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Why Move to Canada?

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Why move to Canada? Here’s the ultimate guide to all the fantastic advantages of living in Canada!

Canada has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the friendliest places on earth. Not only that, but it’s also considered to be one of the safest places to live. If you’re looking for the benefits of moving or immigrating to Canada, you won’t have to look very far.

So why is Canada so popular? And why do so many ex-pats and migrants find it one of the most attractive countries in the world to live and work? It’s long been a country for people who want to live in a place where clean air, ethical living standards and safe streets are a priority, and that’s what you get when you go to Canada. A safe place to live among people who have strong values and ambition. Check out some more compelling reasons to move to this fascinating and forward-thinking country!

Crime Rates Are Incredibly Low

Okay, so the population of Canada is small, and this should be taken into account. But, the fact remains that with a population of over 36 million people, in 2017, there were just 660 murders. Compare that to the fact that over 39 million people live in California alone, and 2017, they had a staggering 1,830 crimes. Just knowing that you live in a country where violence is not the norm adds peace of mind to your life, which is hard to find in other countries.

Oh-So Stunning Scenery

Words can’t really do justice to the beautiful Canadian scenery. Vast, sweeping and unspoiled, there are great swathes of land which are virtually untouched by human feet. It’s massive…which means that when you want to “get away from it all,” you really can! From forests to lakes and mountains, the landscape is varied and gorgeous.

Yummy Food

There’s some fantastic food to be had in Canada. Farmers’ markets proliferate in smaller towns, and larger towns and cities pride themselves on their sophisticated and modern restaurants.

In addition to maple syrup, Canadian favourites you’ll grow to love include Saskatoon berry pie, poutine, bannock, butter tarts, Pierogi dumplings and Montreal style bagels.

Great Job Opportunities

Under the Federal Skilled Workers programme, there are currently 347 occupations that qualify you for fast track entry. They cover a wide variety of professions, including medical, engineering, management, construction and more. So check out the latest list to see if your skill is listed.

Canada’s economy is growing, and growth inspires more needs, opening all sorts of opportunities for all kinds of professions. Not only are there great opportunities, but Canada’s laid back and relaxed style also means that there’s lesser stress you might have been used to in your home country.

An “Education Superpower”

Canada’s education system is leaving rivals in the dust. According to surveys run by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada was one of only a handful of countries appearing in the top bracket for math, science and reading.

Canada’s results place them streets ahead of the US and the UK. Not only that, but Canada also scored highly for equity in achievement based on gender, social background and significantly if you’re moving to Canada, equity for immigrants too.

Modern Metropolitan Living

Cities in Canada are modern, smart, stylish and clean – a big attraction for many migrants who, while they may enjoy the great outdoors, also like urban convenience! Canada’s cities are spacious, well designed and easy to get around.

You can easily live in a large suburban house and commute to work. As in any country, while it’s true that the most prominent cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, may be crowded and expensive, you don’t have to go far outside the city centre to find a comfortable and affordable lifestyle.

Overall Quality of Life

Canada is well known for its high standard of living combined with the quality of life. Not only has it got the right balance between work and play, but also the perfect environment to enjoy both.

Canadians value their downtime, which is reflected in the number of public holidays and the more relaxed working hours enjoyed by most residents. You can really feel more lively living in Canada thanks to the emphasis which is placed on relaxation.

Family-friendly

Canada is really built for families. In the suburban streets, there’s a feeling of safety and togetherness with lots of community events such as barbecues and festivals catering to families with kids. Canada offers it all, whether it’s playing outdoors, education, places to visit, eating out, a positive environment, or future opportunities.

Montreal and French Quebec

Montreal is a beautiful city; most people there indeed speak French, but the majority speak good English too. However, if you want to live there, it’s a good idea to learn French, as being bilingual is expected. The history, architecture, food and culture in Montreal is unforgettable.

Cultural Melting Pot

A third of Canadian students weren’t born in Canada but have settled in the country have migrated from elsewhere. British ex-pats make up a good proportion of migrants, but others come from America, Asia, Australia and various parts of Europe.

The result is a wonderfully rich cultural experience, which is evident in the cuisine, the fashion and the art of Canada. This vibrant cultural mixture ensures that children in Canada have very broad minds and a good knowledge of the world around them.

Very Open-Minded

It is probably no surprise that Canada was ranked number 1 in the world for tolerance in the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey. Renowned for being one of the most open-minded countries around, Canada has been allowing same-sex marriage since 2005, whilst other countries are only now just now ushering it in!

That’s great news if you’re immigrating to Canada. There are many migrants, and Canadians are welcoming no matter what your race, gender or culture.

Want to Move to Canada?

It’s no surprise that many folks considering the question of migration are looking at Canada as their top option. The benefits of moving to Canada are clear; it’s a magnificent country with beautiful scenery, a forward-thinking culture and many opportunities.

So as soon as you’re ready to go, give RNR CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANCY a call, and they’ll help you get all your belongings there, no matter if you’re shipping a few boxes or shipping the entire contents of your house.

Let’s get packing!

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10 Reasons to Make Puerto Vallarta Your Next Travel Destination

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We all love traveling, and this current situation has confined us into dreaming of the day when we will get to travel about and around the world. As the world has come to a stop, I started browsing through a lot of traveling websites and I discovered a lot of new places and hotels where I could reside when getting their one day. From Asia to Africa and stopping in South America, I was quite pleased to have browsed those websites. One particular place that caught my attention was Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, this place is paradise on this earth! So, ladies and gentlemen, here I present you Puerto Vallarta, a perfect get-away for you and your loved ones. If you need more reasons why you need to go to Puerto Vallarta, then here we go!

1. Climate

Warm during the winter and humid in the summer, Puerto Vallarta has the perfect location on the map; just below the desert, but not too much as to make the tropical heat unbearable. In fact, it is right on the 20° North Latitude below the Tropic of Cancer, that is right same as Hawaii. Puerto Vallarta combines the lushness of the jungle with the beauty of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the wonder of the Pacific Ocean. The ocean breeze and the fresh mountain air combine with the unrivaled sunny days Mexico is known for, to create the best weather in the world. It is no wonder why Puerto Vallarta has become a favorite vacation spot. Vallarta boasts three hundred sunny days a year, some of those being hot summer days that then get a refreshing rain. If you are ever in Puerto Vallarta anytime from the beginning of November through to the end of May, you will find yourself in a paradise hard to leave behind.

2. Great value for your money

While it is a commonly known fact that the peso is worth less than the dollar, be it US or Canadian, you never truly appreciate it quite as much as when you vacation in Mexico. Being on vacations and knowing that your hard-earned money can buy you twice as much fun as it could back home is simply refreshing. And for those lucky enough to be permanent vacationers whose retirement dollars allow them a life equal or better to what they had back home when they still worked, it is simply incredible. Getting more for less is good on anyone’s book, but when talking real estate this is simply great. One can get a beautiful home for the price of a New York studio. On top of that, Puerto Vallarta has a large array of first class real estate developments, from stunning penthouses, state of the art smart homes on the beach to rustic homes on the mountain side, many built with Americans and Canadians in mind so just make your choice and become one of those people on vacations for life.

3. Stunning beaches

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking to do some kite surfing or simply someone that likes to lay by the water being tended to, Puerto Vallarta has the right beach for you. Many of those beaches have been certified by the Mexican Government for their cleanliness and beauty. By the north end of the Bay you can find fine sand beaches that extend for kilometers. On the other end you find small island coves only accessible by water. Imagine taking your loved one by water taxi to a private beach cove and spending a romantic afternoon. Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are waiting for you to come and lay by their waves.

4. Amazing mountains

This is what puts Puerto Vallarta in a completely different league from other vacation destinations. It is not the typical Mexican resort destination with exquisite beaches and luxury hotels, I mean, it does have those things, but the Sierra Madre Mountains and their tropical forests with lush jungle vegetation, give the town a completely different atmosphere, far away from the “just beach and nothing else to do” kind of destination. The beauty of this vacation destination spawns from the fact that the bay is nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains. They surround the bay like a mother’s bosom protecting it and offering magnificent views. There is nothing that compares to watching the sun rise in the mountains every day and set in the Pacific Ocean. During the summer season the rains make the surrounding mountains glow an emerald green that is difficult to explain by mere words. A hike up the mountain trails will take you to a time long before when mankind was one with nature and you to will feel its beckoning. The vegetation and the bird calls combine to the mystic feel of being surrounded by mountains.

5. Mexican Culture

You just cannot get bored with it. The mixture of indigenous traditions with Spaniard customs has produced an amazingly rich culture, an explosion of color, spirituality, flavors, images and sounds that will never stop impressing you. Slowly discovering the little idiosyncrasies of this beautiful culture is one of the best rewards for visiting Puerto Vallarta and once you start to understand Mexican culture, you will only want to learn more. But don’t look only for the exotic side of it, the “Día de Muertos” or the religious pilgrimages, for instance, even when those celebrations are actually quite impressive, there are is much more to discover on the day-today life of Mexico. You might travel for the beaches and just to have some relaxing vacations, but if you are open to it, Mexican Culture will surprise you.

6. The people

You have to travel a lot in order to be qualified to compare people and cultures. Well, I have done it, and I can tell you that, there are no warmer people in the world. Mexicans always smile, they always say “please” and “thank you”, they will kiss and hug you, so be prepared; they will touch you all the time, they are a happy people and they like to show it. You will have a lot of fun around them, they will make you feel at home, you just have to let go and learn from their laid-back and unpretentious attitude towards life. This way to understand life, where people work to live and not live to work, might be arguable, but for a place like Puerto Vallarta, where people travel to forget for a while about the problems of daily life, it’s just perfect.

7. Things to do

There is almost everything to do, except maybe those boring winter games that include snow and cold, Puerto Vallarta offers to visitors a formidable variety of activities. Eco-tours, golf (7 courses), ATV’s, scuba diving, canopy, whale-watching, swimming with dolphins or sea lions, a theater, museums, plenty of art galleries, gourmet restaurants, festivals (film, food, wine), surfing, botanical gardens, old towns to visit, a zoo, lots of discotheques and nightclubs, and much, much more. I am telling you; this place is worth the trip. Whether your dream vacation consists of lounging by the beach or zipping from tree top to tree top Vallarta has it. If you want to enjoy a five-star gourmet dinner or just have tacos at a stand, this is the right place to come. The culture scene the little coffee shops in old town add to the incredible allure of this great city. Many visitors come because the large array of Puerto Vallarta tours and activities.

8. Accessibility from USA and Canada

Accessibility is not to be forgotten when planning a vacation. There are some other incredible corners in the world, but somehow, they are always plenty of flight hours to Puerto Vallarta. Many cities in the US and Canada have direct flights to Puerto Vallarta, making it so easy and cheap to come down there, that it makes it even harder to invent excuses for not spending a week or maybe just a weekend in such a beautiful place. Puerto Vallarta is just a three hours flight from Los Angeles, and that is all it takes to feel like you are in a complete different world, the mountains, the rivers and the ocean make their presence felt at every corner, but you won’t miss civilization a bit, as luxury hotels have everything in place to make you feel at home.

9. Services

This point is mentioned quite a lot by the large expat community in Puerto Vallarta (nearly 50,000 and growing). One of the biggest fears of those moving abroad USA and Canada is that they might not get the same quality services at the places they move to. But that is just not the case with Puerto Vallarta, as the city has defined its identity as a perfect place for retirees and developed the proper infrastructure to please them. You will find excellent medical services, a big focus on security, a diversity of financial businesses and all kinds of information and technology services, such as high-speed internet, digital cable TV and everything to help you avoid missing home while you are on vacations in Mexico.

10. The nightlife

Especially on Spring Break, but not limited to it. The “Malecon”, a beautiful boardwalk by the beach, has been called “Puerto Vallarta’s Bourbon Street” because it has club after club open all night long. World famous club brands as Hard Rock Café, Señor Frog’s or La Bodeguita del Medio (where Hemingway used to go in Havana), compete with local clubs such as Mandala, Zoo or Punto V, to see who throws the best party in town. There is the world famous “Foam Party” at Collage every Tuesday and many salsa discos to feel the Latin vibe. Puerto Vallarta also has its own share of electronic festivals with some of the best DJs in the world, playing outdoors till dawn, with people dancing and jumping in the sand just a few steps away from the ocean.

If you are looking for a hotel to reside in during your vacation, then head to Boana Torre Malibu. One of the biggest gay condo-hotels that also welcomes heterosexuals in Puerto Vallarta. They are ideally located near the famous Playa Los Muertos, a gay beach known around the world.

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Abandoned Cities from Around the World

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Remember those scenes from the movies like Birdbox and Zombieland, where the cities are left eerily stagnant and with no human touch. Those cities left as it was, filled with the dirt and debris, life once happened there, and it was lived by everyone who walked this land. Those cities had happiness, sadness, happening there once. Maybe there are people who still remember the cities as they were before and maybe some are found in books now. We will never know; but I did some research and there are some people who still remember some cities like Chernobyl and how life was there before the disaster happened or cities like Nagasaki, where people still visit it to pay homage to their loved ones. As eerily as it seems, these cities hold stories that are worth repeating every time especially during sleepovers.

Would you want to know about those cities? If yes, well then get ready for a treat and if you said no, well then, your lost!

  • Humberstone, Chile

Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city was once home to 3,500 residents. The life in this place came to halt when, in the middle of last century, mining for potassium nitrate (also called saltpeter, used to make gunpowder) ceased. Between the late 1880s and 1930, much of the world’s supply came from here and was considered a huge export.

  • Kayaköy, Turkey

Formerly a bustling community with around 2,000 Greek residents. In 1923, the Greco-Turkish War forced the individuals out of their homes, and they fled to Greece in a population exchange with Turkey, according to Atlas Obscura. An estimated 350 homes and two Greek Orthodox churches remain abandoned in Kayaköy. They sit empty and damaged from the weather.

  • Oradour-sur-Glane, France

Oradour-sur-Glane was a small farming village located in the German-occupied section of France during World War II. On June 10, 1944, The French village of Oradour-sur-Glane was destroyed by the Nazi’s SS organization. Soldiers killed 642 individuals and left few survivors. Post-war, the village became symbolic of German crimes against civilians and was declared a memorial and museum. Every 10 June, a commemoration ceremony is held to mark the anniversary of the massacre. This city is preserved in its ruined state, making it one of the creepiest abandoned cities to visit.

  • Hashima Island, Japan

Located off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan, Hashima Island is colloquially known as Gunkanjima (meaning Battleship Island), is an abandoned island. developed as a residence for people working in the undersea coal mines in 1887, Hashima Island quickly expanded into an island of concrete high-rise buildings housing over 5,000 people. In addition to the usual community buildings, this island fortress featured a clubhouse, movie theater, communal bath, swimming pool, rooftop gardens, stores, and even a pachinko parlor. The mine eventually closed in 1974 when Japan moved away from coal power and with the jobs went the residents. As interest in the island grew because of its interesting history and striking architecture, travel to the island was resumed in 2009. Hashima Island was also featured as a villain’s lair in the James Bond movie “Skyfall. “

  • Pripyat, Ukraine

As one of the most devastating nuclear power disasters in history, life stopped at this city right after the Chernobyl disaster that destroyed everything. a city specifically built to house the workers at a nearby nuclear power plant, Pripyat had more than 13,000 apartments, schools for 5,000 children, two dozen stores and cafes, a cinema, sports hall, cultural center, several factories and a hospital when disaster struck at the Chernobyl power plant, according to USA Today. After the reactor blew on April 26, 1986, releasing toxic radiation into the surrounding area, the entire city was evacuated. The people from Pripyat were relocated and the city of Slavutych was built as their new home. Since the radiation levels have decreased considerably in the years since the disaster and the reactor has been capped, people have been allowed back into the “Nuclear Exclusion Zone.”

  • Craco, Italy

Found in the arch of Italy’s boot, Craco dates back to well before 1060. Throughout its thousand-year history, Craco saw many conflicts between monarchs, armies, and political ideologies. In 1963, the last 1,800 residents were forced to leave Craco for their own safety and were relocated to Craco Peschiera, a new town in the valley below, according to Ancient Origins.

Films such as “Quantum of Solace” and “The Passion of the Christ” have used the Italian ghost town to provide a spectacular and authentic setting to their stories. Despite being abandoned, Craco remains one of Italy’s popular tourist destinations and was added to the World Monuments Fund watch list in 2010.

  • Pyramiden, Svalbard, Norway

An abandoned mining city, this place was once bustling with life and laughter from across the roads. Today, it is simply a tourist destination that is most sought-after for adventure lovers. Founded by Sweden in 1910 and sold to the Soviet Union in 1927, Pyramiden was closed in 1998 and has since remained largely abandoned with most of its infrastructure and buildings still in place, the cold climate preserving much of what has been left behind. Since 2007, there have been efforts to make it a tourist attraction; the town’s hotel was renovated and reopened in 2013. You can access the city by either the snowmobile or the helicopter, you can either do it with a guide or independently.

  • Varosha, Cyprus

Once a favorite tourist destination frequented by starlets like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Raquel Welch, and Brigitte Bardot becomes a ghost town. But that is exactly what happened to the Varosha section of Famagusta in Cyprus. Throughout the early 1970s, Varosha was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, according to BBC. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus. As the opposing Turkish and Greek armies descended on the area around Varosha, the residents fled for their lives. According to BBC, Varosha has remained abandoned and under the control of the Turkish Military since 1974. It has been fenced off, and nobody but military and UN personnel are allowed into the once beautiful tourist destination. There have been numerous attempts to broker a deal that will once again open up Varosha, but nothing has been agreed upon. While visiting Famagusta, you can view the high rises and beaches of Varosha that are slowly being retaken by nature from the far side of the military fence.

  • Kolmanskop, Namibia

Kolmanskop was a huge draw for those seeking diamonds during the early 1900s. Because the miners were mostly German, a village popped up with German architectural accents. World War I happened, and that an even more prosperous diamond mine was discovered nearby, by the 1950s this mining town no longer prospered. De Beers currently runs the town as a tourist attraction. As for all that sand, it is the result of a geological shift, making the potential to revive this town very unlikely. The town had a hospital, power station, ballroom, ice factory, school, casino, and sports hall – and it even had the first X-ray station in the southern hemisphere. It is sad that people abandoned the city once there was a scarcity of diamonds and they moved to other places. Today, this place is mostly visited by photographers and avid travelers.

  • Kadykchan, Russia

Created by prisoners during World War II, this community boasted two coal mines. it accommodated miners at two local coal mines which supplied Arkagalinskaya electric power station. The depth of mines was about 400 meters (1,300 ft). After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, coal mining in the area became increasingly unprofitable. But with the creation of Russia—out of the former Soviet Union—one of those mines closed in the early 1990s. Then, a 1996 explosion closed this town forever, destroying most of its buildings. As of 2010, the population is down to zero, quite a change from 10,270 in 1996.

Well, while writing this, all I had in my mind was to travel to at least two of these places and discover the aura and vibe those places project. Do let me which abandoned city you would want to visit!

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Everything You Need to Know About Australian Visas

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Think of a visa as a key that opens the doors of the country and all the opportunities that comes with that. Of course, before granting you this document, the Australian Government will want to know who you are, where you are coming from, how long you intend to stay, whether you are coming alone or with your family, and also what you will contribute to the country. There are different types of visas for different types of people. Read on to find out which one is best for you!

What is a visa and why do you need it?

As we said before, a visa is nothing more than a document issued by a country that authorizes entry to a foreign person to study, work or holiday. Each visa has a duration and specific characteristics. Among the different types of visas that exist to access Australia, the most commonly applied for ones are:

  • Tourist visa – A visa that allows you to stay in Australia as a tourist for a maximum of 12 weeks.
  • Student visa – A visa that allows you to work in Australia 20 hours per week while studying a part-time course.
  • Work & Holiday Visa – A visa that allows you to work in Australia full-time and travel on your vacation.
  • Graduate Visa – A work visa for international students with studies related to Skill List work.
  • Sponsored Visa – A work visa for which an Australian company specifically hires a foreign worker.
  • Skilled Visa – A visa for skilled workers of in-demand professions in Australia

Depending on your situation and what you need, one or the other will be better for you. For example, if your idea is to study English while working part-time to pay for your stay, a student visa will probably suit you best. Let’s look a bit closer at some of these visas:

Tourist visa (600 or 651)

This is the option you are looking for if you are going to come to Australia on vacation or spend a short season. There are two types of tourist visa: Visa eVisitor (651) which is free and allows you to stay up to 3 months and tourist visa Visitor (600) It costs between $ 140 AUD and $ 1020 AUD and allows you to stay up to 12 months in the country.

Useful information about the tourist visa:

  • Nationality: All countries can apply for a tourist visa.
  • Required level of English: You don’t need a minimum level of English. It would be quite pointless if you needed to be a polyglot to go on holiday!
  • Can you work with the tourist visa? With this visa you cannot work under any circumstances, but you can study a course whose duration is less than 3 months.

Student visa (500)

The student visa is the most applied for visa and is ideal if you are looking to study in Australia while working part-time to pay for your stay. In order to obtain a student visa you will have to enrol in a recognized course that lasts at least 10 weeks. Your visa will cover the study period plus extra vacation time, which will vary depending on the duration of the course you choose. For example, if you decide to study a 6-month English course, your visa could have a duration of 8 months. Among its other advantages, there is no age limit for the applicant, you do not have to prove a minimum level of English and also, your partner can accompany you and also work part-time even if they are not a student.

Useful information about the student visa:

  • Nationality: Depending on the nationality or personal profile of the applicant, the requirements to obtain the student visa may vary – that is why it is so important to speak to the right people to get all the required information and prepare a solid application.
  • Required level of English: If you’re coming to study an English course (ELICOS) you will not need any language accreditation. If you come with the intention of studying a vocational course (VET or TAFE), you must have at least an Upper intermediate language accreditation.
  • Can you work with the student visa? Yes, with the student visa You can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during the study period and up to 40 hours during the vacation period.

Student visa for couples

This type of visa It allows you to come to Australia accompanied by your partner so that you can both study and work legally in the country. Sounds good, right lovebirds? It is an ideal option for formal couples (either married, engaged or in a proven live-in relationship) although the conditions are not the same for both members.

Special features about the student visa for couples:

  • Documents to prove the relationship: In general, applicants to this type of visa must demonstrate that they have been a couple for more than a year. The ways to prove it can vary according to each case. It is important to study the application properly. But no worries, our immigration experts over at All Immigration Services will inform you of the requirements that you must meet as a couple and will help you assemble a solid application.
  • Required level of English: being like the student visa, the same criteria of language aptitude already mentioned in the student visa apply. Of course, only the main student need prove their English level.
  • Possibility of studying for the dependent companion: The student’s partner (main applicant) may also study if he/she wishes, but always taking into account the 3 month limit. If you wish to study a longer course, you must apply for your own student visa.
  • Can you work with this visa? The principal applicant can work part-time during the course (20 weekly hours) and full-time during vacations (40 weekly hours). Meanwhile, the dependent applicant may work part-time only (with one exception: if the student is going to take a master’s or a doctorate, the dependent may work full time).

The other visas mentioned above are more specialised and will require very in-depth explanations to cover. If you’re interested, why not speak to the experts at All Immigration Services today.

11 Italian Dishes You Need to Try!

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Pasta, pizza, antipasti, meats and desserts, Italy, and cuisine are almost synonymous, right? Most people who plan their vacation trip to Italy will be looking for galleries, museums, and other attractions to visit but they are also likely to want its delicious meals! Italy has a lot to offer in terms of culinary specialties, here’s some of the food that should not be missed during your visit there.

1) Pasta

Do you know anyone who doesn’t like pasta?! Bolognese, pesto, alfredo, or simply brown butter, there’s a variety of pasta, and everyone has got their favorite recipe! In Italy, pasta is consumed as a primo piatto dish; that is, it is taken as a first-course meal. Each region in Italy has its unique specialty of pasta, and each recipe has a type of dough. One of the most popular types of pasta in Italy is carbonara, “spaghetti alla carbonara”, a dish made with fresh eggs, guanciale (a sort of bacon), cheese, and black pepper. A real delight!

2) The Traditional Pizza

A classic in Rome, the white pizza, known as pizza bianca is a thin dough made from yeast coated with olive oil, salt and rosemary. No tomato sauce or toppings on this pizza! Crisp and full of flavor, it is eaten as an aperitif or as a simple snack. For a quick lunch, the al taglio pizza has always been a fine choice. This crispy and thin pizza is baked in large rectangular trays and perfect for those who want to grab a quick bite or those who want to try different types of pizza in one sitting. Customers pay for the pizza per kilogram, more or less, depending on the varying sizes of pizza slices. 

3) La Panzanella

This typical dish from northern Italy comes from the beautiful Tuscany and was traditionally prepared to use leftover bread. It is a mixed salad made from leftover bread and fresh vegetables from the garden. The bread is soaked with the fragrant juice of the tomatoes while retaining its texture. This traditional dish has also been reinvented in new ways. You can add cucumbers, strips of red onions, garlic, herbs, in short, everything you want to make a colorful and tasty salad. Whatever its composition, it’s always a flavorful treat!

4) L’arancini

This specialty comes from Sicily. It’s a breaded and fried rice ball, stuffed with cheese and beef cooked in homemade tomato sauce. In the Sicilian tradition, this dish is made from leftover risotto. However, there is now an infinity of recipes, especially for the stuffing which can be with meat, vegetables, cheese, ham, peas, saffron, etc. An irresistible street food dish that you can easily prepare and enjoy in good company! 

5) Folpetti 

If you enjoy seafood, you’ll love folpetti! This savory snack consists of boiled octopus bites tossed with oil, garlic, salt, and served with fresh parsley and lemon juice. Perhaps not for the picky eaters, but this popular Italian street food is delicious! 

6) Melanzane Parmigiana 

If eggplant is a big part of this dish, its taste is not the one that stands out. The eggplants are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, and melted cheese is added on top. This irresistibly delicious dish will charm your taste buds! 

7) Zeppole

Originating in Naples, these are deep-fried dough balls that are filled with cream, custard or chocolate and sprinkled powdered. Do we even need to tell you more? You can just imagine the deliciousness!

8) Olive all’ Ascolana

Mediterranean countries love olives, and Italy is no exception. This bite is made of an olive stuffed with a mixture of meat and coated in bread crumbs. It’s simple, easy to prepare, and flavorsome!

9) Risotto

Risotto is one of the great classics of Italian cuisine, the first mentions of which date back to the 15th century. The risotto consists of very creamy rice, vegetables as well as possibly meat or fish. You can also garnish it with cheese. The mixture is simply divine!

10) Tiramisu

In terms of dessert, Italy also offers a wide choice. Do not hesitate to end your meal with a small sweet treat accompanied by a digestif, as the Italians traditionally do. Arranged in layers consisting of coffee and filled with cream, this delight can be enjoyed as a dessert or at any other time of the day. 

11) Gelato 

Talking about Italian cuisine without mentioning the famous gelato is impossible! But what makes it so different from ice cream? Lower in fat but richer in sugar than other styles of ice cream, gelato tends to denser and healthier because it has less air and more flavor than other types of desserts. Hence, it also melts faster, which is why “gelato Italiano” is therefore produced in small quantities and is generally fresher and of better quality! Once you’ve had a nice meal, you’re allowed to enjoy a good Italian-style gelato, and don’t worry; calories don’t count in Italy! 

If you’re not in Italy but still want to taste one of its many authentic dishes, you can also visit the Red Carpet Restaurant in Miami. All of their recipes are prepared using the finest selection of ingredients imported straight from Italy!

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Ways to Boost Your Safety When Staying in Motels

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Imagine you are on a road trip with your friends or siblings, the trip has been exhausting and you’ve got enough of the road for the day, where do you head to for a peaceful night. To a motel of course! Well, if there’s any hotels or motels nearby, then the best is to choose a motel. It is more carefree, and you can have more people sleeping in the same room. However, a motel is not that secure when it comes to your safety. So how to be sure that you’re safe when staying in motels. Well, here are some ways that you can surely consider for your next trip.

1. Constant use of the Do-Not-Disturb sign

The first thing I do when entering a new motel room is throw on the Do-Not-Disturb sign. Not because you’re taking a nap or bathing or trying to focus on work, but because you want passersby to believe that someone is inside doing one of those things. If thieves are stalking motel rooms to determine which will be the best one to try to enter, they’re likely to immediately rule out the ones with Do-Not-Disturb signs hanging on the handle. There’s plenty of others to choose from where the odds of someone being inside are lower.

2. Never leave for the day in sight of others

This can be tricky to coordinate and even feel a little awkward, but it’s never a good idea to be seen by others walking out of your room with a fresh coat of zing sunscreen on the nose and a bag of supplies for a day trip to the beach. The signal you’re sending to everyone whether potential thieves or innocent fellow tourists is “I’m heading out and won’t be in my room for at least the next few hours.” If you step out of your room to head out for the day and see others standing around observing you, even in a casual manner, go back inside your room and wait for the coast to clear. If it makes it easier, pretend you forgot something.

3. Keep the TV and always lights on

Granted this isn’t very “energy efficient” and the motel probably dislikes it because it runs up their operating costs, but it’s arguably the best security measure you have apart from your door’s actual lock when it comes to keeping your room safe while you’re away. Most motel rooms these days require a room key be inserted into an activation device for the room’s electricity, so you’ll need to leave a key behind. Fortunately, motels are usually willing to give you at least two keys for your room. Leave one in the room keeping the electricity on and turn the TV volume up so that it’s at least capable of being heard lightly from outside your door if someone were to check.

4. Don’t answer unexpected knocks, even from staff

No respectable motel randomly sends staff members to your room without you requesting it. Apart from the morning room cleaning service, there’s no reason why a good motel would needlessly bother you without forewarning. Even if there appears to be a legitimate staff member on the other side of the door when looking through the peephole, it’s a good idea to let the knock go unanswered. Call the front desk and ask if they sent a staff member to your room for some reason. If not, you know there might be something amiss and can ask for security.

5. Request a higher floor when possible

Some people don’t like to be on the upper floors of a motel , but there’s a few reasons why the upper half should be your preference. For starters, the view is usually better, and it tends to be quieter. But for purposes of security, they’re also just a little safer from thieves. Every motel has a staircase, and some are less secure than key card-activated elevators. So, thieves will sometimes use the staircase either to avoid being noticed or simply to get around the key card issue and are more likely to stick to casing the lower floors. Even thieves don’t like climbing stairs…

6. Don’t let motel staff in on your plans

Your motel concierge can be a great resource when it comes to planning what to do in a new city. But they’re also in a position of great power with the knowledge of where guests will be and when. It’s not unheard of for disgruntled or less ethical staff members to accept money from thieves in exchange for information about certain guests’ daily plans. If you need to use the motel concierge, don’t get too specific about when and where you’ll be going and try to keep your interaction limited to simple information gathering. Wait until you’re back in your private room to make decisions about where to go and when.

7. Know how to alert security quickly

Every motel phone is a little bit different, and I’m almost always a little bit uncertain as to which buttons to press to connect to various departments. There are usually one-touch options for concierge, room service, housekeeping, front desk, and more. Learn your room’s phone system before you need to use it in case of an emergency. Chances are, you’ll never have to use it. But if you need to, you’ll be glad you knew how to do it quickly and on the first try.

If you are looking for a secure motel to spend the night or your entire trip, then head to Fort York Motel in Mississauga, ON.

7 Italian Herbs that Everyone Should Try Once

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All that deliciousness that you taste in all those Italian dishes, are just herbs. Those green leaves, sometimes fresh or dried, are just the highlights that will surely accentuate any dish. It is known that Italian herbs have been very popular to most people, especially to those that indulge into culinary. Some of these common Italian herbs are rosemary, basil, oregano, garlic, sage, fennel seeds, and parsley.

The basil herbed is good to complement to add flavor and taste to any culinary cuisine dish that has tomato sauce and works well in pasta dishes. It has been added to be used in marinades, the cooking process and even in the garnishing of the dish. This is also one of the primary ingredients used in creating a pesto sauce for a pasta preparation. Planting these is very useful as it of great help to aid one’s culinary indulgence. The best time to harvest the basil to catch its best flavor, texture and aroma must be done before the flowers of it sprung out. Watch your basil herb grow from time to time, as you would be able to determine when to harvest it and be able to get the best of its production.

Rosemary on the other hand is a great way to be added in roasted dishes, salad or can be used as a garnish too. This helps bring out the flavor of your meat and savor the taste of your preparation. This kind of herb can be planted either starting with the seed or a cutting from a grown rosemary herb. Its leaves, which are the ones that are commonly used in dishes, is like needle like leaves and are of the color bluish green that are grown out from a large shrub. It is advisable to grow rosemary in the ground or pots as it adds to great compliments in your herb garden.

The oregano herb is common to locals and is usually used frequently by any other people in Italy. Long term oregano is derived from drying up the leaves as it is used to spice up a dish that is served. It is one great additive also to pasta dishes and even in pizzas. This herb is very delicious and can be used as a vast garnish to your dish. This herb also goes well with the basil herb in creating extravagant culinary dishes. In planting this herb and having it grow to its fullest, it needs enough sunlight and a well-drained soil as to be able to get the best out of it. Only the leaves of the oregano are very useful, but its flowers when well-bloomed can be used a good decoration at your home.

Salads and stuffed poultry have been very popular in Italy. One of the herbs that is used on these preparations is the sage. It before and after aroma provides an explosive homemade preparation and even in comfort food like hamburgers or pastas. This in turn very fulfilling and satisfying as it can bring out the flavor of the dish. Sage takes time to grow but results to have one of the best flavors in the variance of herbs. Harvesting sage is like harvesting basil. The leaves are very hard and thick, so you must crush them to use them and get the flavor out of it in cooking.

Another common herb in Italy is the parsley, which is also used in marinades as to help put more flavor on the marinated items. This is also great for dishes that are grilled and roasted cuisines. In harvesting parsley, you must include the stems at it is as much flavorful as its leaves. It takes time and effort to grow parsley, but the wait is very inspiring to one’s culinary dish as it brings out the best of all the flavors. This kind of herb needs plenty of sunlight and needs shade occasionally, so be careful in choosing the spot where to plant this herb in your garden.

The fennel seeds are used the same ways as the other herbs as stated above but is mostly used in a variety of Italian sausage or meatballs that may be just as it is or added to Italian sauces for pastas. It is recommended to roast the seeds as to bring out its full flavor. It is like to be grown similarly as to parsley, but not as to the length of its growing period. The stalk of the fennel is also used and are edible and is likely used by Indians. Besides the culinary advantages of this herb, its other advantage is on the aspect of medicine. This herb helps in the digestion in the form of herbal teas as to detoxify any wastes that arises our body’s’ system.

Garlic is the most common herb used by most culinary expects. It brings out the flavor of the dish and takes out the stench of the meat. This herb is usually used in sautéing and even in marinades as to enhance the flavor that you are bringing to the dish. Besides its culinary advantage, garlic is used as an antioxidant and aids to decrease the blood pressure of a person. Garlic grows well during the summer climate and has a very interesting taste. It can be planted in any part of your garden and will spring out perfectly just as you wanted it to be. Long term storage of garlic, in cases that you have harvested plenty, it must be stored in a dry, empty and clean canister. This way the garlic’s flavor is retained, and bacteria wont easily get through it. All this herb is used daily and is very popular to most people. Using them in its correct essence helps the flavor of the dish to come out as exactly as how you want it to be. Besides the fact that it is best in culinary, some of these herbs help keep our body healthy, so it becomes very beneficial to people who create these luscious dishes and those who are famished in eating the food that has herbs on it.

Taste all these herbs in the exquisite dishes at Red Carpet Italian Restaurant in Miami, FL. Drop by to titillate your taste buds.

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Why You Should Visit the Maldives At Least Once Before You Die

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Many people love to travel, to experience different cultures, places, cuisines, and sights. Many of them also fantasize about discovering an island paradise where they can jump into clear blue seas straight from their bungalow and be greeted and feted by friendly locals.

A chain of 26 atolls and over 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world. With world-renowned diving sites and resorts that are the definition of luxury, the country offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Add to that a true left-the-real-world-behind feeling, and you have yourself the vacation dreams are made of. Here are a few reasons why the Maldives needs to be added to your travel bucket list before it’s too late.

First, a little about the Maldives – One of the smallest countries in the world, and the smallest in Asia, the Maldives is comprised of 1,192 islands over 90,000 square kilometers. Its waters are home to several marine ecosystems, and its white-sand beaches are world-famous. Unfortunately, due to climate change and rising sea levels, the Maldives are at risk of disappearing into the sea. Although this will not be happening anytime soon, the impact of this slow encroachment is not yet fully understood. So, the sooner you visit, might prove to be better.

The local culture is influenced by its proximity to India and its conversion to Islam in the 12th century. Mainly a fishing economy, the Maldivians discovered a major new revenue stream in tourism in the 1970s. Since then, they have developed into an enticing tropical island destination. Once thought of only as a honeymoon destination for couples, the Maldives has embraced its position as a once in a lifetime island destination for all, for play and even for work.

Until recently, visitors to the Maldives could only stay at one of the resorts, isolated and separated from the local population. Now, the rules have been relaxed, opening the local villages to foreigners and a booming guesthouse and homestay economy.

So, it does not matter if you stay at a guesthouse on Maafushior or at the five-star resort Soneva Fushi on Kunfunadhoo, the breadth of experiences available during a visit to the Maldives has grown. Here are some activity ideas to add to your itinerary for when you do visit this fascinating destination:

Scuba diving or snorkeling

No visit to the Maldives would be complete without an exploration of the local sea life. Considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, there are countless types of environments, from shallow coral reefs to deeper explorations of caverns and channels. This variety also means that any level of diver will have an unforgettable experience. For those that choose to stay closer to the surface, there is plenty to see while snorkeling. Anyone venturing into the water will be sure to witness an amazing collection from the thousand species that make the Maldives their home.

Swimming with Whale sharks or Manta rays

This deserves a separate mention because the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll is a year-round home to these lovely giants. These large fish species are considered endangered. There are also a few sites where you can swim with manta rays. These are rare opportunities that you should take advantage of. To swim alongside these magnificent creatures is a truly awesome experience.

Explore the capital

Most visitors to the Maldives will transit through the capital of Malé on their way to and from their accommodations, but the capital city is worthwhile to spend some time in and explore. The most urbanized of all its islands, Malé has a number of historic sites that should be visited, such as the Friday Mosque. Built in the early 18th century, it is one of the oldest in the country and an amazing example of an edifice built entirely from coral blocks.

Visit a local village

Now that visitors can venture beyond their all-inclusive resorts, you can enjoy the company of lovely locals in nearby villages. As long as you remember that this is a Muslim country and act appropriately (women should cover up and no one should even think of asking for or trying to share a beer), you will find your respect appreciated by a friendly, open people who will be happy to share their culture and traditions. You may even be invited to join a fishing trip.

Relax on a dhoni

The traditional fishing vessel for Maldivian fisherman, the dhoni, started as a sailboat, but many now are outfitted with motors as well. Constructed from coconut trees or more modern fiberglass, there are many available for leisurely day trips or overnights for visitors to discover the islands from a different aspect.

Try the cuisine

It may be stating the obvious, but the main ingredient of local Maldivian dishes is fish, like tuna and mackerel. Coconut, breadfruit, taro, and other root vegetables are locally grown and are also featured. Curries may seem to dominate, and there are various cooking styles employed. You might find savory fish cakes and sweetened rice among your choices to dine from.

Discover a new water sport

In addition to the incredible sights awaiting underwater, you can enjoy thrills on the water. Water skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, kayaking, and so much more are available at multiple resorts and many local guesthouses.

Or you can just relax away on the beach, soak in the sun, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of your little slice of exotic paradise. Make sure to share your holiday experiences with us in the comments below!

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Discover New Zealand Wines

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New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning and unspoiled landscape. Equal to international acclaim for its beauty, is that for its fine wine climate, geography and human skill have combined to produce highly distinctive premium quality wines.

Let’s have a closer look at what makes New Zealand’s wine so special.

New Zealand has traditionally been a white wine producer, in particular, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough which has been acclaimed throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for the varietal. Nowhere else does Sauvignon Blanc yield such pungently aromatic and explosively flavored wine.

In a true temperate maritime climate style, the zesty character of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is redolent of green pepper and gooseberries with tropical fruit overtones. Nonetheless, New Zealand Sauvignon can be broadly divided into two styles; North island and South Island.

The North Island Sauvignon tends to be riper, richer with melon, nectarine and other stone fruit flavors. South Island Sauvignon Blanc is typically lighter and crisper with passion fruit and other pungent fruits, sometimes grassy flavors.

The climate is mostly responsible for the north-south style distinction. The longer, cooler growing conditions in South Island promotes stronger, more vibrant fruit flavors together with higher acidity levels.

The golden rule for Sauvignon Blanc when matching it with food is fresh is best. The vibrant flavors of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the delicacy of fresh seafood and summer salads. Although Sauvignon Blanc may be the grape variety most readily linked to New Zealand, global recognition for other premium varieties such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Cabernet- Merlot blends, has steadily increased over the years. This is one of the few countries where the fickle Pinot Noire grape is flourishing akin to the old world in their fine structure and elegance.

New Zealand Pinot Noirs deliver the excitement of the new world with pure power and intensity of fruits such as cherries, plums and juicy red berries. The rich and soft flavors of New Zealand Pinot Noir work perfectly with aromatic red meats such as venison, lamb and duck.

If you are planning for a wine trip in New Zealand, do not miss Marlborough in the South Island. It is the largest wine growing region, where it is easy to find great wines. The region is easy to reach by embarking on a ferry ride from Wellington to Picton in the South Island. Last but not least, don’t forget to drink in moderation!

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Discover Alsatian Wines

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Have you ever visited the Alsace region of France? Half-timbered houses in picturesque villages along the road strike the attention of any visitor taking the ‘route des vins d’Alsace’ (road of Alsace wines). As such, the road is a major tourist route. Visitors galore in Colmar, the largest city of Alsace, during the Christmas season.

Situated in Northeastern France, close the border with Germany, the Alsace region, at first sight, appears too cold to ripen grapes fully. While winters can be extremely chilly over there, summers are hot with low rainfalls, thanks to the shelter provided by the nearby Vosges Mountains. As a result, the region has the ideal climatic conditions to fully ripen a range of grapes while allowing them to retain a vital thread of lively acidity.

A patchwork of soils ranging from granite to sandstone, limestone, and mull helps in the production of a wide variety of wines. The wines come from single vineyards or have the name of the vineyard and the term ‘Grand Cru’ on the label.

Alsace is best known for its aromatic white grapes, which are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. The first four of these are known as noble varieties, and most wines labeled as ‘Grand Cru’ are produced these grapes. A large amount of Alsatian quality wine is made from a single vineyard but many producers make blends that vary widely in composition, while most Alsatian wine you’ll come across is made as dry wines.

The region is also famous for its sweet wines made from late-harvested grapes, called “vendange”. Those lusciously sweet wines have rich, concentrated flavors of dried apricots and honey. Alsace also has its sparkling wine, which is made from a blend of grapes, including Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Climatically speaking, Alsace is at the limit for red wine production, nevertheless Pinot Noir planted in the region’s warmest vineyards makes an elegant and refreshing wine renowned for its purity and red berry fruit aroma.

All Alsace wines, whether white, red dry or sweet, are popular in the world for their aromatic fruits, minerality and lively acidity, making them ideal choices with a range of dishes. Dry aromatic whites pairs well with Asian style courses such as sweet and sour Chinese dishes or mild Indian and Thai curries. Dry wines also provide the perfect match for shellfish and white fish, while Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are so versatile that they can take on white meats, spicy Chinese style beef, and a host of other game dishes. A glass of sweet wine should marry well with a fruit-based dessert or a cheese platter.

The Alsace region proves that exploring french wine is beyond Bordeaux, generally considered as the major wine region of France. Have you been to Alsace? Comment below to share your experience.

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