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georgiapeach:
WEEK 6: Pride of Winnipeg

What a treat to be back in Manitoba. I love Winnipeg. Russell is only about three and a half hours northwest of the city, so I spent a lot of time here growing up. It’s great to be here for the sixth leg and get a little taste of home at the midpoint of the series. We Manitobans share a real pride in showcasing this province.

 

A huge shout out to the lovely ladies making Winnipeg’s best pierogies at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Ivan Suchavsky. These gals are so sweet and happy, and besides their delicious peirogies, you can also fill up on their positivity and generous spirit of giving back to the community.



 I picked up a few bags of these heavenly peirogies for the family, and was lucky to be able to hand-deliver to my very thrilled mom. They’ve pinched and bagged over 27 million of these beauties and counting! The standards are high for this challenge, racers beware!


 My heart was racing all the way to the home of the 
Winnipeg Jets, my very first time inside the MTS Centre. What a tremendous amount of pride I felt to be able to skate out onto that ice–one of those moments where being a fan and doing this job leaves you thankful and overwhelmed that I get to be here. I had a blast with the Jets’ mascot Mick E. Moose, he’s not a very talkative fellow but sometimes that’s the best kind of associate.


 

Winnipeg Jets fans are very passionate and I know this entire city was over-the-moon when the team came back. This is my first time back on skates in six or seven years, and gliding out onto that ice and donning the Jets jersey was an incredible feeling, picturing the seats full of screaming fans. It’s a dream come true for any Manitoba kid, any Canadian kid really. I grew up playing hockey, my team actually won the Western Canadian Bantam Bronze in 1994, and we’re celebrating our 20 year reunion this summer.

 

Very cool to visit the Royal Canadian Mint, a true world leader in coins. Not only do they create currencies for over 75 countries, but the Vancouver 2010 medals were also produced and supplied by the Royal Canadian Mint. Full circle!

 

Always great to see the old downtown buildings, really cool that the Exchange District is part of this leg. The old “ghost signs” on these building are a safeguarded piece of Winnipeg’s history, like walking around a giant outdoor museum.



The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, opening in September 2014, has been one of the greatest developments for this city in recent years. What a marvel of architecture. It means a great deal to Winnipeg, not only the cultural significance, but shows a progressive side to this city. The 360 degree view is phenomenal from the top of the 330 tower of hope, and once again makes me very proud to be here and from here.

 

I’ve been blessed to spend the day with Royal Winnipeg Ballet principal dancer Amanda Green. I have a real appreciation for these artists, the athleticism, the years of discipline and hard work, it’s astounding. I promised Amanda I would attend my first ballet this summer and had her teach me a few moves. I think I need some more practice.



(I think Amanda has her work cut out for her...)
 

Next up we cross the Atlantic Ocean to France and make our way to Normandy. This is a moment I’ve been looking forward to all season. A chance to see where just 70 years ago Canadian soldiers helped change the course of history. I’ve heard Canadians are still very well received in this part of the world it will be interesting to see just how much…stay tuned!
 
See the pics and more here: http://www.ctv.ca/TheAmazingRaceCanada/Articles/Jonsblog/Week6.aspx

georgiapeach:
WEEK 7: Normandy

History, Legacy, and the Hallowed Sands of Juno Beach

 By Jon Montgomery
8/20/2014 9:23:07 AM
 

With the knowledge that we were travelling to Normandy for the seventh leg of the Race, I felt impassioned and eager to visit a place with such historical significance. Leaving my home province of Manitoba and journeying to France, I couldn’t help but wonder what must’ve been running through the troops’ minds making this trip over 70 years ago.

 

During the First and Second World Wars, our troops were involved in some of the pivotal moments and battles.  From the tragic Flanders Fields in neighbouring Belgium, to the catastrophic events of Dieppe, to the landings on D-Day in Normandy, Canadian soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice and I wanted to honour this at each and every step. I was keen to also see how Canadian soldiers’ legacy remains in these communities. I understand that, to this day, the residents of regional villages and towns still pay tribute to Canadians for liberating them from Nazi occupation.


It’s roughly 250 kilometres from Paris to Normandy, and once outside the metropolitan area the landscape suddenly transforms into the famed idyllic French countryside. It’s truly magical. The first thing I noticed is how much older the buildings are here, compared to those at home in Canada. The small towns, churches and farmlands are so well preserved. It’s a history buff’s dream.

(A picturesque shot of Bayeux)
 

Normandy is a very large region of France; it covers roughly five percent of the country. This area is chock-full of history dating back over a thousand years to the Vikings who conquered this part of France. The Normans (which apparently means “Northmen”) as they would become known, were a pretty fierce and progressive bunch, equally famous for their military spirit and their culture. 

 

A good example of Norman history can be found in the Bayeux Museum where one can find The Bayeux Tapestry, a mesmerizing 229-foot long, 19-inch high embroidery that depicts the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, from 1064 to the outcome of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This conquest made William the Conqueror the first Norman king of England. It was created with mind-blowing detail, and is over 900 years old. 



(Standing in front of The Bayeux Tapestry)
 

Upper Normandy is situated on the English Channel, where epic battles and clashes have occurred for hundreds of years, culminating in the most recent – and biggest single-day assault ever launched – the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. More on that later…

 

We sat down for a meal at one of the 
restaurants


  in the neat little seaside town where we stayed in Normandy. In one of my more risqué moments, I and a few of my companions ordered the seafood platter, thinking it would be a bounty of local seafood treasures caught that day…however, it was more a heaping plate full of mixed odd, slimy, unseasoned, ice cold snails and alien-looking crustaceans. I’m an adventurous eater, but this cuisine was out of my league. I did finish it, I’m proud to say, but just a warning for anyone travelling to that part of the world, beware of les bulots. That’s all I’m gonna say on the subject.
 

One of our stops was the Calvados Boulard distillery, a beautiful place that produces perhaps the finest example of this distinctly local libation. It’s an apple brandy, made from distilled cider, and it would have been disrespectful for me to not sample several varieties of this famous regional beverage, that they have been making here since 1825.




(I couldn't visit the Calvados Boulard without sampling some delicious apple brandy...)
 

The Percheron horses were a marvel to behold, what magnificent animals. And it couldn’t have been a more picturesque location, a working farm in the middle of the rolling French countryside, magnifique!

 

I can confirm that the reports are true; the people who live in this area of France are big fans of Canadians. Everywhere you look in these small towns are tributes to Canada. Nowhere is this more expressed than at “Canada House”, the first home liberated by The Queen’s Own Rifles on D-Day. The current owners maintain it as a museum, where locals and tourists can see relics and artifacts. There’s a famous photo of Canadian troops landing on D-Day with this very house in the background. The owners pointed out a really neat page in the guestbook, where Ernie Kells, a Canadian veteran on a recent trip wrote, “Sorry about throwing grenades in your cellar.” Now that’s amazing. So proud to be a Canadian, that after almost 70 years this guy still has a sense of humour. To think what he must’ve been through on that day and the days that followed.

 

As the culmination of our trip we made our way to Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, the resting place of fallen Canadian soldiers. I was doing my best to prepare emotionally, it is a great responsibility to make sure we do these men justice, as a great many Canadians have a connection to the First or Second World War. As a matter of fact my grandfather James Gilmour was a navigator during the Second World War. He stayed in Manitoba to teach after graduating second in his class, while his identical twin brother Wes enlisted and was killed in a plane crash while training in Manitoba. As we approached the cemetery, I thought of how this war affected all the wives, mothers, fathers, families and communities back home in Canada.



(Reflecting at the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery...)
 

I took a little time to let it all sink in at the cemetery, looking at the headstones, how young these men were, and saw just how many graves there are – and this is just one of several cemeteries across the region – it’s staggering and extremely powerful. You can’t help but put yourself there, imagining what it must have been like, whether parachuting in on a pre-dawn raid, or navigating heavy arms fire landing on the beach, as comrades fell and died beside you.

 

In a lifetime of unforgettable moments, this will stand as one that is without equal. I hope to bring my family here one day to experience  the admiration  for their sacrifice . It is something I feel every Canadian should see.  And I feel so grateful.  It is a feeling I will carry with me for the rest of my days.



(Walking along Juno Beach)
 

A huge thanks to the Juno Beach Centre, and Jim Parks, who we were very lucky to spend some time with. The stories and memories he shared were extraordinary. And at 89 years old Jim remembers everything as though it were yesterday. Jim landed on Juno Beach with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles on June 6, 1944, almost instantly watching 24 of his buddies fall.


(With Canadian War Veteran Jim Parks at Juno Beach)

 Their legacy will never be forgotten, and it is something the people of Normandy hold dear to their hearts. Canadians were among thousands of Allied troops to land that day and to help liberate France. There is nothing more a human being can do than sacrificing their own life for others.  This has never been more clear to me, standing on the sands of Juno Beach.


read and see the pics here: http://www.ctv.ca/TheAmazingRaceCanada/Articles/Jonsblog/Week7.aspx

Leafsfan:
Week 8: Paris

GETTING TO KNOW PARIS
Still reeling from our time travelling around Normandy and the emotional experiences culminating at Juno Beach, it was a reflective overnight trip to Paris. We arrived late and we were up and at ‘em with an early start, on a very bright morning in Paris. Of course it started with a coffee and croissant. Are we really in Paris???
 
What hasn’t been said about this city? It’s stunning from every angle. As this is my first time here, I’m naturally sad that I can’t experience this with my wife Darla. Love was certainly in the air for Audrey and Alain when they checked in at the Pit Stop, ooh la la!
 
It takes about one second to see why this is one of the top destinations for travellers from all over the world. The lure of legendary cuisine, the rich history, the ornate and mind-boggling architecture spanning centuries – it’s an overload for the senses. The symmetry of this city, and how rows and rows of buildings vanish into the horizon, it’s staggering.
 
One thing I noticed right away are the bustling  cafés   – one on every corner. The chairs do not face each other, rather, they face the sidewalks so patrons can watch the people streaming past them as they sip their ritual brew. It’s a very, very busy city and there is no shortage of interesting people to look at from all walks of life. There’s a palpable energy here, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I suppose that no matter what century it is Paris will always be one of the most modern cities on earth, yet it retains the timelessness of being a hotbed of civilization for thousands of years.
 
Oh, and it’s springtime. Springtime in Paris. I mean…c’mon. It’s perfect.

I don’t know if you can fully prepare for when you see the  Eiffel Tower   or Arc de Triomphe for the first time. I’ve seen these things in pictures and movies since I was a kid, the ultimate iconic monuments of Paris. The sheer massive scale of these things, it’s overwhelming. I just found myself staring at them and getting lost in the moment. And that happens about every 10 seconds in Paris. One thing I have to recommend is driving around the Arc de Triomphe, it is the single most harrowing and inconceivable traffic circle I’ve ever witnessed. Drivers on the right slow down, to let the drivers on the left pass, who let the drivers on their left pass, who let the…it’s confusing! Advanced Parisian driving. It makes Hong Kong look like Russell, Manitoba!
 
It’s really neat how Paris is fragmented into districts, 20 of them in total, called arrondissements. These are arranged in a sort of spiral originating outward from the centre of the city. I would love to spend some time here and get to know each district, we stayed in the 14th arrondissement.

I was very impressed by the Centre Pompidou, a massive modern museum in the 4th arrondissement. The stylish Marais District where the café Detour was held, and Notre Dame Cathedral, are also in the 4th arrondissement. We visited the Notre Dame Cathedral, I’m told it’s the finest example of French gothic architecture in the world. I’d have to agree. So I feel like I’m an expert on this arrondissement.

The Île aux Cygnes where the Mentos Roadblock was held is a very interesting man-made island in the middle of The Seine. There is a replica of the Statue of Liberty, given to the city of Paris by Americans living in Paris to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. It’s about one quarter the size of the big lady overlooking Manhattan. Pretty cool!

After a long couple days of running around Paris, soaking it all in, it was incredibly fun to spend time with Ivan the mime at the Pit Stop. Some of the best conversations I’ve had in recent memory.

The Seine, the river that divides the city, is a magical serpentine waterway and the banks are lined with unimaginably beautiful buildings as far as you can see. Left Bank or Right Bank, I can’t believe how beautiful this city is. Paris, I will be back, I hardly got to know you – you are everything I’ve heard and more.
 
Off to  Montreal  ! One of my favourite Canadian cities, what will we get up to there?

Source:http://www.ctv.ca/TheAmazingRaceCanada/Articles/Jonsblog/Week8.aspx

Leafsfan:
Week 9: RACING AROUND MONTREAL
Continuing on the French theme, we landed in Montreal. My wife Darla and I spend quite a lot of time here as she frequently sees a Montreal-based osteopath for concussion treatment. I’m always happy to be in this fantastic city. The food, the fun, the culture and look to this city have made it a favourite place and one of Canada’s true world class destinations.


(A city street in Montreal)
 
I should mention that the were in the midst of their playoff run when we there, the town was electric. Good run from the Habs this season!
 
I was beyond excited to be taking a brand-new Chevrolet Camaro SS for a spin at Circuit ICAR on the old runway at Mirabel Airport. I’m a car nut, so this was tailor-made for me, man those cars have a lot of giddy up! Donning the suit, helmet and accoutrements (all this French is rubbing off on me) was a super treat, and really too much fun. Our friend and Roadblock judge Claude showed me some new techniques, I’m ready for the oval track! Seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, this place is a must for any car or driving enthusiast.


(All suited up and ready to go at Circuit ICAR)
 
It was a treat to meet the guys who run, their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious. I love a good food truck and this one is up there with one of the best I’ve experienced.
 
It was also very interesting to visit Espace Verre, a glass making school and gallery, yet another first for me. It’s so cool what a trained artist can do with this material.
 
The Pit Stop at the top of The Belvedere in the Montreal Science Centre had an impressive view of Old Montreal, it’s such an old city with such modern flair. We were overlooking the massive tents – a spectacle I’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand. It’s mind-blowing entertainment and started right here in Canada. I was lucky enough to hang out with one of Cirque du Soleil’s incredible performers. During downtime and in between soakings from the rain on the exposed rooftop, I would notice him just standing on his head or doing some sort of inconceivable flexibility training. Like I said, mind-blowing.

 
Another great time in Montreal, however brief. It’s a nice transition from France to Montreal, as we ease back into Canada from our time overseas. Next stop is the gorgeous province of Prince Edward Island, I feel I might be getting my lobster on when next I check in…

Leafsfan:
Week 10: CANADA’S HOMETOWN
Ah, Prince Edward Island, where a fair-skinned ginger such as myself feels right at home. Canada’s smallest province packs an impressive history, and it is every bit as beautiful as you may have heard. The people are incredibly friendly too, and the  seafood   is world class, I feel right at home here.

There’s no shortage of fresh air in Canada, but there’s something about the ocean breezes you encounter on PEI that are like nowhere else. The green rolling hills, the seaside towns and fishing boats and red sand beaches, it’s a truly unique Maritime setting.

It is crucial to put lobster at the top of your must-do list when you are on the island, there’s no shortage of restaurants, they all do a great job with this particular crustacean. Oysters, mussels – whatever you fancy – this is the place to find the best the Atlantic coast has to offer. Speaking of mussels, it was cool to spend some time at Aqua Farms and see how this top notch facility cultivates and harvests these tasty little shellfish by the millions, astounding!

What a treat to visit Province House, a National Historic Site, which is known as the birthplace of Confederation. The provincial assembly still meets here, a beautiful building that’s been around since 1847.  It’s incredible that we were able to visit Charlottetown in 2014, which marks the 150th anniversary (that’s a sesquicentennial for anyone keeping track) of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference.  It was here at Province House in 1864 that a group of our budding country’s delegates met, later known as the Fathers of Confederation, and they discussed options for uniting the existing provinces. Three years later their initial ideas became the first step in making this country we now call Canada a reality, when the British North America Act was signed on July 1, 1867 (hey that’s Canada Day!)

My dad is a history teacher so anything relating to history really hits home. We were so lucky to be able to go to the actual room where these guys met and discussed how they might go about forging a nation. The chamber and its contents are kept exactly the way it would have been 150 years ago, when these ideas started taking shape. To see this place really is a must for any Canadian.
 
I also really enjoyed working with the Confederation Players, these folks not only looked the part but they helped set the scene in Province House. This is one of my favourite Roadblocks we’ve ever done.

I suppose we should also mention the potatoes, I have never climbed onto a mountain of any foodstuff, it was mindboggling to see that many tubers in one room. Unforgettable.
 
And what would a trip to PEI be without spending some time with Anne of Green Gables, the literary hero of this fair island. Our gal was a hoot and what a super location in Rustico, gorgeous setting and a perfect place to end the leg. 

We’re getting down to the wire here in Season 2, next week is the semi-finals and we head to  New Brunswick  .  You won’t want to miss this one as we find out who gets to the finale and gets to play for over a half a million dollars in cash and prizes!

Source:http://www.ctv.ca/TheAmazingRaceCanada/Articles/Jonsblog/Week10.aspx

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