“Travels to a Different Time” : 7June1975; Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Squealing Russian Car; A Friendly Czech Army Officer

I woke up early and it was so cold I just wanted to stay in a warm sleeping bag. I forced myself up, packed and dismantled my tent. I had some salami, chocolate cookies and mineral water for breakfast. I took the bus to Mikulas and wanted to get off at the highway but theContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 7June1975; Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Squealing Russian Car; A Friendly Czech Army Officer”

RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1

Imagine driving the other half to downtown Toronto and heading back after the drop off to buy ¾ of a tank of gas for $90. Then a package at the doorstep from Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine district. Unexpected as if Santa was pleased at me for being such a good boy notContinue reading “RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1”

“Travels To a Different Time” : 5June1975: Podbanške, Czechoslovakia: Simmering Hatred for Mother Russia: It’s Snowing

As I head into the Tatra Mountains it is getting increasingly cold. Went to the train station and took a train heading up towards the Tatra Mountains. An incredibly beautiful ride and it was snowing when I reached my destination. Took a quick look at a couple of hotels but pricey at $8 so IContinue reading ““Travels To a Different Time” : 5June1975: Podbanške, Czechoslovakia: Simmering Hatred for Mother Russia: It’s Snowing”

RKS Film: “Geographies of Solitude”: Toronto Hot Docs Festival

“Geographies of Solitude” features Canada’s Sable Island which is 20 miles long and 1 mile wide. It is some 100 miles off Nova Scotia. It might be described as barren and lonely as there is no residential population and no place to stay for potential visitors. Zoe Lucas has been living on Sable Island forContinue reading “RKS Film: “Geographies of Solitude”: Toronto Hot Docs Festival”

RKS Film: “My Two Voices” (Mis dos voces)

The documentary “My Two Voices” by Lina Rodriguez offers an intimate portrait of three Latina women who have immigrated to Canada. It may throw you initially because you hear their voices but it is not until the conclusion of the documentary you see their faces. Strangely this works in such a way that you focusContinue reading “RKS Film: “My Two Voices” (Mis dos voces)”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 3June1975: Prešov, Czechoslovakia: Bad First Impressions: The Men in White Coats

I woke up in my shanty shack and was delighted to see no rain and even some blue patches in the sky. I wanted a shower but it was freezing cold so I declined! The weather so far in Austria and Hungary has been atrocious. I headed into the village knapsack on my back gettingContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 3June1975: Prešov, Czechoslovakia: Bad First Impressions: The Men in White Coats”

RKS Wine: 2019 Alice Vieira de Souza: Another Douro Winner?

Quality control is the name of the game in Portugal’s Douro region perhaps due to the thoroughness of its “regulator” Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP). I must say over the years there have been almost no corked or low-quality wines I have encountered from the Douro. And price can be deceptive.Continue reading “RKS Wine: 2019 Alice Vieira de Souza: Another Douro Winner?”

RKS Wine: Creekside Estate Winery 2017 Iconoclast Syrah

Can Niagara produce a quality Syrah? When it comes to quality red wines in Ontario I put my hand up to get the attention of the Wine Gods and respond I think Ontario can excel with Gamay Noir and Cabernet Franc but aside from that? So stone me to death for daring to speak myContinue reading “RKS Wine: Creekside Estate Winery 2017 Iconoclast Syrah”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 2June1975: Tokaj, Hungary: Prisoner of the Rain; Horking up a Fish Bone Caught in My Throat

Yet more rain so I will stay in my shanty town shack for another day. I still have Hungarian currency I need to spend. Performed my morning ablutions and hit the town where I trudged to the other restaurant in town for lunch. I seemed to be surrounded by bureaucrats on their lunch break. IContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 2June1975: Tokaj, Hungary: Prisoner of the Rain; Horking up a Fish Bone Caught in My Throat”

RKS Wine: Malivoire 2020 Estate Grown Chardonnay

This light gold wine grabs your nose right off the bat with a unique bit of spiciness and ginger. I emphasize “a bit” because it does not detract one from the baked apple with cinnamon and brown sugar, the pear, the mango and the pineapple. Positively tropical old man! On the palate it strikes oneContinue reading “RKS Wine: Malivoire 2020 Estate Grown Chardonnay”