Sunday, September 26, 2010

Travel to Columbia

Colombia’s back. After decades of civil conflict, Colombia is now safe to visit and travelers are discovering what they’ve been missing. The diversity of the country may astonish you. Modern cities with skyscrapers and nightclubs? Check. Gorgeous Caribbean beaches? Check. Jungle walks and Amazon safaris? Check. Colonial cities, archaeological ruins, high-mountain trekking, whalewatching, coffee plantations, scuba diving, surfing, the list goes on.
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No wonder the ‘magic realism’ style of Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez emerged from here – there is a dreamlike quality to Colombia. Here at the equator, with the sun forever overhead, the fecund earth beneath your feet, heart-stopping vistas in every direction and the warmth of the locals putting you at ease – you may find it difficult to leave.

Colombian culture, like the country’s weather, varies by altitude. The essence of Colombia resides in the mountains in the alpine cities of Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, and the smaller cities of the Zona Cafetera. This is the industrial heartland of the country. Geographical isolation has kept the accent relatively unaffected by outside influence; Spanish here is precise and easy to understand. The infrastructure in the mountain region is good, the water drinkable, the roads well maintained. In the heat of the Caribbean coast, life is slower, and the culture more laid-back. The accent is the unhurried drawl of the Caribbean basin, and the infrastructure, unfortunately, is still in need of some attention.

In darker days people used to say, ‘if only it weren’t for the violence and drugs, Colombia would be paradise.’ Well the drugs may still be here but the violence is gone, at least for now, and it is, indeed, paradise. It is an easy country to fall in love with, and many travelers do. It could well become your favorite country in South America.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Sturgeon River House Museum

Sturgeon Falls and Area History Displayed at Sturgeon River House Museum!

Step back in time at the Sturgeon River House Museum located on Fort Road, not far from the town of Sturgeon Falls. There are numerous exhibits and photos as well as information and memorabilia on the area fur trade, the Sturgeon fishing in Sturgeon Falls where at one time it is rumored some of the best caviar in the world was found.

Sturgeon River House Museum is a two-level 12,000 sq. ft. building surrounded by a large 12 ft. high palisade. On the main floor you can find the exhibits on the fur trading era, a small boutique for those who like to purchase souvenirs and snacks as well as an exhibit/conference hall complete with kitchen and bar.

A trek to the second floor will bring you to our temporary exhibits hall. Presently, you can view a display on the French pioneers of the West Nipissing area. Most of the exhibits depict the era of the fur trade from 1623 to 1879 and portray pioneer life in West Nipissing between 1878 and 1939. Outside in the Museum’s inner court you can walk around the Charles’ blacksmith shop, peek through the windows of a pioneer log home known as “la Maison Major”, check out the ice in our ice house or take in the sights from a viewing area.

Located right on the banks of the Sturgeon River, this museum is situated on the site of an original Hudson Bay Company Trading Post. The permanent exhibit features displays on the fur trade and fur bearing animals of our region.

Many events are held at the museum including weddings, fundraisers, the annual Northern Pike Tournament, Canada Day celebrations and plenty of other school programs and activities throughout the year. In addition to this the Museum also has some lovely walking trails. These wetland nature trails are approximately 4 kilometers and provide a wonderful outing for the family after visiting the museum.

Upcoming temporary displays will feature a Remembrance Day display honouring our veterans and a display on the Lake Sturgeon as well as the history of commercial fishing in our area.

You will find Sturgeon River House located in the town of Sturgeon Falls. Turn left off Highway 17 onto Lablanc Rd. and then right and another left onto Fort Road. For more information, please contact the museum at 705-753-4716.