How to Prepare for your US Tourist Visa

Back in 1990, my siblings and I were granted an HB-1 Visa when my mother got accepted as a Hubert Humphrey scholar at the University of Texas. Those visas were left unused however but since then, I have had the desire to visit the land of milk and honey, not to mention, Hollywood!

Last year, after getting our immigration papers in Canada, my family of 3 applied for a US Visa so we could finally fulfill that long-desired visit. We were all fortunate to have been granted 10-year multiple entry visa.

For those who aspire for the US Non-Immigrant (Tourist) visa but are not in the know-how of things, here are a few things I can share regarding the experience.

Toronto's Winterlicious - Grab it before it's too late

Since 2003, the City of Toronto has been promoting restaurants during the low season.  Dubbed as Winterlicious, this year's event starts from January 30 to February 12, 2015. With few days left on the calendar, be sure to make the trip and don't forget to make your reservation.  Seats tend to be full especially for dinner. 

Currently the prices are $18, $23 or $28 for lunch and $25, $35 or $45 for dinner, with drinks and gratuity extra.

My favorite so far has been the lobster menu at Toula Restaurant and Bar at  Westin Harbour Castle right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Nothing beats a sumptuous meal with a nice view.

Check out the list here participating restaurants. 

My First Ski Trip

When I first came to Canada, one of the things I wanted to cross off my to-do bucket list was the chance to go on a Ski Trip. Coming from a tropical country, I would always wonder what it would be like to glide off cold snowy mountains. It seems so much fun!

So a month after my family and I arrived in Ontario, my sister's in-laws invited us to go on a Skiing Trip. We initially wanted to go to Blue Mountain Ski Resort, the most famous and largest Ski Amusement Park in Ontario. We settled for Snow Valley in Barrie however because they offered more affordable rates.

A First Time package includes rental equipment plus an hour of beginners lesson. The instructors are highly experienced, very kind and incredibly patient. I had too many falls on my first try but I took everything in stride, injured pride and all. Even the awkward tumbles were fun!

I really wonder how professional skiers do it. They make it look so easy on television and in the movies, but this is a sport that is extremely difficult to master. For one, the boots are huge and they weigh a ton. Finding your balance, as you move left and right, also takes rigorous practice. I had to remove my jacket as I was sweating profusely. Yes, in that snow.

That was such a fun experience though my body got tired too easily I couldn't even finish my lesson. My butt had enough of the abuse from my all too frequent falls.

Toronto in Black and White

"To see in color is a delight for the eye but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul." - Andri Cauldwell

Yesterday, I went out to brave the snow storm in Downtown Toronto. I had two sets, one taken in color (please click here) and one in black and white.

I walked on slippery snow filled walkways, covering my face from the snow and wind chill but always on the lookout on the beauty that the condition projects.

After staying in Asia for so long and getting used to Typhoons, i am now faced with another set of challenges. Snow Storm! What better way to experience and photograph something that is entirely new to me.

Alone in the Cold 

Winter Storm, Downtown Toronto

Photos of the Day:

Here are some of my photos taken this morning at Downtown Toronto.