Canada National Dishes

CANADA

It’s really fun to try national foods of the country you’re visiting. You can really begin to understand the culture from the inside out (your gastronomy). Canada is a great country with many different types of people living there. This causes the Canadian cuisine to be very diverse from province to province, but there are a few famous national dishes that can be seen all throughout the country.

Beaver Tail Pastry

Beaver Tail Pastry

A whole wheat pastry is made of fried dough that flattened to shape in the form of a beaver tail and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.  They can also be topped with maple butter, chocolate spread, ice cream, whipped cream, jellies, apple puree and even melted cheese. Beaver Tails are a brand name food. Look out for little green kiosks across the country – particularly in winter and at special events, when temporary kiosks shoot up to cope with demand.

Butter tarts

Butter tarts

A butter tart is a type of small pastry tart highly regarded in Canadian cuisine and considered one of Canada's quintessential desserts. The tart consists of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, raisins and egg filled into a flaky pastry and baked until the filling is semi-solid with a crunchy top.

Nanaimo Bar

Nanaimo bar

The Nanaimo bar is a dessert item of Canadian origin popular across North America. It is a bar cookie which requires no baking and is named after the West Coast city in British Columbia. It consists of a wafer crumb-based layer topped by a layer of light vanilla frosting or custard flavored butter icing which is covered with melted chocolate. Many varieties exist, consisting of different types of crumb with different flavors of icing (e.g., mint, peanut butter) and different types of chocolate. Two popular variations on the traditional Nanaimo bar involve mint- or mocha-flavored icing. This is a mandatory staple of any Christmas cookie tray, church ladies bible study group, and birthday party.

Pancakes with Maple Syrup 

Pancakes and Canadian Maple Syrup

The maple tree is a national symbol and the syrup that it produces is scrumptious. It’s what we usually put on our pancakes but can be used to sweeten yogurt and cakes, too. The syrup is pretty inexpensive in Canada and makes for an excellent souvenir to bring back home.

Peameal bacon

Peameal bacon (cornmeal bacon)

Peameal bacon, also known as cornmeal bacon, is a type of bacon originating in Canada. Peameal bacon is made from boneless pork loins, short cut from the leaner portions of the loin, to ensure a more uniform product. Smokeless and tender, this product is sweet pickle-cured and rolled in a traditional golden cornmeal coating.

Peameal bacon is often served on a Kaiser roll as a sandwich. It is usually a general practice to add mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. Peameal bacon sandwiches are often considered to be a signature dish of Toronto, with the most famous vendors located at St. Lawrence Market.

Another common way of consumption is simply roasted and glazed with maple syrup.

Poutine

Poutine

Poutine is a fast food dish that originated in Quebec and can now be found across Canada. Poutine is made with french fries, topped with brown gravy and cheese curds. Sometimes additional ingredients are added. Poutine may also contain other ingredients such as beef, pulled pork, lamb, lobster meat, shrimp, rabbit confit, caviar, and truffles. It's a great cheap snack fast food that is served at any restaurant or chip wagon throughout Canada. You can find Italian poutine (served with Bolognese sauce and sometimes Italian sausages), Greek poutine (served with feta, Mediterranean vinaigrette and gravy) and New Jersey poutine (served with mozzarella). If you're ever visiting Quebec I would highly recommend trying one.

Tourtière

Tourtière

Tourtière is a meat pie originating from Quebec, usually made with finely diced pork, and/or veal, or beef. Wild game is often added to enhance the taste of the pie. It is a traditional part of the Christmas and/or Christmas Eve réveillon, New Year's Eve, and Thanksgiving meal in Quebec, but is also enjoyed and sold in grocery stores all year long.

There is no one correct filling, as the pie meat depends on what is available in regions. In coastal areas, fish such as salmon is commonly used, whereas pork, beef, rabbit, and game are often used inland. The tourtières of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean area and Eastern Quebec are slow-cooked deep-dish meat pies made with potatoes and various meats (often including wild game) cut into small cubes.

Tourtière in Montreal is made with finely ground pork only (which can be hard to find as the meat is often ground too coarsely elsewhere). Water is added to the meat after browning and the addition of cinnamon and cloves is what makes it unique. Many people use ketchup as a condiment, though the tourtière is also often eaten with molasses.

Pemmican

Pemmican is a concentrated mixture of fat and protein used as a nutritious food. The specific ingredients used were usually whatever was available; the meat was often bison, moose, elk, or deer. Fruits such as cranberries and saskatoon berries were sometimes added. Cherries, currants, chokeberries and blueberries were also used, but almost exclusively in ceremonial and wedding pemmican.

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USA - Purple Sand, Pfeiffer Beach

USA

Pfeiffer Beach is a beautiful, unspoiled beach that's well-known and loved by locals, somewhat unknown among tourists. It is located in Northern California, USA and is said to be hard to find, but worth the while. Besides beautiful offshore views of rocks and sea stacks and some nice surfing waves, this beach has unusual violet sand, which makes the beach a very attractive tourist destination. Sand derives its color from minerals that compose it, which vary from place to place. Quartz, often clear or translucent, is commonly the dominant ingredient, lending sand its generally light color. Pfeiffer Beach's violet color comes from manganese garnet deposits found in the surrounding rocks that washing down the hillside. Rain washes the tiny bits of color down to the beach. The violet color really stands out right after a storm. When the moonlight bounces off the slowly ebbing tide, the manganese particles that have colored the sand violet become a glowing, rippling aurora in the water. The further north on the beach you go, the more violet the sand gradually becomes. However, you must know the northern tip of the beach is a popular area among nude sunbathers. The beach must be seen early in the morning before crowds walk over the ever-changing sand patterns. Don't forget to bring your jacket. The beach can get windy and chilly in the evening or early in the morning when a sea breeze blows.

Violet sand, Pfeiffer Beach [Photo by Judy H.]

This small, isolated but amazing beach lies at the end of a two-mile unmarked road off Highway 1. There is no sign on the highway, therefore, to get there you must keep a sharp eye for the turnoff, Sycamore Canyon Road, located just pass the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. If you are coming from the north and heading south, the turnoff will be on your right 0.66 miles past the Ranger station. Look for the sharp right turn marked by a row of mailboxes. If you are heading north, the turnoff will be on your left past the post office about 0.6 miles. You'll see a sign that says Pfeiffer Beach shortly after turning onto Sycamore Canyon. It's a very narrow and winding one-lane road through ferns and trees, so you must pull over occasionally to let oncoming traffic pass.  At the end of Sycamore Canyon Road, you will find a nice parking area, restrooms, and the beach only a quarter-mile down a beautiful path.  

If you are touring the beach during summer, it is best to plan a visit to this beach early in the day. The parking lot as well as the beach is small and fills up. By noon on a summer weekend, you'll find the parking lot almost full, and with no other parking nearby, rangers will turn latecomers away or make them wait until someone else leaves. As of this writing, entrance fee was $5 per vehicle.

There are no refreshment facilities on the beach. You’ll need to head back to the nearby settlement of Big Sur where there is a selection of restaurants, cafes, delis and pubs.

Location: Sycamore Canyon Rd, Hwy 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Park Office telephone: (831) 385-5434 (Monterey Ranger District office)
Parking: $5 (annual pass - $15)
Hours: 9am - 8pm, Day-use only
Swimming: Not recommended due to rocks and strong currents. Call park office for information.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the beach.
Accessibility: Parking, restrooms (chemical toilets located in the parking lot, quite a walk back from the beach).

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Costa Rica National Drinks

COSTA RICA

Each and every country has a unique beverage that it claims as its national drink. In Costa Rica, the beverage of choice is Guaro. It is a clear liquor made from fermented sugar cane. Cacique is the best tasting and the most popular brand that legally produced in the country. With an alcohol content slightly lower than comparable liquors like vodka, Guaro is distinguished by its slightly sweet taste but eye-widenly strong. Since it's not a very "clean" liquor and something that not to be messed with, you have to know your limit and exercise with caution. If you want to experience it safely, the main thing to know is to not to drink it straight, a couple of shots may numb various parts of your body. Remember to be careful, four or five shots of Cacique Guaro will produce a reaction on your body that you will never forget, especially the next morning.

Guaro is similar to rum, and is widely available at very cheap prices throughout Costa Rica. Guaro-based mixed drinks usually consist of pouring a shot or two into a glass of Fresca and ice. It also mixes well with other tangy soft drinks like Coke and fruit juices. Costa Ricans often drink Guaro as a shot or mixed with mineral water, soft drink, juice or soda.

There are approximately 8 different national beers available (and most international), which are sold in cans, bottles and even kegs. The most common beers that all bars and restaurants serve in the country are Pilsen and Imperial. Bavaria, "Bavaria Negra" (dark) and Bavaria Light are considered higher quality but more expensive, Rock Ice and Rock Ice Limón (lemon flavor) has a higher alcohol percentage and is less common in rural areas. Heineken is locally made under license and is more expensive as well. 

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Bahamas - Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island

Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island

BAHAMAS

Harbour Island is a popular vacation destination for Americans. Known as Briland to the locals, Harbour Island is colourful with New England-style buildings and flower lined streets. Harbour Island, one of the Out Islands of the Bahamas in the clear and gentle waters of the Caribbean, is most renowned for its pale pink sand beaches of some 3 plus miles long and half a mile wide. The sand is a composition of bits of coral, broken shells, minute rocks and calcium carbonate from tiny marine invertebrates. This rare pink color of sand is caused by Foraminifera, tiny microscopic sea creatures with bright pink or red shells. Their colorful shells are broken down into fine granule-size pieces when they die, mixing in with the native sands and creating the rosy-hue that is seen today.

The Bahamas is blessed with good weather most of the year, and for the most part, water sports and activities abound on Harbour Island year-round. The outlying coral reefs protect the shore from rolling waves of the Atlantic. These reefs provide large areas of relatively calm and shollow waters, making the ocean safe and ideal for swimming and snorkeling in The Bahamas. 

Harbour Island serves as the perfect outpost for a scuba diver's paradise. It features one of the top dive sites in the world known as "Current Cut Dive." The Current Cut is a fast drift dive that moves between the rock walls between Eleuthera and Current Island. From Eleuthera, divers can explore wrecks along the Devil's Backbone, and even the rare underwater remains of a train wreck.

Harbour Island activities are as laid-back as the island atmosphere. Other amenities - fine cuisine, deep sea fishing, surf fishing, bonefishing, horseback riding on the beach, shopping for souvenirs from the sidewalk vendors in Dunmore Town, and day trips to Eleuthera and Spanish Wells - mark island attractions. There's something for everyone on Harbour Island. 

The best time of year to visit is from December to May with temperatures around 70-75 degrees F. Tropical storms are a possibility during the rest of the year, when the weather is warmer and the climate more humid. 

You can reach the island by flying into the nearest airport, North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which is only 20 minutes away by a combination of land and water taxis, or by taking a 45-minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, and traveling two hours by high-speed ferry directly to Harbour Island. From the US, Continental Connections and American Airlines offer connections via Fort Lauderdale or Miami to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH).

US citizens need a certified birth certificate and an official photo I.D. (driver's license) for entry. A departure tax per person applies to all visitors. US currency can be used. Most stores do not accept Discover or AMEX cards. An ATM can be found at the Royal Bank of Canada, and Internet access is available at Red Apple Rentals.

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USA - Hawaii Travel Basics

USA

For many Americans, Hawaii is a vacation destination too good to pass up. The tropical weather and unique culture are endlessly alluring and being able to enjoy this island lifestyle without the hassle of international travel is simply a dream come true. Regional and cultural differences can be intimidating, however, so brush up on some basic travel information to head off anxiety.

When to go

There are really only two seasons in Hawaii: summer and winter. Both are warm, but the winter months have considerably more rain. In some areas of the Hawaiian Islands, it rains every day during this time of year, but usually no longer than for three days straight in one particular spot. Despite the rain, the high tourist season falls during Hawaii's winter months and the low season during the summer. During the high seasons the islands will be more crowded with tourists trying to escape the cold weather of the more northern regions. Hotels, resorts, and other businesses on the island use this time to increase their prices, while during the low tourism season, vacationers will be able to find accommodations at discounted rates.

The peak tourism season in Hawaii starts in the middle of December up until either the end of March or mid-April. During this time Hawaii is a very popular vacation destination, particularly during the last two weeks of December. Temperatures in other parts of the world are at their lowest then, but Hawaii is maintains a daytime temperature of about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan on visiting any of the islands during this time, you must make your reservations well in advanced, as many hotels and resorts will sell out. Also, along with the crowds, you should expect higher rates not only at the hotels, but also from the airlines and car rental companies.

Ironically, the best time to visit Hawaii may be during the off season which falls between the middle of April until the middle of June, and then from September until the middle of December. The number of tourists visiting the islands drops drastically during this time of year, so there are fewer crowds. With fewer visitors, hotel and airline rates decrease significantly and vacationers can find better travel packages. The weather during the off season is also better and more reliable, since there is less rainfall than during the winter months. If you're looking to save money on your trip, avoid large crowds, or enjoy a little more sunshine during your stay then this may be the best time for you to travel to Hawaii.
 

Etiquette

Hawaii is one of the most ethnically diverse locations in the United States. This blending of cultures has helped the create the seductive island flavor that makes it so unique, but it also means that visitors should take the time to educate themselves a bit about any unusual customs they may encounter.

Travelers should not forget that Hawaii is a U.S. state – it is not only ignorant but also offensive to refer only to the mainland as America or insinuate that people living in the islands are not U.S. citizens. One should also be mindful of the fact that only native people are called Hawaiians. Others will generally refer to themselves as residents of Hawaii, an example that should be followed by vacationers.

Several rules will also come in handy if you are to be a guest in someone's home. For one thing, it is generally thought to be polite to bring a small gift of some sort to your host. In addition, local custom dictates that you remove your shoes before entering any residence, as doing so is a sign of respect and consideration.

Learning about the differences in etiquette and the unique geographical features of each of the six main islands of Hawaii can help you to prevent unpleasant surprises during your trip.

Text source [1]

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USA - Honolulu Public Transportation

USA

The cheapest and fastest way to get around Honolulu varies depending on who you talk to. While Honolulu  has no shortage of transport options available for either holiday makers or corporate travelers. Getting around Honolulu by car can be a real treat if you have some extra time as it has some of the best roads in United States. If you just prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, you can just hop on one of the public transportation.

TheBus

TheBus Oahu

Certainly the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is also one of the most densely-populated. Driving can be a nightmare in fast-paced Honolulu and parking is notoriously difficult all over the island. If you're looking for an interesting way to discover all the beauty of the islands, bus service may be an ideal way to get around while vacationing in Hawaii.

Honolulu's efficient public transport network called TheBus is the best way to get around this city and the rest of Oahu. Recent efforts to improve the quality of the bus service are responsible for making it more convenient, affordable, and incredibly easy-to-use. There are 110 routes and more than 4,000 stops on its schedule, and fares are cheap at $2.50 (USD). Depending on the line, most buses run from 5:00 a.m. until midnight. TheBus runs virtually around the clock. A few popular trips even have express service to reduce travel time.  Its most popular route is between Waikiki and Ala Moana Centre, with buses coming and going every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes after dark. From the airport, take routes 19 and 20 to get to Waikiki. Note, however, that luggage is not permitted. The Visitors Pass ($25)is the best transportation deal on Oahu, allowing you to travel anywhere on the island for a fixed fee for four days.  

The county also maintains a very informative website where users can learn about community events and road conditions, in addition to finding out more about routes and services. Visit the webpage at TheBus or call 808-848-5555 for more information.

Waikiki Trolley

Waikiki Trolley [Photo]

Another fun and affordable way to get around Waikiki and Honolulu is on the Waikiki Trolley. This charismatic open-top vehicle runs in a loop around downtown Honolulu and Waikiki stopping at 12 useful sites. The routes and destinations are not as extensive as TheBus but the trolley goes to most major visitor attractions and offer tickets for unlimited rides over a certain number of days as long as the pass has not expired. The Waikiki Trolley departs from various major hotels and has various sightseeing and shopping stops. You can get off at any stop and get on the next trolley when you want to move on. 

The Waikiki Trolley has four different lines with over 30 different stops and four different itineraries, including a great historic tour. Depending on what you want to do while on oahu, you just choose the line that is right for you. The red line offers the itinerary where you will learn about the history of Waikiki, Honolulu and Oahu. The blue line takes you along the east Oahu coastline and goes as far as Sea Life Park. You will pass miles of beautiful beaches, drive inside diamond head crater and see Hanauma Bay. The yellow line is the local shopping and dining line. This line takes you to popular shopping areas that locals shop at. The Pink Line is known as the Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle Line.

Car Rental

All the major car hire firms have offices in Honolulu and at the airport. Many of the major hotels on the islands can also arrange rental car reservations for guests and offer recommendations about services. Having your own car is the ideal way to explore Oahu, as some of the most beautiful places are located well outside of Honolulu. Certainly the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is also one of the most densely-populated. Driving, however, can be a nightmare in fast-paced Honolulu and parking is notoriously difficult all over the island. Parking fees are applied both to public as well as your hotel (not included).

Taxis

Taxis are another great way to travel when in a group and the cost can be shared. Taxis are plentiful, but not inexpensive. They are available island wide 24-hours a day. You can find taxi stands at hotels, most major shopping malls and at the airport. Note that using taxi stands and calling for pick-ups by phone or via hotel concierge is the norm in Hawaii rather than hailing a cab. Many of the drivers are multilingual.

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USA - Hawaii Best Beaches

USA

Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world, some accessible only by helicopter or landing watercraft, some built around the high drama of intense waves crashing against razor-sharp lava rocks, and some that literally disappear under the high winter surf on the north shores of the islands.

Waikiki Beach
Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki, Oahu [Photo]

Waikiki Beach on Oahu's south shore count as one of most famous beaches in all of Hawaii, if not the world. Waikiki features a white sand beach framed by aquamarine waters and iconic Diamond Head, the extinct volcanic crater and international landmark. The beauty of Waikiki begins at the yacht harbor where every boat imaginable, from sporty, racing numbers to salty-dog blue cruisers, lines the water. This is where the locals come to jog in the park, swim at Sans Souci Beach or barbecue dinner with family and friends. Between these extremes, the seven-tenths of a square mile that make up Waikiki are packed with hotels, theaters, restaurants and shops that offer something for everyone. Shopping, strolling, surfing, beachgoing and people watching are just a few of the more popular activities here. For a few dollars, you can rent a longboard and try your hand at surfing the gentle waves that helped make Waikiki one of the birthplaces of surfing. It is here where Hawaiian canoe clubs train and stately yachts strut their stuff. Outrigger canoes can also be rented for a paddle through sun-drenched waves in the afternoon sun.

Honaunau Bay
The Big Island, Hawaii 

Honaunau Bay [Photo]

Honaunau Bay is the City of Refuge by locals because of ancient traditions that gave warriors and law-breakers refuge here. Honaunau Bay offers visitors something other than the white sandy beaches and rolling surf characteristic of Hawaii. The bay is refuge to many fish and coral that skin divers often visit due to the ease of entry provided by smooth lava rock flats. It is home to a true underwater paradise, the Place of Refuge, which attracts scuba divers from all around. Dolphins are regulars to the bay and give everyone a bit of excitement. The clear blue waters and even the occasional sea turtle offer rich diving experience for all. Over time, eruptions of the Kilueau volcano poured lava into the ocean, hardening into large, smooth formations now home to an expansive reef of colorful coral heads and formations. The bay satisfies all levels of divers, from beginners to experts, and boasts a large number of fish native to Hawaii, roughly 40 percent of which can be found only in Honaunau. Divers can swim with the likes of long-nosed butterfly fish, surgeon fish, yellow tang and kala and kole - even the endangered green sea turtle.

Ka'anapali Beach
Maui, Hawaii

Ka'anapali Beach [Photo]

Kaanapali Beach is one of Hawaii’s most energetic, charismatic, and active beaches. Ka'anapali is one of Hawaii's most famous and populated beaches surrounded by numerous elegant resort hotels and condominiums. Travel up and down the beach is made possible by a concrete path so wherever you are staying the path is nearby for morning walks and sunset strolls. It is the beach for activities. Many activities including seasonal parasailing, surf lessons, volleyball, and sailing keep vacationers busy.  You can snorkel in the crystal clear water, windsurf, jet-ski, parasail, or kayak. At the north end of the beach lies Black Rock offering great snorkeling.

Kauna'oa Beach
The Big Island, Hawaii

Kauna'oa Beach [Photo]

The perfect crescent formed at Kauna'oa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach by locals, gives this beach on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island its picture postcard characteristics.  Kauna 'oa Beach is a large sandy beach located on the big island of Hawaii. The beach provides plenty of room for sand castles, volleyball, swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. It is one of the best beaches on the island with a rock reef that provides some protection from the surf. Golfers will even love to hate the sand traps at the famous Mauna Kea Golf Course.

Kahanamoku Beach
Waikiki, Oahu

Kahanamoku, Oahu [Photo]

Kahanamoku Beach was named in honor of Hawaii's most decorated waterman Duke Kahanamoku, gold medal Olympic swimmer and father of modern-day surfing. It is an island with a two-tier waterfall, a board walk, park benches and landscaping create a park-like setting. You’ll find all ocean activities here and places to rent surfboards, stand up paddle boards and take lessons. A variety of beach equipment is available for rent from the Hilton's Waikiki Beach Activities desk which fronts the lagoon. The lagoon is the perfect place to learn Hawaii's fastest growing watersport - stand up paddle boarding.

Waimanolo Bay Beach Park
Oahu, Hawaii

Waimanolo Bay [Photo]

Located about nine miles north of Hanauma Bay, past Makapu'u Point and Sea Life Park, you'll arrive at the Windward Oahu community of Waimanalo Beach. It’s a wide beach with beautiful sand, turquoise waters and a gentle shore break. Waimanalo, which is actually made up of two separate areas, each with its own parking area, is a beautiful Oahu beach popular with locals, and great for family picnics and sports. It can also be a good place to body surf for beginners. There’s protection from the sun under ironwood pines (Casuarina equisetifolia).

Hanauma Bay
Oahu, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay, Oahu [Photo by Vince Tylor]

Hanauma Bay is another of Hawaii’s most beautiful and popular bays, but to enjoy its treasures you’ll have to plan ahead and arrive early for a visit. Formed thousands of years ago by the flooding of a volcanic crater, this nearly circular bay is home to an amazingly diverse and abundant population of fish life. Hanauma Bay is one of the best and most popular snorkeling and swimming areas in the world. However, excessive swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving have threatened the bay’s marine residents. 

Poipu Beach
Kauai, Hawaii

Poipu beach, Kauai [Photo]

Poipu Beach is on the southern island of Kauai and  well-know for calm waters. The area is picturesque with golden sand crescents and shallow areas that provide safe areas for parents and children. Poipu beach is split into two small bays separated by a sand bar. One section is protected and ideal for toddlers and other small children. The other section is good for swimming and snorkeling, and sometimes surfing when the waves pick up. Palm trees dominate the coastline here with an expansive lawn at the park. Families are sure to adore the well-maintained picnic areas and covered pavilions, as well as the shower and bathroom facilities. Sunbathers are occasionally joined by endangered monk seals that come up for a snooze on the shore.

Lahaina Beach
Maui, Hawaii

Lahaina, Maui [Photo]

Lahaina Beach is considered one of the world's most romantic beaches. It is on West Maui and the town is full of ancient history with a long tradition of whaling. The tranquility of its old fishing village, lush tropical plant life and the majesty of the ocean have made Lahaina a favorite locale for marriage ceremonies. The traditional Old Lahaina Luau traces the history of the hula dance and tantalizes guests with passionate dancing, lei ceremonies and a succulent imu-roasted pig.

Hookipa Beach
Maui, Hawaii

Hookipa, Maui [Photo: Randy Storey]

Hookipa Beach is located off the Hana Highway in North Maui. It is well-known for world-class windsurfing competitions. Wave-riders travel from around the globe to catch the surf at Hookipa. Windsurfers will tell you the best views of Hookipa Beach's gleaming white sands and towering palm trees are from the water, where surfers are privy to the beach's spectacular setting. While not everyone is an expert windsurfer there is a small coral reef that provides an excellent calm area for taking a relaxing few minutes on this unique beach. The dramatic rocky beach and sandy shore are complemented with barbeque picnic areas, showers, kiosks and payphones.

Punalu'u Beach
The Big Island, Hawaii

Punalu'u beach [Photo]

The black sand beach of Punalu'u is one of nature's rarest wonders stretches across the island of Hawaii's shores. This magnificent beach formed when lava from two of the world's most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, spilled into the ocean and quickly cooled, breaking into minuscule pieces that now comprise the "sand." The black sand beach with its smoothed glass granules is always warm and soothing, and the wild tropical landscape makes beach irresistible and unforgettable. Punalu'u is actually the "diving spring" because Hawaiians used to get fresh water from these springs using gourds. The location is well-known for the endangered green sea turtle that makes it's home here while the turtles are protected by law, snorkeling is a great way to see them in their natural habitat.

The North Shore
Oahu, Hawaii

Waimeia Bay, North Shore [Photo]

Along the 7-mile stretch of sand encompassing the North Shore, three beaches stand out from the rest. Waimeia Bay, which is located in the center of the North Shore, boasts calm. The Pipeline whose name inspires die-hard surfers shooting through waves. Finally, as the day draws to a close, visit Sunset Beach, where an explosion of light and color paint the sky as the sun sets gracefully behind the waves. If you are not a board-type there are plenty of other things to do nearby such as: Golf, Ocean Fishing Tours, Sport Fishing, Shark Tours, Whale Watching, Horseback Riding, Jet Ski, Picnics, Scuba and Snorkel . . . plus lots of shopping!

Lanikai Beach
Oahu, Hawaii

Lanikai beach, Oahu [Photo]

Lanikai Beach is located on the island of Oahu off Kailua Road, Kailua East Oahu. Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees that sway over a white beach, lush tropical plants and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii's most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm, and the water is always a deep turquoise or green. The beach is excellent for swimming year-round and ideal for small children and those who don’t like to contend with waves. Other popular activities on Lanikai include kayaking, outrigger canoeing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing. Less than a mile offshore are two small tropical islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua where there are designated bird sanctuaries. Lanikai Beach truly lives up to its translated name of "heavenly sea."

So, what is your pick? We look forward to hearing your selections for best Hawaii beaches.

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Canada National Liquors

CANADA

A national liquor is an alcoholic drink considered a standard and respected adult beverage in a given country. While many such drinks status may be informal, there is usually a general consensus in a given country that a specific drink has national status or is the "most popular liquor" in said nation.

Canadian whisky

Canadian Whisky, often referred to as "rye whisky", is typically smoother and lighter than other types of whisky. Canadian laws require that the alcoholic beverage must be mashed, distilled, and aged within Canada. Canadian whisky is aged at least three years in wooden barrels. Rye is the main ingredient used, usually blended with other multi-grain liquors containing a large percentage of corn spirits, and are typically lighter and smoother than other whisky styles. Today, Canadian whisky, which is often referred to (and labelled as) rye whisky for historical reasons, although it may or may not actually include any rye in its production process. The whiskies that Canada produces often have a light body and flavor. The best Canadian whisky has at least some of the spicy, bitter-sweet character of rye, lightened with the blending spirit.

Most mixes for Canadian whiskey now contain quite a bit of corn and wheat. Corn, in particular, has increasingly become the most common ingredient in grain mashes. Mashes containing high amounts of corn create a much lighter-flavored beverage. Blends like this are very popular because their taste is often preferred in cocktails. There are some very high quality Canadian whiskies on the market. Here are the top five available now:

Seagrams VO - Light, fruity and made for mixing, try this with soda for an easy cocktail. Sure, Seagrams VO may stylistically be "typically Canadian" but that's not a bad thing in this instance. Be careful though, this is such a light whisky it tends to disappear in the presence of strong liqueurs. Seagrams VO works best in simple cocktails. It is an easy sipper and a good introduction to the world of Canadian whisky. ($15.45)

Canadian Club Reserve - Also known as 10 year, this is a great Canadian whisky at an attractive price ($16.45). A wonderful mixture of dark fruits, vanilla, leather, fruitcake and walnuts, this mixes well but does even better on its own.

Crown Royal Reserve - At twice the price of Crown Royal ($54.45 vs. $27.45) this should be twice as good as Crown Royal and it is. This whisky is head and shoulders above Crown Royal and is the best representation of Canadian whisky in the Crown Royal family. Choose this whisky to celebrate a promotion or anniversary. One ice cube and two fingers of CR Special Reserve and you'll be in heaven.

Canadian Mist - Light, smooth and easy drinking, with hints of vanilla and spice, this mixes well in a classic highball cocktail.

Canadian Club 30 Year - Simply the finest Canadian whisky and arguably on of the finest whiskies ever produced. Warm, luscious and inviting, this whisky slowly unveils itself on your palate, revealing a mouthwatering bounty of dried apricots, caramels, grilled peaches and vanilla poundcake before offering a wonderful hazelnut finish that lasts over 20 minutes. Canadian Club 30 is one of the world's finest spirits. With only 3000 bottles released, it is a hard spirit to find but well worth the effort. ($200+)

Two other Canadian whiskies to look for are Canadian Club Sherry Cask, atypical for Canadian whisky but a great sipping whiskey and Crown Royal Black, rumored to be launching in early 2010.

Caesar Cocktail

Caesar Cocktail [Photo]

A Caesar or Bloody Caesar is a famous cocktail created and primarily consumed in Canada. It is a drink similar to a Bloody Mary but with a uniquely spicy flavour. Basic preparation typically contains vodka, Clamato (a proprietary blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and is served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass, typically garnished with a stalk of celery and wedge of lime. Though it was not one of the original ingredients, Tabasco sauce is a frequent addition, as is horseradish. Vodka is occasionally replaced with gin, tequila or rum, though the Clamato may not be substituted. A variant that replaces vodka with beer is commonly called a "Red Eye", and one without alcohol is a "Virgin Caesar".

Outside of Canada, the Caesar is virtually unknown. In the United States, it is typically only available at bars along the Canadian border. Elsewhere, bartenders will frequently offer a Bloody Mary in its place. The drink can be found in parts of Europe, but it is mostly found where there are higher populations of Canadians_.

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