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Growing up, making the trip from the Comox Valley to Victoria was a tedious three-hour or more journey. Though highway expansion has cut the time down a bit, sometimes driving still takes longer than time allows for. Train travel and express bus are options, but as of September 5, 2010, flying will get you down south in a snap.

Photo: Island Express Air

Island Express Air has been making the trip between Victoria and Nanaimo for close to a year, but travelers wishing to connect up to the Comox Valley would have to be re-routed through Abbotsford. With the launch of this route, a quick 10-minute stopover in Nanaimo will have you between Victoria and the Comox Valley in a mere 45 minutes for only $99.

Adding the route only makes sense as the Comox Valley airport serves the entirety of the North Island and has become a hub for Mexico-bound flights in recent years. This scenic trip will be available between Victoria and the Comox Valley six days a week, Wednesday being the exception. Visit Island Express Air’s online for more information and to lock in your reservation.

Someone once told me that there’s no experience like riding the New York City Subway. Over 650 miles of tracks snake and slide their way deep under Manhattan, reaching out to four of the five boroughs. It’s impossible to descend the steps into any station and not be instantly overcome by the sensory experience that awaits.

The stations are hot and stuffy. The still air is a fragrant tonic of charred street meat, diesel and urine. The noise is deafening as trains rocket in and out of stations, sparking over the rails with an unmistakable squeal. The paint is peeling off steel beams, the overhead lights flicker and buzz and passengers wait like flocks of vultures to squeeze between the doors.

It’s intoxicating.

Photo: cafemama on Flickr

On the very last day that Rebecca and I spent in New York City, we traveled across the Brooklyn Bridge one step at a time. While Manhattan is most certainly its own world, crossing the iconic span over the East River felt much like stepping through a portal.

As my feet found solid ground in Brooklyn, every little thing I’d long associated with the city’s biggest borough suddenly came to life. It’s the home of the Beastie Boys, of sizzling Italian-American pizzerias, of Coney Island, of century-old brownstones and even the original Dodgers baseball team. When I was younger, my family lived on a cul-de-sac called Brooklyn Place and my school was called Brooklyn Elementary. Naturally, I secretly pretended we lived in Brooklyn.

After a couple hours of exploring, the time came to return to Manhattan and we decided to do so by way of the subway. High Street Station was bustling with people on that muggy Friday afternoon. Finding a seat was easier than expected and within minutes our train jolted to life and rattled toward downtown. A group of b-boys kicked their ghetto blaster into high gear and began to break-dance in the middle of the train. Our fellow passengers gave wide berth and kept the dancers moving with cheers and clapping as beat-heavy hip hop sputtered from the well-played speakers.

What should have been an uneventful journey from Brooklyn back to midtown turned into a Friday afternoon impromptu train party. Nothing short of something quintessentially Brooklyn, I can’t imagine a more fitting way for New York City to bid us farewell than with the smiles and laughter of 50 of our newest friends… at least for one afternoon.

In a city like New York, figuring out where to stay can be as daunting a task as deciding where to eat. And much like the abundance of restaurants and food vendors, New York City most certainly offers hotels to suit every budget, taste and style. When Rebecca and I started planning our trip to the Big Apple, we knew what was important to us: location and a big, comfy bed. A good price wouldn’t hurt either.

We started our hunt for a boutique hotel online and, after exploring a number of travel sites, came across Distrikt Hotel – the newest shining star in the Ascend Collection from the Choice Hotels International hotel family. The pictures promised something marvelous, but it was the proximity to the subway and a few major attractions that sold us. Having just opened in February, 2010, I can attest to the fact that Distrikt Hotel offers an accommodation experience that is entirely its own.

When first entering the lobby, I was instantly impressed with the minimalist but tasteful décor. Organic elements such as carved wood and a living wall of vines caught my eye and attractively complimented the marble, stone and brushed steel detail. Also noticeable to me was the music. Rather than the standard lull that can be expected in elevators, Rebecca and I were greeted by themed tunes such as “Empire State of Mind” and “Angel of Harlem”.

Containing only four guest rooms each, the floors at Distrikt Hotel pay homage to the distinct and flavourful neighbourhoods that make New York City what it is. Boasting northeast views to the Times Square district and a gigantic king-sized bed, Rebecca and I found our room on one of the Chelsea Market floors (nestled below midtown Manhattan, Chelsea Market charms with a community feel much like Vancouver’s West End).

I’m one of those people who believe that it’s the little things in life that count, and this much is also true of Distrikt Hotel. No detail was overlooked, from the luxe Frette linens imported from Europe to the Ecru New York bath and beauty products. One can argue that our room was spacious by NYC hotel standards, but I’d venture to say it was spacious even compared to my own apartment. There was plenty of room for stashing our multiple pairs of shoes, as well as our many, many shopping purchases.

At the end of each long day, Rebecca and I enjoyed nothing more than sinking into our plush bed, cranking the air conditioning and allowing our plasma TV to carry us into a deep sleep. And downstairs, the Collage Bar & Bistro made sure we never went hungry. While nosh is easy to come by in a city like New York, having a scrumptious food option within the hotel was a lifesaver for us on more than one occasion.

While I knew that visiting New York City would be the trip of a lifetime for us girls, anyone who has travelled knows that the right hotel can make or break a vacation. The courteous and well-informed staff at Distrikt Hotel made sure that our stay was nothing short of perfection, and I am most certain that I’ve found my home away from home on future trips to the Big Apple.

For more information on Distrikt Hotel and to book your next visit to New York City, please visit Distrikt Hotel’s website or call the hotel reservation line at 1-888-444-5610. Distrikt Hotel is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 342 West 40th Street, New York, NY.

Disclaimer: Rebecca and I were not asked to write a review of Distrikt Hotel, nor were we compensated for doing so. We did, however, received a complimentary room upgrade and several complimentary dining experiences.

The quintessential ’80s movies that defined my childhood are countless. However, few more so than ‘Crocodile’ Dundee. Mick left the Australian Outback for the first time in anticipation of bright lights-big city adventures with his lady love, Sue, and landed on the outskirts of one of the world’s biggest cities. As the camera captured a fraction of the expanse that is Manhattan, 5-year-old Keira-Anne was simply blown away. Perhaps it was Mick Dundee’s naïve curiosity that got the best of me, but I was hooked. I remember exclaiming to myself “I have to go there!”

Photo: _Massimo_ on Flickr

“Imagine seven million people all wantin’ to live together… Yep, New York must be the friendliest place on Earth.” – Mick Dundee

After more than two decades of wishing, hoping, waiting, reading, studying maps and longing over photographs, my time has finally come. This morning I selected a flight, chose a hotel, entered mine and Rebecca’s credit card numbers and the City suddenly became ours. In a little over two months, we’ll be departing YVR on a warm Spring night, landing at JFK airport in time for Saturday brunch in the West Village.

When I was younger, I envisioned myself visiting NYC on my own. While I still hope to someday, I can’t imagine a more wonderful travel partner than Rebecca. We’ve got many of the same interests, hope to see many of the same landmarks and get equally giddy every time we hear Jay-Z and Alicia Keys pay homage to the Big Apple.

Photo: _Massimo_ on Flickr

It’s really hard to believe in some ways. I look at the computer screen, see my name, blink, see the name of a hopelessly chic hotel, the flight number and our selected dates with the word “CONFIRMED” next to it all. Somehow, none of it will seem really real until our taxi starts rolling over the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan. That’s when the rush will begin.

(And don’t worry, mom. We’ll avoid the subway station at the Manhattan Municipal Building for this very reason.)

Living today – in the moment – has become my “thing” lately. I could elaborate but let’s not get boring, shall we? Anyway, if I don’t live in the moment, all the things I’m pumped about next year will be here before I know it and the little things will pass me by. In fact, so much is coming my way in 2010 that I’m already exhausted thinking about it all. Oy vey.

In no particular order…

10. No specific target date has been set, but I will be officially debt-free. Feel free to hate on me, but I’ve worked hard at it.

9. Celebrating my sweet-as-a-peach niece’s first birthday.

8. Shortly after that, celebrating one whole year with my love bug.

7. Fingers crossed that the Phoenix Suns will once again rock GM Place with another exhibition game during the pre-season, a game at which I will be screaming, yelling, cheering and jumping up and down in my jersey.

Photo: taminator on Flickr

6. TORONTO! Or, you know, a suburb-thereof. I really need to see this lady again. (Except let’s not hang with those guys, okay?)

5. Seeing John Mayer in concert on April 1 for the second time. (Don’t be surprised if I disappear for a few months after the show. It’s my hope that I’ll charm my way backstage, after which he and I will embark on a passionate and heartbreaking love affair. I suspect we will exhaust each other by summertime.)

Photo: Flickred! on Flickr

4. Love thy self: I’m one of those people who incessantly say “I want to…” and then never actually do it. I want to cook more gourmet food, drink more wine, have more parties, take more day-trips, rent a car sometimes and do anything and everything that makes me happy.

3. My first visit to New York City. I plan on leaving my heart there.

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

2. Get sporty. I don’t miss going to the gym but getting active makes my heart go ga-goong in more ways than one. I want to join a co-ed drop-in basketball league or just hit the courts with friends. Bueller?

Original Photo: Fernando Ariotti on Flickr

1. Embarking on the next decade of my life, a trip that someone special to me will also be taking this year.

Your turn: tell me what would make for your “Perfect ’10″. Feel free to make this a meme.

Growing up on BC’s coast, I’ve always said that I adored living somewhere that the residents experienced four distinct seasons. It wasn’t until visiting the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale last week that I realized I really just tolerate the four seasons because it’s what I’m accustomed to. Once you realize that living without rain is an option, downpours are much more loathsome.

Photo: mikemac29 on Flickr

As I flew into Sky Harbor International Airport around dinnertime, I was instantly blown away by the sprawling size of Phoenix. Twinkling city lights stretched further than I could see through my sliver-sized window. Upon arrival, my host-with-the-most wasted no time in acclimatizing me to Phoenix nightlife. After a tasty little dinner at Hanny’s, a restored men’s department store, we walked a few steps to the US Airways Center to witness the Phoenix Suns completely slaughter the New Orleans Hornets.

Photo: jasontho on Flickr

To say I was instantly hooked would be an understatement. Between sitting fourth-row, center court and the hip hop music thumping while the teams were playing, the game had a genuine schoolyard feel to it. Steve Nash has quickly become a legendary name, but it’s only when you see him on the court that you understand why.

Being that it was Veterans’ Day in the U.S., a first-quarter patriotic display instilled swelling pride within the entire crowd. And sadly, it was the only time I took a picture during my entire trip.

Photo: Frank Kehren on Flickr

On the following day we found ourselves getting through a lazy morning with a trip to Nordstrom’s Last Chance outlet – one of only two in the U.S. I managed to score a current season DvF silk party frock for 85% off and a Marc Jacobs handbag for 90% off retail; he snagged some Diesel jeans down from $350 to $30. No word of a lie.

Shopping is exhausting work, so after a quick late lunch stop at The Vig (and believe me, the VigAzz burger lives up to its name), the rest of the day was a write-off. After seeing a bit of Scottsdale by bike, I was toast.

Photo: Daniel Greene on Flickr

It’s kind of impossible to visit the City of Scottsdale without partaking in their shopping – it’s practically a sport to some of their residents. Scottsdale Fashion Square is certainly the pièce de résistance as it stands towering over the canal-woven Scottsdale Waterfront. With in-mall shops like Barneys New York, Louis Vuitton and Burberry mixed in with Anthropologie, Forever 21, Sephora and J. Crew, it redefines the term “a shopper’s paradise.”

Photo: 427 on Flickr

As we made our way through Old Town Scottsdale, we noticed crews setting up for that evening’s The Big Pour, a street festival of (mostly) local breweries. After heading home to engage in an entirely sweaty and intense game of basketball for two, we were ready to shell out $10 and purchased our passports to debauchery. By the time I’d indulged in more than my fair share of 4 oz. samplers, we decided to kick it up a notch by making our way to a hopelessly chic cocktail bar, AZ88, where the whiskey flows like milk and honey.

While dramatic art installations – like the Dead New York City Taxi Driver exhibit below – can largely be argued as the bar’s claim to fame, I must put in a vote for their vicious Sidecar martini. A healthy splash of Cointreau was enough to finish me off. The rest of the night was a blur, including a trip to the Mondrian. It may – or may not – have involved a burlesque swing, too often nearly falling down and puking onto Hayden Road from inside the hired car. (Damn you, Sidecar!)

Photo: cam.riley on Flickr

It should come as no surprise to any of you that Saturday was black-marked by a hangover, so after spending half my day in bed, I finally had it in me to get up and out into the sunshine. Like Greater Vancouver, Phoenix is comprised of neatly parceled suburbs.

Photo: Conekt on Flickr

After grabbing mondo-sized iced Americanos (note that it’s pronounced “Ameri-con-o” down there), we made our way to the southeastern neighbourhood of Tempe – home to Arizona State University. It’s entirely picturesque, featuring a gorgeous waterfront walk around Tempe Town Lake, stunning sunset views and fresh air. For dinner, the Vancouver girl that went all the way to Arizona had sushi. Though, I wasn’t complaining – it was surprisingly fresh and delicious. We capped the night off with a flick at Harkins Camelview, catching a showing of The Damned United. Cute British football movie but it never engaged me. Take it or leave it.

Photo: phxpma on Flickr

By the time Sunday arrived, I had a hard time believing I had to leave already. Normally whenever I’m away from home – even if only to Tofino or Seattle – I feel entirely unsettled and can’t relax, but my time in Scottsdale was amazing. Thankfully we had a bit of time (though not enough if it were up to me) before my flight for a short jaunt half-way up Papago Peak. The views were breathtaking and I can’t begin to convey the sense of absolute peace I felt sitting on those red rocks. My boots are still covered in dust from that desert and I hesitate to wipe them clean.

While some – mostly my mother – are disappointed that I neglected to take any photos, my reasoning was simple: why lose time clicking shots to capture memories when you can experience them? I wasn’t there to play the role of the tourist; I was there to just be there. My time spent there was entirely precious, rejuvenating and incredible to me, and it should come as no surprise that I can’t wait to return.

I had a dream a few nights ago.

Photo: gcraig3si on Flickr

I was alone by myself in a tiny villa, not far from the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It was the middle of the night and everything outside was blacker than ink. Desperately wanting to take pictures of the summit against a blanket of stars, I ventured outside and started snapping.

Out of the night a tiger came up behind me. Instead of attacking, he nuzzled my hand much like a domestic cat. The tiger just wanted affection. What was more apparent to me than any other element to my dream was the sense of peace that prevailed.

Photo: Markies on Flickr

Photo: Dennis Leidelmeijer on Flickr

As a child, my family never, ever went on distant vacations so I had never been bitten by the “travel bug.” Aside from New York City, no place around the globe has ever drawn me. That is, however, until now.

I must go.

Photo: Randy OHC on Flickr

Photo: Dennis Leidelmeijer on Flickr

I’ve been researching, calculating a budget and even consulting with those that have been or have lived there. 2011 will be the soonest this venture will happen. While I would like to spend time in Kenya and Tanzania to see Mt. Kilimanjaro, I’m also drawn to South Africa, namely the area around Durban.

Photo: Randy OHC on Flickr

Photo: Dennis Leidelmeijer on Flickr

Simply watching a scenic program on PBS or the National Geographic channel cannot replace the experience. I have no doubt that to go and to come face-to-face with such majesty will be something to last a lifetime.

Photo: Dallas75 on Flickr

Photo: Randy OHC on Flickr

If you’ve been or are planning on going, any thoughts and insight would definitely stoke my fire. However, spare me the basic facts on the intense political climate in many areas – to ignore such a factor would be ignorance on my part and I haven’t overlooked it.

Right now, I’m still dreaming…

Photo: Randy OHC on Flickr

(And yes, I realize tigers do not exist in the wild in Africa; I presume it was just a symbolic element to the dream I had.)

Two weeks from today, I’ll be waking up to this…

Photo: Magnus. on Flickr

Months ago my mom and I decided that, instead of heading to Hornby Island this summer, we’d head to Tofino. Believe it or not, despite the fact that she’s lived on Vancouver Island since the mid-1960s, my mom has never been. Ucluelet, yes; Tofino, no. We booked one of the gorgeous beachfront suites at Middle Beach Lodge and will spend three days dining, exploring, sunbathing, drinking Island wine, surfing (well, I will), wandering and snapping photos. And no, I do not plan on bringing my MacBookPro. Pictures will come after.

I look forward to my summer holidays every single year, and they’ll start at 3:00 p.m. on July 31. As usual, I’ll be heading home to Vancouver Island to spend time relaxing out of the city. However, unlike last summer, this one will be filled with family and I am beyond excited to spend time with my incredibly adorable niece.

Not only that, but I have so much else to look forward to such as the annual Filberg Festival, BBQing, running on the beach with Jordy and Charley, dragging my mom to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, sleeping in, short jean shorts every single day, gathering tasty goods at the Coombs Old Country Market, tanning my legs (finally!), Nautical Days at the Comox Marina and whatever other fun surprises pop up along the way.

Now that July is running out and our summers are half over, what are you looking forward to doing in August?

For almost the entire duration of our friendship, Rebecca and I have dreamed and giggled about visiting New York City together. Finally – finally – the trip planning has been set into motion, and with Rebecca’s recent whirlwind trip this week, my stoke meter has been spiking. Though our girls’ vacation to the Big Apple isn’t going to happen until May, 2010, it doesn’t hurt to scout out a bit in advance.

Photo: Miss604 on Flickr

While we’ve agreed to rely more on spontaneity and avoid the usual tourist traps and a packed itinerary, there are certainly a few things I need to do and experience.

1. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise to take in the views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

2. Eat a pretzel from a different street vendor every single day (I love warm, salty pretzels)!

3. Visit Times Square at 1:00 a.m. to snap pictures.

4. Cruise across to Staten Island on the free ferry (and maybe “enjoy” an infamous Staten Island iced tea).

5. Take a deep breath from the top of the Empire State Building.

6. Aimlessly wander Greenwich Village to find something unique for each of my special someones.

7. “Hit up Magnolia and mack on some cupcakes…”

8. Allow my darling Meghan to drag us to her favourite places and allow her to set me up with she-knows-who (and I won’t forget, Megs).

9. Buy myself a charm bracelet at Tiffany & Co. and have it engraved with the date to commemorate the trip

10. Devour a tasty lunch in Central Park in the sunshine.

I have no doubt I’ll probably put on a few pounds from all the tempting food. I know for certain I’ll drink a lot of coffee; sleep is overrated and I plan on making the most of our week there (even if it means heading out on some solo excursions). And fingers crossed, this is where we may be staying. We’re checking out our options, but those rooms sure would make from some cute photo shoots!

Tucked in amongst the towering trees on Qualicum Beach’s West Island Highway lies what I truly believe to be the crown jewel of the Oceanside region. Such a bestowment is rather fitting, considering the regal history of Milner Gardens and Woodland.

In 1937, Horatio “Ray” Milner purchased the 70-acre estate with his wife Rina. Both put such tender, loving care into the expansive gardens and surrounding woodland. Sadly, Rina passed away in 1952.

Two years later Ray married British Aristocrat Veronica who then cultivated her artist’s eye to turn the land into a horticulturist’s paradise. Importing unique flora from around the globe, Veronica and Ray transformed the gardens into a space that defines unique. Veronica was an incredibly talented painter and often specifically plotted and planned where particular items should grow in order to provide creative inspiration in the years to come.

A direct descendant of Sir Winston Churchill, Veronica had strong ties with the British Royal Family. Prior to her death in 1998, Mrs. Milner hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles at her home on the property.

Rumour has it that Prince Phillip once BBQ’d a steak for Queen Elizabeth II on the deck surrounding the garden’s pool. No longer used for swimming, it’s now a complimentary water feature adjacent to the gift shop.

Among Milner Gardens’ programs is Shoots With Roots, designed to instill a love and respect for nature in the children who participate through hands-on experience. Kids are encouraged to each take part in caring for the designated garden while exercising their artistic sides and inspiring critical thinking skills.

The blossoms on the Himalayan hydrangea grow to be the size of basketballs at their peak.

Perspective…

By the time Veronica passed away, much of the gardens had fallen into disrepair. Fortunately, in thanks to Vancouver Island University (formerly Malasapina University College) having acquired the property, Milner Gardens and Woodland have been fully restored to their former beauty.

Because maintaining the space is an enormous task, Milner Gardens relies on the support of the University, financial donations, admission fees and the work of volunteers to sustain itself. Once you can see the property for yourself, it is easy to understand the amount of work that goes into the gardens. The passion of Milner’s volunteers is evident in the countless hours of effort.

When she wasn’t wandering and enjoying her gardens, Veronica and her husband resided in their home overlooking the ocean. Today the house is used as both office space and a tea room in which visitors can fill their tummies with home-baked yummies, including traditional scones with jam made from the gardens’ berry bushes.

I was a tiny bit obsessed with the original wallpaper in the hallway.

As our tour wound to a close, Rebecca and I found ourselves on the front porch in the company of nursery grower Kim Hammond, treated to fresh croissants stuffed with egg salad and orange pekoe tea made in proper English style.

It’s clear to see how this space is so treasured by those who have experienced it. As the late afternoon sun and ocean breeze danced on our skin, I couldn’t help but wish I could spend every afternoon in that very spot. Parting is such sweet sorrow, and the same could not be more true of leaving Milner Gardens and Woodland. It’s a true treat for the soul.

Please take a few minutes to read Rebecca’s experience at Milner Gardens and Woodland here.

Milner Gardens and Woodland is primarily open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. betwee April and October with special events being held at certain times throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas. Due to the delicate nature of the property, only certified guide dogs are permitted.

The gardens and woodland is located at 2179 West Island Highway in Qualicum Beach; look for the sign and interpretive centre. Summertime admission for adults is only $10, but consider an annual membership for only $25. You’ll be sure to want to experience this wonderland in each of the four seasons. For more information, please visit Milner Gardens’ website.