Transparency in Chocolate Bar Marketing

In the end, it's what's on the inside that counts. :) 

Among the endless unique candy selection at FAO Schwartz, on Fifth Avenue NYC

Back to the Future with Obi Wan Jon-obbi

Is it him?

I can't quite see...speed up some more!

Almost close enough to see his face...just a bit more!

Too much! Now we'll never know...was it Obi Wan Jonobbi...or wasn't it?

Halal Street Meat in New York = Happy Us

I've watched enough Anthony Bourdain to know not to skip the local street meat. And hey, we didn't even get sick once!

Just down from the door of our Grand Hyatt with 5 star restaurants, we opt for street meat and pretzels which awaited us in front of Grand Central Terminal.

Our friendly neighborhood halal street meat vendor who served up two soft and salty pretzels with a smile. 

See rosebud mustard holder hand crafted from tin foil with care. 

Papa? 

There's at least one on every street corner, but never a long line. What are the various reasons that could be?

Beef kebab on a hodog bun...

Street food display at the New York Public library - the one filmed in The Day After Tomorrow. 

From the Top of the Rock...the Rockefeller Building...you could still smell the halal hodogs, Atta go, New York street meat vendors.

Phil and Sebastian

Phil and Sebastian boast Calgary's (arguably) finest coffee, making a trip down to the Marda Loop or Chinook Mall so worth while. The nice thing is, the service is as great as the beverages. Try their espresso with bold fruity undertones or the latte. 

Hot Chocolate with a skillfully hand poured rosette. 

Snowboarding and Skiing at COP

Sunday temperatures were very warm, peaking at around -2 degrees in the afternoon, making it a great day for Skiing and Snowboarding. Since it was our first time on the hill this year, we decided to stay in the city to get our groove back, and opted for the close and convenient Canada Olympic Park (COP). 

View of NE Calgary from the Top. Why so blue, Booma?

I hadn't skied in 6 years, so our first run was on the bunny hill to do some quality control and minimize the likelihood of me taking someone out on the regular hills. The first segment required a ride on a conveyor belt (surrounded by 3 years old kids and their instructional parents as well as tourists who had never seen snow before in their lives) and then a surprisingly difficult journey for me, being pulled along the rope and holding on for dear life, let alone for Arkam on his snowboard, with one foot out of the binding. 

Some jumps to the right , taken from the chair lift

Once we defeated the bunny hill like champs, we moved on to the regular hills, and the enjoyment of a much more practical chair lift. And from there on the afternoon was FUN FUN FUN!!! We can't wait to go again, perhaps next time to Banff!

COP offers equipment rentals (prices here), and if you are planning to use the equipment elsewhere, there are also places to rent nearby, where you can keep the equipment for 24 hours. Helmets are strongly recommended on the hill (also provided). Opt for waterproof clothing to ensure day long comfort, especially if you think you might take a few falls.There is a cafeteria serving hot food and drinks, but for a more economical and healthy option, bring your own food and sit out on the deck to eat - food never tastes better than when eaten in the fresh air! Parking is free. 

Ice Skating at Bowness Park

We went skating on the lagoon at Bowness Park  a few times, and will be going again soon inshAllah.

Can you guess who is who? ;)

The creek boasts vast skating space, taking skaters around twists and turns and under a cute little bridge. The scenery is gorgeous and adds to the experience.  

Skating itself is free, and there are hockey and figure skate rentals at the very reasonable price of $8. 

There is also a canteen where they serve hot beverages and food, a few fire pits where you can warm up or roast marshmallows, and a speaker system playing a wide array of music, all there to set the mood to "epic outdoor skate rink." It is really a great place to go with friends or loved ones!!