CN Tower’s Glass Floor

For 36 years between 1976 – 2010, CN Tower was the tallest tower in the world at 553 metres in height. So last year when my husband and I visited Toronto, I was excited to reach the top and cross off one of the original things on my bucket list.

From the moment I entered the elevator I was amazed. It takes 58 seconds, yes less than a minute to travel 132 floors. There is also a glass panel in the wall and the floor so you can look out— if you dare.  From the main viewing platform, the views were spectacular as we had chosen a clear winters day.

My favourite part of the CN Tower however is its glass floor. Built in 1994, it was the world’s first glass floor. I had set myself a goal I was going to walk into the middle and look down. Initially, although I knew it was safe—I was petrified. I started with taking a few steps out, sitting and looking down. Determined to not let it beat me, I kept persevering until I could walk across the glass floor. My mindfulness training paid off and I was able to enjoy this unique experience even though our photos don’t show the distance below well.

If ever you visit Toronto, Canada take the time and experience the the joy and challenges of CN Tower.   In 2013, we visited Canton Tower in Ghangzhou, China which in 2010 became the tallest tower in the world however this honour is now changes regularly.


Weekly Photo Challenge: Treat

Treats and indulgences can take many forms. Share yours with us!

I love Disney so going to Disneyland is my favourite treat. Unfortunate, living in Australia means it is many years between my indulgences. I hope you enjoy these photos taken at Hong Kong Disney in 2012. They brought a smile back to my face.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Boundaries

The most amazing physical boundaries and divides I have explored are high in the Taihang Mountains, China. The Guoliang Tunnel shown in the photos below was carved by hand to allow Guoliang village people access to the outside world. To be even more inspired by this amazing part of China and learn more about the Guoliang Tunnel please visit my previous post https://www.inspiringmax.com/guoliang-tunnel/

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Grid

Prior to today’s photo challenge, I had never really thought about the use of grids in photos. It surprises me that when I truly looked at them many of my photos had hidden grids. When I  mindfully studied each photo I realised that it was often the grids that made the photo pop. Grids come in all shapes and sizes and moving forward I have decided to look for them more often when choosing subjects for my photos. To keep with the theme I have created my gallery in a grid pattern. Did you notice or is it only me that thought that it was a good idea?

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

The following two monochromatic photos of a wild goanna we found at Minyon Falls are interesting. Taken from slightly different angles they truly show how his camouflage works. It was fascinating to see him in the wild from a distance of course.

 

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Stanley The Emu

This week, photograph a stationary subject from three different angles.

Stanley the Emu is an 18 metre high sculpture which stands guard over the Castlereagh Highway, 10 kilometres south of Lightning Ridge. The inspiration for Stanley came to artist John Murray when he was at Birdsville. His thinking was a bird for Birdsville, however as Birdsville is in Outback Queensland 1337 kilometres from Lightning Ridge transporting the very large sculpture became impossible.

Instead due to the overwhelming support from the people of Lightning Ridge who gave their time to create him and help to source the recycled steel and VW’s from which he is made, the decision was made to place him on the ridge after which Lightning Ridge was named and looking west towards Birdsville.

The making of Stanley to me signifies the Australian spirit and can do attitude that I am proud of. Photographing him from several different perspectives helps to realise the love and thought that went into his design and creation.

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Recharge

Imagine that tomorrow, all of your duties and obligations evaporate for the day. You get the day all to yourself, to do anything you please. What types of fun activities would make your day?

I believe taking time out to recharge and celebrate ME Time is important for mental health. This week I have been lucky enough to have a week of ME Time without any duties or obligations doing whatever I feel like for the day. It is liberating and relaxing. I am spending the week in Port Macquarie New South Wales, an area I first visited as a 10-year-old child. So how do I plan to spend my days when I don’t have my usual  busy schedule to contend with. No problem. Below is a list of my options most of which I have already done:

  • Build a sand castle
  • Celebrate days off with a glass of champagne
  • Catch up on my blogging
  • Colour in
  • Do a crossword puzzle
  • Draw
  • Enjoy the winter sunshine
  • Explore new areas
  • Gather ideas for Inspiring Max
  • Listen to different bird calls
  • Play a board game
  • Play solitaire with cards
  • Read a romantic comedy
  • Reconnect with what it was like living in regional New South Wales
  • Relive childhood memories
  • Sleep in
  • Smell the ocean
  • Smell the flowers beginning to burst as Spring is around the corner
  • Swim
  • Visit regional art galleries
  • Walk on beach
  • Watch a girly movie
  • Work on my book

It has been  a great week staying in one place, catching up with myself and expand my experience of my amazing homeland, Australia.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Half and half

This week, let’s split our photos in two.

 

Two visiting Kookaburras

Two resting ducks

One side — burnt bush the other saved

Overlooking burnt and natural bush

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Symbol

This week, share a symbol with us, and tell us what it means to you.

I loved this symbol of creativity I found at Lithgow’s McDonald Restaurant. It may be an “only in Australia” moment but it works for me. It is an example of simple, practical fun.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Door

Ready to walk on through? This week, share an image of a door.

QUEBEC’S HOLY DOOR

More information on our visit to Quebec’s Holy Door can be found at https://www.inspiringmax.com/quebecs-holy-door/

HALIFAX’S CITADEL 

Front and Back Entrance

 

 

Fake Doors from TV series being filmed in Citadel during our visit.

 

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