Türkiye (Istanbul)/Canada (Toronto)/Barbados (Fitts Village) - Week of October 25, 2026
Greetings and salutations from Fitts Village, Barbados!
A warm and sunny welcome to you! Thank you for joining in my latest weekly adventure that spans two continents, multiple time zones and three countries! I'm grateful that you made the choice to spend a few minutes with me during your busy week!
How was your week? Who did you bless with a random act of kindness? Perhaps you were on the recipient of a random act of kindness! What did that feel like? You can always so many things in your daily life to be thankful for!
This blog post number marks a milestone of sorts. It's my 104th weekly blog post; that's two years of writing weekly posts!
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| Sunrise over Lake Ontario, Canada |
You may find my Barbados posts (next three weeks) are light on content. I've been blessed with visiting this island paradise several times so I frequently forget to take photos. I also leave my phone at my place when I go for my beach walk so my post is devoid of beach photos.
I have had the most extraordinary welcome from my Bajan friends since arriving on Friday afternoon. Warm smiles and big hugs! Feels good to be home! I'm blessed to have several destinations in the world I can have this experience.
I was recently asked if I ever feel lonely while I'm traveling. The short answer is no. I do feel alone at times, in those rare moments when I might be on a bus, plane, train or boat when I am surrounded by people I am yet to meet. I solve that alone feeling fairly quickly by starting a conversation with someone nearby. I do differentiate between feeling lonely and being alone. Feeling alone is that uncomfortable state of being alone, feeling isolated, without the confidence to interact with people around you. It's a standing concern I have for men in their older years - 60's and older who find themselves spending increasing amount of time on their own. Also think about people in the hospital, nursing homes or any type of care facility who have infrequent visitors. That is what I think about when someone asks me if I ever feel lonely! I'm grateful for everyone in my travels who has offered me a kind word, has offered their assistance, provided directions or were thoughtful in their own way. I am truly blessed.
May the universe bring endless blessings and moments of magic 🦄 to you and your loved ones in the week ahead. 🙏
Travel Administration
An ideal gift to bring your Bajan friends, if you happen to be traveling from Canada or have access to this product, is Canadian maple syrup! This sweet delight is greatly appreciated by every Bajan with a sweet tooth, as it's sooo expensive to purchase in Barbados.
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Travel Update
Steady as she goes is my travel mantra at the moment. I return to Canada on November 20 for seven nights before embarking on my trip to the Seychelles on Friday, November 27. I fly Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, and after an eight layover, I board another Turkish Airlines plane (codeshare with Air Seychelles) to the Seychelles. I am still thinking about what I should do after returning to Canada on December 26.
Steady as she goes is my travel mantra at the moment. I return to Canada on November 20 for seven nights before embarking on my trip to the Seychelles on Friday, November 27. I fly Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, and after an eight layover, I board another Turkish Airlines plane (codeshare with Air Seychelles) to the Seychelles. I am still thinking about what I should do after returning to Canada on December 26.
Travel Maps
Three countries in a week! I start the week in Türkiye, arrive in Canada on Wednesday, October 28 for two nights, then fly to Barbados on Friday, October 30.
Türkiye: October 20 to October 28, 2026
Intercountry Travel: Istanbul, Türkiye to Toronto, Canada
Canada (Ontario): October 28 to October 30, 2026
Intercountry Travel: Toronto, Canada to Fitts Village, Barbados
Barbados: October 30, 2026 to November 20, 2026
Istanbul
I enjoyed three more days of low key activity at the Istanbul Crowne Plaza - Asia. Leisurely grazing the delicious buffet breakfast, move to the 8th Floor Club Lounge to enjoy a Turkish coffee followed by Turkish tea, a short nap in the afternoon to recover from this frenetic pace, then back to the Club Lounge for an afternoon snack followed by an appetizing dinner accompanied with Turkish tea. I'm grateful for this blessed and privileged life I'm currently enjoying. I'm forever conscious that each of our lives can unexpectedly change in a matter of seconds. We live (surf?) on a fine edge in life, looking where the next wave is coming from, sometimes surprised by that rogue wave that appears out of the blue. Enjoy every moment, my friends!Sunrise
The skies became more overcast as the week progressed. Assuredly, the earth continued rotating on Tuesday and Wednesday, however ominous clouds prevented my ability to capture those early moments. As always, I'm grateful for the two mornings that I witnessed the sun's morning magnificence.Sunday, October 25
Monday, October 26
Mississauga
I arrived around 7:30 pm on Wednesday, leaving me with one full day to prepare for my upcoming three weeks in Barbados. My flight to sunny and warm weather was scheduled for departure at 8 am on Friday, October 30. Baklawa King
I experienced two most amazing blessings when I visited my Turkish coffee (and perhaps some sweets) go-to place in Mississauga.
Blessing #1 was reconnecting with Raad, a Baklawa King employee, who I met a few years ago when he worked at this Baklawa King location. Raad is the most kind and gracious man you could meet. What a true blessing to have this chance to catch up with him. By sheer coincidence (engineered by the universe, of course), he happened to show up at this location when I was there. He mentioned he was rarely at this location given his new responsibilities for the Hamilton location and in the main bakery. He kindly prepared my large cup of Turkish coffee and a serving of cheese knafeh and bread (a touch of honey with a sprinkling of ground pistachio /walnuts).
Blessing #2 was being recognized by one of the business owners when I brought my dish and cup to the service counter. He remembered as the guy who used to bring my home baked cookies to the store for the staff. What a special moment in my day to be acknowledged in this personal way.
There are so many moments of magic in each day, if you have an open heart!
Yes, I was bringing cookies to a bakery! There was a time when I visited the store weekly so I got to know everyone that worked there.
Knafeh, bread and my Turkish
coffee
Sunrise - October 29
I started Thursday morning by driving to the Port Credit area to experience the sun rising above Lake Ontario. This location has to be at the top of my list of favorite locations to witness a sunrise throughout the year. When I lived in the Port Credit area, I was enjoying my early morning walk along the lakeshore, ultimately finding the best location to watch the sun break the horizon. I have several friends who I met on my morning walk who I stay in touch with, most notably Jes and is wife Julie plus Heather and her husband Ken.
Credit River entering Lake Ontario
Port Credit Harbour Marina
Port Credit Harbour Marina
Ridgetown Freighter breakwater
Looking up the Credit River
Barbados
Welcome
Note to self: Refrain from taking photos in the immigration and luggage carousel areas. You can avoid the nasty interaction with staff members who enforce the 'No Pictures Allowed' rule. Honest, even after the several times I've been in this airport, I totally missed the signs advising that taking photos was against the rules.
Welcome to Barbados!
Day 1 - Fitts Village Beach
Day 1 - Fitts Village Beach
Meals
Wendy's Bar
I was immediately back in my routine of having my Friday night dinner at Wendy's. I was welcomed with a big hug from John and his wife Nicola, the bar owners (yes, two separate hugs!). I also received a hug from Teresa, the bar's amazing bartender!
Lamb stew, breadfruit & macaroni pie
Lemon Rock Bar
My good friend/neighbour Sam has me back on our regular Saturday evening meal adventure - grilled fish combo from the Lemon Rock Bar - courtesy of Debra and her daughter Tammy! We meet at Sam's place (next door to my place) to hop in his car for the five minute drive to the bar. Arrive sufficiently in advance of our meal being ready so we can have a proper visit. Feels so good to be back with my friends.
Updated 2026 menu
Flora
Flowers in my backyard!
Fauna
Newest friend as I was sipping my java on my back deck early on Saturday morning.
Hello to you, too!
Sunset - October 30
Barbados ranks high on my list of destinations for enjoying sunsets! I know the universe will shine its benevolence on Barbados' west coast around the time the sun disappears beneath the horizon over the three weeks I am in this island paradise!
Three countries in a week! I start the week in Türkiye, arrive in Canada on Wednesday, October 28 for two nights, then fly to Barbados on Friday, October 30.
Intercountry Travel: Istanbul, Türkiye to Toronto, Canada
Canada (Ontario): October 28 to October 30, 2026
Intercountry Travel: Toronto, Canada to Fitts Village, Barbados
Barbados: October 30, 2026 to November 20, 2026
Istanbul
I enjoyed three more days of low key activity at the Istanbul Crowne Plaza - Asia. Leisurely grazing the delicious buffet breakfast, move to the 8th Floor Club Lounge to enjoy a Turkish coffee followed by Turkish tea, a short nap in the afternoon to recover from this frenetic pace, then back to the Club Lounge for an afternoon snack followed by an appetizing dinner accompanied with Turkish tea. I'm grateful for this blessed and privileged life I'm currently enjoying. I'm forever conscious that each of our lives can unexpectedly change in a matter of seconds. We live (surf?) on a fine edge in life, looking where the next wave is coming from, sometimes surprised by that rogue wave that appears out of the blue. Enjoy every moment, my friends!
Sunrise
The skies became more overcast as the week progressed. Assuredly, the earth continued rotating on Tuesday and Wednesday, however ominous clouds prevented my ability to capture those early moments. As always, I'm grateful for the two mornings that I witnessed the sun's morning magnificence.
Sunday, October 25
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Monday, October 26
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Mississauga
I arrived around 7:30 pm on Wednesday, leaving me with one full day to prepare for my upcoming three weeks in Barbados. My flight to sunny and warm weather was scheduled for departure at 8 am on Friday, October 30.
Baklawa King
I experienced two most amazing blessings when I visited my Turkish coffee (and perhaps some sweets) go-to place in Mississauga.
Blessing #1 was reconnecting with Raad, a Baklawa King employee, who I met a few years ago when he worked at this Baklawa King location. Raad is the most kind and gracious man you could meet. What a true blessing to have this chance to catch up with him. By sheer coincidence (engineered by the universe, of course), he happened to show up at this location when I was there. He mentioned he was rarely at this location given his new responsibilities for the Hamilton location and in the main bakery. He kindly prepared my large cup of Turkish coffee and a serving of cheese knafeh and bread (a touch of honey with a sprinkling of ground pistachio /walnuts).
Blessing #2 was being recognized by one of the business owners when I brought my dish and cup to the service counter. He remembered as the guy who used to bring my home baked cookies to the store for the staff. What a special moment in my day to be acknowledged in this personal way.
There are so many moments of magic in each day, if you have an open heart!
Yes, I was bringing cookies to a bakery! There was a time when I visited the store weekly so I got to know everyone that worked there.
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| Knafeh, bread and my Turkish coffee |
Sunrise - October 29
I started Thursday morning by driving to the Port Credit area to experience the sun rising above Lake Ontario. This location has to be at the top of my list of favorite locations to witness a sunrise throughout the year. When I lived in the Port Credit area, I was enjoying my early morning walk along the lakeshore, ultimately finding the best location to watch the sun break the horizon. I have several friends who I met on my morning walk who I stay in touch with, most notably Jes and is wife Julie plus Heather and her husband Ken.
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| Credit River entering Lake Ontario |
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| Port Credit Harbour Marina |
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| Port Credit Harbour Marina |
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| Ridgetown Freighter breakwater |
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| Looking up the Credit River |
Barbados
Welcome
Note to self: Refrain from taking photos in the immigration and luggage carousel areas. You can avoid the nasty interaction with staff members who enforce the 'No Pictures Allowed' rule. Honest, even after the several times I've been in this airport, I totally missed the signs advising that taking photos was against the rules.
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| Welcome to Barbados! |
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| Day 1 - Fitts Village Beach |
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| Day 1 - Fitts Village Beach |
Meals
Wendy's Bar
I was immediately back in my routine of having my Friday night dinner at Wendy's. I was welcomed with a big hug from John and his wife Nicola, the bar owners (yes, two separate hugs!). I also received a hug from Teresa, the bar's amazing bartender!
 |
| Lamb stew, breadfruit & macaroni pie |
Lemon Rock Bar
My good friend/neighbour Sam has me back on our regular Saturday evening meal adventure - grilled fish combo from the Lemon Rock Bar - courtesy of Debra and her daughter Tammy! We meet at Sam's place (next door to my place) to hop in his car for the five minute drive to the bar. Arrive sufficiently in advance of our meal being ready so we can have a proper visit. Feels so good to be back with my friends.
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| Updated 2026 menu |
Flora
Flowers in my backyard!
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Fauna
Newest friend as I was sipping my java on my back deck early on Saturday morning.
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| Hello to you, too! |
Sunset - October 30
Barbados ranks high on my list of destinations for enjoying sunsets! I know the universe will shine its benevolence on Barbados' west coast around the time the sun disappears beneath the horizon over the three weeks I am in this island paradise!
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Next Week
I'll be busy with my daily beachwalk, at low tide, scouring the beach for sea glass. Add in a few minutes to enjoy paddling about the sea in 31C/88F water. I'll be checking with Jackie on Sunday for my lunch. I still need to connect with Randy who works at The Moorings. It'll be a week of chilling in paradise.
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