Iceland Delicacies.

Dear Boys and Girls,

My plane landed quite early in Iceland this morning so I spent the first part of the day walking around exploring Reyjavik by foot (I will tell you all about that later!).  It was pretty cold and rainy, so all that walking made me build up an appetite.  For lunch I walked down to the harbour for some "pylsa", or hot dogs.  I had mine "Eina medn ollu" which means "with the works".  A "pylsa eina medn ollu" comes with fried and fresh onions, ketchup, remoulade sauce, all topped off with mustard. 

The pylsa stand I visited is very popular with the local residents and there is always a line. 

For dessert I went to the local supermarket and bought some "skyr".  It is an Icelandic yogurt made from skim milk, but it is actually thicker and creamier then regular yogurt.  The good thing about it is that it is full of vitamins and protein making it a very healthy dessert.  I think I will have to have some "skyr" everyday!  Is there a dessert you wish you could have everyday?

Hope you are having fun at school,
Mr. Pimentel

I Am Here - Reykjavik, Iceland

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The Oldest Restaurant in Toronto

On Saturday morning some friends and I decided to say goodbye to each other by going out for breakfast.  We all sat around a booth at one of my favourite breakfast spots, The Senator.  Now the food isn't gourmet. Breakfast is usually a large serving of bacon and eggs with home fries and toast, but it is the story the restaurant tells that keeps you coming back.  The restaurant claims to be the oldest in Toronto with food being served in the building since 1890 (The Senator actually opened its doors in 1948).  Maybe the street is no longer lined with horsedrawn carriages, but you can still feel history pouring out of the building.  I wonder how The Senator compares to the restaurants I will eat at as I travel around?  Do you think it is the oldest restaurant in the world?  I can't wait to explore!

Rules, Rules, Rules

A dog hanging out on the beach in India via IndiaMike

Dear Boys and Girls,

Travelling is a lot like being in school.  There is so much to learn, so much to see, and so many rules to follow!  Now, rules aren't bad.  They are there to make sure we stay safe while we are at school, or while we are travelling. This summer to get ready for my trip I went to the travel clinic and talked to a doctor there about my adventure and he gave me a list of rules to follow in certain countries.  First rule, don't swim in any fresh water rivers or lakes because you might get sick.  Second rule, don't drive in rural areas at night, because you might get into a car accident.  His last and most important rule was, don't pet any dogs you see on the street!  Being a dog lover, you all know how much I love my dog Spot, this is a very hard rule for me to follow.  I understand that if I don't follow the rules I might get hurt or very sick, so just like you follow all your school rules, I will follow all my travel rules.  Can you think of any other rules I should follow while I am away?

Four more days until my first flight!

Mr. Pimentel

Meet a Fellow RTW (Round the Worlder)

I am not the first person to journey around the world.  I am sure there is someone who starts a similar trip every single day. Take for example Rolf Potts. He is currently on one of his round the world trips, but there is a catch this time. He is going around the world with no luggage! My complete respect goes out to Mr. Potts and his No Baggage Challenge. Here I am sitting in Toronto trying to decide how many pairs of colourful shoes to stuff into my backpack, and all he has with him is an extra pair of underwear in his pocket. I have to admit that I have been learning a lot from Rolf and his adventures (he is a great teacher!) and I look forward to following his progress.  I do have one question for Mr. Potts, doesn't a camera person count as luggage?

I Am Here - Toronto, Canada

So here is my first map.  As you can see I am still at home in Toronto with 6 days until I depart.  My list of things to do is overwhelming, but I am sure I will be able to get everything done before I go, and if not, I can always get a haircut in Iceland (or buy a really nice hat there)!  Be sure to play around with the maps, you can zoom in and out and check out what our city looks like.  Can you see any cool buildings?  Can you find our school? 

Hope you are getting excited about school starting!
Mr. Pimentel


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Camera - Check

As I get ready to pack, I am being very careful about what I decide to cram into my tiny backpack. I don't have a lot of room (you should see how small it is), so when it comes to a camera, I need something that will work in the city, in the jungle, in the desert, and yes, even underwater. I think I have found the right camera for my trip - an Olympus Stylus Tough. I spent the day practising my underwater smile at a friend's cottage...not as easy as it looks! But I am excited about all the amazing pictures I will be able to get under bodies of water around the globe.