Ottawa – Canada's Best Kept Secret – May 16
The Grannies explore Ottawa, the beautiful Capital of Canada. They visit historic Parliament Hill and marvel at the splendor of the changing of the guard, taste prize-winning barbeque, visit a one-of-its-kind Aboriginal display, tour the sprawling grounds of Rideau Hall, home of the Governor General, and take an evening boat ride along the pristine Ottawa River. The Grannies discover a prairie atop the architecturally significant Canadian War Museum, eat "Beaver Tails," learn to "throat-sing" from the Inuit, and even cook with a master chef at the world famous Cordon Bleu Cooking School. Marvel as the Grannies navigate their way out of a cedar maze – or do they?! There are plenty of hands-on experiences in this show including a journey back in time to Upper Canada Village – a 19th century pioneer community. Watch as the Grannies turn themselves into "ladies" of the prairie and travel in period costume on a very hot summer day in a first-class horse drawn carry-all.
Poland – Warsaw and Krakow: Sophisticated Sister Cities – May 23
While the Grannies didn't need an excuse to go to Poland, they were invited to a wedding, and provided with an excellent chance to do some exploration of two important cities in Europe – Warsaw, restored and thriving and Krakow, exquisite, teeming and full of charm. Join the Grannies as they seek hidden treasures and historical makers in the heart of Warsaw. Many of the buildings that were destroyed during WWII have been carefully restored. A park and garden that displays the beautiful bronze statue of Chopin is a must see. The Grannies walk through these grounds and explore three of the restored palaces that represent one of Poland's most powerful kings. This is an old culture and country, and there are many examples of its past and current glories. Krakow – the city of the dragon, was not destroyed during the war and maintains its original old town square (one of the largest in all of Europe), and most of its original buildings. Significant and beautiful churches, old castles, interesting shops and of course good food are all there. Not far from Krakow is a famous salt mine. Go below ground 300 plus feet with the Grannies and see spectacular carvings and rooms all made out of salt! And finally, walk with the Grannies as they visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, two moving monuments and museums that capture a sad part of world history. The wedding was, of course, very special and provided an up close and personal encounter with the locals that the Grannies will remember for a long time.
Cruising the Caribbean – June 13
The Grannies decided to so something different – take a cruise – and cruise in a big way, on a "really" big ship to the Caribbean. The chance to hop around to several glamorous islands – Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, and Antigua – and see what the locals were up to sounded like great fun. Granny Regina had never been on a "big ship," so join her as she explores all there is to do on board and off. Join the Grannies for movies under the stars and encounters with local artists and craftsmen from each Island as they create beautiful and unique items, all with a backdrop of breathtaking beaches and vistas. They visit a sugar plantation, see the monkey's on Barbados and walk the same paths as pirates. The Grannies discovered more than they expected and made people connections that confirmed that the Caribbean is still one of the most energizing and inspiring places to visit. Ahoy there matey!
Buenos Aires: European Charm with a Latin Beat – June 20
The Grannies fly to one of South America's most charismatic cities, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here is where the charm of European culture is well mixed with the soul and beat of Latin America. "BA," as the local's call their city, is sizzling with energy – new architectural landscapes framed by cranes everywhere, wide boulevards (some say the widest in the world), and gorgeous municipal parks still flourish around the city. This is where the president's house is called Casa Rosada – Pink House – and where on its balcony Evita charmed millions. The country is the home of the famed Gaucho, the sultry and seductive Tango and one of the best places to eat beef in the world. You can bet the Grannies experienced it all – a visit with a noted silversmith who makes authentic Gaucho artifacts, a stroll in the famous rose gardens in one of the most beautiful parks in the city, and forays into local markets where they encounter fans of the Grannies series from US who are visiting Argentina! Watch as they are serenaded by a "gentleman" singer, and enjoy some of the city's famous ice cream. Then journey with the Grannies on a Busquebus (a fast boat/ferry), to Colonia, Uruguay and take a stroll through its history. The town remains the same since its formation in the 1400's. It was coveted by the Portuguese, English and the Spanish. Walk with the Grannies on the "Street of Sighs" where former African slaves were quarantined before being sent to Brazil and other parts of South America.
Montevideo – Uruguay's City of the Drums – June 27
After visiting Colonia, the Grannies traveled to Montevideo, Uruguay's capital city. Home of one of the oldest opera houses in Latin America, this city and its people proved to be a big surprise. The country has more than three million people and half live in Montevideo! A very literate population for one thing – almost 100% -- Montevideo is a colonial city that is making a concerted effort to restore and renovate thousands of structures that date back over 100 years and are succeeding! The Old Town is lively and the pulsating rhythms of drums and chatter can be heard during the evenings and well into the night. The Grannies meet with the active Afro-Uruguayan community and learn how their art of drum making and culture has shaped the country's dedication to this art form and adopted it as its own. The Grannies visit the home of an influential Uruguayan art curator and writer who acts as their host while they are in the country. Highlights – the Carnival Museum, a visit to a premier winery, drummers at night beating their drums in front of an open fire, and a private tour of the magnificent opera house. This city and its people are poised to be a new hot-spot destination in South America.
Toronto – A Cultural and Ethnic Mix – July 4
The Grannies visit Toronto, a city renowned for its architecture, museums and colorful ethnic neighborhoods – Chinatown, Cabbage Town and Caribbean Town – to name just a few. It's a city with lots of energy. Cruise with the Grannies along Lake Ontario and catch a glimpse of the magnificent CN Tower and the shore line that many compare to the City of Chicago. Watch as they try their hand at "throwing pots" in the well-regarded Gardiner Museum. Examine chopines at the world-class, one-of-a-kind Bata Shoe Museum, where a collection of more than 12,000 shoes from every era and from around the world are housed. Judge for yourself if they master the labor-intensive art of making Chinese dumplings with a legendary Chinese baker in an historic section of the city. Watch as they share their sewing skills on "Caribana" costume making, explore an Inuit Art gallery, search for a ghost at sprawling Casa Loma and learn how a 30-foot floating dragon lantern is constructed by Chinese artisans.
San Juan – Bienvenidos, Paradise
The Grannies ventured into San Juan, Puerto Rico, a US protectorate, after their Caribbean cruise, to explore the happenings on this delightful island with its rich cultural heritage. The locals call themselves Boriquens, a Taino Indian word meaning "strong men" and take pride in their Spanish, Native and African heritage. Not only is the island beautiful everywhere – from the mountains of El Yunque to both of the oceans that lap warmly along its shores, but its food and people are something to experience too. Come with the Grannies as they visit small hamlets and villages tucked along side the winding roads that crisscross the island. Visit El Morro, the large Spanish fort that guards the entry to the islands port, and walk through Old Town with flower draped balconies that overlook old streets and corners. Join them as they explore markets and other gathering places. The Grannies experience the integration of the many cultures found on this island through its music – "salsa!" The beat from this show continues long after it has aired! |
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