Time to Catch Up Before Year End

A busy and challenging fall trial schedule combined with a nasty virus that hung on like gum on the bottom of a shoe plagued me with writer's cramp.

With 2011 coming to a close I have tidied my office and now it is time to catch up on my writing before the year ends.

Looking back it has been quite a year.

Professionally the year was packed with both trials and appeals. In many cases the consequences upon conviction/defeat were disproportionate to the facts. Fortunately, with hard work and determination the results favoured the clients. Although trial success is personally satisfying the closure and relief brought to the client(s) is for me the true motivation.

On the home front a travels to Paris and London, timed to attend The Open at Royal St. George's in Sandwich, England, a family trip to Montreal, to New York City for the marathon provided some new and exciting dining experiences.

In Montreal where the 2011 virus of "biblical proportion" slowed me considerably I managed to fight my way to the Snowdon Deli on Blvd. Decarie for a bowl of comforting chicken soup and a bagel with cream cheese and lox. The deli's glass fronted refrigerated display coolers are packed full of whitefish, lox, carp, pickles, salads, knishes, pastries and more to tease the eye. The Snowdon reminds of a time in Winnipeg's past.

A family dinner was enjoyed at Montreal's Ristorante Il Cenone - http://www.ilcenone.com/ - where you always get a fabulous home cooked meal in a warm, friendly and family like restaurant atmosphere.

In New York City the options and choices are endless. You ought not to visit thinking you will have time to do everything you plan to do, it is better to conquer the giant with a plan to return often and when there, do what your time permits to the fullest. Accept reality - you will never be able to eat in all the great restaurants and shop in all of the food stores in one lifetime. Decide where you want to go before you leave home, make reservations and go back to New York often!

This visit started with a stroll through Eataly - http://eatalyny.co/ . We lunched at Eataly's La Pizza La Pasta and then again wandered through the 50,000 square foot marketplace of cheeses, fish/seafood, meats, pasta, chocolate, coffee, gelato and more. It is a hard place to leave empty handed - I bought a bread basket.

The weekend was centred around the marathon and our activities planned accordingly. The Saturday matinee of Wicked and dinner at Sant Ambroeus in the West Village - http://www.santambroeus.com/new/frameset.php . I chose the INSALATA DI CARCIOFI (thinly sliced artichokes with arugula and sliced parmesan) and the BRANZINO MEDITERRANEO GRIGLIATO (grilled mediterranean sea bass served with minced potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts). Both were delicious. It is unfortunate more restaurants do not offer Branzino.

Sunday was the marathon. Brunch after the race was at Balthazar - http://www.balthazarny.com/ .The restaurant was packed and reservations are a must. We were required to call on Friday and confirm our reservation. At the Sunday brunch be sure to order a bread basket (Le Panier $21.00 of fresh baked breads and pastries).

Sunday evening took us to the Jets and Ranger game at Madison Square Gardens - "Go Jets Go"



Monday was Brunch at the Carnegie Deli - http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php and Dinner at  Scott Conant's Scarpetta - http://www.scottconant.com/restaurants/scarpetta/new-york . Conant is a tough judge on the Food Network show Chopped. His restaurant did not disappoint. The Braised Short Rib with Vegetable and Farro Risotto ranks as one the best appetizers I have eaten.

November ended with sad news, a friend and colleague was diagnosed with a rare life threatening illness. This type of news reminds you that life is not fair and time is not a renewable resource.

2011 will come to an end with dinner at one of my favourite restaurants NoRTH in Scottsdale, AZ - http://www.foxrc.com/north.html . The 2012 kickoff is Brunch at the Phoenician Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ - http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/il-terrazzo/il-terrazzo#sunday_brunch .

Wishing you all  a year of good health, peace and prosperity.

Et tu, Brute?

It was not the Ides of March but September 27, 2011 is a day to remember.

The writ for the provincial election in Manitoba was "dropped" on Tuesday September 6, 2011. Candidates hit the pavement, support signage decorated lawns and the customary negative advertising dominated the media.

Here in the riding of River Heights Dr. Jon Gerrard leader of the Manitoba Liberals squared off against lawyer Marty Morantz and the conservative election machine. Both candidates knew the campaign would not be a cake walk and worked hard for each vote.

As the weeks passed the polsters called homes, leaflets were left in mailboxes by hard working loyal supporters and the signage battle continued while Messrs. Gerrard and Morantz fretted.

A local journalist described Dr. Gerrard in her post election column of October 5 as

"a level-headed gentleman who puts thoughtful policy ahead of partisan gamesmanship, he leads a rump of a party that nonetheless presented most of this campaign's few good ideas".

Dr. Gerrard was elected leader of the Provincial Liberal party in 1998 and has been the River Heights MLA since 1999. To a person, all Manitobans agree, Dr. Gerrard is a decent man with unlimited energy to keep his party alive.

The 4th of October was vote day and Dr. Gerrard survived but first comes September 27. The 27th is a day I will not forget. On this day two former Liberal MPs along with 2 others write to the residents of the Seine River riding declaring their support for a candidate not running for Gerrard's LIberal team and exhort Seine River liberals to vote for another party. The authors claimed the Seine River riding was unique and their letter throwing the Manitoba Liberal party and its team members under the bus was necessary.

The now "politically" retired authors owe much to their supporters and their party for the success they enjoyed and pensions they now receive. The flimsy excuse proffered for their action fails to recognize that they turned on their team, that their conduct discourages young aspiring political candidates and they insulted a decent man who has toiled for a political party without which the authors' success doubtful.

How can we think anything other than Et tu Brute!!

No matter what party you support the candidates running for the Provincial Liberals and Dr. Gerrard are owed a huge apology. Sadly it was an excuse.

From this experience we learn - be mindful of the importance of team play, remember how we achieved our success and those who helped us to reach our goals.

Just imagine trailing behind by a goal, the coach pulls the goalie and one of your teammates turns and shoots the puck into his team's empty net.

September 27 was such a day.

Go Jets Go - Get Out and Support Your Party!!

Winnipeg,and Manitoba for that matter,is busy. The Jets have returned to Winnipeg after a long absence and start their fight  for the coveted Stanley Cup and political party candidates running for election duke it out on the streets of Manitoba for seats in the legislative assembly.

  

The Jets home opening exhibition game on Tuesday September 19 was played before what local media report as a crowd of 15,004. Wikipedia reports MTS Centre seating capacity for hockey as 15,015. The polling stations will not see near complete attendance on October 4!

The Jets have managed, except for a few seats being made for purchase,to sell out each home game for the next 3 to 5 years by long term commitments made by season ticket holders for ticket purchases.The provincial election which happens every four years struggles to draw a crowd greater than 60% of eligible voters.

Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out that every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly. Voting affirms our rights as free citizens to elect a representative and take part in democracy. One does not need to look far to find examples of countries where voting freely by secret ballot is not a legaly protected right.

The return of the NHL to Winnipeg and ensuring its stay required people to step up, commit and participate.

We should all get and vote to protect democracy and remind ourselves of the freedoms we enjoy.

FROST WARNING IN EFFECT !!!

Fall is coming but who expects a frost warning before the Ides of September. I could not believe what I read at 6 am today when checking the Environment Canada website before heading out for a run to Assiniboine Park and back

Temperature 0 Celsius feels like -4 

I cannot deny that the temperature is great for running but how can one explain a balmy 31.5 Celsius on Saturday September 11 and zero yes 0 Celsius on September 14.

This early Fall makes adjusting to the trial season much easier for me. From the "he said - she said" earlier this month September winds down with experts and DNA reports.

The other day in a client meeting the anxious individual wanted to know how much I wanted to hear about the matter for which they were seeking advice and what becomes of what I am told. The questions prompted an explanantion of the solicitor - client privilege.

Long before a legal dispute or criminal charge gets to a trial the client will have to meet with a lawyer in order to get proper legal advice for their predicament. The initial meeting with legal counsel is typically set up in a telephone call. Before the call is made those wanting legal advice often ask themselves; "what should I or how much should I tell the lawyer"? In the call to set up an appointment the questions "what should I bring", "can I bring someone along to sit with me at the meeting" are regularly asked. All good questions

Unlike other professionals, communications with your lawyer are protected from disclosure by the lawyer to others by reason of the solicitor - client privilege. The general rule is where legal advice of any kind is sought from a lawyer in his capacity as a lawyer, the communications relating to the legal matter, made in confidence by the client, are at the client's instance permanently protected from disclosure by the client's lawyer. 

The Law Society of Manitoba Code of Professional Conduct rules set out that lawyers at all times must hold in strict confidence all information concerning the business and affairs of the client acquired in the course of the professional relationship and must not divulge any such information unless:

(a) expressly or impliedly authorized by the client;

(b) required by law or a court to do so; or

(c) required to deliver the information to the Law Society, or

(d) otherwise permitted by the rule.

So, if your lawyer advises that he/she wants to meet with you in private and not in the company of your parents, spouse, friend, or companion there is good reason.

There are some exceptions to what is described as the "highest privilege recognized by the courts". The exceptions include communications with a view to obtaining legal advice to facilitate the commission of a crime and compelling public interest reasons.

Clients of course can waive the privilege and authorize the lawyer to disclose private communications.

I was just about to hit the post button and stopped as I knew something was missing - tonight it is Magic Thailand a great restaurant located at 842 Logan Ave. in Winnipeg (the corner of Logan and Tecumseh). Do not be alarmed, the area is safe and the restaurant is directly across the street from the Canadian Pacific Railway Logan Shop. Magic serves up great food at reasonable prices. Sorry no webpage for Magic.

If you are looking for a more upscale neighbourhood try Sabai Thai Eatery (http://www.sabaithaieatery.ca/) at Corydon and Wilton. Sabai is operated by the son of the Magic family.

Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything there is a Season)

For some reason, likely attributable to returning to school after summer holidays, the first weekend in September, the September Long Weekend, signals the end of summer. The bright early mornings have gone for another year and more than enough leaves have now fallen to hide a golf ball landing in the rough after an errant shot.

We all know that fall, the autumnal equinox, falls in the third week of September, this year on the 23rd, but for some reason it seems like it is the long weekend that marks the seasonal turn not the tilt of the earth's axis.


But what a summer it has been! Huge transformations in the Arab world starting in Tunisia, then Egypt and spreading to Libya, Yemen and Syria. How the transition to democracy unfolds remains to be seen but there can be no denying that the spirit of change has brought about hope in many for reform.


Within weeks of returning to Winnipeg from London riots for 3 days in August resulting in the arrest of hundreds and significant property damage.


Closer to home flooding and hurricanes bookended the season for many Canadians and Americans.


Here in Winnipeg the hot days and warm nights continue with daytime temperatures in the +30C range. The beloved Jets have returned, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights is well along in the construction phase and my work schedule busy.


In each of the last two weeks one witness sexual assault trials have kept me busy. Both were "she said he said cases". The one witness case turning on witness credibility alone is difficult for both the prosecution and the defence. Judges hearing these cases have a difficult task. The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in 1991 set out instructions for judges on how they should approach such cases,

First, if you believe the evidence of the accused, obviously you must acquit.

Second, if you do not believe the testimony of the accused but you are left in reasonable doubt by it, you must acquit.

Third, even if you are not left in doubt by the evidence of the accused, you must ask yourself whether, on the basis of the evidence which you do accept, you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt by that evidence of the guilt of the accused.

Seemingly simple enough but, not. In 2008 the SCC said the above three statements should not have attributed to them a level of sanctity or immutable perfection that their author never claimed for them. The instructions need not be given “word for word as some magic incantation”. Furthermore, that lack of credibility on part of the accused does not equate to proof of his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.


It is amazing how such cases, often times simple factually, can be so complicated. At http://www.canlii.org/ reported cases from across Canada can be found including those that involved the issue of credibility in criminal trials.


For energy while reading I am recommending Spaghetti with Crab Meat, Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula. The recipe can be found at  http://tinyurl.com/3fera5y

Enjoy!

The Dog Days of Summer

The end of August is approaching, summer holidays are ending but the hot sultry days continue.

Since my last entry I had a sense, until looking back, that little happened in the last couple of weeks to chip away the writer's block. The dog days of summer however have been a good cover and distraction from the happenings around us.

Sadly the topic of the MMS has returned to the criminal law and I do not mean Multimedia Messaging Service. MMS in the context of criminal law is the dreaded Mandatory Minimum Sentence. Traditionally judges have been given wide latitude when sentencing offenders in Canada as the Criminal Code sets out parameters rather than mandatory terms. Currently the  Criminal Code does call for minimum sentences for a limited number of offences(i.e. repeat DUI and weapons related offences). The Federal government however, is poised to amend the Criminal Code and introduce more MMS penalties.

This plan has been criticized by many both inside and outside of the legal community. To my surprise even one of the daily newspaper editorials in my city commented negatively on the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code. It is not likely the opponents the MMS amendments will cause for a change in course. Unfortunately Canada will jail more of its less fortunate, focus less on rehabilitation and increase the tax burden to support costs associated with both more and lengthier periods of incarceration.

My newspaper friend DSK returned to the news following the long awaited announcement by New York Prosecutors that a recommendation for dismissal of charges was filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court. In Canadian terminology, the prosecution is of the opinion there is no reasonable likelihood of conviction. Small comfort for DSK who was arrested and hauled off an Air France flight on the allegations and effectively forced to resign as the head of the IMF. It is unfortunate the investigation into the allegations took place after the arrest, the embarrassment and costs incurred by DSK.

Regarding matters culinary, I visited Winnipeg's latest arrival to the pizza scene - Carbone Coal Fired Pizza -  http://www.carbonecoalfiredpizza.com/ . The pizza's are baked in an anthracite coal burning oven. The menu is simple, the atmosphere upbeat and the service attentive. Lactose intolerant and gluten free diners are happily accommodated. Pizzas are served on wooden pizza peels. We shared a salad and a 16 inch Peppino pizza - more than enough for two. With 2 glasses of wine the meal was slightly more than $50.00. The pizza was so good we ate half before taking a photo,

Lastly, a thought for the day passed along to me by a colleague,

"When asked “What thing about humanity surprises you the most?”, the Dalai Lama answered: 

“Man…. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived." 

Enjoy the dog days!!!

Enjoy each and every day !!!

Max and Roxy - Life 101

The past week was shared with my dog Max’s girlfriend Roxy. Some of you know Max, a slender, fast running and loud baying beagle. His girlfriend, Roxy, is a large girl, a cross of Shepherd and Rottweiler with more whimpers than woofs. Max is the son of an AKC Champion hunter and Roxy, a girl of mixed origin. You might say a boy and a girl from opposite sides of the track!

The two have known each other for few years now. Max was looked after by Roxy’s adopted parents early on in Max’s life when he was left there while his adopted family went on vacation. Since the first date Max and Roxy continue to be a very special loving couple. Roxy and Max live apart because they have no choice. The daily separation brought on the two by circumstance does not affect their relationship.

Max has had many sleepovers in his life at Roxy’s and this past week was Roxy’s first sleepover at Max’s house. Like all kids Roxy was restless and missed her adopted parents but quickly adapted and settled into the routine at Max’s -  early to rise, early to bed, lots of exercise, healthy eating and spoiling.

This was a good week for Roxy's visit as my court obligations were light and my time more manageable making working from home easier. My flexibility allowed me to watch first day of the visit and be around if needed. What I learned quickly is that Max and Roxy have an order, a routine and apart from eating, exercising and evacuating outdoors are fine without me.

The adoptive parental concern - how Max and Roxy will get along - that they are oblivious to, both at home and away, did dissipate allowing me the opportunity to be reminded of some important lessons.

Max and Roxy remind us that size and colour, shape and background, birthright and origin do not matter – they are possessed of no prejudice.

They have disagreements but quickly work them out, make up, know how to and want to live in peace.

They have different diets and eat different food, they can eat together at the same time and be respectful of each other.

They share each other’s toys and sleeping areas.

In their own simple way Max and Roxy are so different but so alike – just like all of us.

As the week with Roxy ends today I am sad to see her return home.

If they only knew how much they could teach people that the world can be a so much better place.



Two Midsummer Nights' Dinners

Winnipeg can be challenging climatically. The extremes of a -40 C winter day

just do not seem to make sense when contrasted with a hot summer day where the humidex can reach  +40 C sending many Winnipeggers to Grand Beach a little more than an hour drive from the city centre.

The hot days of late July and early August are my favorite days of the year. Sadly Winnipeg does not get enough hot weather.

Enough of the weather! It is contrast that drives my agenda. You may recall that less than two weeks ago I wrote about my experience at Gordon Ramsay's Maze Grill in London - http://www.gordonramsay.com/mazegrill/ . On August 1st I had dinner at one of Winnipeg's finer steak houses - "529" http://www.wowhospitality.ca/restaurants/wellington.html .

The greeting at 529 is leaner than the Maze Grill, no table hostess, sommelier and busboy visiting regularly.

We were however promptly escorted to our table and visited by the waiter who within minutes of our being seated took drink orders and appetizer requests.

At 529, unlike Maze we were offered the "meat tour". The “meat tour” is the display of the cuts of meat offered in the raw. I have no problem seeing the meat as I might look at it in the butcher shop. It is the restaurant “meat tour” I do not need having taken the time to learn about what I am eating before I go the restaurant. It is unfortunate Maze did not offer the option.

Diners can easily learn the different cuts. http://www.thehealthybutcher.com/livetoeat/volume2/LiveToEat-Volume2-Beef_Basics.html .I would recommend such study so that you can opt out of the tour but more importantly to learn about what you are eating.

We shared an appetizer and salad. The presentation of the raw oyster appetizer was awful, oysters on a bed of wilting shredded iceberg lettuce. Some ice crushed in a blender spread over a glass platter would have been a cheaper and better alternative. The beefsteak tomato and fresh mozzarella salad drizzled with olive oil, balsamic reduction and basil chiffonade was excellent.

The 529 people say they serve "Canadian Prime, the best available beef in Canada. Canadian Prime represents less than 1/2 of 1% of all beef production in Canada and is served exclusively at 529 Wellington". In contrast Maze serves 13 different cuts of meat from 5 different breeds of beef. Our "Canadian Prime" the 8 oz. filet was just as good as the Aberdeen Angus grass fed, aged 28 days.

My cut was so poorly cooked at Maze that 529 had little to compete with however, Steph's cut at Maze was so good that it was my comparable for the evening review. Thankfully I did not get a triangular portion at 529. Both filets were grilled as ordered and perfect.

The beefsteak tomato was so good that I ordered a few slices, undressed, to have along with my steak. Along with the tomato we shared wild mushrooms and fries. The fries were not greasy and held their crisp and warmth throughout the dinner.

For dessert we shared the Warm Loaf of Blueberry Bread Pudding with Caramel Cream. This dessert is so good that Maze should replace any one or more of its desserts with the 529 bread pudding.

London - Winnipeg / Maze -529. Two different cities two different restaurants. One big name one remodeled prairie mansion, five (5) different breeds/13 cuts, Canadian Prime 4 different cuts.

Many contrasts but one winner - 529!



The holiday fades but not the clang !

I have re-adjusted to the daily routine. Holiday mode, now a distant memory! Two weeks ago I was making my packing list. Today, I barely remember being away.

As an appetizer of what lies ahead for the remaining summer months and fall, I ended the weekend with a visit to the provincial jail, Headingly Correctional Centre (HCC).

The eerie sound of the prison door clanging is a sound I first heard many years ago when I started practicing law. Since my call to the Bar there have been many changes in law and in my practice but the "clang" has not changed. It is a sound you never forget!

The appetizer - a visit to an in-custody accused awaiting trial. A taste of the force of law. Most are unlikely to get a taste of criminal law. Most never hear the clang.

My hearing of the "clang”, being locked in and walking away freely after an hour is a privilege; a reminder of the opportunities afforded to me as a member of the legal profession and the responsibilities that come along with those opportunities and privileges.

HCC might not house the rich and famous like Dominique Strauss-Kahn (DSK) who spent a number of days at Riker's Island in New York after being hauled off an Air France flight following a complaint of sexual assault on a hotel maid. Nevertheless, the DSK matter is a good reminder that we should never pre-judge or judge any case based on argumentum ad hominem or by reason that an individual is in pre-trial detention before the evidence is complete.

There may never be a day in Winnipeg where a DSK-like individual is arrested and detained at HCC, but like DSK, those at HCC are presumed innocent until convicted, and my job is no different than if I were defending DSK.

A Picnic in the park - Manitoba style!

In my Sunday July 10 blog I described our Sunday stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries to and from the Louvre. The Jardin I observed was full of people enjoying picnics. Good company, good food and for many a good bottle of wine as well. A very civilized way to enjoy a day away from the the business of life in a public park.

On my return home the lawyer in me needed to confirm my recollection of the Manitoba Liquor Control Act prohibition against consumption of liquor in a public place. Well, my memory was correct, section 120 of the Act makes it an offence to consume liquor in a public place. What better way could there be to spoil a romantic afternoon in the park than a ticket for bringing along and uncorking your favorite wine with your edibles.

I am not sure why Manitobans are so less civilized than the Parisians that Manitobans need to be controlled by such paternalistic legislation with quasi-criminal consequences.

Those who know me, know that all too often I choose a can of Coke over a glass of red. Nevertheless, I would prefer not to be treated like a child and face punishment for enjoying a picnic Parisian style.

From the wind and rain of the Open to a Prairie Heat Wave

On Sunday morning with a full back pack of rain gear and newly purchased Hunter boots from Selfridge's we went to St. Pancras Int'l station for our last train ride to and from Sandwich. The plan, similar to Friday, was to find a seat at the 18th hole bleacher and park for the day. Mission accomplished.

Sunday's weather, mostly windy with downpours, are conditions most golfers tend to avoid, but for those playing the Open. Weather is a big part what makes the Open, the Open! The Open pits weather conditions and course terrain against the players.

We were seated amongst locals rooting for Darren Clarke. Steph and I were quietly hoping that Lefty could hold the challenge he offered up in the front nine. Sadly, Phil faltered and lost his chance to win the Open.

Only four players scored under par and and three were at level par. This group of seven included 5 Americans (Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Chad Campbell, Anthony Kim and Ricky Fowler). The other 2 were Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke.

A review of the leaderboard shows the Americans had a good final rounds but were ultimatley victims of the weather. Clarke, on the other hand, managed to hold on to the lead he captured Friday when weather conditons were best.

The Open results challenge US golf media commentary that young American golfers lag behind the Europeans.

Here is the link to the Open website for the complete Leaderboard - http://scoring.opengolf.com/scorecentreplus/ .

In 2009 we were at the PGA Championship (the tournament Tiger lost to Y.E. Yang). It is hard to say which of the two tournaments was the better. The Open, however, is a very special experience given the challenges of links golf and weather conditions.

Time to start saving for St. Andrews!

We departed London Monday morning and arrived safely in Winnipeg that evening with our baggage greeted to a heat wave (32 C). Air Canada did not disappoint and came through with the anticipated delays, conflicting information and poor customer service.

Tuesday was back to work.

I am always amazed by how quickly a vacation becomes a distant memory.

Cut Day for the Golfers (and me)

We took the train out to Sandwich early Friday morning to watch the "cut" round which reminded me, that much like those golfers ending their play at the Open 2011, my trip is ending on Sunday.

You, me - we all have been in a bunker or two in our lifetime. The 4th hole bunker at Royal St. George's is like no other I have seen. This bunker reminds us that no matter how deeply in trouble you maybe, on the golf course or in life, there is a way out and never give up.

We walked around the course on Friday and then settled in at the 18th hole green. We sat in the bleachers and there waited for each pair to arrive. Unless you are a diehard fan of a particular golfer and need to follow hole by hole, waiting for the golfers to come to you, is, in my opinion, a better plan. Eventually they all arive. At the 18th hole with good binoculars one can see the drive and with the naked eye the second shot and the green. I recommend that spot, especially if you are unfamiliar with the course.

We saw many of those who were to survive the day - Darren Clarke, Phil Mickelson, Y.E. Yang, Trevor Immelman, Tom Watson, Davis Love III, Bernhard Langer, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen and many more.

It was a fabulous sunny warm day and the red skin was a small price to pay for a great day of golf.

Saturday (today) was out last day in the city proper.We roamed about Oxford Street, on a very rainy Saturday, and ended the day with the evening show of Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre. The production is one of, if not, the best musicals I have seen. A production that is about the music - no fanfare, costuming, elaborate sets - thoroughly entertaining and strongly recommended. In addition to the listening pleasure you learn of the many songs written by Bob Gauido, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Gaudio .

Tomorrow we are back to the final round of the Open. We have our wellingtons and rainwwear ready as the forecast is much like today - rain and wind.

Here are the final pairings,

http://www.opengolf.com/en/TeeTimes/TeeTimes.aspx .

A day away from the Open

As the golfers started their weekend work we stayed in London to take in a few more sights. The golf plan was a practice round, cut day and the final round. It is a long day when travelling by train about 4 hours to and from Royal St. George's and watching a few hours of golf.

Today we took in Westminster Abbey

The Tower of London

London Bridge

And Harrod's

We ate dinner at a local bistro called Sandy's - the food was mediocre and not as good as the Bonfire Bistro.

Tomorrow we are back to Royal St. George's to watch the golf and take in some of the details described in an article at http://www.golf365.co.za/

"The course is not a traditional out and back layout. There is nothing artificial about Royal St George's; there is a natural look and feel to the course that blends beautifully into the surroundings, with wild flowers, dune grasses and the sweet song of the lark. Commanding views over Pegwell Bay and the white cliffs of Dover ensure an amazing experience.

All the holes are very different and memorable, a true sign of a great golf course.

Royal St George's also has some unique features; thatched roof shelters, the red cross of St George on their flags, and that astonishing bunker on the 4th hole that has been cut into a huge dune.

It's the UK's tallest and deepest bunker. If you can carry that famous bunker on this 470-yard par four, then you can enjoy the peace of the fairway beyond, called the 'Elysian Fields".

The par three 6 is called the 'Maiden'. Let Bernard Darwin explain why: "There stands the 'Maiden' steep, sandy and terrible, with her face scarred and seamed with black timbers, but alas! we no longer have to drive over her crown: we hardly do more than skirt the fringe of her garment.

'Suez Canal' is the 14th - so called, according to Darwin, because; "many a second shot have found a watery grave".

The 15 is considered architecturally to be one of the most impressive in golf because the fairway bunkers are virtually symmetrical."

This trip is winding down with only 3 days remaining - 2 for golf and one day to pick up some trinkets, treats and take in Jersey Boys.

Carnaby Street, Gordon Ramsay and Ian Poulter - there is a lot going on in this city!!

This evening is catching up time after a long day at Royal St. George’s in Sandwich, England.

The best way to see London is on foot, however navigating the summer crowds can be frustrating but easily remedied by taking the subway, if you must.

Tuesday we chose walking even after our morning run in Hyde Park. It was a good way to work up our appetite in anticipation of our dinner at Gordon Ramsay's Maze Grill - http://www.gordonramsay.com/mazegrill/ . Somewhat reminiscent of most steak houses they begin the dining experience with displaying the raw cuts at table side. Maze Grill did not disappoint when it came to service - the table hostess, the sommelier, the waiter and busboys all put on a good show.

We ordered from the al carte menu. I began with the soft shell crab appetizer. For the main both of us had a filet of Aberdeen Angus grass fed, aged 28 days. Sides are to be shared and we ordered thick cut fries, Portobello mushrooms and the tomato, basil, feta salad. For dessert Steph had the orange sorbet and I had the sundae.

In short all of Steph's choices were good and on my list only the soft shell crab stood out. The filet was ordered rare and arrived somewhere between blue and rare, under seasoned and much like the kind of meal that would disappoint Chef Ramsay on any one of his reality cooking shows. The sundae was pedestrian.

Steph rated the evening as a B / B+ and I could give it no more than a C / -C. I did not complain about my meal at the restaurant choosing to write off the experience as a bad night for the kitchen or being the lucky fellow to get a cut from the tapered end of the loin. Picture a triangle for the cut I received and it will then be easy to understand how grilling such a piece requires more care than a centre round.

This morning  (Wednesday) we were on the train early to watch the Wednesday practice round of the 140th Open Championship.

Back to the train again, this time we took the Southeastern high speed service to and from the course. The non-stop direct service does not start until Thursday. Like our experience on the Eurostar the train was seemless and on time.

This is our second attendance at major golf tournament and The Open did not disappoint. The venue is well organized and staffed. Many grandstands for seating and the weekend weather forecast offers a full menu of challenges.

We did get a caught up in the autograph frenzy and both of us managed to get a few. I am now the proud owner of a hat autographed by Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Bo Van Pelt, J. B. Holmes, Davis Love, Steve Marino, Mark O'Meara, Justin Leonard Jason Dufner and Ryo Ishikawa and others.

Throughout the day we were abe to get a few good pics on the practice putting green and here in no particular order are some player pics

Ross Fisher

Luke Donald

Nick Watney

Lee Westwood

Ernie Els

Rory M

And of course the stimpmeter crew,

We are returning to the course on Friday - cut day! I do hope this guy survives, for all of what he may be faulted he is nevertheless a colourful guy

"Land of Hope and Glory", but.... what happened to my copy of the News of the World!

We left for London by Eurostar yesterday. The train ride was very smooth, fast and comfortable.

We departed on time and arrived on time - Air Canada should set set a small goal for itself by trying to do the same. Perhaps with hourly, daily and weekly repetition working toward a habit Air Canada might get there.

We started out Monday morning with a walk around our neighbourhood to acquaint ourselves with the surroundings and landmarks to get our sense of direction. Steph had run earlier in Hyde Park so we headed there to show me how close we are to the park. En route we met these fellows out for a morning trot.

Now, can you imagine stop lights at intersections for this mode of travel!

From the park we walked back to Oxford Street and started our stroll up the street with walk through

The day was busy - Marble Arch, Oxford Street, Bond Street, Grosvenor Square, Green Park and many more! We ended our daytime walkabout with a visit to the Buckingham Palace.

Yes, we did see the palace guards



The kitsch for the day was our evening roll on the London Eye

For the faint of heart the roll is verrrrry slow and the pods are enclosed and secure 

For the view of Big Ben and Parliament the ride is well worth the expense

Tired and hungry we slogged our way back to our room stopping at Rotten Ronnie's for a snack.

When I bit into my burger I thought what a contrast this is to our upcoming dinner at Gordon Ramsay's Maze Grill.

P.S. for all you "Royals" out there, the Palace one more time

Paris to London



When I woke up I asked myself, would watching the Paris Triathlon be any better than watching a triathlon at home? Moreover, when a famous woman "calls" suggesting that you come for a visit before leaving town the triathlon quickly moves off the agenda.

So there you have it - The Louvre or The Triathlon? As you can see there was no contest.

We were somewhat concerned that we had not purchased an entry ticket in advance. On arrival we encountered a short line up and were inside, much to our surprise, within 25 minutes and able to spend our final day in Paris with da Vinci, Rembrandt and many other good people.

We strolled through the Jardin des Tuileries to and from the Louvre.

The "Jardin" was alive with energy - tourists from around the globe, Parisians, trinket and water hawkers (whose voices and accents I have not heard since my last visit to India), joggers, lovers, dreamers and philosophers.

And so it ended, Summer in Paris!

Au revoir Paris, nous retournerons un jour bientot!

 

Paris in the Summer

I have spent the last 2 days, with Stephanie, roaming the streets of Paris, a city that has been off my travel radar form more than 30 years. I am, admittedly, not much for historical buildings and museums but there is, I confess, an atmosphere and energy created by the surroundings that makes Paris addictive.

On Saturday afternoon Steph and I had lunch in the Jewish Quarter at Chez Hanna. Timeout Paris writes,

Chez Hanna
FAMOUS FALAFELS
‘Often imitated, never equalled’ is the motto of the world-famous L’As du Fallafel down the street, but Chez Hanna proves otherwise with its falafel sandwiches bursting with crunchy chickpea-and-herb balls, vegetables and tahini sauce. You can order them to take away or grab a seat at one of the wooden tables.
Chez Hanna, 54 rue des Rosiers, 4th (+33 1 42 74 74 99) Métro St-Paul. Meal for two with wine and service: around €50.

While there I bumped into an old friend from Winnipeg now living in Vancouver. As cheesy as the it may sound the "world is a small place".

 

Due to Air Canada delays we arrived late and missed one full day of the trip. I am more than annoyed but little can be done to recover the day other than to return.

We have eaten at two very good restaurants, Le Bistronomes at 34 rue de Richelieu - http://www.lesbistronomes.fr/ and Le Cheche Midi at 22 rue de Cherche Midi - http://www.lecherchemidi.fr/ - and recommend both.

Unfortunately tomorrow is our last day here and we have a few things left on the agenda but the discovery of the Paris Triathlon might cause a diversion from the plan.