The top museums in Toronto are worldwide renowned collections of history, art, and oddities. These top museums in Toronto will tickle your cultural muscles, whether you want to brush up on your Canadian history, study avant-garde art displays, or go inside the home of Toronto's first mayor. (Warning: It is said that his ghost still haunts it up to this day).

1. Casa Loma

Casa Loma, built in 1914, is designed to resemble a lavish European château, complete with an 800-foot tunnel, turrets, stables, and five acres of grounds.

Reason to go: Although Canada might relatively be a young country, that does not exclude Toronto from having its own castle. The former residence of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellat, is ideal. Before traveling to the Queen's Own Rifles Museum on the third floor, take in the Downton Abbey-esque apartments.

2. Mackenzie House

The former residence of Toronto's first mayor is now a museum that is said to be haunted by his spirit.

Reason to go: Before you start believing that all Canadian history is peaceful and pleasant, stop by the Mackenzie House to dispel your assumptions quickly. After leading the 1837 Rebellion, the city official and radical journalist was forced into exile in the United States. Examine the exhibits and look out for his ghost, who has been seen at the printing press. Check out houses for sale in Toronto.

3. Royal Ontario Museum

This museum is a must-see because of its extensive collection of cultural and historical relics.

Reason to go: Visit the Royal Ontario Museum to learn anything from First Nations art to modern fashion and the dinosaur era. The museum has a constantly changing calendar of exhibitions and activities, such as Friday Night Live, which converts the galleries into a party with live DJs, food, and drinks throughout the summer.

4. Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario is a solid bet on the creative front; in fact, it's a work of art in and of itself.

Reason to go: This gallery was built by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry to be a sculpture in and of itself, with over 95,000 works of art in its collection, including an extensive collection of Canadian art.

5. Hockey Hall of Fame

This museum dedicated to Canada's national sport is brimming with hockey memorabilia.

Reason to go: It's nearly a rule in this ice-obsessed country for visitors to pay tribute to Canada's hockey greats. Visit the Stanley Cup's permanent home, compete in the Shoot Out simulation against famous players, and peruse the unequaled collection of jerseys and other memorabilia in the vast Tissot World of Hockey Zone.

6. Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCa) was originally known as the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art and reopened in 2018 in a new location at the Tower Automotive Building (Mocca). 

Reason to go:  The museum, smack dab in the city's Junction Triangle (it used to be in the West Queen West neighborhood), is home to a slew of must-see exhibits, including Mark Dion's "The Life of a Dead Tree" (which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Tower Automotive building) and "Honest Shop" (part of the Art in Use series). The public is always welcome to touch and reassemble Andreas Angelidakis' "DEMOS - A Reconstruction Invitation Project" installation of 74 foam pieces.

7. Textile Museum of Canada

This textile arts museum is the only one of its kind in Canada.

Reason to go: The downtown museum focuses on the importance of cloth and fabric in civilization, with a permanent collection of almost 13,000 pieces spanning nearly 2,000 years and 200 regions throughout the world.

Nothing is worse than being bored on a long travel. And right now, social distancing or self-quarantining for weeks, possibly even months, is not easy, with nothing to do as the hours' tick away. Many people, like me, find that playing online games keeps us occupied.

Fortunately, in today's world, there are a plethora of fascinating and engaging experiences at your fingertips, thanks to the increasing availability of high-quality online games on mobile devices - whether played in the car, on the plane, or in the airport.

For Kids

While movies and videos can entertain children on a trip, you may want them to do more than stare at a screen passively. An interactive game is a great way to keep their young minds occupied while passing the time.

For Adults

Adults, like children, can become bored on long journeys. Adults can use games to keep awake and pass the time while flying.

3 Cool Games To Play

Read on for my top three games that can be played both for kids and/or adults. These games are browser-based, so you don't have to worry about downloading, and won't take up space in your phone.

Adventure Time Break The Worm Beat-Em-Up Game

This is a classic beat 'em up game in which you play Finn, who is locked in a nightmare and must go through three worlds to battle a worm while obtaining a different magical power in each one. After beating the game, you'll be able to play Nightmare Mode, which is a more challenging variation of the game.

Tonality Virtual Listening Sound Matching Memory Game

This is a one-of-a-kind virtual listening and sound matching memory game in which players must find two blocks with the same pitch among a large number of blocks. Once you've matched each block with its appropriate block, the puzzle is complete. Practice, Timed, and Active are the three modes available. You can choose from 3 x 3, 4 x 4, 5 x 5, or 6 x 6 block boards. Practice allows you to solve the puzzle without a time limit, whereas time mode allows you to finish the puzzle in a few seconds. Because two blocks can swap places at any time in active mode, it's more difficult.

CalcuDoku: Timed Sudoku Inspired Math Puzzle Game

This is a sudoku-style number puzzle game in which you must fill in every square with the correct number to complete the grid. You can't repeat the same number across a row or a column, just like in traditional sudoku. However, there are a few differences between this and sudoku. There are several difficulty levels to choose from, each with a different amount of squares per row. The more squares you must fill out, the harder the mode. Each group of colored boxes must also be calculated based on the assigned number and operator. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are all examples of this. Before the time runs out, fill in all of the squares with the correct digits.

Travel Games Are Fun

Travelers can pass the time by playing games while also getting some mental stimulation. Backseat boredom can be killed thanks to games that encourage interaction between family members and traveling companions. Most importantly, playing games is more enjoyable than simply staring out the window of a car, train, plane, or bus.

Choosing a car these days can be quite difficult, especially with all the options available on the market. Should you choose the traditional oil engine vehicle, or should you try an electric one? What about engine power? Does it make a substantial difference to a car’s performance?

If you are confused about which car to choose, keep reading to get some tips to help you make the best decision.

A good car dealership, for example, Bentley dealership, will be able to advise you on the best car to buy according to your budget. Exotic vehicles may have a higher value than domestic ones, and they tend to last longer.

Luckily, before buying a vehicle, you are given a chance to carry out a test drive. The test drive helps you get a feel of the car before making a final decision to buy it. You can also ask your driving friends to help you choose a good quality vehicle.

Bottom Line

Purchasing a vehicle is a huge deal. You should take your time to decide on the type of car you want carefully. Making a wrong move could lead to unpleasant consequences. As long as you follow the tips on this post, you should have an easy time picking the right car.

Nowadays, having ample rest and leisure time are sacred things we look forward to after a long day at work or school. Most of the time, the weekends are when we make time to rest and do our hobbies. But with changes and demands from our work, we sometimes break the sanctity of rest and choose work instead. In turn, we experience burnout and mental clutter.

Setting boundaries between work and rest is vital for our overall well-being. Finding time to rest and relax helps keep us sane and happy in this hectic world. Here are four ways you can destress and relax at home:

Use Hot Water

Hot water offers therapeutic benefits. You can use it for aromatherapy, relaxation, and health. For instance, you can turn your bathroom into a relaxing spa at home by filling your tub with hot water and using bath bombs, bubbles, bath salts, and your favorite flower petals. A shower using floral-scented shampoo, soap, and scrubs are another option.

Aside from taking rejuvenating baths and showers, hot water also nourishes your soul and appetite. Cook your favorite soups and stews to satiate your hunger and need for vitamins and minerals. Make your favorite tea, coffee, or hot chocolate during cloudy and rainy days. Future owners of the houses for sale in General Trias, Cavite may destress and keep warm amidst the cool climate by making their favorite hot drinks and dishes.

Shut Out All Noises

Noise can be distracting and stressful. One quick solution is to close your windows to minimize outside noises, such as vehicles honking, dogs barking, and ongoing construction. However, if you need extra silence, shut out the noise by placing earbuds before going to bed. Doing so will keep you from tossing and turning due to unwanted sounds.

Schedule a quiet time in your workweek to rest from all the stresses and distractions. Listen to white noise, such as waves crashing on the shore, rain falling on a tin roof, or blizzard winds blowing against a snow cottage. Taking time to immerse yourself in silence for an hour or two may help you combat anxiety and burning out. You might also awaken your creativity and boost your productivity.

Tidy Up

Clutter can cause stress and disarray. While you can endure working on a messy desk for weeks, it is just a matter of time before the chaos will take its toll on your wellbeing. Start tidying up your desk. Return stuff where they are supposed to be. Arrange your files and drawers to make room for more important items.

Take small steps when tidying your space. Start small then move to larger tasks such as cleaning your bedroom, rearranging your closet, deep cleaning your carpet, and washing your car. By scaling your tasks, you’ll accomplish more while also enjoying tidying up instead of feeling overwhelmed.

Bond With Your Plants

Plants are known to add tranquility and life to any space. They add touches of nature that can help refresh your environment. During your watering session, talk to your plants. Tell them encouraging words as these may help them grow healthier, stronger, and more beautiful. In a way, nourishing your plants can also boost your wellness.

Looking after yourself is crucial, especially in these times when a global pandemic is threatening your overall welfare. Aside from eating healthy and working out, destress through these four ways to counteract negativity and allow you to live life to the fullest.

Making money online sounds great, mainly because it usually implies working from the comfort of your home. Here are some useful ideas to give you a dash of inspiration so you can figure out what you could be doing online!

Online Product Sales

Starting an eCommerce company might be an excellent opportunity for anyone with a business sense. By 2021, global eCommerce revenues are forecast to total $4.8 trillion. Your target as an online seller should be to solve a problem. You could, for example, offer headphones designed for professional athletes or handcrafted natural perfumes for those who don't want artificial, alcohol-based scents.

The aim is to find a product that is both unique and niche. You must keep track of the latest patterns, consumer tastes, and purchasing behavior to make an educated decision. Here are a few common sites where you can start selling right away:

• The most popular online shopping site is Amazon. Amazon is where a large percentage of online shoppers begin their quest.
• Etsy is an online store for handcrafted and creative goods.
• Craigslist is a website where you can put up an ad for new or used products for sale.
• Nextdoor is a neighborhood-based online community. Create an account and list items in the "For Sale and Free" section.
• Poshmark is a social platform where you can buy and sell fashion items.
• Tradesy is a high-end women's wear marketplace.

Besides these sites, you can create your eCommerce shop and market your company to attract those most likely to purchase from you. Online shopping is a thing that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. You could make a fortune if you can read your customer's mind.

Create your own YouTube channel

Right now, video is the most common content medium. That is why owning a YouTube media company is so lucrative. YouTubers who are popular are celebrities in their own right.

You can easily become a YouTube Partner through various platforms, including advertisements, channel memberships, and mega chats. You must have a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 video watch hours on your YouTube channel in the previous 12 months to be considered for the YouTube Partner Program. For every 1,000 video views, you will earn about $7.60 if you meet those requirements. Promoting affiliate links is another way to monetize your YouTube channel. You can also benefit from the Red subscribers on YouTube. These subscribers pay for ad-free streaming on YouTube, and as a content producer, you are compensated for the number of views and engagement on your posts.

Virtual Assistant

Finding jobs as a virtual assistant is smart to make money as a jack of all trades. You may support a small business owner with various tasks as a business helper, such as scheduling meetings, taking notes, responding to emails, and monitoring their social media. Becoming a virtual assistant can be an excellent way to assist an entrepreneur in achieving his or her objectives.

You'll need to be organized and have good interpersonal skills. Aside from that, you should be familiar with the fundamentals of business communication. Customer service, administrative support, maintaining a website, arranging and writing posts for social media, managing finances, managing emails, writing material, and doing sales and outreach are all common virtual assistant occupations. You can earn $8 to $40 per hour as a virtual assistant. You should develop your skills and make more money. Consider a career as a product manager or a content editor, for example.

Job boards, social media platforms, and networking with local companies are all good places to look for and apply for such positions.

Try Trading Forex

Forex trading has become a must among many people during 2020, and it's all the rage this year. The prerequisite doesn't require you to put thousands of dollars so you could trade, but you should be careful who you are trading with. A licensed and certified Forex broker is a must, and you can easily google them online. Start small, and this can easily become your source of passive income if you listen to the advice of experts.

In conclusion

If you are willing to put yourself in the spotlight and put in the work, you can quickly generate a new income stream. Be sure it's interesting to you; otherwise, you are bound to give up quickly. If you want to start making money, make it something you are interested in and passionate about. Good luck!

I am a freelancer and a blogger for so many years, along with my studies and being a corporate worker. Then I fell in love with travel and have been fascinated by new places ever since, so I filed for vacation leaves whenever I can. 2 years in my last corporate job, I was unhappy. I tried just to suck it all up and continue to work, but it drained the life out of me. I couldn't just quit my office job. Depressed and had anxieties, I started seeing a psychiatrist and filed for a medical leave for two weeks. I was then clinically diagnosed and took anti-psychotic meds. My 2-week medical leave resulted in indefinite leave. Then I finally decided to resign.

I know then that I don't want to become a corporate worker contained in a cubicle. I have finally decided to resign and quit my office job, and switched to full-time freelancing. I was afraid before to make the switch to full-time freelancing because I didn't believe in myself. But now I'm actually happy that I did. I am now able to manage my anxieties and depression and be a better version of myself. Just contented and happy.

I decided not to just be a freelancer stuck at home but also switched into a work-from-anywhere lifestyle and be my own boss. Being your own boss is fun, but it can also be exhausting if you have no idea what you're doing and no one to teach you!

If you want to live a nomadic lifestyle filled with travel, discovery, and hard work, then here's my 6 helpful tips on the digital nomad lifestyle.

Be prepared for an exciting but challenging life

As a digital nomad, keep in mind that you are always on the move. So, prepare your body and mind for this form of lifestyle by staying in shape. Well, it won't necessarily be more complicated than anything else, but it will undoubtedly be unique and different from others. Since you are your own boss here, self-motivation is essential. Not only would you have to work hard here, but you'd also have to be imaginative and inventive. You must strike a balance between your work and your independence, and build your life around it.

Maintain a positive attitude and to work regularly

It's critical to accept your new lifestyle and adjust accordingly now that you work for yourself and work whenever you want. When living nomadically, the aim is to remain productive and committed and to not let something get in the way of your work or your mood. Decide how you'll treat your working life, keeping in mind that it's crucial to maintain a positive attitude and work regularly. You must devote time to marketing and maintain contact with your clients.

Network as much as you can

You can't live as a blogger if you don't have safe and consistent internet access. If you want to work as a travel blogger, networking should be at the top of your priority list. After all, there could be looming deadlines or several emails to send and clients to please or important updates to provide. You should try to maintain contact with your fellow freelancers, potential clients, and social media outlets. It's all about being alive, on the move, and keeping things fresh when it comes to travel blogging.

Make new connections as you go

Working from anywhere alone as a digital nomad does not have to mean being socially isolated. Traveling provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet new people and expand your network. Take advantage of the hundreds of businesses in every new location you visit, and update your blog with their details. You can work almost anywhere, at any time, and in a fantastic social setting.

Be transparent with time-zone differences

Your client should be mindful of where you are and the time zone change if you are a digital nomad. This is to avoid causing any inconveniences and avoiding numerous headaches. If you call at the wrong time, you could get many missed calls and no answers. Do not expect others to adapt to your lifestyle simply because you are living it. You should, however, always keep in mind that.

Expand your source of income

Making money is difficult enough, but making a living as a digital nomad is even more difficult. As a digital nomad, keep the job diverse. You should still have a few tasks on the go.

If you have a blog, supplement your daily income. In my case, I maximize my income with affiliate links and a few advertisements. You can also make money via Intellifluence or sponsored posts. If you don't have a blog but have an eye for photography, you can become an influencer through your social media channels, like Instagram.

Remember the simple tips above to start living your life as a digital nomad. One thing is sure: life will undoubtedly be enjoyable and exciting. On the other hand, the struggles just add to the incentive and inspiration to keep going full throttle.

Other than disrupting lives, the attack of COVID-19 has overemphasized the importance of preparedness and quick adjustment to situations. Since its onset, things have never been the same, and most people, more so the unprepared ones, have lost their sources of income and life. 

It is only fair to take precautions in your every endeavor, given that it’s still not known how long this disease will be around. Besides protecting yourself from contracting the virus, there are other measures you should take more so when traveling to enhance your general wellbeing. Below is a discussion of three considerations you must put in place when traveling amidst a pandemic. 

Have an Extra Coin

Now is certainly not the time to get out of your hometown on a fixed budget. It would help if you had some extra coins somewhere to take you through when things go wrong or when you get sick in a foreign land. This, without doubt, poses a challenge as it’s a known fact that current times are hard and unbearable. 

For you who have a heart for traveling, this ought to motivate you to get more money. The good thing is that despite the ongoing pandemic, technology has given room to millions of job opportunities for those in need, and all you have to do is sign up on the different job boards and get a job at the comfort of your home. 

For instance, if you are a truck driver in need of transportation gigs, all you have to do is find a job that works for you on Shiply. There is no better offer than this. The opportunity to sign up for free on a job board and get access to hundreds of gigs posted after every few minutes is marvelous and ought to be a reason to work extra harder. 

Stay Safe

Being away from home does not exempt you from the dangers of the Coronavirus pandemic. The truth is this is the time you must take utmost precautions given that you are in an unfamiliar location. Take action to visit the less crowded places during your trip and maintain a healthy distance with your fellow tourists. 

Moreover, maintain high cleanliness standards, get enough sunlight and eat healthy to boost your immune system if possible, tour your hometown to keep the expenses down, and stay away from the dangers of this virus that may be worse in other areas. 

Cut Down on Expenses

It wouldn’t make sense to work hard to secure that extra coin that’s so hard to come by today only for you to go wasting it through unnecessary actions during the trip. The golden rule should be to cut down on expenses which you can achieve in various ways. 

For example, deciding to travel during off-peak seasons and carrying your food will go a long way in helping you minimize expenditure. Additionally, opting to visit the least expensive destinations and stay in hostels instead of hotels are suitable saving measures. 

Whatever you must do, kindly practice it to ensure you spend the least during your trip. Please take note that it’s not yet clear for how long or how bad the days ahead will be with the virus still around. Therefore save the little that you have for the uncertain times ahead. 

Conclusion

Getting a chance to travel happens to be a lifetime opportunity that you should never waste. Furthermore, traveling is therapeutic and has many benefits to your general wellbeing. Take utmost care to avoid the harmful impacts of COVID-19 by following the above three recommendations during your trip. 

Just because you have money doesn’t mean you have to spend it. So, whether you are in Madrid for a family vacation or a trip with the guys, why not do all the free things you can find? The city is full of history, culture, and fun so there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy.

Many of the parks, churches, museums, and galleries are still free so visit them while you can still do it without having to pay. But do not bring your luggage. Most of these places do not allow you to and of course, you don’t want to bring them to the park. Madrid has a lot of bag storage facilities you can use.

Museums

• Museo Taurino
  The bullfighting museum is one of the most interesting free places to go in Madrid. You may not even like the sport but taking a tour of the bullfighting museum is still interesting and unique. Separated into six areas with over 150 items, you will learn about the Courtyard of Horses and the Las Ventas Bullring.
• Museum of History (Museo de Historia)
  The building was built in 1673 but was the Royal Hospice until 1929 when it opened as the history museum. The collection includes artifacts from 1561 to the present with highlights such as 18th-century baroque sculptures, a scale model of Madrid from 1830, and 60,000 other items.
• National Archaeology Museum
  The National Archaeology Museum is free on Saturdays after 2 pm and Sunday mornings. It is one of the most ancient museums in the city and the collection started in 1734 by Charles III of Bourbon. There are four main collections, which include the Epigraphs, Farnese Collection, Villa Dei Papyri, and Coins and Medals.

Galleries

• Museo del Prado
  The Prado Museum, the most famous art museum in Spain, is free from 6 pm to 8 pm daily except Sundays when it is free from 5 pm to 7 pm. There are over 20,000 sculptures, prints, paintings, and drawings dating back to the 12th century. The most popular include A Scholar by Rembrandt in 1631, a belt buckle from the 4th century BC, and the Pond at Montgeron by Claude Monet in 1876.
• Museo al Aire Libre
  
This one is always free, and it is outside in the open air so you can enjoy Madrid’s wonderful weather while you are at it. Located on Paseo de la Castellana, you can find 17 stunning sculptures by artists like Alberto Sánchez, Eusebio Sempere, and Joan Miró.
• Reina Sofía
  
Another popular art museum, the Reina Sofia is free every day except Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 1:30 pm to 7 pm. Named after Queen Sofia, the large modern gallery was opened in 1990 and boasts thousands of pieces including over 100,000 books. Some of the most notable artists include Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Francis Bacon.

Churches

• San Ginés Church (Iglesia de San Ginés)
  
San Ginés Church is one of the oldest churches in Madrid built in the 9th century, although it had to be mostly rebuilt in 1645. It was one of the medieval churches of Madrid from the 12th century and has a lot of history and beauty such as the Fallen Christ by Nicolò Fumo and The Lamentation by Michiel Coxie.
• Almudena Cathedral (Cathedral de Almudena)
  The Almudena Cathedral was built on the medieval mosque that was destroyed in 1083 although it was not consecrated until 1993. The Gothic Revival style building is now a work of art including two bell towers, a beautiful pipe organ, and a crypt with a 16th-century image of the Virgin de la Almudena.
• Basilica of San Francisco el Grande
  Built on top of a primitive Franciscan convent in 1217, the building was ordered to be built by Charles III. The Neo-Classical building has a 108-foot diameter dome that is 190 feet high. It also houses many paintings including those by Goya and Zurbarán and was named a national historic-artistic monument in 1980.

Parks

• Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
  Built in 1505, one of the biggest parks in Madrid, Retiro Park was originally the property of the Spanish Monarchy until they donated it for a public park in the 19th century. Some of the popular features include a large pond, rose garden, the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, the Buen Retiro Palace ruins, and Salon de Reinos.
• Madrid Río Beach
  A large and popular park, Madrid Rio has 17 playgrounds, several bridges, a few cafés and other eateries, and a huge beach along the Manzanares River. There are also bike paths, sports areas, terraces, and shops to enjoy. And the monumental Arganzuela Bridge is a famous and stunning footbridge that is the perfect spot for selfies.
• Temple of Debod
  
One of the most unique landmarks is the Temple of Debod, which is an ancient Egyptian temple given to Spain as a gift for helping Egypt during a flood. The temple was originally built in 200 BC but was moved and rebuilt in the Parque del Oeste in 1970. This is a must-see for anyone in Madrid.

Landmarks

• Puerta del Sol
  Also known as the Gate of the Sun, this public square is one of the busiest in Madrid. Featuring the famous clock of the Twelve Grapes, it is the site of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration every year. Some of the famous landmarks include the old post office, mounted statue of Charles III, and the Mariblanca statue of Venus.
• Plaza Mayor
  Also known as Main Square, the plaza was built in 1580 and has 237 balconies facing the cobblestone square. The plaza has 10 entrances with nine gates, each with its own name. In the center, a statue of Philip III on his horse has been standing since 1848. This important square is also the home of the yearly Christmas Market.
• Plaza de España
  Spanish for Spain Square, this is a popular tourist attraction at the western end of the oldest street in the city, Gran Via. The monument to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra stands between two skyscrapers and beautiful landscaping. There is also a pond, bronze sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and the Madrid Tower.

After sightseeing, you’ll no doubt have built up an appetite. The food may not be free, but it would be a shame to miss out on some of the local dishes while in town. One of the most popular is calamari, which is fried squid. Snails cooked in a clay pot with wine is another popular dish. For dessert, churros covered with cinnamon and sugar are great dipped in chocolate.