“The basis for cultural promotion and exchange should be on further enhancing the Bethune spirit.”

“The Canada-China partnership encompasses trade and economic exchanges, human rights dialogue, defence relations, sustainable development, legal cooperation and cultural and academic exchanges. The importance and complexity of the bilateral relationship has been bolstered by a program of high level visits involving since 1994 all elements of the Canadian and Chinese leadership.” (read the full article)

In China, the number eight is supposed to bring good fortune. The Irish kiss their beloved Blarney stone to assure the gift of the gab.

And here in Canada we have Don Cherry giving our “Lucky Loonie” the Midas touch at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to boost our Olympic team. When it comes to rituals and superstitions, some folks will do anything to get an edge.

The Lucky Loonie certainly has Olympic history. Before the 2002 Olympics, Canadian ice maker Trent Evans buried a loonie at centre ice in Salt Lake City.

After Canada went on to win gold in men’s and women’s hockey that year, the buck with the luck was removed and given to Team Canada general manager Wayne Gretzky. He donated it to the Hall and it was deposited behind a glass case.

On Monday, the case was opened and Canadians — starting with Cherry– were invited to touch it to give Canada’s Olympians good luck at the 2010 Games.

“Approved destination status marks a significant moment in the history of our relations with China, indicating not only our mutual commitment to strengthening our diplomatic and commercial partnerships, but also our people-to-people ties.” said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in statement released by his office in December 2009. (read the rest of the article)

Touring Canada has to include some educational stimulus with a visit to one of the country’s many museums. We chose the Norman Bethune museum and family home in the town of Gravenhurst, province of Ontario, as it turns out I am a distant relation of his. A sign inside the museum states “Norman Bethune remains the most famous Canadian in the world, largely by virtue of his status in China.”

Having travelled extensively throughout China, I can say without exaggeration that every single Chinese person I asked knew the name Norman Bethune, or at least his Chinese name, which is Bai Qiu En.  They will all tell you that they had to learn about him in school and memorize the essay that Chairman Mao wrote as a tribute after Bethune’s death in China. The result of Bethune’s legacy in China is that the general Chinese population exhibit a very warm and friendly attitude towards the Canadians who visit their country.

View photos from the museum.

After a long summer break, I am back. I spent the entire summer travelling through my homeland of Canada, enjoying as many typical Canadian summer pastimes as possible. Curious as to what that includes? Check back regularly for updates.

Canada ranks. According to the June 2008 Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey, in the Americas, the top 5 cities for quality of life are all Canadian cities, with Vancouver in first position, followed by Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary. The same cities also top the personal safety list. The report states “Personal safety within Canadian cities ranks among the highest in the region. This is due to a relatively low crime rate and a stable political environment.” No surprises there. We also make great Nanaimo bars.

When Steve Schweller and Derek Muhs, both international real estate investors came to Jim Smith Lake (pictured above), they applauded the community of this exclusive area of Cranbrook for not allowing noise pollution in the pristine tranquil lake environment. Steve said, “I’m sure it must be tempting for the kids who live here to want to strap on the water skiis, but this is the way to keep a peaceful setting, and congrats to the local authorites for doing so”

The two property investors fell in love with this part of Cranbrook and have secured a fantastic piece of land in a joint venture with the Olympus Group from the UK. After much research, they chose this section of Canada’s spectacular west coast because, as Derek said, “Cranbrook BC gives investors the nature, the lifestyle, and the new international airport. This is always a formula for success. Access these days is a key element to any property investment.”

He had tears in his eyes… That was the reaction of Ivan Rhodes when he stepped off of his Air Canada flight at the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, BC, Canada. “I have never seen such a spectacular view in my life” said the 45 year old executive. Ivan and his wife Janette, originally from Yorkshire England, but long-time residents of the Canary Islands, have followed the market excitement surrounding the Cranbrook region, and invested in a pristine piece of land in the beautiful area of Jim Smith Lake just outside of the city of Cranbrook.

Ivan and his family have been in the hotel and resort business for many years in the UK and Spain, and have a vast portfolio of property in select but high-growth markets. “We love the west coast of Canada, and we selected the lovely town of Cranbrook and its picturesque surroundings for our investment, because it has the beauty, the infrastructure, and fantastic people”. The Rhodes family see a bright future for this region, and look forward to expanding their portfolio in the future. Derek Muhs, an international property developer also along for the trip echoed Mr Rhodes sentiments, saying “This part of the world sells itself! It is love at first sight.” It was not all nature however…the local beers were sampled and received rave reviews by the whole gang.

My family and I have always loved travelling through the charming town of Cranbrook, BC in west Canada. The Kootenay region surrounding Cranbrook has given us so much pleasure over the years. From hiking to water rafting, golfing to fly fishing, or simply camping next to the peaceful waters of Jim Smith Lake. We disconnect from the hectic pace and reconnect with nature in this stunning unspoiled part of the world.

How excited we were to find out that the Cranbrook airport has already begun its expansion and become the “Canadian Rockies International Airport”. We are thrilled simply because we live in Europe, and to travel back to this exclusive area has been time consuming. We have heard direct flights from the UK are coming soon….Hurray!

See you in Cranbrook.