Explore the World with Simon Sulyma

4/13/2025

Under the Cherry Tree in Vancouver

4/13/2025

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the largest and most popular cherry blossom festivals in Canada. With over 43,000 cherry tre...

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the largest and most popular cherry blossom festivals in Canada. With over 43,000 cherry trees across the city, the festival celebrates the beauty of these stunning trees through various events and activities. There's no single cluster where cherry blossoms can be seen. Instead, these stunning trees are everywhere blooming in every corner. As someone who fell in love with Vancouver many years ago, I was very excited to visit my favourite city again when an opportunity presented itself and capture the beauty of cherry blossoms.

3/31/2025

Speed, Scenery, and Serenity - The Bullet Train Experience in Japan

3/31/2025

The Shinkansen is a crown jewel of modern Japanese technology, symbolizing innovation, speed, and national pride. By connecting distant area...

The Shinkansen is a crown jewel of modern Japanese technology, symbolizing innovation, speed, and national pride. By connecting distant areas to urban hubs, these trains played a significant role in shaping Japan's sprawling mega-cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The term "Shinkansen" translates as "bullet train" thanks to the train's sleek, bullet-like design that has become an iconic symbol of Japanese engineering. The Shinkansen's launch in 1964 marked a significant milestone that showcased Japan's remarkable post-war recovery. Do you want to take a ride?

3/17/2025

Warm Hearts and Cold Temperatures at Ottawa's Winterlude Festival

3/17/2025

While most North Americans shiver through the winter months and wait for the spring, Ottawans are embracing winter's chill and enjoying ...

While most North Americans shiver through the winter months and wait for the spring, Ottawans are embracing winter's chill and enjoying the annual Winterlude festival. This three-week celebration takes place during the coldest time of the year, when temperatures often plummet below -20°C.

2/01/2025

Newest Kid... Train on the Block in Ottawa

2/01/2025

After almost five years of construction , Ottawa’s O-Train Lines 2 and 4 finally opened on January 6, 2025, expanding the O-Train network so...

After almost five years of construction, Ottawa’s O-Train Lines 2 and 4 finally opened on January 6, 2025, expanding the O-Train network south from Bayview to Limebank and Airport Stations. These two lines collectively known as the Trillium Line connect downtown Ottawa to several diverse neighbourhoods, including the charming Little Italy, always busy South Keys, and quiet suburban Riverside South, as well as Carleton University and the Ottawa International Airport. Despite the brutal cold weather, I set out to explore the new line and I'm very excited to share my photos with you.

1/23/2025

Behind the Shiny Facades of The Venice of America

1/23/2025

Fort Lauderdale, often dismissed as yet another suburb of Miami, unexpectedly revealed its character that exceeded all my expectations. Havi...

Fort Lauderdale, often dismissed as yet another suburb of Miami, unexpectedly revealed its character that exceeded all my expectations. Having driven through the city countless times, I was pleasantly surprised to finally discover its unique identity, particularly along the scenic Riverwalk. What would have been a few hours killed in Starbucks before taking my train, turned out to be a nice stroll along the water's edge overlooking luxurious yachts, high-end condos, posh crowds, and nature which is never too far in Southern Florida.

1/07/2025

The Canadian: A Journey of a Lifetime

1/07/2025

Many countries can say they built railways, however very few can brag that they were built by the railways. Canada is one of the few where t...

Many countries can say they built railways, however very few can brag that they were built by the railways. Canada is one of the few where the railway was the reason the nation exists in its current political borders. Despite various natural and man-made obstacles, the Canadian Pacific Railway linked Montreal and Toronto to Vancouver in 1885. In early 2025, my wife and I had a chance to enjoy Canada's spectacular landscapes firsthand on The Canadian, a four-night train journey from Vancouver to Toronto.

1/04/2025

Wilderness Therapy on the Juan de Fuca Trail in British Columbia

1/04/2025

The Juan de Fuca Trail in British Columbia, my first solo backpacking, had truly a therapeutic effect on me. The connection with nature, cam...

The Juan de Fuca Trail in British Columbia, my first solo backpacking, had truly a therapeutic effect on me. The connection with nature, campfire conversations with fellow hikers, and enduring physical challenges were exactly what I needed as I was going through many changes in my personal life. The numbers for this trail can't do them justice, but I’ll try anyway: 47 km over 4 days and 3 nights, a total elevation gain and loss of 1,800 m, 441 floors climbed, and 3,700 calories burned on average per day. The level of happiness: insane.

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