Article & photos by Lenora A. Hayman

The Labour Day weekend 1st-3rd Sept. 2012, annual TELUS TAIWANfest 2012, in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and along Granville St. was still refreshing after being in existence for 23 years, showcasing a new variety of foods, entertainment and fun, recycling methods.

What a pleasure to have Taiwan’s new Minister of Culture, writer Lung Ying-tai open the festival.  Dr. Lung has a Ph.D in English and American literature and has written 30 books, including “Big River, Big Sea-Untold Stories of 1949” about the Chinese Civil War where 10 million folk died when the Communists took power. The book was banned in China.

Chef Tim Teng presented a “Taiwan Stew” by braising a boneless pork shank or ham hock with flavorful additions of cinnamon, chili, ginger, star anise and sweet soybean paste. The tender morsels tasted like delicious, suckling pig. Chef Teng told me that after attending schools in Coquitlam, Victoria’s Glenlyon Norfolk School and Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he returned to his home and father’s restaurant in Kaohsiung. Now Exec. Chef Teng owns 7 dining establishments!

The Tainan Street Banquet had numerous food stalls lining Granville St. offering the Taiwanese sausage, wheel cake, scalded milk fish soup etc. and returning this year, the honey garlic shrimp, lamb, beef and chicken skewers from Chef James Chen’s Xin Jiang Man’s BBQ. Fortunately we can continue getting his skewers at both the Richmond Summer Night Market and the River Rock Richmond Night Market.

Lining the tent of the Tainan Street Banquet were artist Jung-Chen Pai’s huge cloth face masks. One had the traditional floral peony cheeks representing wealth and happiness.

New Taipei City (the former Taipei County) offered a variety of Baozhong tea from Pinglin in the Wenshan District.

A first for me, was snacking on pork fluff (rousong) food topping, made by stewing pork in a sweetened soy sauce. The shredded meat is then lightly oven dried and finally dry-cooked with flavourings, in a wok, until it crumbles.

I spoke to Gary Ho, the CEO of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation of Canada, who explained that this year, their volunteers were promoting the 80/20 lifestyle suggested by their Buddhist founder Venerable Master Cheng Yen who

said, even if poor people could not give money they could pour 20% of the rice on their plates into a rice box to feed the hungry. This can be translated into our economy by reducing consumption of food and using less electricity etc.

They also displayed “food bonsai” created by replanting left-over raw yams, avocado, cabbage, ginger and turnips on moist pebbles that had been washed and sterilized in the sun. These recycled vegetables decorate homes instead of cut flowers.

Also at the Wellness Tent, there were many satisfied folk being helped from interviews with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners offering their complimentary services.

The Deity Tai Zi Ye with his huge head mask and elaborate costume, who usually dances at a miaohui or temple fair, during New Year celebrations, was providing great photo opportunities.

Displayed at a craft tent were beautiful wine bottle covers designed from the regalia of the 14 Taiwanese Aboriginal tribes.

We were provided with continuous high-level entertainment at the TELUS TAIWANfest stage in front of the Art Gallery.

The Beautiful Haiyan, Wild Harvest Music of Taiwan, a group of Taiwanese Aboriginal people from several nations, provided toe-tapping music and the O-Kai singers consisting of Atayal youths who had participated  in the Ward Swingle Award- a worldwide A-Cappella competition held in Austria, sang well.

Pin-Kuan ( former name Victor Wong), was originally from Malaysia, is nicknamed “Prince of Love Songs” due to his smooth style.

In the Never Leave Yen-J Alone concert, Yen-J combined rock’n roll, hip hop, fused Oriental elements with Western jazz and sang a rendition of ” Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree”.

Thank you, for a great, long weekend.

Cloverdale’s main street was the set for Superman’s hometown in the TV series. According to Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and former Minister of Tourism, Bill Reid, that makes it “the centre of the universe.”  Bill promotes the historic Surrey town centre from the Destination Cloverdale office on 176th Street.                                              Photo Ursula Maxwell-Lewis             

By Ursula Maxwell-Lewis

Aviation has played a large part in my life, so it’s no surprise that the Abbotsford International Airshow always attracts my attention. This year the unique Fraser Valley show celebrates its 50th anniversary on August 10, 11 and 12.

In the air or on the ground, the show offers thrills for all ages. When my children were young they’d delight in clambering up stairs of static tarmac displays to peer into cockpits, gaze in awe into the belly, or flight deck, of massive military transports like the Super Hercules, or meet a Snowbird pilot.

This year “Grumpy”, the B-25D Mitchell mid-range bomber that played a critical role with the US Air Force after Pearl Harbour in WW11, will be profiled.  So will a Supermarine Spitfire Mark 1Xe, the legendary Battle of Britain aircraft which served from 1936 to1957. Both aircraft come to us from the Historic Flight Foundation in Mukilteo, Washington state. The P51 Mustang, “Val Halla”, and A-1 Skyraider will also be back courtesy of the Heritage Flight Museum in Bellingham.

Canadian and US fighters are always stars, but Bud Granley never fails to thrill audiences with hammerheads, continuous rolls, tail slides, and rolling Cubans. I can’t imagine tackling what he does.

The same goes for The SkyHawks, the Canadian Forces Parachute Team. For over 40 years Canada’s only military parachute demo team really have waved the Canadian flag. Based out of Trenton, Ontario, these guys skillfully perform aerobatic parachute formations and are in demand across North America and Europe. Team members are from various Regular and Reserve occupations in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Traditionally, the show closes with The Snowbirds zooming east to west from behind the mountains to dazzle the audience with skillful, graceful, formations in 431 Squadron’s  red, white and blue CT-114 Tutors. The Snowbirds 2012 theme, “We Stand On Guard for Thee”, needs no explanation. The snowflake insignia represents the Canadian Forces strategic goal of increasing the profile and awareness of its role in the north.

My family always found that Friday was the best day to take the kids to the show to avoid the heavier weekend traffic. Take a picnic, cold drinks and lawn chairs or a blanket, to enjoy this unique B.C. experience on the tarmac at Abbotsford International Airport.

For more ticket information go to http://abbotsfordairshow.com or call (604) 852-8511.  Toll-Free: 1-(855)-852-8511

Ursula Maxwell-Lewis is a travel writer and photographer. Contact her on Twitter @YouTravel or at utravel@shaw.ca

By Chris Millikan

Dressed in rain gear, we disembark at Regensburg, Germany.  On the dock, guide Helga peeks from under her umbrella, “In spite of this drizzle, our morning walking tour will reveal the historic character of our old city, a World Heritage Site since 2006.

Strolling a pathway along the Danube, she says, “Interestingly, Regensburg survived numerous wars over her long history. So, an astonishing collection of 1300 historic buildings awaits us…but don’t worry, we won’t be visiting them all today!”

Our group of history buffs soon huddles under an archaic stone gateway consolidated   into a large building. Helga explains, “Called Porta Praetoria, this gate was part of the Roman’s second fortress, built in 179 AD. Their walled town developed into one of Germany’s oldest cities.”

Passing through this ancient entryway into a charming square, we sight the Cathedral of St. Peter with spires soaring in gothic glory. Founded in 1275, Bavaria’s monumental cathedral contains spectacular stained glass windows from the 13th and 14th centuries. Next door, Church of St. Ulrich archives religious art treasures from the diocese. To the east rises a 38-meter Roman tower over 1000 years old.

West of the cathedral, we wind past open-air cafes, taverns and boutiques. Above one cluster of shops, a four-story mural portrays David and Goliath. Helga explains, “That   scene was painted in the 14th century on the front of a patrician castle. David symbolizes small, honest merchants and Goliath, giant, arrogant businessmen.” Walking onward, she points out the high towers on medieval mansions. “From the 11th to 13th centuries, nobles built them to demonstrate their great wealth.”  The tallest, Golden Tower soars 50-meters upward, boasts nine floors…and flaunts a pyramid-shaped roof topped by a gold ball. Close by, gothic City Hall hosted the Holy Roman Empire’s Imperial Diet. Feudal lords and bishops governed here for over 150 years.

Down a walkway we sight the medieval Stone Bridge, a city icon. Helga explains, “Charlemagne built a wooden bridge 100-meters east of here…but it proved inadequate for the traffic and was vulnerable to floods. This famous 16 arch Stone Bridge replaced it in 1146…and became the model for other European bridges, including London Bridge on the Thames and Pont d’Avignon on the Rhone.”

Helga tells us how this was the Danube’s only bridge for 800 years. Regensburg prospered from its tolls as well as from its location on the lucrative trade routes between Venice and Northern Europe. During this golden age, wealthy mercantile families filled Regensburg. Recognized for gold work, luxurious/splendid/splendid fabrics…and high-rise towers…it   was southern Germany’s cultural centre.

Hearing that crusaders used this bridge on their way to the Holy Land, we picture armored knights on magnificent steeds thundering across with flags flying!  Now reserved for pedestrians and bicycles, we ramble out onto the deck and look back at the old city, visualizing the city’s early protective walls and riverside salt stores. St. Peter’s 105-meter spires still dominate its skyline.

Helga smiles, “At the end of the bridge, you can see our renowned Regensburg Sausage Kitchen. Originally a canteen for bridge workers in the 1400’s, it still sells the popular Knackersemmel, grilled sausages served with sauerkraut, sweet mustard…and gherkins.   You must try one!”

One of the busy aproned ladies pops sizzling sausages into plump white rolls for us. Under a red and white striped awning, shipmates sit at a long table.   Joining them we toast ‘Knackersemmel’ with robust local beer and happily bite into    these traditional delights.

Over dinner back onboard our riverboat, all chat about Regensburg’s bygone age of elegance and splendor.  Walking throughout old town inspired many insights into German culture…even in the rain!

(NC)—Across the country, the Victoria Day long-weekend tends to be the official launch of summer. It’s the time of year when everyone throws off their winter coats and quickly dons shorts and tees, even if Environment Canada warns of -5 C with blowing snow. Regardless, Canadians everywhere are itching to get outside and get away.

For a growing number of Canadians, that means hitting the road in a recreational vehicle. There’s a wide assortment to choose from these days – everything from expensive bus-like motor-homes, to towable travel trailers, to camper vans, to relatively inexpensive pop-up camping trailers. Recreational vehicles are growing in popularity mainly because they’re fun, and provide a greater sense of freedom and adventure compared to standard holiday trips.

Although you don’t need a special license to drive most recreational vehicles, it isn’t the same as driving the family car. The experts at Desjardins General Insurance Group advise the following:

• Be cautious and allow more time to brake, change lanes, turn and merge into traffic

• Be sure your vehicle can handle the trailer you are towing. Most SUVs, light-duty trucks and full and mid-size family cars can pull an RV trailer, but be sure to check the maximum weight and factor in any of your belongings inside the trailer.

• Use the right trailer hitch, connect brake and signal lights and make sure they are synchronized with your vehicle.

• Be aware of the height of your vehicle. You wouldn’t want to ruin your vacation by getting your RV stuck or damaged by a tree branch or sign.

• If you’ve never pulled a trailer before, you’ll probably find that backing up is the biggest challenge. If possible, get some practice with the help of someone experienced with trailers before heading out on your holiday. And always ask someone to stand outside the vehicle when reversing to avoid any obstacles not seen in your mirrors.

Whether you own or rent your mobile vacation home, it is important to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage before heading out into traffic, according to the Desjardins General Insurance Group advisors.

They suggest that you contact your insurance company with all the details well in advance of your vacation. Recreational vehicles are manufactured by many different companies with a wide assortment of extras and options, all of which should be taken into account in the insurance coverage.

Basically, your RV insurance policy protects you from financial and other losses that may result in the event of an accident or other unforeseen event. It will typically cover three main areas: damage to your vehicle and trailer including your personal property in the unit, public liability and medical coverage.

With the proper insurance coverage, and a sensible, safety-first approach to driving, an RV holiday on the open road could provide a wonderful adventure and memories that last a lifetime. For more RV insurance information and for a quote, visit Desjardins General Insurance at www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com.

www.newscanada.com

A couple of years ago, Save-On-Meats at 43 W. Hastings, in Vancouver was closed by Al Deslauriers, the sole proprietor, since 1957. He had owned it for 52 years.

Fortunately, in June 2011, Mark Brand, who owns Boneta, The Diamond and Sea Monster Sushi took over this historic building. The two pink, neon pigs with their money bags are still flying on the pole outside.

The ground floor is divided into two. On the left side is the Butcher Shop, selling steaks, chicken, deli products and their own sausages and terrines which Counter Staff Corey Rockl said were all made in-house.

There are 15% off specials everyday. Mon.15%  off deli products: Tues. 15% off for seniors. Wed. 15% off for local policemen, firemen and medics. Thurs. 15% off steaks and Fri. 15% off chicken.

They even sell a chocolate chip, bacon and cashew cookie for 75cents.

On the other side is the retro-diner with booths, a shared table at the rear, and counter -seating where I joined other first-time patrons for a Saturday lunch.

Both the Manageress Amanda Becker and Megan Leung recommended  the corned beef hash with their signature, cheddar, herb biscuit, rather than the toast.

A retired nurse and her husband had the All Day Breakfast of 2 eggs, ham, hashbrowns and toast  and another lass had the  Save-On-Meats burger with bacon and cheese.

Three children were chowing down on the Kids Breakfast of oats and honey, comprising of oatmeal, honey, bananas, walnuts and maple syrup, followed by a mini stack of 3 silver dollar pancakes served with butter and maple syrup.

We all agreed that the diner food, for the price, was adequate and their large, warm, cheddar, herb biscuits with a dab of butter were excellent.

I plan to return to their sandwich counter, during the week, for their take-out  breakfast sandwich which is similar to an egg McMuffin but encased in their signature biscuit as well. Also offered are clubhouse and Reuben sandwiches, soups, salads, chicken, steaks, ribs, old fashioned milkshakes and it’s licensed for those who like something stronger.

Our thanks to Mark Brand

 for rejuvenating Vancouver’s 

older downtown

http://saveonmeats.ca Open 7 days a week   604-569-3568

Butcher Shop 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m. All Day Diner 7:00a.m.-10:00p.m. Sandwich Counter   7:00a.m.-10:00p.m. (summer) 7:00a.m.-  4:00p.m. (winter)

Article & photos by Lenora A. Hayman.  

(NC)—You’ve put in your fair share of time at work and now you can enjoy the fruits of your labour in retirement. Perhaps you’ve decided to keep working for a bit longer so that you can afford your retirement dreams. Whether you’re receiving income from a pension or you’re still working, there are several ways you can stretch your dollar both during tax season and throughout the entire year. Here’s a small sampling:

• Many promotions have been designed specifically for seniors. Special discounts are available at restaurants, stores and businesses, even if only on a weekly or monthly basis.

• Public transportation may be a great way to save money that you might otherwise have spent on rising gas prices, parking and car maintenance. A transit pass can be claimed on your income tax and benefit return.

• You may be able to split your eligible pension income with your spouse or common-law partner, allocating up to 50% of your pension to him or her.

• For those of you who have decided to keep working, keep in mind that there have been changes made to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). For those 65 or younger you must make CPP contributions; after 65 you can elect to stop contributing. If you do not make this election, contributions will be continued to the age of 70.

More information on this topic is available online at www.cra.gc.ca/seniors.

www.newscanada.com

Retirement Planning:

(NC)—According to Statistics Canada, our aging adults are projected to surge from 14.4 per cent of the population in 2011 to 24 per cent by 2041, putting extraordinary pressure on the housing market for those 55+. Many Canadians are planning for the future and are now asking the questions: when we retire, where do we want to live and can we afford it?

Other statistics show that in 2011 the first of nine million Canadian baby boomers will hit the age of 65, while others in their fifties are starting to look ahead. With this surge in Canada’s aging population, the 50+ crowd is expected to downsize their space but upsize their lifestyle, creating an increased demand for housing choices. Upsizing means living the lifestyle they are accustomed to, including social activities like great restaurants, entertainment and fitness, to access to health care. This group will also be seeking low-maintenance, convenient and affordable housing options with all the amenities.

James Pelmore, a Senior Investment Advisor with DWM Securities Inc., works with aging adults to help them understand how to evaluate their existing equity and savings plans to make the best housing decisions when approaching their retirement years. “A major focus of my business right now is working with active retirees or couples and individuals on the verge of retiring, to develop a sound plan to downsize,” says Pelmore. “Today’s aging population has a greater demand for quality-of-life and thankfully with good financial planning and increasingly more housing options that include maintenance and amenities, retirees can maintain their social status by upsizing their lifestyle,” he adds.

One Canadian company poised to meet the market demand for affordable and active adult lifestyles is the Longwood Community on Vancouver Island. Longwood offers the 55+ demographic condo-style, independent living which helps residents downsize to manageable and more affordable housing while enjoying a resort style atmosphere. Added bonuses include housekeeping, room service, handyman services and catering that can be delivered to your doorstep. Owners can also partake in social activities and fitness in the clubhouse. Given the warmer climate, healthy outdoor activities such as golf, cycling, and hiking are all popular on Vancouver Island.

Alison Howard, a sales consultant for Thornbridge at Longwood, finds that more and more potential buyers are interested in the social aspects and activities provided by this well-rounded community, as well as decisions about living space. “We have seen a shift in priorities for those inquiring about our property,” Howard explains. “The fact that we have well-priced condominiums—with golf, cycling, yoga, and beachcombing just steps away from one’s back door—has really helped us tap-in to the demands of today’s retirees.”

Specialists in this field also agree that with the help of sound financial advice and a real estate market in-tune with demand, today’s aging adults can make retirement decisions that grant them stability and quality-of-life right here in Canada.

www.newscanada.com