Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, the host of the 2010 winter Olympics, is the largest city in the province of British Columbia with over half a million residents and one of the mildest climates in Canada. Vancouver is also home to one of North America’s largest ports. It is a beautiful city that offers much to see and do for adults and for families. Ie had visited and enjoyed Vancouver on a family holiday many years ago. This past year, my husband and I had occasion to return twice and we rediscovered the wonders of this location.

Rockland, Maine, U.S.A.

Rockland, Maine, U.S.A.

This quaint little seaport on the western shore of the Penobscot Bay was a microcosm of the best coastal Maine has to offer. Its working waterfront was alive with fishing and lobster boats as well as recreational sailboats, sea kayaks and canoes. Sightseeing windjammers and ferries provided a wide array of opportunities to enjoy the calm waters of the bay and explore its spectacular rocky shores punctuated by historic lighthouses. Two short blocks up from the shore, the tree-shaded Main Street was lined with art galleries, boutiques and shops. Back streets were filled with grand Victorian homes reminiscent of Rockland’s 19 th century industrial prosperity.

LimeRock Inn

LimeRock Inn

In the middle of its lush English garden, this regal Queen Anne country home retained all the authentic charm of its Victorian origins. The green-shingled exterior was enhanced by buttercup yellow trim with purple accents to match the lavish flowerbeds. The deep wrap-around porch, complete with rattan furniture and porch swing, the elaborate rooflines and whimsical turret all contributed to make the LimeRock Inn a picture-perfect grand 19 th century New England “cottage.”

Joël Robuchon Restaurant

Joël Robuchon Restaurant

Located in the casino of a Las Vegas mammoth, Joel Robuchon seems out of scale, seating only 42 guests in the main dining room.

Outside the doors of this famous restaurant, typical casino dissonance was pervasive, inside was an oasis of quiet.

In a city where size, opulence, impersonal attitudes and larger than life motifs reign over substance, Joel Robuchon stood out for its simple formula. During our visit, we shared the restaurant and staff with between one to three other tables, further enhancing the luxurious ambiance. .