Luxury Report Magazine N.28

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High Art For the Home

NuEdge Report

Studio Furniture:

furniture, which offers “lived in” dividend along with financial appreciation. Such collectables regularly command up to four times the original investment as they match pace with the rest of the high end art world. Many bullish gallerists are predicting plenty of headroom for the price point to rise and that the whole phenomenon has a strong future.

My latest result in the aesthetics of rhythmic and dynamic design is the release of the Lolita Chair. It is the first in my line of studio furniture work. This piece embodies the strength and line of the female form when seated, and is both an investment piece and decorative accent. My intent is to capture elements of the living spirit with all of its gloss so that it may illuminate its surroundings. Lolita is an acknowledgement of the connection and appreciation we have for the body and how it fits into our sense of space. This first series of furniture/sculpture in metallic gloss is inspired by the theme of gymnasts and acrobat dancers. Produced in a limited edition of seven pieces, Lolita embodies the essence of exclusive contemporary beauty. Be seated, and be bound by Lolita!

The likes of 20th century great modernists such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames,

Isamu Noguchi, and Frank Gehry shook the boundaries between design and art. Such modernists transformed practical and often mundane household elements into sought-after creative pieces with their flair for outline and accent. Studio furniture is the term that envelops the “living space work” by artists whose creations are one-of-a-kind and offered in limited editions. The rules of studio furniture largely mirror those of fine art. Modernist furniture has become the new collectible in the art world, making contemporary furniture by the likes of Le Corbusier, Oscar Niemeyer, Ron Arad and Marc Newson prized possessions.

The strongest evidence of this mounting popularity is seen in the auction houses. So far this year Christie’s has brought in somewhere in the area of $116 million in sales of 20th century decorative arts, with Sotheby’s following at a close second. Collectors and investors of high art are gravitating to the profit potential of studio

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Market restaurant and Tojo’s for sushi is awesome.LR: Where’s home?Home is a Spanish bungalow in Los Angeles

that I share with my husband and dogs, Bamboo and Sugar.

LR: What are you reading these days?I love, love, love to read! I’m currently reading

Station Eleven by Emily St. john Mandel — a very beautiful and haunting novel about a deadly virus and what we as a society hold valuable in the days of civilization’s collapse. I’m also reading Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyers, an intense family drama filled with deeply flawed characters.

LR: What’s on your iPod?“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor, “Ten

Feet Tall” by Afrojack, “My Silver Lining” by First Aid Kit, “The Writer” by Ellie Goulding, “Don’t” by Ed Sheeran, Pink and Ingrid Michaelson.

LR: What’s next?I have two indie films, Circle and Havenhurst,

premiering in 2015, and we’re back for Season 3 of Defiance in February!

At age 15, actress julie Benz’ acting coach told her she would never succeed. “I remember the teacher telling me I should not even try

acting. She said, ‘you will never be an actor. your voice is horrible.’ That was the best thing that ever happened to me because I was like, ‘I’ll show you.’”

Well, Benz did indeed “show her,” with multiple recurring roles on hit shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Desperate Housewives and NCIS, and lead roles on Dexter and No Ordinary Family. Nowadays, Benz plays Mayor Amanda Rosewater, the lead female on the mega-hit TV show Defiance. I caught up with Benz in Vancouver, where she’s filming with john Travolta.

LR: What’s a nice girl like you doing here in the great Canadian North?

I’m in Vancouver filming Life on the Line with john Travolta and Kate Bosworth, directed by David Hackl.

LR: What’s your routine when you get to the set?

I usually head straight to hair and makeup. Then it’s rehearsal.

LR: How do you like the craft table? On set, food is fuel, so it’s important to maintain

my energy. I begin with an egg white scramble with avocado and tomatoes, an apple with almond butter for a mid afternoon snack, a grilled chicken breast with veggies and quinoa for lunch. Hummus and veggies for a snack and a protein bar for dinner.

LR: Name some Vancouver spots you visited.Form Body Lab in yaletown for Pilates and

Ride Cycle Club for spin. I love the Lululemon store on Robson Street and the Urban Fare store for healthy snacks. Dining at the Shangri La Hotel’s

A Quick Q & A

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fan before he became a regular. “you step into each job having no idea where it’s going to lead,” he said about gaining his own personal fan base. “It can’t be about, ‘Oh, I hope this gets me to the next point.’” West’s philosophy is simply to take it day by day and give each project his all.

And as far as scripts go, he can’t take it much farther than day by day, as he doesn’t know where the story is going from one episode to the next. Though West admits that this can be tricky, he trusts the writers to guide and help him along. Another challenge of playing Gareth is, as West states, “he’s so complicated. There are so many different sides to his personality and to his temperament.” As a result, West prepares by digging deep as an actor to find those different aspects within himself, and by learning his lines “so well that they’re a part of [him].”

Though Andrew j. West’s The Walking Dead character, Gareth, is something of a villain, the actor is really a very

nice guy. West, who grew up in Lake Station, Indiana, just outside of Gary, is friendly, positive and thankful for his successful acting career. Though he asserts that the greatest risk he ever took was moving to Los Angeles as a young philosophy graduate to pursue an acting career, he adds that it was ultimately one of the best decisions he ever made. At first, West’s career followed a common path: he got a job waiting tables and was consequently “a little adrift.” Soon, though, he was being cast in roles for television and film.

Currently, West is starring on AMC’s The Walking Dead, whose season premiere reached a whopping 17.3 million viewers, according to The New York Times. West is thrilled to be a part of this project; he was a

The Man Behind the Villain

Actor Andrew J. West

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both in LA and Atlanta. Another enjoyable activity for West is cooking, a new hobby he’s learning from his fiancée, actress Amber Stevens. “I’m starting slow. Starting with breakfast,” he jokes.

Though he’s going places, West is quick to remember where he’s from. He lived in Indiana for the first 18 years of his life and explains that being born and raised somewhere yields “a sense of familiarity that you will never have with any other place.” Throughout our chat, West mentioned his home state several times, leaving the impression that he is a thoughtful, down-to-earth guy who truly appreciates his life and the opportunities he’s been given. At any rate, he’s nothing like the character he portrays on The Walking Dead.

West describes a typical day on the set as really fun. He jokes that, when he first arrives, he tries

not to stare at the zombies (or “walkers,” as they’re called on the show) too long because they look so real and so terrifying. Then, he’s off to hair and makeup. “Most jobs try to make you look as perfect as possible,” explains West. “For The Walking Dead it’s the opposite. you go to the hair and makeup trailer and they smear dirt all over your face.” This is liberating, according to West, who also shared some of his favorite things to do when filming in Atlanta. Although an avid Dodgers fan, when in Atlanta he likes to watch the Braves. He also enjoys the local culinary scene and is a huge barbecue fan. Fox Bros Bar-B-Q is his favorite.

The Walking Dead is not the only project this talented actor is currently involved in. He also plays the title role in Walter opposite William H. Macy. West calls the film, set to be released in spring 2015, a passion project that began as a ten-minute short film about four years ago. Since then, it’s grown into a grander thing – a full-fledged feature production. Walter is a young guy who believes he’s the son of God and must determine the fates of the people around him.

Though West appears to be kept quite busy by his acting career, he shared a few hobbies with me. One is oil painting. “I’m such an amateur,” he laughsz, but admitted that he paints his friends’ portraits. West also enjoys running; he ran a marathon in LA a couple of years ago and goes on long runs

Beyond The Walking Dead

Actor Andrew J. West

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expressive actress reads extensively. Her favorite novels are The Portrait of a Lady by Henry james and The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Other hobbies include shopping, going to the movies and working with Meals on Wheels, a not-for-profit organization that delivers hot meals to seniors and those with disabilities.

Popplewell is also pursuing a degree in psychology. Why psychology? It’s an “interesting choice as far as it relates to my work,” the actress told me. She went further to explain that the greatest difference between her character, Lola, and herself is that Lola’s decision making is quite poor while Popplewell is very analytical.

British actress Anna Popplewell has a lovely way about her. She’s thoughtful, articulate, personable and very sweet.

Popplewell has made a name for herself through roles in The Chronicles of Narnia films, and currently plays Lola, Mary Queen of Scots’ lady-in-waiting, on the CW series Reign.

Popplewell spoke to me over the phone from London, where she was visiting for a few days. Though London based, the actress has been spending much of her time in Toronto, where Reign films for 10 months of the year. She enjoys Toronto, where she spends the bulk of her free time around Queen Street West and its “amazing coffee and vintage store culture.” Popplewell has also visited Montreal a few times and attended Osheaga Music and Arts Festival this summer. “The campus is so beautiful there,” she gushed about McGill University.

Speaking of university, that’s where Popplewell decided she wanted to become a full-time actress, though she began acting when she was just seven years old. “It was an accident,” she said about her career. As she was a shy child, her parents enrolled her in an acting class, and an agent spotted her in an end-of-term show. “It was a hobby, really, when I was a child,” explained Popplewell of her acting. While studying at Oxford University, the actress participated in student theater, and it was then that her hobby developed into a full-fledged career. At Oxford, Popplewell studied English Literature and it is evident that the

A Portrait of a Lady-in-Waiting

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from head to toe. In another intervention by the elements, the cast was forced to play a friendly game of soccer in blizzard-like conditions. Perhaps we’ll have to chalk that tale up to the perils of filming in Canada!

It’s wonderful to see Popplewell take to our nation so well. She claims the people are friendly and that it’s been an easy change of address. Of course, she still holds London near to her heart and she most enjoys playgoing there, as she’s an adamant theater buff. Not only does she like to attend, but Popplewell hopes to take to the stage in a professional capacity. She would also like to play a rebel because she’s “so not a rebel.”

Currently, the spirited young actress is reading The Corrections by jonathan Franzen and a little Graham Greene – by her bedside you’d find a small stack of books, which she reads all at one time. you can catch her on Reign on Thursday evenings.

According to Popplewell, filming a series can be a challenge, as the character is always evolving; you

don’t want to push the character too far in one direction if the writers will be going a different way. One of the actress’ favorite aspects of portraying Lola is “playing the anachronistic elements: she’s developing into a bit of a feminist.”

Popplewell enjoys her time on the Reign set. It turns out she’s picked up a few interesting skills from filming: horseback riding, dancing and archery. Lessons of this kind are simply part of her working day. She also shared a few favorite moments from filming. One of these was when the cast was involved in a water fight in a fountain. Popplewell was instructed to remain out of the water’s reach so that her hair, which is curled for the show, wouldn’t fall back to its usual straight. The scene ended up taking a different turn, and Popplewell was drenched

Always Evolving

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as he speaks about his career, music, and his grandparents, who despite their deafness, helped define his musical talent. “They were the most humorous communicators,” says Hildreth. “The value of their expressiveness influenced both my acting and music.”

A musical prodigy by the time he was eight, Hildreth has toured the US and Canada, performing at venues like L.A.’s iconic Viper Room and The House of Blues. His first album, a collection of pop/R&B songs with heart and groove was followed by the release of a second album in 2012 entitled Signs of Life, an exploration of love in its various states.

Accomplished in both music and acting, you can tell Hildreth genuinely loves what he’s doing, and really does strive to be in the moment.

He idolizes Stevie Wonder, loves Shakespeare, and his all-time favorite movie is Back to the Future.

Meet Mark Hildreth, the handsome actor who plays the captivating lead, Pastor Tom Hale, on ABC’s hit fantasy drama Resurrection.

This transplanted Canadian, who calls Los Angeles home, is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada. “Montreal was home for three years and I loved living in the Plateau,” says Hildreth, with a smile in his voice.

On Resurrection, Hildreth plays the local minister in the town of Arcadia. His beliefs are challenged when the dead come back to life and return to their small town. “It’s a great role and I’m really enjoying it,” says Hildreth. “As the mystery thickens, you’ll see more character development.”

This working actor has been very busy with many film and theatre credits, including title roles in Showtime’s The Tudors and ABC’s V. In 2007 he appeared in the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End with johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush.

When I asked him which medium he preferred, he replied that he enjoyed them all. “Film is intense, more localized. It’s just you and the actors. With television, the scale is so much more powerful, with theatre, the audience is actually part of the show, you’re communicating with them. It’s all about being in the moment.”

With the requisite leading man looks, Hildreth is utterly charming and personable

Living in the Moment

Actor & Musician Mark Hildreth

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Dancing Her Way to Stardom

Emma Slater

by during performances. “As the season grew on, I discovered that Michael had separation anxiety […] in the dance,” she said.

Slater led Waltrip around the dance floor and in return he led her around the track. Mere days before we spoke she got into the passenger seat at Fontana’s Auto Club Speedway and was taken for a 175 mph ride. Alarming, to say the least! Still, Slater describes herself as a burgeoning NASCAR fan. Her first race was in Richmond, Virginia, where she had a “real proud moment” participating in “The Star-Spangled Banner” from the pits.

When bubbly and charismatic Emma Slater spoke to me, she was at the end of her whirlwind

Dancing with the Stars Season 19 stint with her partner, NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip. Slater and Waltrip had been eliminated days before and she had arrived home from a quick trip to New york City less than 24 hours before. Despite that, Slater was the picture of a self-assured star who loves what she does: performing. Best known as one of the professional dancer/choreographers from the hit DWTS reality show, Slater initially wanted to be an actress in the days before her dancing. She acted in the film Mamma Mia! and has done some theatre, though at the moment her time is completely taken up with Dancing with the Stars.

This season, Slater was partnered with a NASCAR legend and I made sure to ask her if there were any transferrable skills from the track to the dance floor. “There’s a lot more that works not in your favor than in your favor when it comes to NASCAR racers; however, I think the fact that Michael is a competitor and he knows the kind of dedication and workload that it takes to get success” was a plus. His focus and excellent problem-solving skills were also useful for dancing. These are also skills that must be employed by the choreographer, who enhances each star’s strengths through her choreography. For instance, Slater had Waltrip focus on “what his feet were doing” first. She also realized that they scored better when she stayed close


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Triple Threat

Emma Slater

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English girl at heart.” Perhaps that’s also why she enjoys walking and hiking in her spare time. Walking is not something you’d be likely to pick up in LA, but Slater adds: “It’s something that my mother and I used to do.” When speaking of her family, the dancer is sweet and loving. She’s a twin, born on Christmas Day with sister Kelly who still lives in England. “My mom says we were the best present that she ever got for Christmas,” said Slater.

One thing is for sure: she’s certainly danced her way into the hearts of countless viewers all over the world.

The last season also brought on-camera highlights. One of these occurred when Slater and Waltrip found

themselves having exited on the wrong side of the stage during a group dance. Moments later, they would have to enter from the other side, but they couldn’t cross the stage. Instead, the duo ran across the chairs in the audience. “People went flying, I fell on my butt, Michael was trying to pick me up – it was pandemonium. I thought I was going to be fired,” laughed Slater. Fortunately, the couple made it across the stage in time for their entrance.

Now that she’s off the show, Slater is rooting for duo Sadie and Mark because Sadie [Robertson of TV show Duck Dynasty] is “just so innocent and full of life and when she goes out there she’s really taking in so much information from Mark and she’s turning into a dancer quite literally in front of your eyes.” Slater has very much enjoyed having celebs that are “jolly people” on the show. Were she to pick, her ideal recruits would be William Shatner and Barry Weiss.

These kinds of warm, friendly people are what Slater misses most about her native England. “I miss the community,” she shared, explaining that in England strangers can approach others for a friendly chat and “you get the idea that everybody’s just trying to help everybody else through their day and it’s really sweet.” Slater’s jovial personality is not the only thing influenced by her heritage; she also loves soups and stews, as she’s a “true

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Be Strong, Comfort Zone and Beauty Garden. Each collection is unique with subtle features that sets it apart from other yoga gear. Be Strong is for the woman who prioritizes functionality and is serious about her workouts. A no-frills type of girl who usually goes for stripes and solids.

For the colourful and energized types, Beauty Garden is where women should plant their feet. With floral, vibrant accents, these pieces motivate and condition the soul. Fabrics in both collections are a blend of nylon and spandex, incorporating active wicking technology and non-chafing flat lock seams. Pieces to look out for this season are the long sleeve pullover with a swank keyhole opening at the back, and the long sleeve active top with darling back holes.

The Comfort Collection can take you from yoga class to coffee runs with its melange of fabrics in cool colours. With a jinxd long sleeve hooded jacket and a fold-over yoga capri with shirring, it’s easy to meet friends, looking fabulous, even after a long workout.

It all started with the novel idea of a yoga mat cover. jessica Kirzner was struggling to spray a lavender scented disinfectant

over her entire mat after a strenuous yoga class. With that one moment, a yoga essential was born. With jessica’s 15 years of experience in the fashion industry and her catching love for a healthy lifestyle, jeno Neuman & Sons partnered up with her, embracing the vision, and the marque jinxd was set in motion.

The jinxd anti-bacterial yoga mat cover is ultra-soft with grip on the underside. It is currently available in high-end boutiques as well as the jinxd online store. Simply use and throw in the wash, and your favourite mat will stay completely pristine, back and front.

There has been much anticipation over the jinxd private label launch. With its official unveiling this fall at the Weekend de toute beauté in Montreal, the label is hitting the ground running, showing off not only their yoga mat cover, but the jinxd apparel collections to yoga studios and yoga aficionados.

The label has three yoga apparel collections:

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has designed Optimacura programs, an exclusive suite of clinical programs to ameliorate patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. A few of these programs are fall prevention, acquired brain injury, chronic disease and medication management.

Other assistances offered are Therapy & Rehabilitation Services, Seniors Wellness Programs, and Specialty Health Clinics. Bayshore meets with businesses all over the region to conduct Health & Wellness Days, spreading awareness by testing glucose, cholesterol, vital signs and BMI. On-site teaching can also be offered on any specific health topic by a qualified staff member.

Bayshore offers a free evaluation. A nurse will be sent to assess what Bayshore can do to help, and the best way to help. They will also assist the individual in contacting their insurance company, and investigate possible funding options. Bayshore even has an Air miles Rewards program. Bayshore believes in family, community and making a difference… “every visit, every time”.

There is a growing need for home care in the Montreal region. According to the last census, the percentage of

Montreal’s population aged 65 and over is over 15%. This figure is expected to rise, pressing for specialized and quality supported care for seniors. Bayshore Healthcare has the experience and wherewithal to meet this need.

A true Canadian success story, Bayshore has been involved in the community since 1966. It is the country’s largest provider of home care services. In Quebec alone, it boasts a field staff of over 245, from foot care nurses, homemakers, and companions, to paediatric nurses. Bayshore is committed to “enhancing the quality of life, independence and dignity of Canadians in their homes”. Built on the values of compassion, respect, patience and professionalism, Bayshore’s mission is to make a difference.

Home care is the most requested service in the Montreal region. Paula Habib, Manager of Clinic Operations, has over 20 years of experience in home care and in wellness development programs. Whether it be palliative care or light meal preparation, Bayshore home care offers personalized and affordable support. It ensures high quality care by supervising personnel and conducting a thorough background check on all staff members.

This healthcare provider passionately believes that people do better in a familiar environment, allowing clients to stay comfortable in their own homes with as much control as possible. It also offers shared care programs for groups of residents in the same building or location. Bayshore also

Bayshore’s Commitment to Home Care

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prices are competitive with internet shopping giants such as Amazon. As e-commerce grows at a breakneck pace, clients who prefer mulling over Montreal Lighting & Hardware’s product selection can place orders online from the comfort their own home.

Montreal Lighting & Hardware also carries the most impressive selection of cabinet, bath and door hardware from exclusive brands. As for lighting marques, these include sought-after Schonbek, Swarovski, Lladro, and Hubbardton Forge.

Designers and clients alike will highly enjoy the Montreal Lighting & Hardware experience. At the showroom, a personalized service awaits them, from certified lighting specialists on staff to an outstanding display of products. Online, their website is refined and easy to navigate. With prices a shopper can trust and an array of luxury products like none other, Montreal Lighting & Hardware are pioneers in their own right.

Visit: www.montreallighting.com

Montreal Lighting & Hardware throws a spotlight on the ultimate buying experience by offering showroom

shopping and online pricing. Founder siblings Freddie and Andree Naimer opened the brick-and-mortar showroom and launched the web-based business last spring.

With over 70 years of experience in the lighting industry between the two, the Naimers deliver a one-of-a-kind concept showroom, unequalled in perhaps the entire country. Housing leading-edge technology in LED applications, Montreal Lighting & Hardware spreads out spectacular lighting effects, from floating walls to optical illusions. As for residential solutions, ceiling and wall fixtures on display are intentionally installed on drywall instead of commercial tracks so clients have the opportunity to see fixtures in home type installations. The showroom also lays out under cabinet, indirect cove and recessed lighting possibilities.

Even more notable is the model condo, castled within the 14,000 square foot showroom. Demonstrating home automation, it allows clients to experience light controls and the finer tunings of motorized window treatments. The condo is actually 1 of 20 Lutron Experience Centers in North America, and the largest in Canada. Lutron is a worldwide leader in the lighting control industry and offers exceptional lighting solutions.

The success of Montreal Lighting & Hardware is built on its commitment to provide Canadian shoppers with the lowest possible landed price. With over 50,000 products offered on their website, many of which are high-end items,

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Walking Through Centre Mont-Royal

Montreal’s Premier Venue

handled with the utmost attention. From cuisine and transportation to guest accommodations, the CMR coordinator is equipped to handle all details from A-z. Whether a client is looking for an intimate boardroom or a grandiose ballroom, Centre Mont-Royal is more than able to fit the bill.

The centre’s fixed seating Symposia Theatre is a state-of-the-art and multi-functional space. It is an ideal venue for musicians to hold concerts, for agents to showcase talent, for film presentations, and conference lectures. This advanced multimedia setting’s incredible acoustics coupled with its ideal location in the city makes it perfect for almost any performance.

Centre Mont-Royal is a premier facility accredited by the prestigious IACC (International Association of Conference Centers of North America), and has been in successful operation for over thirteen years. The entire team, from event floor managers to Luis Ribiero, CMR Director of Sales & Marketing, is committed to providing first-rate service, “ensuring that each event is impeccable from beginning to end – every time”. It is a standard of quality that is unsurpassed. Visit: www.centremontroyal.com

Centre Mont-Royal, conference and special event centre, is at the top of its game, having overseen events for a host of

clients, from Pfizer to just for Laughs. Located in the core of downtown and its hotel network, the centre boasts a 730 person fixed seating theatre, three grand multi-functional foyers, six conference halls, ten meeting rooms, one VIP lounge, an inviting multi-level open lobby, on-site underground parking, and the new addition of an outdoor terrace.

Centre Mont-Royal (CMR), with its highly experienced staff and spacious venue, is also a wonderful setting for weddings, benefit galas and award ceremonies. The executive chef is none other than Montreal’s yves Malenfant. Malenfant and his kitchen brigade are renowned for their catering, which is highly influenced by seasonal fresh ingredients. The centre’s ultramodern kitchen, with a sprinkling of satellite kitchens throughout the venue, is equipped to serve up to 1000 gourmet meals a day.

Centre Mont-Royal’s talented and experienced coordinators ensure a seamless and successful event. Every client can rest assured that their day will be

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the same. He aims to take pictures of people as if he has known them for an entire lifetime. He reminds himself that it is an honour to be part of one of perhaps the most important days for a couple. Armed with curiosity and genuine talent, it is quickly apparent that he is a photographer who truly cares.

Recently, Touitou relocated his family to Montreal and founded Lilip Studio. With numerous clients in New york and Quebec, he decided that the beautiful city of Montreal would be the ideal home base. He is a photographer who is well versed, seasoned and impressively fluent in English, French and Hebrew. Philip Touitou not only sees a moment, but captures it with perspective and inspiration. Visit: www.lilipstudio.com or call 514-430-5403.

Philip Touitou can trace his love for photography back to one poetic moment. He was ten years old, walking along the

coast of Nice, France, when he snapped a photo of a rising wave with his father’s silhouette in the background. In the frame, the wave was frozen in the indistinguishable shape of his father’s silhouette, and the likeness made the two objects one. The shop owner who developed the young boy’s film told Touitou’s father that his son had an eye. Ever since, Touitou has been honing his gift and using the power of simple beauty to fuel and refine his photography.

It was only when Touitou moved to New york and met a charismatic filmmaker from Israel, who would later become his wife and partner, that he was encouraged to become a professional photographer. Well-travelled, he was able to take on projects all over the world, from jerusalem to New york, enjoying every still snapshot he captured. He has appreciated corporate clients from luxury hotels such as jumeirah International Hotels to magnificent landmarks such as Santa Maria Novella Firenze, but considers it also a great privilege to cover private events.

As a photographer, his unmistakable love for people sets him apart from others. His clients quickly feel at ease with him, and that lively energy is transparent most especially in his wedding portfolio and family portraits. Touitou not only believes that good communication is key, but that clients should look to him for assurance and reliability. Whether it be photojournalism or traditional poses, he approaches every wedding

A Lifetime In A Snapshot

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prides itself on its high quality ingredients, from the flour they use to the olive oil shipped directly from the owner’s family olive grove in Greece. And if at the end of the night’s experience, you have room for dessert, try the Panna Cotta alla Nutella.

A highlight to this restaurant is its two elegant private dining rooms. Receptions for 35 to 50 people can be held with group menus starting at $35 a person. Perfect for special occasions and corporate events, La Trattoria offers fine Italian dining in an intimate setting. The full restaurant, which seats 110, is also available for rental, during lunchtime on weekdays. The advantageous proximity of La Trattoria to Old Montreal, the Old Port and Downtown makes it an ideal meeting place.

It is the attention to fine details and business acumen that is transforming La Trattoria. Ted Dranias believes in true hospitality and feedback from his patrons. It will bring the warmth of a mediterranean taverna and the fragrant waft of an Italian kitchen to an otherwise crisp winter evening... Visit: www.latrattoria.ca or call 514-935-5050 for reservations.

Ted Dranias has now completed his second year as owner of La Trattoria. Ted saw the potential in the greystone

nestled on the corner of Notre Dame West and Guy. As a restauranteur with over 30 years of experience in the service industry, he was instantly allured by the Griffintown landmark location of La Trattoria. Since then, the restaurant has been revitalized with a complete make-over from the ground up.

The ambiance is festive and lively, keeping within the true Italian-style of a trattoria. The space, revamped in a modish black and white, features swank chandeliers. With regular opening hours beginning in the evening, the decor is a splendid pairing for a bring your own wine establishment.

Montrealers love a great ByOW, and La Trattoria does not disappoint. The menu serves classic Italian dishes, from Risotto to Osso Buco, as well as fresh delicious pasta and wood-fired oven pizzas. Sunday through Thursday the table d’hôte is specially priced at $25. As the wine is poured, a delicious flatbread Foccacia is served while you enjoy good company. The restaurant

Griffintown’s La Trattoria

Buon Appetito

CHANTALLE BOTzAS

New Years Eve Party $80/Person. 5 courses. Reservations Required.

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Enjoying the Moments that Matter

Five Tips for Stress-Free HolidaysConcierge Report

established that we are all too busy during the holidays. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so you don’t go overboard on food or drinks. Get plenty of sleep and physical activity.

Finally, put off until tomorrow what you can. Ask yourself, “Does this really need to be done today?” Things we may consider priorities can, in fact, be delayed until our plates are not as full.

Do you have personal or business needs you don’t have time for or simply don’t like to do? Montreal Errand Runners will take care of your day-to-day needs and leave you with more time for yourself and for moments that matter.

(514) 882-7219www.montrealrunners.com

Do you feel stressed or overwhelmed? Not enough hours in the day? you are not alone. With the holidays around

the corner, already stressful times become even more challenging. The expectations of the Norman Rockwell holiday bliss can cause stress for even the most balanced individuals, so here are five tips for stress-free holidays.

First, modify expectations. Hollywood, and our childhood memories or daydreams, leave us with images of fun family get-togethers, perfect gift exchanges, and romantic times by the fireplace. But honestly, when was the last time you roasted chestnuts? The holidays don’t have to be “perfect”. Keep traditions that mean the most and create new ones for your current situation.

Next, get organized. Create a “to do” list. Divide it into manageable chunks instead of trying to take care of everything at once. When you feel overwhelmed, take a break. Even a few minutes makes a big difference. When you complete a task, cross it off your list! The sense of accomplishment will boost your mood and lower your stress.

Third, limit your commitments. you don’t need to attend every holiday party or buy gifts for every one of your acquaintances. The holidays are about spending time with the people you love; you don’t need to do everything. Limiting your commitments can take a lot of stress out of the holiday season.

While you’ll certainly be tempted, don’t abandon healthy habits. We’ve already

RUTH HOVSEPIAN

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TANIA WIHL

Aeroplan Report

passes for a sporting event held in Ottawa. The cities currently listed for dExclusives rewards and events are Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

Finally, dExclusives offers another category of rewards, which consists of highly coveted items such as an autographed acoustic guitar by major music artists, or signed sports memorabilia. The rewards options have been handpicked by Aeroplan based on extensive research of Aeroplan Members’ passions and interests. Distinction members can place a bid of Aeroplan Miles for each reward available via dExclusives. The highest bidder at the closure of the auction wins. The Miles are then debited in exchange for the reward. In addition, Distinction members occasionally have access to ‘Redeem Now’ opportunities whereby special rewards will be offered in limited quantities and at a fixed amount of miles, giving members the thrill of accessing their dExclusives reward instantly. The current rewards are updated on Aeroplan’s dExclusives’ website and Twitter account @Aeroplan.

For more information about Aeroplan, please visit www.aeroplan.com

Aeroplan’s more than five million members can earn Aeroplan Miles with more than 150 brands. Now, Aeroplan’s top

mileage accumulating members based on total Aeroplan Miles earned across all coalition partners, including airline, travel, retail and financial card partners, can qualify for Distinction status, which provides reduced mileage on flight rewards, bonus offers and exclusive privileges.

Last May, Aeroplan unveiled ‘dExclusives’ rewards, as part of Distinction. Operating as part of an online auction program, dExclusives allows Aeroplan Distinction members to place bids on one-of-a-kind rewards while using their Aeroplan Miles. The available rewards are listed on the dExclusives website at www.aeroplan.com/dexclusives. Each reward is set up for auction and the current bid is shown in Miles. Categories of rewards include ‘Escapes’, ‘In the City’ and ‘Money Can’t Buy’. The escapes range from weekend getaways in Mexico, to ski weekends in Aspen, to a fine dining experience in New york City. dExclusives also offers access to events in major cities across Canada. These rewards may consist of tickets for a concert held in Calgary or

New Bidding Site for Rewards

Aeroplan’s New dExclusives


LR Home Report

IRAj NOURAIE

Other towns such as Lilihan, Nehavend and Hosseinabad became known to knowledgeable observers for their weaving quality and appealing designs. The numerous rugs identified as Hamadans and Sarouks became the best known in the West and the most widely available. Hamadan was the trading center for countless rugs made in hundreds of surrounding villages. When some rose-coloured Sarouk designs became popular in the 1920s, they were extensively copied throughout the nearby region. Only a small fraction could have been made in the village of Sarouk. Even in recent times, finely woven city carpets from Arak have often been identified in the trade as Sarouks.

With their rich indigo blues and subdued madder reds, Kurdish designs are generally not as vividly coloured as tribal Qashqai and Bakhtiari designs nor as bold geometrically as Turkoman weavings. From small rugs to room size carpets, Kurdish textiles communicate in a quieter way in contemporary homes. From simple geometrical designs to intricate curvilinear patterns, they seem to have a universal appeal. Visit www.nouraie.com or call 514-879-9176 for more information.

The Kurdish populations of Iraq, Syria, Turkey and western Iran have reluctantly found themselves at the center of world

events in recent decades. Even in Biblical times, the Kurdish people identified as Medes lived an eventful history. The regional center of Hamadan was once glorious Ecbatana, the wealthy summer capital of the powerful Achaemenid Empire. One must-see attraction for visitors to modern Hamadan is the tomb of Esther, the famous jewish queen of the Persian king Xerxes.

Despite dislocations and conflicts, the Kurdish production of textiles from western Iran has continued to communicate the lasting values of an ancient community. Using local wool supplies and dye materials, the old weaving center Sultanabad (now Arak) played an important role in the European revival of interest in Persian carpets in the 1870s. European and American companies established workshops in Sultanabad to satisfy the demand. The smaller cities Senneh (now Sanandaj), Feraghan and Bijar also became widely known in the 19th century for distinctive designs which were often very finely woven. Antique examples from this period are now highly prized.

Expressing a Timeless Way of Life

Carpets from Persian Kurdistan

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SUSAN CAMPBELL

Volkswagon Beetle halves covered entirely in colorful seashells. They were painted by designer Tommy Hilfiger! I would opt to call it zen chic.

Only the third floor was open to guests then, but they should fill up fast once completed, as its location is ideal. And the rooftop oasis infinity pool, bar and lounge right in the urban heart of Playa del Carmen is bound to be a big draw. It’s absolutely gorgeous and also hosts an air-conditioned fitness center looking out to the sea. Visit: www.HotelCacao.com.mx

We only had one night to explore Playa Del Carmen’s famous little seaside party town before our

transfer to Cozumel by ferry, but we made the most of it. A brand new luxury boutique hotel had just opened right downtown, supposedly within walking distance to all the action. It couldn’t have been closer! The new Hotel Cacao in fact was situated right over the street’s largest and loudest party bar, but once inside the lobby we were transported to an entirely different world.

The serene feeling begins the second you set foot toward reception. A soothing water wall flanks a calming lily pond pool, replete with ancient dugout canoe. It’s like walking into a tropical forest. Around the corner you are met by a stunning, vibrant and massive wall mural, a creation by a talented Brazilian artist named Kobra. It’s complex and impressive.

The mural sets the scene for the inner courtyard dining area – open-air save for some sail-like white triangles above that form a semi-canopied skylight effect. Everything for their new NIBS restaurant has been locally sourced, from the building materials to the menu items. We didn’t dine there, though, as we wanted to head out into the pandemonium in the streets! We ate at a lively touristy spot on the strip – kitschy, yes, with its mariachi bands and giant margaritas, but great fun.

Our room was fresh and modern, and so new you could still smell fresh paint. They call this hotel “hippie chic,” but the only thing “hippie” we encountered were the two

Playa Del Carmen’s New Urban Oasis

Hotel Cacao

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Twitter: @suectravelSUSAN CAMPBELL

Rafael Nadal’s Secret Escape

Captivating Cozumel

bedroom suites, some oceanfront, some swim-out, and some even with slides down into the pool! We stayed in the new Preferred Club section, which gives you additional offerings, including a private lounge with extra snacks and bar, and a dedicated concierge.

There are lots of pools, activities, bars, and even a sky bar and disco on the roof. Our favorite dining was seaside Oceana, and our pool butler service was insanely attentive, as was our beach waitstaff. In fact, it was almost impossible to raise a finger to refresh yourself wherever you were. Service was that good!

And though all Secrets resorts are strictly adult-only, you can also dine at the multiple restaurants or use the pools and bars at the family-friendly sister resort next-door: Sunscape Sabor Cozumel. There you’ll also find their shared Secrets Spa by Pevonia (fish pedicures are a specialty) and fitness center.

Of course, you also have a private pier and a beautiful sea to spend time in, and even hammocks right in the waves. Rafael chose the perfect spot for a secret hideaway. We loved it!Visit: www.secretsresorts.com/aura-cozumel

Though I’m not really a tennis fan, it’s hard not to have heard of hunky Spanish superstar Rafael “Rafa” Nadal

Parera, ranked 3rd in the world. Apparently, this professional tennis player fell so in love with Cozumel’s Secrets Aura Resort & Spa that he bought it! Sadly, though, he wasn’t on property during our visit.

Cozumel Island is just off the coast of the yucatán Peninsula. It’s a popular cruise ship port but most resorts are tucked away on their own from the main village. Many visitors access it via Cancun – an hour’s drive away – and take a ferry from Playa del Carmen, as we did. If you do, I highly recommend taking transfers by Amstar; they are always highly professional and reliable.

Secrets’ signature Unlimited Luxury® program once again did not disappoint. Eat and drink gourmet fare and top-shelf spirits to your heart’s content (no reservations required), and enjoy 24/7 room service, free WIFI and phone calls to North America, and so much more… with no bracelets required.

Accommodations include 238 one-

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awhile. Incredible! I then decided to tag along as a snorkeler on my friend’s dive trip with another on-site operator, Dive House, which, incidentally, is owned by ex-pat Canadians.

For our first stop, I snorkeled along on top. What was surreal was that the water was so clear that I could follow my friend’s dive from the surface, and see them clearly enough at 40 feet below to even take decent underwater photos of their progress. They were excited by their finds, which included three spotted eagle rays!

At our second stop, where the reef wall was quite close to the surface, I encountered so many fish near the top that some even ran right into my mask! It was like submerging into an aquarium. Amazing on all counts for both of us. I’m happy to note that as a totally protected marine park region, it will stay pristine for future generations to enjoy.

There are 20-some dive sites around Isla Cozumel. For more information visit: divepalancar.com and divehouse.com.

Iwas so excited to visit Cozumel because I’d heard that jacques Cousteau had declared part of the Mesoamerican

Barrier Reef System to be one of the best places in the world for spotting marine life – and I’m a snorkeling fanatic. I was also traveling with a certified diver who was excited to experience it. But you need not be a diver to see plenty of marine life there. In fact, you barely need to swim when you stay at Secrets Aura Cozumel.

Wading into the water right off the beach you’ll see tons of juvenile fish, maybe even a lobster and some baby stingrays! Also, at the end of their private pier you can look down and see lots of big fish that make their home there. But we were out to find even more, so we booked a snorkel boat trip with one of their on-site operators, Dive Palancar.

We saw starfish, small sharks, manta rays, barracuda, moray eels, a slew of colorful tropical fish… and I even had the chance to snorkel along with a loggerhead sea turtle

Scuba & Snorkeling Nirvana

Cozumel, Mexico:


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a seven-passenger Cessna Conquest plane to Sarasota, where limousines will transport you to your beachfront suite at The Resort at Longboat Key Club for two nights and three days of active fun at the sprawling 410-acre complex.

Enjoy two championship golf courses, the award-winning 20-court Har-Tru clay tennis gardens, a Mind & Motion studio (offering daily yoga, spinning & zumba classes), and a newly renovated spa, not to mention an expansive stretch of healing quartz sand beach cresting the calm Gulf of Mexico waters. Dining at six on-property restaurants with a range of fine cuisines made with locally-sourced produce, freshly caught seafood and handmade pastas will fuel your energy or lull you into an ultimately relaxed state – your choice.

Then take back to the skies in style aboard the private jet to your jupiter departure. Limousine transfers, champagne arrivals, sumptuous meals and first-class service all the way. Now that’s going “coastal” with cachet!

For full package details, visit www.longboatkeyclub.com/coasttocoast or www.jupiterbeachresort.com/coasttocoast. To book, contact Aura jets at 1-888.908.039.

Sure, the A-listers know how to travel in style, and now you can too – with a rock star-worthy package spanning two of the

Sunshine State’s hottest coastal escapes. It’s all pre-packaged for ultimate luxury and upscale pleasure… every step of the way.

Two Four-Diamond resorts, jupiter Beach Resort and The Resort at Longboat Key Club, have partnered up with a private jet charter, Aura jets, to offer travelers a hassle-free and ultra-luxurious Florida coast-to-coast holiday.

The out-of-this-world experience begins in “America’s happiest seaside town,” jupiter, Florida, where guests will enjoy a laid-back escape in an oceanfront suite at jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. On offer there is an enticing selection of decadent spa services, eco-friendly activities like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking through the area’s mangroves (where you’ll likely run into some friendly manatees), and delightful dinners at the resort’s signature and uber romantic restaurant Sinclair’s – the only oceanfront dining room in town. Outdoor fire pits and hammocks on the beach plus seaside hot tubs with waterfalls all add to the allure.

On day three, you’ll be whisked away on

Resort-Hop Florida Like A Celeb

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planet. Even when we made mistakes with local customs (do your homework, there are many), crucified the local language, or were flabbergasted by the money exchange (I had to withdraw half a million rupiahs at an ATM to obtain a mere $50 American), they were always patient, smiling, generous and extremely polite – even when they didn’t understand a word I was saying.

I was also impressed with Bali’s new Denpasar International Airport. Opened in August 2013, it’s a massive multi-level re-creation of their famous temple style offset by ultra-modern mirrored-glass, concrete and steel, and surrounded by beautiful zen gardens. It’s delightful. But after a quick dinner at a local Chinese restaurant on arrival (after our 36-hour journey), a short sleep, and a brief but delicious breakfast buffet at our first host, the pleasing Kuta Paradiso Hotel, I wasn’t ready to see it again so soon. But we were on a mission. So back we went early morning to board a regional jet to explore the neighboring island of Lombok.

Six islands in seven days? It’s ludicrous to try and cover so much the first time you go to Indonesia, and I don’t recommend

it. But as guests of the Indonesian government, our mission was to discover what an interesting region there is beyond Bali – in a very short time.

To give you an idea of what lies beyond Bali, consider that the Republic of Indonesia is the fourth most populated country in the world, with some 250 million people spread over 1,919,440 square kilometers of an archipelago that consists of 17,508 islands – 6,000 of which are inhabited. And though Indonesia currently has the largest Muslim population in the world, there are some 300 ethnic groups, 742 different languages, and many other religions as well. So even after ten flights, countless miles by car, van, trucks, boats and even cidomo (horse and cart), we barely scratched the surface. But we sure did learn a lot.

No matter where we went, I did get a sense of the people, and I found them among the friendliest and most welcoming on the

Travel Report

An Introduction to Bali & Beyond

Whirlwind Tour of Indonesia


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Eclectic Experiences & Local Culture

Lombok, Indonesia

Also a treat was our stop at the monkey forest, where we were joined by lots of cheeky primates looking for handouts. They are used to folks stopping by, but not tame by any stretch of the imagination. Best to keep a respectful distance and throw the peanuts from afar. We also visited the fishermen’s village, where they still make the nets by hand and use the ancient colourful, hand-painted outrigger canoes to get their catch.

After a full day of explorations, we checked into the Holiday Resort Lombok – a beautiful property with a great beach and an expansive water circuit. Sadly, it was too late to take a dip, but I did manage to capture a spectacular sunset photo. They also have a sea turtle preservation program.

Though we didn’t have a chance to explore their popular natural attractions, like the caves and waterfalls, Lombok, though interesting and friendly, didn’t seem extremely tourist oriented. It’s their little satellite island Gili Trawangan that really draws visitors. And that’s where we were headed next.

The aerial view of the Lombok strait that connects the java Sea to the Indian Ocean was gorgeous. But what struck

me the most as we began descending were the mosques. Their round, pastel-painted tops popped up in every little pocket of population, dotting the vast expanse of green like brightly colored upside-down eggcups. And the Lombok airport was impressive and new. But what really stood out once on land were the scooters! The most popular form of transportation there, they were everywhere! Entire families were on board just one of them – no helmets – and often carrying all kinds of big, unwieldy wares in an uncanny balancing act. Surreal.

For us, highlights included a visit to a local market, where our very congenial guide, Harry, introduced us to his home community, where they rarely see foreigners. They welcomed us with great glee. It was a kaleidoscopic crush of colour and activity, and the vendors, instead of hassling us to buy things, were more intent on our taking their photos! It was a warm and wonderful experience.


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Unfortunately, it was a full moon that day, making the waters uncommonly rough, so our snorkeling tour was sadly canceled. But we did take solace in the massive seaside circuit of wonderful waterfalls, lively pool bars and luxurious hot tubs instead.

My suite was gorgeous, with a spacious outdoor lounge of its own, a semi-outdoor bathroom with a rain shower – spouting seawater only – and a freshwater cistern to rinse with. The seaside dining spot was also superb. We enjoyed a lunch of local fare and a tropical international dinner there, and a massive buffet breakfast at their charming poolside restaurant. They also have a first-rate spa, but we didn’t have time for a treatment. The main reception building is also noteworthy for its intricately carved wood exterior.

I found it so inviting there that I could have easily spent an entire week, but I’ll have to be satisfied with just a small taste of Gili Tra-La-La. It was so palatable, though, I will certainly sing its praises.

Visit: www.gili-paradise.com.

Just off the coast of Lombok lie the Gilis – a trio of tiny, sparsely inhabited satellite islands. The most visited with the most

resorts is Gili Trawangan, which doesn’t even have cars (or dogs, apparently). Visitors arrive by boat and are then transported by horse and cart (cidomo). Some call it simply “Gili T,” but the locals have helped visitors by also christening it “Gili Tra-La-La,” for those who can’t pronounce or remember “Trawangan.”

There are speedboat taxis from Lombok, but if you stay at Hotel Vila Ombak as we did, they have their own private boat shuttle. As we arrived, it was as tropical paradise a scene as you’ll get – tall palms, aqua seas and bikini-clad tourists (mostly from Australia) sunning on blindingly white sands.

Hotel Vila Ombak is the first international standard 5-star resort on the island, and directly beside it is the main tourist strip, a lively and colorful crush of shops and activity operators. Snorkeling, diving and boat tours are the most popular in these idyllic waters, and it’s called “The turtle capital of the world.”

A Symphony of Pleasurable Pastimes

Gorgeous Gili Tra-La-La


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backed by a spectacular sunset, was magical. This island is predominately Catholic, and

for some reason a lot of Italians had settled there as well. So it was only apropos that we have some artisanal pizza for dinner instead of Asian food, and it went perfectly with an ice-cold Bintang – the local beer. The reefs there also attract divers from around the world, with some 40 dive sites off Flores’ coast. The opportunity to dive with gigantic manta rays, spot dolphins and whales in the wild is the big lure. Unfortunately we didn’t have the chance to do that either, but we did get a chance to snorkel at beautiful Pink Beach, and it was exciting to see species of colorful fish not found on this side of the globe.

We stayed at Bintang Flores Hotel, a four-star stay in Labuan Bajo. It had a gorgeous water circuit, a wonderful buffet breakfast and a great vibe, but I was disappointed that the sea wasn’t clean enough to swim in. Next up, we were off to chase Komodo dragons. Visit: www.florestourism.com and www.wonderfulindonesia.com

A short flight from Bali is neighboring island Flores, a location just beginning to attract tourism. Unfortunately, due

to time constraints (we were only visiting one night) we didn’t get to trek up to the awesome volcanic lakes on top of Mt. Kelimutu that constantly change color, but we did see some pretty cool things.

Upon arrival, we immediately set off up an extremely steep mountain road to a special ceremony waiting for us hosted by the island’s native people, the Manggarai. Though this ritual ceremony should really go on for a few days, we were treated to a shorter version.

The tribal chief welcomed us into his little village, and we were invited to partake in traditional rituals like drinking some local spirits (which were very strong) and eating some larvae (which I passed on). Then they entertained us royally with their colorful whip fight dance called the “Caci” and some other traditional dances handed down through the centuries. It was a colorful spectacle and the setting, on top of a mountain

Bali’s Shy Sister

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bloodstream, and they can eat 80 percent of their body weight in one feeding. Creepy creatures indeed.

To see them, we visited two reserves in Komodo National Park. The creatures are protected now as their numbers are dwindling, but they do run wild. The first one was Komodo Island, where herds of roaming deer are their main meals. It was quite nerve wracking, as our guide carried only a big two-pronged stick to protect us should one take a liking to us. The second was Rinca Island, where monkeys are on their menu, and again, it was easy to be paranoid as six of them were right under the gamekeeper’s shack. As we were busy taking photos of one (thank goodness for zoom lenses) I noticed one quietly ambling toward us from behind. Truthfully, though I was glad to have seen them, I was just as glad to leave!

Later we got back on the boat to go snorkeling off a beautiful secluded beach not known for Komodos – which was a good thing, because apparently they swim well, too!

Visit: www.komodo-park.com

Only in Indonesia will you find one of the world’s most ancient creatures – the Komodo Dragon. They

inhabit the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Padar and Gili Motang. And when you do encounter them, it should be under controlled circumstances, as these giant lizards are not choosy when it comes to prey. Monkeys, deer, pigs, birds, water buffalo and even slow running humans will do. They even eat their own young! Babies quickly climb the nearest tree and live there until large enough to fend off others.

They are patient, too. Masters of camouflage, they lie in wait until something walks by and then attack. And they can run surprisingly fast given their size – they can grow up to ten feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds. But even if the intended victim gets away after being bitten, the Komodo will follow it around using its tongue to track the scent until the inevitable blood poisoning occurs. Komodo saliva is full of bacteria that can kill within 24 hours of entering the

Travel Report

The Modern-Day Dragons of Indonesia

Komodo Encounters


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Twitter: : @Anny_KazANNy KAzANjIAN

there’s even a lively group of strangers at the bar every night. That in itself is worth the stay.

This New England town also serves up great food. We had the pleasure of dining at the stylish Black Cap Grille on the famous Route 16 strip. The evening began with martinis by a cozy fireplace, followed by a heavenly dish of clam chowder, delicious lobster-filled raviolis, and an exquisitely prepared swordfish, replete with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Suffice it to say, I had no room for the delectable desserts. Ask for owner Benjamin Williams. Horsefeathers, a landmark pub and restaurant with its multiple television screens, is also a great dining option.

Although we had no time for outdoor activities (unless you count marathon shopping), this region offers amazing hiking and world class skiing. More than 3000 chair lifts, trams and gondolas carry thousands of skiers to the peaks of some of the finest ski hills in the eastern United States. Apparently, the lines to go up are so minimal that many Quebecers opt to visit North Conway for the best March break skiing there is. À très bientôt!

If you have holiday shopping to do, get in the car and head to North Conway, New Hampshire, and get set for tax free outlet

shopping tout de suite!just a few hours’ drive from Montreal,

the area is a year-long shopper’s paradise. you can find more than 100 factory outlet stores, most of them located at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, home to Coach, Banana Republic, Nike, Kays jewelers and more. The town’s charming main street is home to antique shops, specialty ski shops, unique boutiques, zeb’s General Store, and even the 75-year-old No. Conway Five and Dime store.

The lodging options run from B&B Inns to 5-star resorts. We stayed at the magnificent White Mountain Hotel & Resort. Situated at the base of White Horse Ledge, the setting is spectacular. This graceful hotel, with its modern conveniences (free wi-fi throughout), is perfect for couples and families alike. you’ll especially enjoy the heated outdoor pool. Guests don the robe and slippers provided in each room to head down for a swim. Staff is friendly and the rooms are extra-large, and

Not Just a Shopper’s Delight

North Conway

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