Having traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia 13 years ago versus a trip that I’m on currently, exploring all things epicurean, I realize just how much the city has changed. From the best in dining to new hotels, such as the stunning two year old Shangri-la Hotel in Downtown, and the new Fairmont property and the Pacific Rim in the Waterfront area, Vancouver is a town to be reckoned with, even rivaling that of San Francisco, New York and Paris.

The easily manageable walking city is sparkling clean and safe. An easy going friendly atmosphere, people seem happy here. Of course I land into one of the first sun soaked weekends, where locals are out shopping in trendy Yale town, dining at outdoor cafes next to blooming tulips, or partaking in the 26-mile marathon around the city.

Vancouver is alive! It’s springtime, the birds are flying across crystal clear blue skies, views of emerald colored mountains topped with the last of winter’s snow capped peaks rise from Vancouver’s busy port – visually, it’s simply breathtaking.

A favorite day trip is taking one of the several tour buses around the island, touching upon favorite tourist destinations like Stanley Park, home to the Vancouver Aquarium, rose gardens and the famed Tea House Restaurant set amid towering pines, and rolling lawns at one of the many parks within the park.

Take the Aquabus off Yaletown’s pier and head over to Granville Island to experience a touristy hot spot, but also a local’s hangout, with one of the best markets I’ve ever experienced anywhere in the world. The Granville Island Market is best navigated by taking the Pacific Institute of Culinary Art’s tour with the enthusiastic Chef Julian as he winds guests through mounds of fresh vegetables, cheese areas, bread shops, culinary specialty shops in a Plugged in Tour. His enthusiasm about food is contagious, and one can’t help but learn a tip or two about buying organic, whether buying fresh versus frozen is advantageous, how to break an egg the chef way, or simply what to look for when purchasing sustainable products.

There is so much to share, it simply can’t be covered in just one story. So, I’ll be breaking down the people I’ve come across, the experiences I’ve had, and the best destinations to discover when visiting this dream destination called British Columbia.

Story originally appeared at Exclusive Resorts

When thinking of Peru, one can’t help but think of Machu Picchu, the ominous and ghostly site of the ancient Inca who disappeared mysteriously so long ago. A site so mystical, there have been pilgrimages by every nationality from around the world – all to experience, ponder and tick off “a must-do” from bucket lists.

There is another reason to experience the mountainous region en route to Machu Picchu. Inkaterra, a luxury resort located on 12 acres of unspoiled Andrean Cloud Forest, sits at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, and is home to hundreds of beautiful orchids. A collection of 372 orchid species has been touted by the American Orchid Society, as the largest collection in the world of native orchids to the area.

The Inkaterra Association, Inkaterra’s NGO, and the Machu Picchu property, have given various teams of scientists and researchers the opportunity to study the Peruvian orchids. Information collected by not only ITA, but also guests, has brought forward seven new orchid species, lending to important published reports on the biodiversity of the 12-acre site.

The Orchid Trail is open to hotel guests gratis, and to the public for a small fee. Walk the orchid garden on a personalized guided tour by a nature specialist, or by special request, ask for Inkaterra’s resident chief biologist and co-author of the ‘Orchids at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’ book, who will point out the largest orchid flower in the world, the Phragmipedium caudatum and tiny flowering specimens, which can only seen by a magnifying glass.

When Exclusive Resorts members traveled on a Once in a Lifetime journey in 2010 to Peru, they enjoyed the beautiful accommodations at the Inkaterra.The luxury resort features an 85-cottage luxury hotel and 12-acres of secluded natural bliss.

Duration: ¼ day

Difficulty Level: 1

Daily Schedule: Mornings and Afternoons

Machu Picchu Village Railroad
Cuzco (0)1 610 0400

From the US: (866) 242-2889

Article also at Exclusive Resorts

It is two hours before I’m to meet Chef María José San Román at her Michelin-starred restaurant, Monastrell, when she calls. “Would you meet in the foyer now for a quick restaurant tour before our dinner later?” she asks apologetically, explaining that the Spain versus Portugal soccer game will begin shortly and she must meet up with her daughter at a party.

Downstairs, in the lobby of the Hospes Amerigo, wafts of splendid kitchen aromas override the mayhem ensuing outside on Calle de Rafael Altamira– a mix of car exhaust, honking and soccer fans running to catch the kick-off.

My attention turns away from the street and onto the entrance’s wall, where chef superstars’ images hang– close friend Chef José Andrés and French actor and restaurateur Gerard Depardieu are just a few of the notables. Hanging with these famous luminaries is nothing new for this world-class Spanish chef, whose entre into the restaurant business started with investments in several of Spain’s famed eateries. Graduating from investor to owner, San Román now runs six of her own acclaimed restaurants in Alicante.

While leaving for her party, she hands me an address to her latest venture, La Taberna Del Gourmet– an upscale delicatessen-meets-wine-bar just around the corner. Grabbing a seat at the boisterous gastro bar — better known to global foodies as the best tapas bar in Spain — I sample small plates of baked goat cheese with herbs and honey paired with white sangria, and Santa Pola Bay squid grilled to perfection.

After the game enthusiastic crowds pour into the streets while I make my way back into Monastrell. San Román, now attired in chef jacket and toque, is settled into where she’s most comfortable, the kitchen. In between succulent pumpkin lasagna with sage, paired with Trico wine and a phenomenal brioche sandwich of squid with caramelized onion emulsion, we both get a reprieve — me, from gorging on impeccable gourmand, and San Román, with a break from her magnificent cookery.

When I ask her about being a woman restaurateur amid Spain’s male dominated restaurant world, she replies, “It’s an advantage and it is changing,” while opening a book about Spanish chefs from the Alicante region. Pointing out her own chapter, plus five other chapters on female chefs, she notes, “Not bad, six females among thirteen chefs in total.”

She chooses to cook what she feels, and for tonight’s meal puts her spin on traditional Valencian classics. “Never follow the rules,” she smiles, “and when I create something, I have to make sure it’s executed, because trees don’t always let you see the forest.” San Román trusts her team implicitly and luckily for me, this allows her to spend time at my table sharing restaurant tales, family photos and her new luxury toy, the iPad.

Quickly whipping back and forth between foodie images, and talking with San Romána about her trips to Jordan and the White House where she took to the podium to support Michelle Obama’s healthy eating campaign, I sit quietly listening and savoring my last course–arroz con leche y manzana caramelizada.

Turning back to her iPad, San Román asks if I’d like to see something “incredible,” and pulls up a piano keyboard app. While cooking up a tune as her fingers pluck at the screen, I can’t help but ask her one last question. “Is this how you have fun as the kitchen boils down at the end of an evening?”

Still tapping the digital keyboard, she looks up smiling. “I don’t ever feel like I’m ‘working,’ the best fun in life is now, and it’s amazing!”

Original Story posted on Exclusive Resorts.

Photo: Diana Edelman

Ika Mata is one of my favorite dishes from the Cook Islands. I could eat it at every meal, every single day. It’s that good!

Here’s the recipe to make a light and easy meal in a snap.

Made from raw fish, start with high grade Tuna or mild tasting fish with solid texture. Aprox. 400 g

½ cup lime juice

¼ cup coconut cream

¼ cup red onion

Handful of chopped coriander

2 green chili pepers

salt+pepper to taste

Cut fish small chunks mix w lime juice for 1 hr in the fridge. Chop remaining ingredients into medium mixing bowl.

**Marinate fish in lime juice for only about 1hr. Make sure it doesn’t sit to long, or fish will soften.

Add in other chopped ingredients!

Add finally cut tomatoes as an option.

To give your Ita Mika a kick, add Tabasco to taste.

Serve Chilled with crackers or on top of a salad!

Has life got you down? Are you bored and looking for something to do? Are you endlessly shopping around the web for something to purchase just because? Is life lackluster? Can you even stand it all today? Well, yes you can!

Think “fun”.

There’s a simple 5-second task at hand to get you out of the day’s heaviness.  What I do is stop, sit tight and think about using words that start with a “u” to add some kick back into the term, fun.

Let’s get started.

1. Uplifting – think music with a good beat. Have a favorite song? Hum it.

2. Unique – you are unique- different than any other human being on earth… so smile!

3. Uphoric – just knowing you’re “unique” will help get you happy. Now, one, two, three… back-flip!

4. U.K. — don’t you just love London? ;0

5. Unaged — because you’ll ALWAYS be an “adventurer” on the inside no matter what age!

The Oscar’s in Beverly Hills brings out the stars! They come to stay and play through out award season, especially the weekend of the Academy Awards. Looking to stargaze?  The few blocks off of Wilshire Boulevard offers up some options! Check out some of these places where you just might spy a celebrity sighting or two.

The Beverly Wilshire

Formally, the Regent Beverly Wilshire, or as in the Movie Pretty Woman it was called the “Reege, Bev, Wilsh”, has been newly updated and a new property for the Four Seasons Brand. Renamed the Beverly Wilshire in the heart of Beverly Hills boasts 395 newly remodeled and contemporary rooms – including 137 luxury suites. Sitting at the top of Rodeo Drive it’s the perfect place for star gazing.

Celebrity Spotting: Julia Roberts, Penelope Cruz, Ashley Greene, Tom Hanks

Montage Hotel Beverly Hills

Sister property to the Montage Laguna Beach, this luxe celeb stop is a Beverly Hills luxury hotel located within the famous Golden Triangle near Rodeo Drive. Beautiful rooms and suites, first-class spa and the famous spaghetti bolognese at Scarpetta Restaurant keeps the stars coming back for more.

Celebrity Spotting: Ryan Gosling, Jennifer Lopez, Orlando Bloom

The Grill on the Alley

Prepare to drop some cash for lunch at this “Old School Hollywood” celebrity haunt, where lunch deals are made by some of Hollywood’s heavy hitters- agents, producers, writers and directors. The entrance, hidden on an alley off Wilshire Boulevard, allows the famous to slip in and out inconspicuously.

Celeb Spotting: Denzel Washington, Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey Jr.

Mr. Chow

Quintessential Dinner spot for some of the best celebrity gazing around- musicians, personalities, sports stars, you name it. Just look for the paparazzi standing outside and you’ll know you’ve arrived. Don’t miss the Beijing duck, green shrimp and noodles.

Celeb Sightings: George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, Tobey Maguire, Sandra Bullock

Barney’s New York

Barney’s New York is where the A-listers come to shop. Ladies will appreciate the jaw-dropping designer shoe department, and top notch designers from around the globe. This is where red carpet looks come from and where you’ll spy celebs dropping in for that last minute item to rock the Oscar carpet with.

Celeb Spotting: Reese Witherspoon, Amanda Seyfried, Ben Afflick

“Two Rodeo”

The small “outdoor mall” across from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel that connects Wilshire Boulevard to Rodeo Drive– “Two Rodeo” is where the Tiffany store sits. Many an Oscar nominee has been known to drop in for a bobble or two, or dine at the little cafe next door.

Celeb Spotting: Leonardo DiCaprio, Danny DeVito, Jessica Alba

What does it take to get adventurous in life? Adventure girl, Stefanie Michaels helps get you on the road to inspiration, simple ideas and launching your adventurous spirit.

Get off your couch! Whether you want to meet Oprah Winfrey, live your singing dream and get discovered on American Idol, scale Mount Everest or simply investigate a new restaurant… You will have to do so by turning off the tube and stepping into life. Scientists call this socializing.

Read magazines that inspire you, if it is travel- Pick up old-school guides such as Frommers and Lonely Planet, or magazines such as “Conde Nast Traveler”. Clip your favorite places and create a fantasy file of trips you want to take.

There is adventure just outside your front…you just need to look for it. Take a different route to the supermarket- slow down and look around. Notice what is open to you in your city- a community college offering that class you have always wanted to take, a travel agency just opened- stop in and book a trip to somewhere you have always wanted to go, stroll through the park, take a hike or a long walk. Notice things and people around you.

Live life spontaneously- Let it come from your heart.

Switch it up! Make a change- it could be as simple as changing your lipstick color, shaving your beard, ordering something new off the menu. You are “being adventurous.”

Adventure is an expression of your curiosity- Ask questions, be inquisitive.

If someone asks you on an adventure- go! Travel is the epitome of adventure. Step out into the world, seek diversity, and expose yourself to various cultures.

Find a friend to help you in becoming more adventurous. Turn to Twitter to meet like-minded travelers and adventure seekers!Sharing adventure is part of “the getting adventurous” process.

Don’t just visit places you are traveling to. Meet locals, get a way from chain restaurants like McDonald’s and try an ethnic dish or two, try to learn the language and customs. It’s more to share with your friends back home!

Keep every day open to possibility. The more you are out and about, the more people you will meet, the more experiences you will have. Hey! You never know who that person will be to step into your life and ask you on an adventure of a lifetime!

Tips

It is very easy to fall into life’s monotony, so mix it up! Challenge yourself by trying something new! Being adventurous at first might be challenging. Let it start in your heart and mind… And the rest will come naturally!

Warnings

Once you get adventurous, you will have too much fun.

Things You’ll Need

Enthusiasm, dare to dream, knowing the possibilities are endless, a zest to live life, a great sense of humor, the quest for knowledge, being open to change.

I was so excited when my friends from Cirque Du Soleil invited me to the launch of their new show in Santa Monica, called OVO. A whimsical look at all kinds of insects and a precious little insect egg. In true Cirque form, performances wow’d the crowd to their feet, engaged the audience in comedic acts, and in the end, made us all know we witnessed yet another brilliant Cirque Du Soleil experience.

Here is the press release with all the information you’ll need about the show. Enjoy!

OVO
FOR a limited engagement
UNDER THE blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top)

2 additional weeks now on-sale
now playing until march 11, 2012

Los Angeles, CA – January 20, 2012 – Proudly presented by iShares© Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to be back to the Santa Monica Pier with its critically-acclaimed and family-friendly big top touring show OVO; premieres tonight for a limited engagement under the trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top).
Since its world-premiere in Montreal in 2009, OVO has charmed well-over 2 million spectators in over 15 different cities in North America. Santa Monica will be the only Southern California stop for a Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) production in 2012.
Tickets all performances are now available online at cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or at the Cirque du Soleil Box office located inside the main entrance tent of the Grand Chapiteau at the Santa Monica Pier. Regular box office hours will be 12:00 p.m. – end of show Tuesday through Saturday; 11:00 a.m. – end of show on Sunday and will be closed on all Monday’s and the following Tuesdays: February 7th, February 28th & March 20th.

About the show

OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.
When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It is love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.

The cast of OVO is comprised of 55 performing artists from 14 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning flying trapeze act, in which six flyers soar 40 feet in the air, making this the biggest act of its kind to ever be presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines, including banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall.

The Creative Team behind the world of OVO is:  Artistic Guides Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix; Writer, Director and Choreographer Deborah Colker (first female director at Cirque du Soleil); Director of Creation Chantal Tremblay; Set and props Designer Gringo Cardia; Costume Designer Liz Vandal; Composer and Musical Director Berna Ceppas; Lighting Designer Éric Champoux; Sound Designer Jonathan Deans; Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer hting Designer éclairagesa creative team for the first time at Cirque du Soleilerms of distance between stations.Fred Gérard;  Acrobatic Performance Designer Philippe Aubertin; and Makeup Designer Julie Bégin.

Cirque du Soleil gratefully acknowledges iShares as the presenting sponsor of the OVO 2012 North American tour as well as Infiniti, CGI, XEROX, Sun Life Financial and American Express as the official sponsors.

Cirque du Soleil in Hollywood

Cirque du Soleil presents IRIS, its latest and first resident production in the Los Angeles area playing at the Kodak Theatre. Tickets are available cirquedusoleil.com/IRIS or by calling 1-877-943-IRIS.

Cirque du Soleil on tour in Southern California

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will perform at the Honda Center in Anaheim on January 24 and 25 and in Los Angeles at the STAPLES Center from January 27 to 29, 2012. Tickets can be purchased online at cirquedusoleil.com/mj
Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from close to 50 different countries.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on five continents.

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Portlandia, the television series set in Portland has taken Portlanders by storm. Featuring Saturday Night Live cast members, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, the show has become a hit. Those who watch it know why. Hilarious writing, quirky sub-plots, and appearances by celebrities such as, Steve Buscemi, Selma Blair and Jason Sudeikis.

What makes this all so fun and tied together for the traveler, is the fact that Portland’s thriving movie brewpubs have created just the spot for social gatherings to watch the show. The second season episodes began airing in January 2012.

Portlandia fantatics will be thrilled to learn that Portland’s mayor (who also guest starred in the show) proclaimed January 21, 2011 Portlandia Day. And, it was bound to happen… much like what the movie Sideways did for the wine country, Portlandia is doing for America’s number one biking capital. Portland Bike Tour and Rental Company  (http://www.portlandbicycletours.com) is offering up Portlandia themed biking tours.

For the traveler visiting Portland, hitting one of these movie brewpubs (whether to watch Portlandia or not) is a must-do adventure.

I’m typically not the type of traveler who relishes in getting to a movie while on a holiday, but the experience of sitting in cozy couches, eating great food, while drinking a dark beer on tap- brewed right there on the spot, is just my kind of heaven. Not to mention, the ticket prices aren’t bad, under $5.00 US for a first run movie, and on-tap specials are offered nightly.

How did this all come about? From the brilliance of two brothers who run the McMenamins Company. The company whose initial goal was to preserve local landmarks, successfully turned dilapidated buildings into the best of what entertainment has to offer, all the while- creating social spaces for the community.

Top Picks:

The Kennedy School 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland, OR 97211; 503-249-3983

The Mission 1624 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209; 503-223-4527

The Bagdad 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214; 503-236-9234

To learn more: www.mcmenamins.com

“Where to ski, where to ski, where to ski?” a friend of mine sighed as we sat in air-conditioning on one of the hottest days this past summer. “Skiing!?” I replied, “How can you think of skiing when it’s 100 degrees here in California?”