day of the dead

Riel,

We know that the Day of the Dead is a holiday in Mexico, but what is it celebrating? How do they celebrate and what are some traditions from this holiday?

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Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)

November 2

In Mexico the Day of the Dead is a very popular tradition. But all over Latin America it is celebrated as well. Even in Canada and the US, since there are serveral Latin Americans who live in both countries.

The Day of the Dead is a holiday to gather friends and families to remember there loved ones who have died. Traditions for this holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds and the favourite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting the graves with these as gifts. Toys are also brought for children and tequila for adults.

Day of the Dead originated with the Olmecs, the first Mesoamerican civilization centred in Veracruz, whose origins remain mysterious.

In Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, they celebrate the day of the dead for a whole week. The festival is decorated all over the streets, with altars, skulls, marigolds and candles. They believe that the dead return on this day to be with their families and friends to eat, drink and be merry and relive the good memories.

A backpackers treat..

Mai,

If you were to go back to Europe and do another tour, say 1-2 months, which countries would you go to? Which cities? What would be a couple things you wanted to see in each city, and where would you stay? Also could you tell me what food or drink or festivals are good in these cities?

-Riel

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What a loaded question!

I would probably want to start in Italy and spend 3 weeks there. Spending time in Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. I'd like to explore the small towns in between the main cities. Also visiting a few wineries in Tuscany. And of course I would be eating lots of bread and pastas! There is a huge snake festival in May called Processione dei Serpari that might be kinda of cool to see.. although I'm not much of a fan of snakes. For me Italy is all about the art, wine and old achitecture!

After Italy I'd go to the Slovenia capital, Ljubljana, via train. Spend a few days there exploring the old castle that over looks the city, seeing some of the many museums, and go to the antique flea market that happens every sunday. I would drink lots of wine since Ljubljana is known as the "city of wine."

Next I'd head to Croatia for 3 weeks stopping in Zagreb (the capital) first. Then going down south along the Dalmatia coast stopping in beach towns along the way all the way to Dubrovnik. In Dubrovnik I'd spend a lot of time walking throughout the old city which is one of the world heritage cites.

Ljubljana

Dubrovnik (walled old city)

working visas

My dear Riel,

I have travel on my mind and want to know about the working Visas of the world! Please tell me about traveler Visas for Australia, Britain, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

How much does it cost?

How long is the Visa for?

What do you need to do to apply?

Is it hard for Canadians to get accepted?

(you can copy and paste the questions for each country to fill out.. plus any other important information you find out)

POW

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Working Visas

Looking through all the different embassy websites its really interesting to see all the countries that have either youth exchange programs or holiday working Visas for Canadians. Australians are allowed in almost every country! Where as Americans are allowed in very few..

Its mostly Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Citizens. We are very lucky to be Canadian, life seems a whole lot easier :)

Australia

. Valid up to 12 months

. In between the age 18-30

. $230 for application fee

. Easy for Canadians since Australia and Canada are both common wealth countries

UK

.Valid up to 24 months.

. In between the age of 18-30

. Also a common wealth country

Spain

. Have to be sponsored by a job to obtain a working visa.

. Because Canada is not part of the EU its difficult to work in Spain

France

. Has a youth exchange program with Canada

. They allow 14000 Canadians per year

. 18- 35 years of age

Netherlands

-Up to a year working Visa

- 18- 30 years of age

Sweden

- Youth exchange program

- 18-30 years of age

- Take up to 100 Canadians per year ( seems low, but they have said it has never filled up ?? )

Very good Website, saying which Countries allow which citizens to have a working visa.

http://www.liveworkplay.com.au/visa.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_holiday_visa

Most of the visa requirements are between the ages of 18-30 and usually for the duration of 1 year. You must have around $4000 CAN in your account before going abroad. The Visa Application usually costs around $250. Keep in mind that if for some reason you do not get accepted, there will be no refund on your application fee. Most application process time can take anywhere from 3- 12 weeks, 3 being very lucky :)

Interesting fact-

Uk Ancestry Visa

Validity: 5 years (renewable) for Ancestry Visa

Eligibility: you are eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa if:

• you are a Commonwealth citizen
• you are aged 17 or over
• you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Mann
• you have a grandparent that was born in what is now the Republic of Ireland prior to 31 March 1922 (see note below)
• you can show proof that you intend to work in the UK
• you can support yourself and any dependants, without recourse to public funds

*Note: You will need to show your full, original birth certificate as well as the full, original birth certificate of the parent you are claiming through and the grandparent you are claiming through.

**Note: Note: If you or your parent (who you are claiming ancestry through) are adopted, you can still apply for entry clearance under this category. You must show evidence of the legal adoption with your application form.

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