Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Day 2 - British Columbia - Vancouver Island - Wickaninnish Inn

Tofino, home to the Wickaninnish Inn, offers something for everyone . . . from beach walks . . . to forest hikes . . .  to micro brews . . . to more storm watching.





#exploreBC #travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #wickaninnishinn #stormwatching

British Columbia - Vancouver Island - Wickaninnish Inn

Upon learning that Relais & Chateaux affiliated Wickaninnish Inn, located on Vancouver Island's west coast, is known for its storm watching, a visit during inclement weather has been my goal. 

Fast forward to today. Yesterday's arrival from San Diego was to a chilly but clear Vancouver. This morning, however, was different. My ride to the airport was in rain. Upon checking in at Orca for my commuter flight to Tofino on Vancouver Island, I learn that due to weather, we must land in Qualicum Beach and drive 2.5 hours to Tofino and the Wickaninnish.  

My dream is coming true.

After driving through rain and snow, I've arrived . . . in Tofino . . .  at the  Wickaninnish . . . for storm watching. Success!





Saturday, November 14, 2015

Omni La Costa - Blue Fire Grill - Chef Marc Therrien

 
Sampling the flavors of Chile tonight with Chef Marc Therrien, executive chef with Omni La Costa's Blue Fire Grill. Having traveled to Chile in June for a three-day immersion in the country's cuisine and cooking techniques, the evening with Chef promises to be a delicious one.

#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #omnilacosta #lacosta #bluefiregrill

Paris - Friday, November 13, 2015

Paris
A dark day in the City of Light
Photo by Cynthia Dial

#paris #travelingcynthia

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Fashion News - Bittersweet - Bracelet/Ponytail holder

Fashion News:  The latest on the jewelry fashion scene is an unexpected solution to the phenomenon of females wearing as a bracelet (albeit an unattractive one) their elastic ponytail holder on their wrist to ensure, when needed, it's readily available.

Come to the rescue Bittersweet and its founders and owners, Shirleen Palsson and her husband, Arni Ingimundarson, both engineers, who designed a collection of steel plated and sterling silver (silver, gold and rose gold colors) bracelets, onto which the elastic hair holder fits and actually enhances the bracelet.  The price is from $45 to $85.
Photos by Cynthia Dial

To complement this collection is the new addition of b+sweet -- its colorful, less expensive option -- for the younger set.

To view the current collection, go here.

#jewelry #fashionnews #freethewrist #bittersweet #travelingcynthia


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Travel - Dress the Part

Excerpted from Teach Yourself Travel Writing by Cynthia Dial

It is my Holland experience that comically underscores the cultural differences in dress. Visiting as a participant of a golf press trip, I was apprised of the expected attire -- long (not short) pants, collared shirt and golf shoes (no tennis shoes). As a beginner, I was careful to follow the rules, not wishing to draw unwanted attention to myself. Thus, I carefully dressed for the outing at our first golf venue, a public course near Amsterdam.

As we approached the 9th hole I noticed spectators on the opposite side of a water hazard, standing hands on hips. Without my glasses it wasn't until I reached the green that I realized they had no clothes on. The course was next to a nudist camp and apparently two of its participants were golf enthusiasts as well. And I was concerned about wearing a collared shirt!

#travel #traveltips #travelincynthia #holland #golf #traveldress #nudistcolony

Monday, November 2, 2015

Travia - "Cockpit Confidential" - Window Shades, Tray Tables and Seat Backs

Excerpted from 'Cockpit Confidential' by Patrick Smith

Ever wondered why your window shade must be up, your seat back should be returned to its original position, your tray table has to be latched and the cabin lights are dimmed during takeoffs and landings?
Photo by Cynthia Dial

Here's the answer found in 'Cockpit Confidential,' an insider's book written by airline pilot/author, Patrick Smith:

Your tray has to be latched so that, in the event of an impact or sudden deceleration, you don't impale yourself on it. Plus it allows a clear path to the aisle during an evacuation. The restriction on seat recline provides easier access to the aisles and also keeps your body in the safest position. It lessens whiplash-style injuries and prevents you from "submarining," as it's called, under the seat belt. Keep your belts low and tight. Nothing is more aggravating than hearing a passenger voice the theory that should a crash occur they are guaranteed to perish, so what's the point? Most crashes do have survivors, and something as simple as a properly buckled belt could mean the difference between serious and minor injury.

Raising your window shade makes it easier for the flight attendants to assess any exterior hazards -- fire, debris -- that might interfere with an emergency evacuation. It also helps you remain oriented if there's a sudden impact -- rolling, tumbling, etc. Dimming the lights is part of the same strategy. Burning brightly, the glare would make it impossible to see outside. And by pre-adjusting your eyes, you won't be suddenly blinded while dashing for the doors in darkness or smoke.

Thanks, Patrick Smith.

#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #cockpitconfidential #patricksmith #airplanesafety