for a Pisco Sour Doble or even better, a Pisco “mulita” (a quart) and a Butifarra sandwich. At seven soles (two dollars, expensive by Peruvian standards) you get a beautiful bun loaded with home made cooked ham and topped with “salsa criolla”, a tart, slightly spicy combination of uncooked slices of red onion, chopped hot peppers, oil and drops of lime juice. This snack will change your idea of what a sandwich should be. After that you can go visit the nearby church with its ornate altar, check out the old-style craft shops or just stroll around the plaza under the gigantic, globe shaped crowns of the Ficus trees. If you do your research or just are adventurous enough, you will find many such places in Lima, a city not to be missed.

Hello From Montreal: A Late Mexican Lunch At Mañana And A Fascinating Peruvian Immigrant Story

My lengthy explorations of the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Gardens and the Insectarium, and my visit to the Jean Talon Market in Montreal’s Little Italy had definitely stimulated my appetite for a good meal. By this time it was mid-afternoon and I had taken the subway back to the Latin Quarter in the St-Denis area, one of Montreal’s major entertainment districts. The streets are packed with restaurants, bistros, cafés, hip boutiques and galleries and the Quartier Latin is definitely one of the places to be in Montreal.

I exited the subway at Sherbrooke and headed one street west and I ended up coming out right across from the Square St. Louis which is a beautiful neighbourhood park with benches and a fountain in the centre. On the east side of the street was a restaurant that caught my attention with its colourful outdoor tables and chairs. I checked it out and saw that it was a casual Mexican restaurant called Mañana. It looked like a great place to grab a late lunch and was in the perfect location since I was planning to relax a little in the park after the meal.

I sat down and stretched my legs and a young server came to serve me quickly. I glanced at the menu and figured I couldn’t go wrong with the “Table d’hôte (the menu of the day): I ordered a reasonably priced combination of cactus gratinado (gratinated cactus hearts, sautéed in garlic butter, served on a tortilla) as an appetizer, a very tasty burrito vegetariano (flour tortillas filled with veggies, accompanied by salsa, black beans and Mexican rice) and for dessert a passionfruit mousse.

Ever the curious travel writer, I asked the waitress to connect me with the owner or manager, so a few minutes later I had a chance to meet the person behind Mañana: Angel Broncales, originally from Trujillo in the north of Peru, came to Montreal 23 years ago. Angel and I conversed the entire time in Spanish since his English is extremely limited. He explained that the Trujillo region is a beautiful area with gorgeous beaches and it is very inexpensive, but not very well known.

When Angel first came to Montreal, he worked in different factories and later moved into the restaurant business as a dishwasher and also learned how to cook. Throughout his time in a variety of different restaurants, he has become an expert in French, Brazilian, Italian and Mexican cuisine.

Mañana has been in existence for about 15 years now and Angel purchased it recently from the former owner about 6 months ago. He had already been the chef at the restaurant, so he was thoroughly familiar with the menu. But he added that now he has to think a lot more with his head and he has the responsibility for his entire business on his shoulder. Those are the biggest changes that he has experienced since becoming a restaurant entrepreneur.

I was fascinated by Angel’s story who has worked himself up from very modest beginnings as an immigrant with no English and initially little French, to becoming a successful restaurant owner in one of Montreal’s hottest entertainment areas. I really enjoyed talking to this quiet, shy and humble man who wasn’t much into self-promotion. His work ethic and determination were clearly his success factors and Angel added that he loves Canada; he said the security and safety of this country simply doesn’t have a price.

As a restaurateur, Angel works long hours, usually until 2 or 3 am in the morning, seven days a week. He has a Mexican chef that helps him and added that there are many Mexican immigrants in Montreal. Unfortunately many of them don’t have official papers and some simply have too much trouble adjusting to the cold climate, so many of them leave and return to their home country.

Fortunately for Angel he has great staff members whom he trusts. His serving staff at Restaurant Mañana are trilingual, they speak excellent English, Spanish and of course French. His wife is also from Peru and assists him with the bookkeeping for his business and his 17-year old son, a “real Quebecker” in Angel’s words, helps him during school vacations. During weekends Angel has a local guitarist who, in the Mexican tradition, goes from table to table and serenades the guests in exchange for a gracious tip. His guests come from all over the world, and many of them are travelers from Toronto. Some of them love to come for Valentine’s Day, the “Dia de los Enamorados”.

It was heartwarming hearing about Angel’s story, how a simple man from Peru with limited language skills could become a successful restaurant owner in one of Montreal’s most popular entertainment districts. I couldn’t help but feel that there is a place here for everybody, and you can make it here if you are determined and willing to work hard enough.

Angel’s comments were still resonating in my head when I strolled out the door to enjoy a little break in the park area of Square St. Louis. There is something beautiful about being an immigrant country…..

Memoirs: Favorite drive

Let’s all go to A&W Before the McDonaldization of America, when Ray Kroc revolutionized how Americans and later the world would have their burgers and eat them too, when it came to eating out at a drive-in restaurant there was one undisputable cultural icon: A&W Root Beer Stands.

In the Illinois Valley alone, there were four: one in LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby and Spring Valley. They were as American as Mom’s apple pie and nothing tasted better on a hot summer day than a frosted mug of that genuine A&W Root Beer.

Named after the last name initials of Roy Allen who first concocted that frothy, creamy root beer in 1919 and Frank Wright (an employee from Allen’s first root beer stand in Lodi, California) by the 1960s there were over 2000 A&W restaurants nationwide. For a brief period in the 1970s, A&W was larger than McDonald’s.

There were other drive-in restaurants like Dog n’ Suds and The Igloo in Peru, Illinois but it was A&W with it’s carhops running back and forth carrying trays laden with mugs of root beer, burgers, and fries that was most popular during the spring and summer. (Most of the A&W’s closed during winter; later some expanded like the one in Oglesby to include a small dining room to stay open year-round).

I still remember how excited I was the first time my dad pulled up to an A&W and the thrill of eating in the car like it was some kind of status symbol. Just old and big enough to look out the backseat window, I must have marveled at the sight of all these other families with kids in the backseat enjoying frosty mugs of root beer while chomping on burgers and fries.

When our carhop brought our food, I was amazed how the tray with its rubber grips underneath fit snugly on the partially rolled up window. Its design was an engineering miracle in that no matter how weighed down that tray was with those mugs of root beer the tray never snapped off from the window.

And when it was time to go and you wanted your tray to be picked up all you had to do was honk your horn and one of those carhops would come running up to take away the tray. Later, the A&W on the west end of Peru was one of the first ones to have an intercom system to order food as well as signal that you wanted to leave.

Some A&W’s did okay; others did not. The ones in LaSalle and Spring Valley were the first to go but the ones in Oglesby and Peru would last through the 80s. And even when they were not open they had other uses: in winter the parking

How to say thank you in different languages

“Thank you.” This two word phrase can be the difference in being perceived as polite or a person lacking manners. Although many customs vary from one culture to another, these words are necessary to know. It is a sign of respect for people when they do things for you, whether it is giving you good service at a restaurant or helping you pick up something that has fallen on the ground. Below, I have a list of how to say thank you in different languages around the world.

These are a few way to say “thank you” in some of the common and not so common languages spoken around the world.

English Ta (Australia)

English Cheers (New Zealand and Midland England)

Engish Thenks (Australia Strine dialect)

Spanish Gracias or Muchas gracias

Aragonese Grazias (Aragon Spain)

Asturian Gracies (Spain)

Basque Eskerrik asko (Spain and France) or Mila esker (Spain and France)

Catalan Grcies or Moltes grcies

French Merci or Merci beaucoup

Italian Grazie

German Danke or Danke schn

Russian Spasibo

Portuguese Obrigado (masculine in Portugal and Brazil), Obrigada (feminine in Portugal and Brazil)

Arabic – Shukran (Middle East and North Africa)

Arabic – Mamnuum (Syria)

Arabic – El-hamdulla (Praise to Allah in Morocco)

Arabic – Barak llahu fik (Morocco)

Chinese Doh je (Cantonese for gifts), M goi (Cantonese for service), Doh je sin (Cantonese in advance of gift), M goi nei sin (Cantonese in advance of service)

Chinese Xie xie (Mandarin), Toa chie (Mandarin)

Chinese Gum xia (Hokkien in Singapore and Indonesia)

Chinese Kam sia (Hokkien in Taiwan)

Japanese Arigato or Domo arigato

Japanese Arigato gozaimasu (for act not ended), Arigato gozaimashita (for act that has ended)

Korean Komapsumnida or Komapsumnida

Vietnamese – Cm n

Swahili Asante, Aksante, Ahsante

Afrikaans – Dankie or Baie dankie

Polish Dziekuje

Czech Dkuji

Dutch Dank u (Netherlands and Belgium)

Farsi Merci (Iran and Afghanistan)

Romanian Multumesc

Serbian Hvala or Hvala lepa (Bosnia and Yugoslavia)

Slovak Dakujem (Slovakia)

Somali Mahad sanid (East Africa)

Sicilian Grazzii (Sicily Italy)

Hebrew Toda or Toda raba

Greek Efcharisto (Hellenic in Greece and Cyprus)

Greek Sas efharisto, Efharisto poli or Sas efharisto poli (Greece and Cyprus)

Hawaiian- Mahalo or Mahalo nui loa

Hindi Shukriya, Danyavad, or Dhanyawaad (India, East Asia, Suriname)

Irish Gaelic Go raibh maith agat or Go raibh mile maith agat (to one person in Ireland and Britian), or Go raibh maith’ad (Ireland and Britian)

Irish Gaelic Go raibh maith agaibh or Go raibh mile maith agaibh (to more than one person in Ireland)

Navajo – Ahhee’

Cherokee – Wa’-do

Apache Ashoge

Choctaw Yokoke

The list for saying thank you can go on and on. The one thing to remember when traveling to another region of the world is to practice this common courtesy in whatever language is used to give a good first impression to the land you will be visiting.

Eating out in Rio de Janeiro

I have been to Rio de Janeiro maybe five times and what amazes me the most, after the greatest opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, is the great choice of restaurants and different kinds of food.

My last visit to one of the most spectacular cities in the world was last July and exactly like every time, I spent my way back to Europe thinking that, sooner or later, I will go to live there.

With deep trust on indigenous, I started asking everybody where I could find a good place to eat and every time the answer was a prompt: at Marius of course!

Curious by such enthusiasm I decided to give the so-called top restaurant of the city a try.

Beautifully set in front of Leme Beach, adjoining to the worldwide famous Copacabana, it’s by no means the run-of-the-mill example of a five-star restaurant.

As soon as you reach the longed spot after a battle in Rio’s traffic, you’ll find yourself facing the first hard choice of your adventure: fish or meat? In fact, apparently for the endless variety in the menu, there are two versions of the same restaurant, one beside the other.

In a typical Brazilian style, your journey will start with a never ending buffet with all sort of appetizers, starters and dishes.

While you are enjoying the best “Farofa” you have ever had, charming waiters will succeed each other with traditional and brand new choice of spit-roasted churrasco in the “meat-version” of the restaurant.

If, instead, you’ve chosen fish, after tackling a swordfish-based muqueca’ and a catupiri’ with small, delicious prawns, I feel compelled to mention the toilets: they definitely are worth a visit. Ground and sinks filled with mock-precious stones, characteristic fish-shaped taps and heady incense perfume.

Miles far away from the classic conception of restaurant, Marius is the latest generation of luxurious holiday destinations.

But Rio de Janeiro offers an impressive range of restaurants, for every taste, pocket and style.

One of my favorite lunches is in the typical “Galletos” places that you can easily find all over the city. The last one I visited is in Ipanema, precisely in Rua Visconde de Piraj. It’s in a corner and in its simple faade a big menu is shown. Basically, you will have half chicken well spit-roasted and a consistent side course at your choice.

The choice is various and colorful, where we can match the chicken with farofa, rice, beans, salad and so on. My drink is of course Guaran. The price is around eight reals per person, which means around three euro for a portion I had hard time to finish. I go very often to Brazil and its galletos are for sure on my to-do-list.

From luxurious restaurants to simple bistros, from genuine lanchonetes’ to coconut stands’, all over the city the possibilities to get refreshed are countless and everywhere the warmth of Brazilian weather and people will make you feel at home.

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