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Saturday, May 8, 2021 Vol. 26 No. 29

birrafanelli.com Covering Montréal & Surrounding Areas FARMHOUSE FACELIFT HIT

The brother-and-sister team Carolyn Wilbrink and Billy Pearson bringing old farmhouses to date with charm SOLD

NEW! 6950 Cote St Luc Rd #210 asking $429,900 Over 1200 s.f. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo, 2 car garage! Indoor & outdoor pool, gym, sauna,security! OPEN HOUSE: Sat - Sun 1-5 PM By appointment only 2050 rue des Sarcelles #809 Vaudreuil asking $438,000 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 Bathrooms, furnished condo, top SOLD floor, pool, gym, lounge! Luxury living!

NEW in St. Laurent! 2080 Johnson asking $774,888 Semi-detached cottage with the MOST amazing renovations! This SOLD home also has a separate entrance leading to a private HOME OFFICE. Better hurry!

Lauren Marks Vesely Courtier immobilier Real Estate Broker 514-944-8336 DEDICATION • DEVOTION • DETERMINATION

2 www. mtl times.ca May 8, 2021 • StoneHaven Le Manoir A magnificent new Laurentian hotel StoneHaven Le Manoir, the Laurentians's the StoneHaven Le Manoir team, according hotel's restaurant, where he offers a menu precious jewel of hospitality, is pleased to to the season or specifically designed for of contrasts and paradoxes, combining welcome Quebecers in a safe and sanitary special events. As Marie-Josée Denis, Gen- timeless tradition with thoroughly modern environment. This luxurious hotel, restau- eral Manager of StoneHaven Le Manoir approaches. Committed to using local rant and spa includes 34 rooms, whose says: “Despite a context of a global pan- products and promoting the region's pro- timeless elegance are sure to delight trav- demic, our vision always remains the same, ducers, he creates menus that surprise and ellers and food lovers in search of a truly namely to offer a memorable and unique amaze his patrons. Given the current cir- unique experience. They will be entranced experience, but more than ever the stay cumstances, since meals cannot be enjoyed by the hotel's magnificent site and its sump- takes place in complete safety, in compli- in the restaurant's dining room, they are tuously restored historical building. Stone- ance with the highest sanitary guidelines. brought to the guests' room, providing Haven Le Manoir is also where you can We are currently offering a relaxing break them with a most intimate experience. enjoy the finest cuisine, expertly prepared for mothers. Other packages, more specif- Nevertheless, chef Gonzalez's cuisine will and served under the direction of Éric ically summer deals, are available online.” leave an indelible mark in their memories, Gonzalez, starred chef and member of the whether they opt for the tender black cod, Association des Maîtres Cuisiniers. cavatelli with cuttlefish ink, squid-octopus- Guests can relax by the pool, or in the chorizo and lime-saffron foam, or the foie Finnish whirlpool and sauna, enjoy High Tea gras au torchon with strawberry-rhubarb- (sanitary measures permitting), or take part kumquat. in a guided tour to discover the site's his- Mother's Day weekend Package tory and amazing stories. In addition, Stone- May 7 and 8, 2021 Haven's neighbours and partners offer a Chef Éric Gonzalez introduces a delicate variety of activities including golf, boat and and elegant menu featuring white aspara- helicopter rides, hiking, cycling, fatbiking, zi- gus, snow crab, veal and lemon. The pack- plining and even rappelling. In every in- age, starting at $319 per person, includes a stance, the hotel's concierge Caroline night in the Classic, Superior or Panoramic Lemieux, a member of Clefs d'or Canada, Suite room, breakfast for two, the 5-course is available to provide her insights. New ac- Chef Éric Gonzalez's Fine Cuisine evening meal, and just for Mom: flowers and tivities will be added over the course of the Since last July, Éric Gonzalez (L’Atelier a surprise from our baker, Kim Long. next few months, ensuring an even more Joël Robuchon, Auberge Saint-Gabriel) has To book a room: entertaining stay. taken on the task of Executive Chef for the www.stonehavenlemanoir.com Various packages have been developed by or call 1-819-774-1991 Get with the Times!

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• May 8, 2021 www. mtl times.ca 3 4 www. mtl times.ca May 8, 2021 • Andy Warhol Campbell’s soup can available now

Art is best when it's everywhere, for the world to enjoy and as Andy Warhol fa- mously said, "Pop Art is for everyone". In the spirit of making art accessible to all and in celebration of Andy Warhol's iconic re- lationship with Campbell's soup, Campbell Canada has launched limited edition Andy Warhol inspired soup cans across Canada. 60 years since Andy Warhol first drew a Campbell's soup can, Campbell Canada is paying tribute to the celebrated artist's leg- endary love for the brand through the re- lease of four limited edition soup cans reminiscent of Warhol's iconic pop art. Tak- ing inspiration from the late artist, the four distinct labels are available in the Camp- bell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup and Tomato flavours, and feature a bright, colourful aesthetic. The vibrant soup can label designs will remind Canadians that pops of colour and experiencing art can serve to lift one's spirts and that we can find brightness within our everyday. “We are very excited about collaborating with The Andy Warhol Foundation on this pop art initiative and celebrating the endur- ing and inspiring relationship Andy Warhol had with Campbell's soup," said Mieka Burns, Vice President Marketing at Camp- bell Canada. "These special edition soup cans serve to remind us that there is joy, warmth and light that can be found in sim- ple things around us. We look forward to duced from the campaign. canned soup. The limited edition soup cans bringing this concept to life through our "In 1962, Andy Warhol changed the tra- feature labels that reflect Warhol's pop-art campaign by sharing examples of real life jectory of contemporary art by depicting style and use eye-catching colour combina- pop art inspired by the cans – there are al- Campbell's soup cans on canvas," said tions such as pink, orange, red and yellow, ways new and creative ways we can Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Li- a colour palette that can add an element of brighten up our days." censing, Marketing, and Sales at The Andy brightness. Andy Warhol famously believed that Warhol Foundation. "It is only fitting that "Campbell's Condensed Soup and Andy everyday items could be transformed into we pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Warhol's artwork are inextricably linked in minimalist art works. Taking the essence of these two icons by coming full circle and the history of pop art," said Campbell Cor- that philosophy and as an added visual ele- bringing his art back to the Campbell soup porate Archivist Scott Hearn. "Warhol is ment to this pop art collaboration, Camp- cans that provided him with inspiration. We said to have created his Campbell's-inspired bell Canada has challenged several are proud to partner with Campbell works because he enjoyed eating the soup Canadian artists and influential content cre- Canada on this initiative as a natural exten- every day. We hope this collaboration will ators, to find colourful, everyday inspiration sion of our ongoing relationship and we are bring that same joy to our consumers and from the limited edition cans and produce pleased to see that younger artists and spark inspiration in a new generation of their version of pop art-inspired content. content creators continue to be inspired artists." Each creator will release their original pop by his artworks." The four limited edition Campbell's cans art creations inspired by the cans on their Warhol's close connection to the Camp- are available now at key retailers across the social media channels this month with the bell's brand is represented in his iconic pop country and were produced under license hashtag #CampbellsxWarhol. A digital art art movement, often imitating real life, from from The Andy Warhol Foundation, a not- gallery hosted by Refinery29 will be home consumer culture to mass media and, in for-profit corporation that promotes the to a selection of the unique works pro- this work, the widely enjoyed Campbell's visual arts.

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• May 8, 2021 www. mtl times.ca 5 3551 boul. St. Charles, Suite #547, Kirkland, Quebec, H9H 3C4 514-951-3328 [email protected] www.mtltimes.ca

[email protected] www.totimes.ca

Distribution Canadians urge the Hudson, St. Lazare, Senneville, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Baie d’Urfe, Bea- consfield, Kirkland, Pte. Claire, D.D.O., Pierrefonds, Roxboro, Dorval, La- chine, NDG, Ville St-Laurent, Châteauguay, Cote St-Luc, Snowdon, Hampstead, Mtl-West, Westmount, Laval, Verdun, Lasalle, Montreal, St. government to curb the Leonard, Anjou, Ahuntsic, Little Italy, Nuns’ Island Advertising [email protected] global wildlife trade to ADVERTISING DEADLINE (Wednesday at 5 p.m.) prevent another pandemic 514-951-3328 Canadians are calling on their gov- selling live wild mammals. to achieve legislation to ban the Managing Editor: ernment to help stop the global World Animal Protection has captivity of whales and dolphins, commercial wildlife trade through a been calling on Canada and other shark finning and bestiality. Tom West House of Commons e-petition G20 nations to commit to curbing The government has 45 days to started by the global charity World the wildlife trade. Some countries Animal Protection. With over have started to listen. Recently, Italy respond to petitions after they are 13,000 signatures the petition was which holds the G20 Presidency, tabled in Parliament. presented in the House of Com- approved a ban on the import, de- Canadian and international scien- mons on May 5th by Conservative tention and trade of wild and exotic tists, celebrities, animal welfare and Health Critic and Member of Par- animals. wildlife protection groups joined liament for Calgary Nose Hill, "This is a global problem, requir- MPs from all parties at a recent vir- Contributors: Michelle Rempel Garner. ing a global solution and Canada tual parliamentary reception calling It urges the government to sup- needs to step up to the plate," says for government action. • Alyssa De Rosa port the closure of wildlife markets Melissa Matlow, Campaign Director "As the wellbeing of animals, peo- and commit to end the interna- for World Animal Protection • Marco Giovanetti tional and domestic trade in wild Canada. "Seventy-five per cent of ple and the planet are so deeply in- • Sergio Martinez animals and wild animal parts to new and emerging infectious dis- terconnected, we are encouraging • Bonnie Wurst prevent the spread of zoonotic dis- eases affecting human health over the government to take a One • Stuart Nulman eases. This includes where animals the past decade originated from an- Health, One Welfare approach to • Deborah Rankin are used for luxury fashion and as imals, principally from wildlife, in- preventing pandemics and other exotic pets. cluding SARS and Ebola. Canadian • Martha Shannon global crises" added Matlow. "Curb- This petition comes on the heels demand for wild animals and ing the wildlife trade will also pre- of a recent report published by the wildlife products, fuels this cruel vent animal suffering, species trade, which drives pandemic risk." World Health Organization extinction and biodiversity loss." (WHO) citing the likely role the A recent report by World Animal About World Animal Protection SUBSCRIPTION wildlife trade played in transmitting Protection shows that 1.8 million General subscriptions in Canada: 1 COVID-19 from animals to people. wild animals were imported into From our offices worldwide, in- year $150, 2 years $275 Subscrip- cluding China, Brazil, Kenya and tion to the U.S. and outside North New recommendations were also Canada from 76 countries between America:1 year $250 US recently issued by the WHO, The 2014 and 2019. Ninety-three per Canada, we move the world to pro- World Organisation for Animal cent of these animals were not sub- All contents of this publication tect animals. Last year, we gave are sole property of The Mon- Health (OIE) and the United Na- ject to any permits or pathogen treal Times Newspaper. Opin- more than 220 million animals bet- ions expressed in this tions Environment Program screening. publication are not necessarily ter lives through our campaigns intended to reflect those of the (UNEP) to reduce the risks associ- "I'm hoping this petition will spur publisher. Any reproduction in that focus on animals in the wild, whole or in part and in print or ated with the wildlife trade. The parliamentary action given the in electronic form without ex- animals in disasters, animals in com- press permission is strictly for- three agencies are urging nations to strong support among Canadians bidden. Permission to suspend the trade in live caught and MPs across different parties," munities and animals in farming. For reproduce selected editorial may be granted by contacting wild mammals for food and breed- says MP Rempel Garner, who has more information visit: the publisher in writing. ing and close sections of markets worked across the aisle in the past www.worldanimalprotection.ca

6 www. mtl times.ca May 8, 2021 • La Ronde to kick off 2021 season

La Ronde Québec’s leading destination for thrills and family entertainment, has re- ceived the clearance from la Santé publique du Québec to reopen it’s park on May 22. Opening weekend at La Ronde is always the official launch of summer season in Montréal and with the park’s renowned collection of thrilling rides, this will be the return to fun for guests of all ages. In ac- cordance with provincial government guidelines, the park will operate at reduced capacity through a reservation system and will continue to implement its enhanced safety measures. “La Ronde is well-known as Montréal’s top summer attractions and we are very excited to be welcoming guests back to their favourite theme park,” said La Ronde Park President, Sophie Emond. “We will continue to create memorable experiences for thrill seekers of all ages in a safe envi- for touchless bag checks; and park, guests are encouraged to visit ronment.” • Contactless transactions. laronde.com to purchase parking, admis- Safety Remains La Ronde’s Top Priority As part of La Ronde’s comprehensive sion tickets, Season Passes, and other add- The park will continue its extensive safety safety procedures, all employees are re- on items in advance. protocol that was developed and imple- quired to wear masks and are tempera- During this season, some rides, retail and mented in 2020. As such, the online reser- ture-checked and health-screened each day. food locations will remain closed to be vation system will remain to reduce compliant with the sanitary measures. attendance levels and stagger arrival times Introducing Card and Mobile Payments For theme park operating calendar, reser- to minimize proximity exposure. Masks will vations, tickets, and more, visit laronde.com be required for all guests over the age of To improve the experience and for the About La Ronde - La Ronde is the largest two and markers will be visible throughout safety of our guests, La Ronde introduces theme park in Eastern Canada. Inaugurated the park to assist with physical distancing Card and Mobile Payments only. In-park during Expo 67, La Ronde offers over 40 guidelines. Other technologies used in- guests can convert cash at multiple kiosks rides and attractions including Goliath� one clude: located throughout the park. There are no of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in • State-of-the-art thermal imaging for tem- conversion fees and the pre-paid debit card North America. La Ronde also offers a col- perature checks; can be used anywhere in Québec where orful family section, Pays de Ribambelle. For • Advanced security screening technology Mastercard is accepted. Prior to visiting the more information, visit www.laronde.com

• May 8, 2021 www. mtl times.ca 7 How doCarolyn you Wilbrink and Billy do Pearson hosts a of Farmhousefarmhouse Facelift facelift? Just ask Carolyn Wilbrink and Billy Pearson

There is so much to a farmhouse than just house before a family of four moves in; or the home of a farming family in the rural adding to a family’s dream farmhouse a heart of the heartland. main floor bathroom, extra storage space and doing major repairs on an old front It can represent a region or country’s rural porch that was quickly falling apart. heritage, a place to retreat from the every- “The genesis of the show happened day urban hustle and bustle, or the many while we were in the midst of renovating generations of a single family whose main our family’s 175-year-old farmhouse near occupation was to work the land and pro- Paris, Ontario, and regularly posted pic- vide for the people of their province or tures of our progress with the project on country. Instagram. “Although we never advertised The brother-and-sister team of Carolyn our renovation venture before – we just Wilbrink and Billy Pearson can understand went from one job to the next – the farm- about the lure of the farmer’s life and the By Stuart Nulman house renovation was like a day on the farmhouse as a nucleus of that world. They farm. And I had photos on Instagram of my both grew up on their family’s longtime mtltimes.ca kids on the farm with my Dad, baling straw farm in rural Ontario. Although they pur- and just living life in the country,” said Car- sued non-agricultural careers (Carolyn is cated within or near small towns in rural olyn during a recent phone interview. an interior designer and Billy is an experi- Ontario. And they have transcended their “Somehow, an L.A.-based production com- enced construction contractor), the spirit combined specialties on their 10-episode pany called Sonar Entertainment contacted of their agrarian upbringing – as well as the series “Farmhouse Facelift”, which aired on us and admitted that they were sort-of values they learned about hard work and HGTV (its season finale aired on May 5) ‘stalking’ us on Instagram because when- determination as a result – has never left and focused on a different farmhouse ren- ever they put in ‘small town’ on the search them. ovation project each week, whether it be engine, our photos always came up (also, it Using Carolyn’s mastery of interior de- renovating a colonial-style farmhouse that helped that our company was called ‘Small sign and Billy’s custom craftsmanship when has been the home of four generations of Town Style’). They told us they liked what it comes to home renovations, they teamed a farming family; making an outdated farm- we did and that our renovation projects up to professionally renovate and modern- house functional once again; overhauling couldn’t have been more perfect.” ize centuries-old farmhouses that are lo- the main floor layout of a century-old farm- continued on Page 9 8 www. mtl times.ca May 8, 2021 • continued from Page 8 and another, because of the pandemic lock- the U.S. and Australia, they are eagerly await- down, -- lasted 16 weeks, which were done ing the word from HGTV regarding a possi- The duo then went through an hour-long in- on a very tight timeline. But they believe that ble second season. But they credit the terview on Skype with the people from doing renovation work on an assortment of success of the series not only due to their Sonar Productions. Although it went very old farmhouses was an honour for them, es- well, Billy had his reservations about Sonar’s skills and know-how when it comes to de- pecially on structures that they believed sign and renovation, but also the personal intentions. “I thought it was all a scam, espe- were like a piece of history. cially when Sonar mentioned they had dis- touch they have with the couples and families “It’s amazing how a farmhouse that has whose houses they were renovating for the covered another couple as well, and so I lasted for about 150 years can stand the test looked that couple up and found a blog by of time. It’s like bringing it back to what it series. them, who described the same experience was like, and you don’t want to lose that her- “We still keep in touch with the home- we had had ... word for word,” he said. itage,” said Billy. “Sometimes, during these owners and have created special bonds with “That’s when I started to put up red flags and renovations, we find ourselves having to fix them because of the fact that Billy and me told Carolyn that they would probably take old renovations hidden behind the walls. were raised on a farm. We also have a special $1000 from us and then run off.” Maybe previous homeowners 80-100 years connection with generational farmers be- About a year later, while the duo worked ago did some questionable structural cause like them, we know that farm life is all on more farmhouse renovations and posted about family, history and workmanship. We more photos on Instagram (especially of Billy changes that need to be addressed. You never hard at work), they got a call from the per- know what you’ll find when you start open- know that they need to modernize their son who would be their future executive ing things up.” farms, but they never have the time to keep producer and asked them to put together a And those were not the only unusual ob- up the house because of their daily farm du- “sizzle reel”, which is a 6-7 minute trailer jects they unearthed throughout those 10 ties and obligations,” said Carolyn. “Before that would explain what the program would projects. Carolyn revealed that they found in each project, we make sure to go and meet be about for HGTV. “Then in March of 2019, an old crawlspace the jawbone of a farm an- the families, and ask them how they live their we had a meeting at the headquar- imal that belonged either to a horse or a life, how and what they use their home space ters of . When we ar- cow. Billy recounted how they found a box of 40 old love letters – which three of them for, and find out what their home needs in rived at the boardroom, the executives who order to function properly. By doing that, were present told us ‘Welcome to the were read aloud on one broadcast – that were hidden deep inside a floor, which traced these families can put their trust in us when HGTV family’; that summer, we started tap- we begin the task of giving their farmhouses ing our first episode,” said Billy. the evolution of the relationship of the cou- They said that the renovation projects that ple in question. “It was a really beautiful story that much needed facelift.” became part of the “Farmhouse Facelift” se- to have found hidden in a floor,” he added. Past episodes of Farmhouse Facelift can been ries took about an average of 8-10 weeks to And while Carolyn and Billy are amazed seen on the new Global TV app via complete – some were as little as 7 weeks with the overall positive response of the www.watch.globaltv.com and STACKTV. For more viewers to the show, who reside in Canada, information about the show, go to www.hgtv.ca . • May 8, 2021 www. mtl times.ca 9 10 www.mtltimes.ca May 8, 2021 • Experts predict mortgage rates to rise Will real estate bubble burst? While economic growth, employment and which we expect to see moderate from of increasing mortgage rates, and low in- net migration in Canada recover from 2020 highs over the same period. However, ventories of homes for sale. Slower sales losses incurred during the COVID-19 pan- significant risks remain with respect to the growth will help moderate the pace of demic, home sales and price growth will path, timing, and sustainability of the recov- price growth. moderate from unsustainable 2020 levels ery." The ratio of single-detached housing starts but remain elevated. This forecast is ac- The outlook assumes the five-year mort- to total starts will increase through 2021, cording to the Canada Mortgage and gage rate will increase but remain very low reflecting the shift in preference toward Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing by historical standards until the end of single-detached units on the resale market, Market Outlook (HMO), released today 2023. It's not certain if the shift toward as indicated by their current low invento- and covering the 2021-23 forecast period. work-from-home arrangements, which is a ries and strong price growth. Housing The HMO helps anticipate emerging trends factor in driving housing demand from starts will stabilize at levels consistent with in new home and resale housing markets more expensive CMAs to less expensive household formation by the end of 2023. at the national level and for Canada's eight- markets, will persist after the pandemic, Rental demand will recover as both immi- een largest Census Metropolitan Areas causing risk to the forecast. With the un- gration and inter-province migration re- (CMAs). precedented uncertainty caused by the cover. This recovery in demand will also be "COVID-19 has had unprecedented im- COVID-19 pandemic, CMHC will continue driven by the return of international stu- pacts on Canada's urban centres. While to closely monitor the health of Canadian dents and in-class learning at universities in some sectors of the economy have strug- housing markets and release updates as the large cities. However, vacancy rates will gled to adapt to pandemic conditions, necessary. likely remain elevated, compared to pre- housing activity has been strong and some- National Highlights: COVID levels. what disconnected from overall economic Economic growth, employment, and net mi- The precise timing and speed of the eco- and employment conditions in many cen- gration will gradually return to pre-COVID nomic recovery in major markets is highly tres," said Bob Dugan, CMHC's chief econ- levels over the 2021-23 period, as broad uncertain, and outlooks remain subject to omist. "Economic conditions are expected immunity to COVID-19 takes hold and re- significant risks. These include a slower- to return to pre-pandemic levels by the strictions are lifted in Canada and globally. than-expected reaching of broad immunity end of 2023, if broad immunity to COVID- The pace of sales is expected to moderate to COVID-19 and stronger-than-expected 19 takes hold by the end of 2021. This in- from recent highs, reflecting high price lev- inflationary pressures leading to higher cludes the pace of home sales and prices, els on existing-home markets, the impact mortgage rates.

• May 8, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 11 12 www. mtl times.ca May 8, 2021 • Top destinations to visit in Latin America

Start your journey with the pitch-black re- explore uncommon and less traditional Acatenango, Guatemala gion of Peru and end it in the lucid blue things. The canyon is a 70-mile confined pil- A live volcano is indeed a terrifying thing. subterranean cenotes of Mexico. You will lage of land, connecting the capital Cusco However, some of us do like to experience find each of the chapters of your journey to another famous spot known as Machu the most dangerous things. If you are one unexpectedly more amazing than the pre- Picchu. The local markets and villages are of these people, you should go for a hike vious one. You will experience the same joy packed with colorful scenic attractions. to the Acatenango volcano, located in the as long as you continue your journey in the When people cross Cusco, most of them exterior area of Antigua in Guatemala. To stunning areas of Latin America. do not miss the opportunity to visit the explore the sight more closely, you should Most of the best travel destinations have most popular Machu Picchu. This tourist camp or hike on Acatenango. Moreover, if been discovered by common travelers. spot is also filled with infinite natural you want to enjoy the sunrise closely, you They may also have talked about the places beauty. If you love tracking, visit the Andes should stay at the peak of the Acatenango. in a casual conversation without even real- mountains. If you like fishing, you should not miss a izing they are inspiring someone to visit Undiscovered beauty of the chance to ride in a local fishing boat of the them. Surprisingly, opinions about famous San Blas Islands, Panama Chocó region on the Pacific coast of travel spots are more or less the same. All of us might have looked at a postcard Colombia near the Panama-Colombia bor- Most of the travel enthusiasts share almost or a calendar and wondered about visiting der. There are two villages there worth a similar levels of excitement about popular a popular tourist spot. One such place is visit if you are in the locality- one is Capur- travel destinations. the San Blas islands of Panama; this scenic ganá, and the other is Sapzurro. Both of Bluish-Green natural pools beauty has been printed as a cover on them are fantastic, easy-going getaways. surrounded with organic caves of many calendars or postcards uncountable Spend some time near the beach enjoying Semuc Champey, Guatemala times. some fresh seafood in Capurganá and If you love both caving and swimming, you In both Cartagena and Panama City, you Sapzurro should visit Semuc Champey, Guatemala. can visit the yacht club and then cross Cen- The place welcomes you with great The place is filled with numerous caves and tral America to South America using a boat. beaches and diving facilities. Moreover, you beautiful natural pools. However, to enjoy The journey becomes more soothing with will get to taste some authentic seafood both simultaneously, you have to reach the the captivating scenery of the San Blas is- there, which will make the stay more en- remote, wild part of Guatemala. lands. Surprisingly, the islands never got as joyable. The spot is also enriched with Some tourists believe that the caves sur- much popularity as they deserve. The tall mountains surrounded by deep jungle, and rounded by the deep blue pools are the palm trees around the blue water on the the entire area is encircled with azure wa- most scenic attraction in the country. One sand are something you can look at for ters. of the popular spots of the place is the hours. However, you can reach Capurganá and 300m-long organic limestone bridge. Along If you like deserts, you should visit Sapzurro only through boats; you have to with the bridge, the beauty becomes more San Pedro de Atacama in Chile take the boats from Turbo or Necoclí. Al- enticing to the swimmers with the trample If you are fine with hot weather and do ternatively, you can reach there by hiring a number of clean rivers. No swimmer leaves not struggle with hot flesh frequently, you small plane from Medellín. the place without swimming at least once should visit one of the driest cities in the Cocora Valley, adjacent to the Salento, in the river water. Both the temper and world, known as San Pedro de Atacama. which is known as a colonial town in water are swimming-friendly for everyone. This is a distant city in the center of the At- Colombia, is a great hiking place if you are Explore the vibrant lifestyle of acama desert. The remoteness spices up visiting Central or South America. If you Sacred Valley, Peru the adventure more for the visitors in like to hike while enjoying the beauty of tall If you visit Peru, you should not leave the Chile. wax palm trees, you must visit the Cocora place without visiting two spots. One is the The tiny city is the final border for many Valley. old colonial provinces, and the other is vil- tourists before diving into something more Each of the places in Latin America will lage markets located in Sacred Valley. It will exotic. Many tourists reunite in the frontier provide you with a new experience. How- be more convenient for you to decide the after driving through the Chilean coast ever, visiting all the places at once is quite tourist spots you actually want to visit if from the southern part or at the end of time-consuming and costly. So you should you go through Peru Travel Guide strained salt flats of Salar de Uyuni in Bo- make a list according to your travel prefer- https://myperuguide.com . livia to the northern part. ence, and then visit them one by one ac- Do visit the Sacred Valley if you like to Enjoy a real-life volcano more closely at cording to your convenience. • May 8, 2021 www. mtl times.ca 13 Book Reviews - mtltimes.ca My West Side Story by George Chakiris During this year’s Oscar broadcast, one son of Greek immigrants, who moved of the commercial breaks featured a west to Arizona with his large family trailer for a remake of the classic Oscar- when he was three. It was while growing winning 1961 film version of the hit up in Arizona that he developed his love Broadway musical West Side Story, which for performing, first off as a singer in two is scheduled to be released in theatres choirs. At 19, he moved to California this December. when he was accepted to study at the One main aspect that raises the pedi- American School of Dance in Los Ange- gree of this new version of this contem- les. During his days as a student there, he porary retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo got his first onscreen movie job, which & Juliet, which takes the form of a heated was as part of the 60-man dancing troupe rivalry between two juvenile gangs on the in the 1954 Stanley Kramer production mean streets of New York City circa “The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T’. This led to more dance chorus appearances for Chakiris in a number of classic movie musicals such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, “Brigadoon” and “White Christmas”. After 1961, Chakiris racked up numer- ous movie, TV, stage and nightclub ap- pearances to his resume, proving to a great degree that he could look beyond Bernardo and West Side Story. This in- cluded war and spy thrillers like “633 Squadron” and “McGuire, Go Home”; other movie musicals like “The Young Girls of Rochefort”; TV sitcoms like “The By Stuart Nulman Partridge Family” (in which he appeared in the show’s final episode as Shirley Par- (Lyons Press, $24.95) mtltimes.ca tridge’s naval officer former boyfriend); performing as the opening act for Greek “He (Robbins) expected every one of 1960, is that it was directed by none singer Nana Mouskouri’s 1975 tour; and us to put thought into their character, other than two-time Oscar winner the 1971 production of the classic Broad- who they were and why, where they Steven Spielberg himself. However, after way play “Company”, in which he co- came from, what they expected out of watching the trailer – and being im- starred with legendary Broadway actress life, anything that would deepen the per- pressed by it – I automatically made com- Elaine Stritch. formance,” he writes. parisons to the lead actors of both But in between, “West Side Story” oc- Chakiris also recalls that in order to versions. That was so with the actor who cupies a substantial chunk of the book; develop a sense of camaraderie between portrayed Bernardo, the leader of the and as it should, because this was a role the members of both gangs, Robbins pro- Puerto Rican street gang the Sharks. He that will always be a career-defining one hibited the actors from fraternizing with probably turned in a good performance for him. Chakiris chronicles his four-year each other; he only wanted the Jets and in that role; however, this thought kept association with the show, first perform- Sharks to hang out with their own playing in my head: “He is no George ing the part of Jets leader Riff in the West throughout the production. This even Chakiris”. End of London production starting in went as far as before shooting began one Let’s face it. There are some phrases 1958, to performing Bernardo in the morning in the New York neighborhood that are taken too lightly, such as “the 1961 film version, to all the acclaim and that was the disputed turf, the “Jets” hung role of a lifetime”. But let’s be honest, awards that were bestowed upon him in up a banner on an apartment balcony George Chakiris’ captivating perform- 1962, to even the cult status that the film that said “Sharks Stink!”, which led to a ance as Bernardo 60 years ago was in- and his fellow cast mates have attained concerted effort by the “Sharks” to take deed his role of a lifetime. No matter the beyond that. down the banner. TV, stage and movie roles he did before Chakiris gives the reader plenty of be- Accompanied by never seen before and after “West Side Story” – whether it hind the scenes stories of what went on production photos, readers get that rare be as a dancer, singer or actor – Chakiris during both productions he was involved glimpse of the making of a classic movie will forever be associated with Bernardo, with, which will certainly satisfy and fas- musical from one of its principal cast a role that earned him a Golden Globe cinate generations of West Side Story members, which makes Chakiris’ book Award and the Oscar for Best Support- fans. One of the great thrills he had such a treat to read. We don’t always get ing Actor, in which he beat out such dis- working on West Side Story was being di- first-hand accounts of how a classic tinguished competition as Montgomery rected by legendary Broadway choreog- movie was developed and filmed, and I Clift, Peter Falk, Jackie Gleason and rapher (and co-director of the movie am glad George Chakiris took the op- George C. Scott. with Robert Wise) Jerome Robbins, portunity to share such a fascinating, However, Chakiris’ road to “West Side whose masterful, yet demanding style got credible account with his fans. And why Story” (both onstage and onscreen), and he best out of the dancers who por- does he believe that West Side Story still how he managed to maintain an acting trayed the members of the Jets and has an enduring appeal with movie buffs career without ever having to deal with Sharks, especially during the memorable exactly 60 years since its premiere? the burden that this star making role finger-snapping opening scene (which was He writes at the end of his memoir could have had on the rest of his life and the only scene that was filmed on loca- that West Side Story is “a dazzling, irre- career, is recalled in his entertaining tion in New York City during the summer placeable work. It inspires audiences, and memoir My West Side Story. of 1960; the rest of the movie was filmed it inspires everyone who takes part in Chakiris was born in 1932 in Ohio, the at the Goldwyn Studios in Hollywood). keeping its unprecedented legacy alive.”

14 www. mtl times.ca May 8, 2021 • • May 8, 2021 www. mtl times.ca 15 Movie Reviews - mtltimes.ca

] Left to Right: Ehud Barak, Bill Clinton, Yasser Arafat at Camp David (July 2000). Photo Credit - William J. THEClinton HUMAN Presidential Library. Courtesy of SonyFACTOR Pictures Classics. The peace that never was The search for peace in the Middle East is American governments). Ross coined the for Palestinians. It would also leave the the subject of this documentary directed term "human factor" about the importance Temple Mount—a place sacred for Mus- by Dror Moreh. However, more than the of human contact during actual encounters, lims—in Israeli hands. After the death of account of the talks, "The Human Fac- which made Moreh choose the title of his Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas became the Pales- tor"—faithful to its title—focuses on the movie. tinian leader. But things have changed on individuals who played a significant role in Even though we all know the end result both sides in terms of their internal politics. this attempt at reaching peace that was so of those attempts at peace in the Middle In Israel, the right became more and more close to success. Of course, the role of in- East, the director manages to introduce el- influential, and the dominant presence of dividuals in shaping social processes, in this ements of surprise and suspense, thanks to Benjamin Netanyahu as its leader is an in- case, political leaders, has always been a the revelations made by the interviewees. dication of that. Religious parties and ex- subject of debate among historians, political That makes one of the interesting cine- treme right groups in the Jewish settlement scientists, philosophers, and other analysts. matic aspects of "The Human Factor". have also increased their political weight. At At the same time, however, there are cir- Rabin, for instance, had some reservations the same time, the more liberal-minded cumstances that not even the most skillful regarding some formal aspects of his meet- Labour Party has lost influence. Palestine leader can control. The Israeli Prime Minis- ing with Arafat. He demanded that Arafat has experienced political changes, too: the ter Yitzhak Rabin was killed by a right-wing didn't wear military uniform, a demand that secular PLO has had to cede some power extremist Jew. A few years later, Yasser the Palestinian leader at first rejected. He to the Islamist Hamas in Gaza. Arafat died, without concluding the peace finally settled for a "safari-style" attire. "We keep the (peace) process alive," says process initiated in the 1990s. What started as a strictly official affair with- one of the interviewees, "but that also The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the longest in recent history. At times, find- keeps the status quo." Another American ing a solution to it seems all but illusory. negotiator is also candid about the U.S. role However, with the end of the Cold War in in the peace process, indicating that they 1991 that left the United States as the only are not really "honest brokers" since Israel surviving superpower, Washington at- is an ally. "We talk with the Israelis and try tempted to play the role of peacemaker in to persuade the Palestinians to accept the region. Attempts were made to arrange those proposals. In a way, we are lawyers peace talks between Syria and Israel. Then for the Israelis; there is no lawyer for the the efforts focused on the Palestinian-Is- Palestinians in our team." raeli situation. "The Human Factor" is a documentary The film structure is based on interviews with many interesting behind-the-scenes with the six members of the American By Sergio Martinez revelations of the failed peace process, team that negotiated and eventually facili- some anecdotes. It may also provide some tated the meetings between the Israeli and mtltimes.ca insight for any future attempt at finding that Palestinian leaders. Those skillful diplomats elusive peace between Israelis and Pales- were Martin Indyk (twice ambassador to out any sign of unnecessary warmth be- tinians. Israel), Gamal Helal (Arabic interpreter and tween the parties eventually evolved into A film that will appeal to those interested Special Envoy to the Middle East), Aaron an agreeable connection between the two in contemporary international affairs, inter- David Miller (long-time analyst for the State leaders. national politics, Jewish-Palestinian rela- Department), Daniel Kurtze (who had After the killing of Rabin, the talks would tions, and of course, the importance of been ambassador to Egypt and Israel), continue. Israel's Ehud Barak would make human contact. Robert Malley (Bill Clinton's appointee for a proposal that Arafat wouldn't accept be- In English, Hebrew, and Arabic (English sub- Arab-Israeli affairs), and Dennis Ross (ad- cause it was presented as an end to a con- titles). Theatrical release: May 7. viser on the Middle East for four different flict that still had many issues unanswered Duration: 118 min. 16 www. mtl times.ca May 8, 2021 • Wishing all mothers and Mother figures a Happy Mother’s Day

By Martha Shannon mtltimes.ca

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