Stepping back into history

Travelling is something I've loved to do ever since I was young. I've been very fortunate that my parents insisted on going somewhere every summer while I was growing up, so I've been able to visit almost all of the provinces in Canada, a number of the states in the United States, and parts of Europe, Australia and Central America. Suffice it to say, I was definitely bitten by the travel bug at an early age.

Sometimes, though, it's nice to be a tourist in your own backyard. Which is why I took in a performance of Fleming at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist here in St. John's.

The one-man play features local Newfoundland actor Paul Rowe as Bishop Michael Anthony Fleming, the man whose determination and vision brought the cathedral to life over 150 years ago.

I won't give too much away, but will say that the play spans a number of years, from the beginning of the construction up to the celebration of the first mass by Fleming. It's interactive too, moving you around inside and outside the church, learning the history visually and aurally. 

Rowe does a fine job of portraying Fleming, using a mix of fact and humour throughout the play. His delivery is captivating, never allowing your mind to stray from the performance and keeping you interested at all times.

The play runs from July 5 to August 27, Tuesday through Saturday at noon. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and can be bought day-of just before the performance. For more information, visit the Basilica Heritage Foundation website or check out their Twitter account.

*Thank you to the Basilica Heritage Foundation for the complimentary tickets.

Pink sky at night...

I know the saying is technically "red sky at night, sailor's delight", but in this case, a pink sky was what we saw last night in St. John's. A sudden thunderstorm came over the city and poured for about 10 minutes. Shortly after, the sky brightened and cleared, and we were treated to this beautiful sight.

As I get older, I seem to be getting more and more of an appreciation for nature and the world around me. I just came back from a week out west in British Columbia and Alberta for a family wedding. Driving through the Rocky Mountains, I saw sprawling landscapes and natural beauty that really are a sight to behold.

The wedding ceremony was at a beautiful spot called Emerald Lake, in B.C. It was stunning. Snow-capped mountains, lush green forests and a teal-blue lake...breath-taking. 

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend driving through the Rockies, as they'll give you a new appreciation for the vast land we call home.

Go Hands Free or Face a Hefty Fine: No More Cell Phones while Driving!

Is your Blackberry permanently attached to your hand? Have you been texting your way through traffic? You might want to think twice the next time you dial and drive; on October 26 a new law was introduced, stating that driving while using a handheld device is now illegal in Ontario. Put down your mobile and hook on that new Bluetooth device folks, or prepare to face the consequences.

If you're a bit more daring than myself, and will continue to chat while cruising, you should be aware of the penalties: Drivers guilty of droning on while driving could face up to $500 fines, demerit points, and even suspended licenses. The Ontario government has said there will be a three month leniency period, but after that, the rules will be enforced to full effect.

Coming from a province where this law has been in effect for over six years, I was surprised to learn when I moved to Ontario two months ago that people were still allowed to talk on their cell phones while driving. Newfoundland and Labrador passed this law back in 2003, and it has been fairly successful. There have been some who have broken the law however, like Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams, who was caught driving while talking on his cell phone.

What are your thoughts? Have you broken this new law since it came into effect and had a chat on your mobile while driving, or seen others being pulled over by the police? Do you think there's a real need for this new law? I'd love to hear some of your thoughts, so feel free to leave a comment!