The setting is pretty unreal. It’s a perfect location for mountain biking (our crew covered some ground and some dirt) and of course hiking. Or you can just….be.
If you’re looking for a quiet spiritual experience to usher in the changing of the seasons, tranquil Sedona provides the perfect setting. Many people believe that the Sedona area is sacred, and that it’s “the center of vortexes that radiate the Earth’s power.”
I’ve been there on a few occasions. I loved the red rock canyons so much that I tried to replicate the desert colours for the interior of my home. I believe I succeeded.
What To Do: Stay at the Enchantment Resort, try Diamondback Rattlesnake cakes and Cactus Fries at The Cowboy Club, take a UFO Night Tour (for something different…c’mon where else can you find something like this?) and drink biodynamic organic wine at Chocola Tree. Depending on your interests, you can also sign up for a weekend of healing, like this one offered by Hope Yoga.
When I saw it scribbled on a Lululemon bag I questioned why on earth is this advisable (like why would anyone want to scare themselves?) but in any case I actually did something that scares me last Sunday.
On a Wing & a Prayer
Considering I’m claustrophobic, don’t like small planes, have a fear of heights and am always up in the air about flying in general……I conquered my fears(temporarily perhaps) and embraced my private flight from Vancouver over to dinner in one of Vancouver Island’s best kept little secrets. It’s not the first time I’ve been on a small plane but like anything else what you tend to fear is fear itself. It helps to have an experienced pilot who is also a friend who previously ran a chartered airline business with a bigger plane to fly movie stars around. When he decided to downsize to a four seater he made sure the seats and headsets were very comfy. Luckily the flight was very smooth both ways.
The flight began at 5:00 p.m., lasted about one hour on the way over (as the pilot decided to take us a different route and fly between two huge rocks we refer to as “the lions.” Four of us enjoyed spectacular scenery along the way, a great dinner and another enjoyable flight at dusk which took less flying time to get back.
Rio has one of the most spectacular settings of any city I’ve ever been to.No matter which direction you turn it has the most magnificent scenery. Dramatic and breath taking. It’s a city famous for its beaches but there is also plenty of culture, great food and of course year round mild temperatures. The people are vibrant.
I was lucky to have had the opportunity to visit on several occasions while living in São Paulo. The flight is less than an hour and it made a perfect getaway.
At the time I didn’t have Instagram on my phone so when I saw these photos published in Allure Magazine (a popular womens beauty magazine to do mostly with makeup & skincare) I found them well…alluring to say the least.
With the Olympics starting this Friday in Rio and a friend who has just left to volunteer I thought it would be perfect timing to share Instagram photos and a couple of my own of this fabulous city.
Pão de Açúcar
1. Pão de Açúcar
Sugarloaf Mountain, as it’s known in English, gets its name from its shape and is one of the most iconic stops in Rio. You can start your day by taking the cable car up to the top of the rounded peak. But don’t wait until you get to the top to take out your camera—the panoramic views from the car are just as impressive (and Insta-worthy!). People have been enjoying this breathtaking ride since the bubble-shaped cable car opened in 1912—it was even featured in the 1979 James Bond film Moonraker.
Christ the Redeemer
2. Christ the Redeemer
This landmark is one of the most recognizable symbols of Rio. Standing 125 feet tall, it’s practically impossible to miss. The sculpture is located atop Corcovado Mountain, and it’s listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This is definitely a place where playing with a camera drone pays off, allowing you to capture both the sculpture and the city at its feet. A view like this can definitely leave you feeling #blessed.
One of my photos taken from a helicopter rideIpanema Beach
3. Ipanema Beach
Spend the afternoon sunbathing on the steamy shore of Ipanema Beach. This world-famous beach is located in one of the most affluent neighborhoods of Rio. Pack a big sun hat and a teeny bikini and get ready to sip coconut water while the hustle and bustle of the city melts into sea foam. All you have to do is wait for sunset’s magical light to capture the shadows of sunbathers and the mountains in the back.
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
4. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
The Rio Botanical Garden is a tropical jungle you can get lost in and still easily find your way back to the city. The beautiful greenhouse, many gazebos, and flowing fountains are complemented by the lush nature that surrounds them. Find your way to the Avenue of Royal Palms located within the garden. This long road flanked by enormous palm trees makes it easy to spend hours taking amazing photos.
Mirante Dona Marta
5. Mirante Dona Marta
Who doesn’t love a good panoramic view? Located inside the Tijuca Forest, this lookout offers one of the most all-encompassing views of Rio de Janeiro, covering everything from Christ the Redeemer to Sugarloaf Mountain and the city in between. If sunset photos of this amazing skyline leave you wanting more, the observation deck also functions as a helipad, from which you can take thrilling helicopter tours of the city. Be sure to carry an extra set of memory cards for your camera just in case.
my photo looking towards Ipanema
Of course the city has its well documented down side with poverty and corruption which should not be forgotten amid the natural beauty and the thrill of the games.
Like take a tour bus or be the tour guide? It can be lots of fun. I had the pleasure of re-discovering some fabulous places when a friend visited who I have not seen in over 20 years.
MasakoKits BeachWild Ones
I first met Masako in the early 80’s when we both lived and worked in Tokyo. We became fast friends. I knew she was someone I wanted to keep track of because she’s really smart, funny, hard working (international investments), well traveled, a nature lover, caring and curious. In other words, the perfect friend.
The tourist photo on Canada Day (July 1st, 2016)With Took (from Thailand) and Masako
When I moved to Vancouver and Masako moved to London, England we continued to stay in touch. Since that time she came to Vancouver once to visit me and I visited her once while I went to take in London theatre with a girlfriend from New York. I was in London more recently but unfortunately we were not able to meet up. She’s a single mom of a very bright 14 year old boy who speaks fluent French and is also an avid tennis and golf player. She dropped him off at Stanford University in S.F. for a 3 week math tutorial and spent time there before visiting me. She never stops. But we managed to pick up where we last left off as if no time had passed. That’s when you discover time is a moving and so much has happened but you’re still the same person. Almost as if time has stood still. When we first met I was calling my mom in Montreal every day to check in and get her advice on everything from cooking to the men I was dating.
Sunrise on Piers from the house
So during her stay I too felt like I was on holiday. Vancouver and its environs has an abundance of picturesque places to see but we had to narrow it down. Two nights we visited Whistler with a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Masako went peak to peak on the lookout for wildlife (specifically bears) while I took in the Audain Art Museum and wildlife at the Scandinave Spa. All amazing by the way. There was a cute Canada Day parade in the village and the VSO gave a free outdoor concert in the evening. We ate well too.
View from our hotel roomLunch at Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The day after we got back we took the ferry to Victoria. The first time she was here we went directly to Butchart Gardens. This time from Victoria we were picked up and boated to one of the charming little gulf islands. A car-free little gem of an island called Piers where a friend has a stunning ocean front home where little Jack (the J.R. terrier) resides when I’m not looking after him. We met several interesting locals in the evening at a barbeque. What I’ve noticed is that island people are artists, musicians, writers, photographers, actors and zoologists. I was talking to a man who takes people on treks to Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas (a guest had just come back and said they were so close that one gorilla brushed right by him) and also to Churchill, Manitoba to see the Polar Bears (who are now starting to mate with grizzlies should you want to know this fascinating piece of information). He met Jane Goodall, the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees – a person I’m in awe of and would love to meet. Future trips to consider. Sidenote: Lowland gorillas and polar bears are sadly on the endangered list.
Jack & Jia Jia with TookSelfie with bronze dog statueJack eyes freshly picked homegrown strawberries after eating a cherry (he spit out the pit)
The next day we boated to Saltspring island (separate post to come) while seeing many seals (not bears, but still...)
In Vancouver we stayed mostly local biking around a couple of times, eating out and also cooking at home. Next
Scandinave Spa
time the Okanagan and Tofino is high on the list of places to take Masako.
Jacks waiting locationOff to bed – too much excitement for one dayView of the Scandinave Spa, Whistler from the inside. No photos allowed outside.
I’m not sure when the polar bear trip will fit into schedule; certainly not in the summertime.
By the way, you are guaranteed to see these gorgeous giants in close proximity.
And my friend just left but I already miss her
Photos: (moments in time) d. king Photos: (airport, kits beach, boat) kind stranger
It’s officially barbeque season and even though I’m no authority on how to barbeque, I can manage a pretty mean homemade rub and barbeque sauce. But my thoughts are elsewhere right now. It’s on cobalt water and wearing a white bikini while walking barefoot on white sand (in a perfect world). Long days and margaritas are part of the picture. Yes, I love culture and nature….
BEST FOR STRAIGHT-UP RELAXING: MATIRA BEACH (BORA BORA) Photo: Tahiti.com
Museums are nice. Nature hikes have their place, But when it comes to vacation, I also want a beach, dammit. It’s not only for the pure beauty and relaxation, there is so much to discover beneath the sea.
BEST FOR FUN AND GAMES: IPANEMA BEACH (RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL) There’s too much activity, beauty and *teensy bikinis at this photo-worthy stretch of sand. photo: amre/flickr
*Talk-show host Ellen said she flosses her teeth with more string than the bikinis.
Over time I snorkeled in the Philippines, Hawaii, French West Indies, Cayman Islands and the Red Sea; scuba dived in the Bahamas, Mexico and all over Jamaica. It was all I wanted to do for a long period of time. I met lion fish, parrot fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles and almost everything in between and it was my favourite finding Nemo world. But I also got to appreciate that we need to protect – our vast eco system.
BEST FOR PEOPLE WATCHING: BAIE DE ST. JEAN (ST. BARTS, FRENCH WEST INDIES). See sunbathers plucked straight out of Vogue. No, really! photo: John M/flickr
So on this post, nine vacation places in the world every sand-worshipper needs to take once in her lifetime.
BEST FOR SWIMMING: LANIKAI BEACH (OAHU, HAWAII). The name translates to “heavenly sea” – you’ll sea why! Photo: Brian Hancock/flickrBEST FOR SURFING: BONDI BEACH (SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA) photo: Impressions/Getty ImagesBEST FOR SUNSETS: CAPTIVA BEACH (CAPTIVA ISLAND, FLORIDA) photo: Ray Terril/flickr
Set just off Florida’s Fort Myers beach, Captiva is known for its jaw-dropping sunsets, due to its westward-facing direction and unobstructed horizon toward the Gulf of Mexico. When visiting my uncle I ran here with my dog Jia Jia at sunset. Ahhh those days….
BEST FOR EXPLORING, FOR KIDS AND IGUANA SPOTTING: PARAISO BEACH (TULUM, MEXICO) photo: Christopher Gonzales/flickr
This hippy-bohemian beach enclave on the Mayan Riviera is a family-friendly town that offers hotels and all-inclusives at every budget. The beach, less crowded than those of nearby Cancun, has soft, white sand and water so clear and calm, you can see tiny fish swimming by. (It’s also pretty close to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, if that interests any budding historians in your brood.) I’ve been here twice – this beach ruined me!
BEST FOR SNORKELING: HONDA BAY (PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES) photo: Caryl Joan Estrosas/flickr
If you love snorkeling in the Caribbean, you owe yourself a trip to this hidden paradise, nicknamed the Philippines’ last frontier. Arguably the best site for swimming and diving in the world, the aquamarine waters of Palawan are home to over 1,600 species of fish. You’ll see everything from starfish and seahorses to sea turtles and sea cows (that don’t say “Moo”).
And let’s not forget the capture:
BEST FOR INSTAGRAMMING: PRAIA DONA ANA (LAGOS, PORTUGAL) photo: Benito Sevilleja/flickr
Notes:
OK, a Bora Bora trip probably doesn’t come cheap, but I’m told there is seriously no better spot for romantic relaxing than secluded Matira Beach. The only public beach on the island, Matira stretches from the Hotel Bora Bora to Matira Point. Think: palm trees, thatched-roof huts and translucent water. At low tide, you can even wade right out to the coral reefs.
The Newly Opened Trevi Fountain, Rome. photo: Colleen Kohse
Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday (taken from google images)
I’ve been meaning to do a travel post since my last holiday but it’s been so crazy lately that I ended up having to hire a friend to go around Italy to capture some nice shots for this post.
Well that’s not exactly true. It’s just that a friend got to go to places in Italy that I’ve not yet been to and took some remarkable photos and of course she had the most amazing time. Because as she puts it “when you need a ‘spiritual’ lift, there’s no better place than the sights and delights of Italy!”So much history, so much art, so much fashion, so much food, so much style, so much…….everything.
My new favourite scooter. photo: Colleen Kohse
I agree. Twice I’ve been to Italy but never made it to Rome. Crazy, right? I’ve seen Milan, Venice and almost every quaint little corner of Tuscany including Florence. On my second visit I had to make a choice for a little side trip either to Rome or to Florence. Because of my timing situation I chose Florence.
Sunset in Florence. photo: Colleen Kohse
Florence is smaller, there’s lots of fabulous famous art everywhere and it’s such a beautiful, walkable city. I need to make a separate trip to Rome. And then I need to go to Lake Como and Capri. Sooooooon!
These pictures will whet your appetite for your next viaggio molto bella.
Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo, on Lake Como. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseOutside a perfumery in Montipulsiano. photo: Colleen KohseSorrento. photo: Colleen KohseMini mannequins (taken thru window) Rome. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseFunky Hotel Furniture. photo: Colleen Kohse
Colleen’s impression: It’s all about colour in Italy. From pastels to brights, the shops are springing up in splendid colours.
Market in Como. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseHoly Cannollis. photo: Colleen KohseAnti Pasta in Como Market. photo: Colleen Kohse
Now that summer is around the corner we should embrace all the colours of the rainbow.
photo: Colleen Kohse – Amalfi Coast, Italyphoto: d. king – Victoria Falls, Zambia
Because life is more than black & white
photo: Colleen Kohse public sculpture, Brittany, Francephoto: Lisa King – Stone Town, Zanzibar, Africaphoto: d. king taken from a closed car window – Salt Lake City, Utah.
If you live in VANCOUVER or are just visiting you must experience the HOTTEST NEW ATTRACTION over at Canada Place.
Photo: d. king
I went with three others yesterday and absolutely loved it. It was so thrilling and you really feel like you’re flying and can even feel sensation of the elements. I loved it so much that I wished it lasted longer.
It’s the ULTIMATE VIRTUAL FLIGHT over Canada’s most spectacular sights along with a limited time same admission price, Flight of the Dragon ride over iconic Chinese sites.
You will fly above the electrifying city of Shanghai, the snow-peaked Himalayas, and the majestic Great Wall before immediately lifting off again for an absolutely amazing flight over Canada (including Niagara Falls and the Rockies), as part of this limited-engagement event. I can’t say it enough….it was extremely exhilarating.
Photo: d. king – this is where you ENTER to Experience the Thrill
See Flight of the Dragon(for a limited time only) and FlyOver Canada back-to-back!
January 14th – March 6, 2016
Daily from 10AM until 9PM
What to Expect
Raindrop Sculpture Photo: d. king
Start your experience off in our pre-show room, where you will see beautiful festive theming and still images of Chinese New Year celebrations. Then, buckle up your seatbelt and get prepared for the virtual flight ride. First, follow a mythical dragon as you soar over some of China’s most spectacular landscapes and scenery during Flight of the Dragon, a unique 6 minute flight ride experience. Then, stay seated and take off again to experience, the Ultimate Flying Ride, FlyOver Canada, a thrilling virtual flight ride that takes you across Canada from east-to-west. Both rides incorporate state of the art special effects including wind, scents and mist.
The complete experience will last between 20 – 25 minutes.
Entrance/Show Times
Entrance times are every 20 minutes
Please note that the queuing area is partially exposed to the elements. Please dress accordingly for the weather particularly on weekends when it’s possible there may be wait times. To purchase tickets now, click here!
There is a certain style to GLAMPING and it means No Tent Required.
Photo: Mikael Jansson, Vogue (OF COURSE, YOU MUST DRESS THE PART)
Nothing wrong with those adventurous, real outdoorsy, down to earth types who lug around a backpack and set up their tent and make a fire to cook their food. It’s just not for me at this stage (and it never was). But I love the outdoors, breathing in fresh air and sleeping partially outside.
I forgot my gown for this trip but at least I brought my heels!
The next step up from tent camping is owning a VW Eurovan Camper that comes equipped with a fridge, a 2 burner stovetop, a furnace, 2 fold down beds (you can call it a two-bedroom but it’s a bit of a stretch), storage space, surround sound for music and a pop top so you can actually stand up and move around a bit. And a shower…out the back (you have to open up the back so it’s better in warm temperatures and it’s not always the best idea to use it completely naked). Just ask me how I know this!
The best thing about a smaller camper is that you get to park it almost anywhere rather than having to stay in an RV park.Almost…because many places don’t let you camp overnight just anywhere but there are countless beautiful state parks which means you can drive into a spot either right on, or much closer to lakes, rivers and the ocean. It feels like camping…just much more comfortable. That, and wearing my cashmere pajamas. Having a dog or two wagging along is a big bonus. In fact, I wouldn’t want to do it without them.
The added advantage of a smaller camper is we’ve ended up in places and spaces that could not accommodate a large RV, like the middle of the Redwoods, Ca, the Badlands in S. Dakota and on top of Dead Horse Canyon, Utah (where Thelma & Louise drove off that same cliff, we decided to take the slow road down). It’s an adventure in itself.
glamping with Debbie… a flask comes in handy!
Having a luxury RV like a Country Coach or Prevost is a way of life for many people and I can relate to the charm of life on the road and stopping here and there for a length of time. But you should see some of these RV’s…I’m talking luxury homes away from homes. Million dollar+ homes on wheels that are nicer than many people’s condos. I have a few friends who live like that. They have a home base but drive their luxe coaches from place to place and set up anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The true beauty of travelling this way is that you get to see so much more than if you were to hop on a flight to go straight from A to B. You must also have the luxury of time.
Owning a vehicle/home like a large RV means that you must reside in RV parks that are setup for that size of home away from home. There are only a few RV parks that I’ve encountered (one is “Outdoor Resorts” in Las Vegas where our friends stayed – it was beautiful with a huge outdoor living space complete with tiki hut, living area and kitchen) that I can imagine myself staying in, except no VW’s allowed. Anyway, it’s whatever works for you. These people end up paying each night to park, more than some hotels charge.
So even though I love the roominess of some RV’s I’ve come across, what I really want is…. drumroll…..an AIRSTREAM. Only people who really know me will understand this. Yes, since the first time I saw one I’ve wanted one. There’s just something about the Airstream. It has a caché of its own.
Owning one for camping purposes is the equivalent to owning a Vespa for scooting purposes.
Allright allright allright… it’s the stylishness I confess. I’ve been eyeing them for a while now. One guy even caught me taking pictures of a vintage model in Palm Springs a perfect place for one wouldn’t you say?.. and there I was snapping away and it turned out to be his Vintage Airstream. Then we had a whole conversation on them becoming more mainstream now (aw, I hate when that happens), more pricey and more exclusive and definitely a collectible. He owns two but has homes elsewhere….blah, blah, blah…(airstream talk). His name was Matthew.
If you don’t believe me just refer to the paragraph below from a recent article in Vogue Magazine. I mean….it’s Vogue, so let’s talk about style.
The first Airstream was built in 1929, and almost 90 years later, the iconic aluminum trailer still has quite a following:Matthew McConaughey and Lenny Kravitz are proud owners, and many restaurants, shops, and hotels have invested in Airstreams as new forms of food trucks, showrooms, or guest room options. And let’s not forget the Airstream’s supporting role in Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift’s BFF road trip for Vogue back in February.
See? I told you so!
Mini “V” and Airstream in Los Olivos, Ca. Adorable, and let’s just say – more affordable!driving away in my red pickup truck
Once upon a time there was a picture-perfect country with unending rolling hills with ranches and horse trails. There were olive farms, countless vineyards and a lot of nice wine made from their good grapes. This place still exists. It is the essence of the California Central Coast that lies in beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, located in Santa Barbara County (photo below).
It’s where I discovered at least three outstanding Pinot Noirs (one of my favorite reds) out of the several excellent ones I sampled.
Wine Merchant Cafe
Why am I so into Pinot? I don’t know; it’s like a thing with me.
The erratic, inconsistent counterpart to my favorite white – which is Chardonnay. They’re so unpredictable and difficult to get just-s0-right (for my liking).
I started to pay more attention to this fickle but food-friendly wine right after watching the movie “Sideways” starring one of my favourite actors Paul Giamatti.
From the wine soaked movie Sideways
I think this movie really helped put places like Los Olivos on the map. If there was only one place to visit while in the area it had to be the Hitching Post in Buellton, Ca. It was where *Maya (played by Virginia Madsen) worked as a bartender. And as it so happens I went at the start of Santa Ynez restaurant week (similar to dine out in Vancouver) so I started with a highly recommended grilled artichoke appetizer which was superb followed by a steak dinner and a take-home bottle of HP Kicking Post Pinot Noir ’09. But it didn’t end here.The next day I visited Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café (also in the movie) and sampled some premium tastes of the Central Coast – all excellent choices.
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe
For 20 years, The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café has been a local favorite and a must stop for anyone wanting to experience Santa Barbara wine country. It stands at the center and heart of Los Olivos. This laid-back friendly town dates back to the 1860’s. There’s casual cafés, gourmet restaurants, lovely little boutiques & festivals throughout the year for art, jazz and olive lovers. Bring your cowboy boots.
Fess was a former Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett star.
Then it was off to the Fess Parker Winery which I must fess up (pun intended) to say I didn’t expect the wines to be as superior tasting as they really are.
The last stop was nearby Los Alamos and a watering hole at The 1880 Union Hotel, a 14-room landmark that’s hosted many a gunslinger of yesteryear – a one-exit rural township in northern Santa Barbara County, on the way up to Santa Maria. It’s owned by actor Kurt Russell. His GoGi label, inspired by his childhood nickname (and pronounced GO-Ghee), launched in 2008, the culmination of the actor’s own decades-long love for fine wine.
Hey, the bartender looks like a cleaner version of that guy in The Hateful Eight
Los Alamos 1880 Hotel
I’m sure over time this small cowboy town of Los Alamos will open up to become more of a wine mecca.
Although it lacks in plenty of places to eat wouldn’t you know I ended up at the opening of a restaurant named appropriately…”Plenty”. Best grilled cheese sandwich!
Maya (Sideways): “I like to think about the life of wine . . . How it’s a living thing. I like to think about what was going on the year the grapes were growing; how the sun was shining; if it rained. I like to think about all the people who tended and picked the grapes. And if it’s an old wine, how many of them must be dead by now. I like how wine continues to evolve, like if I opened a bottle of wine today it would taste different than if I’d opened it on any other day, because a bottle of wine is actually alive. And it’s constantly evolving and gaining complexity. That is, until it peaks, like your ’61. And then it begins its steady, inevitable decline . . . And it tastes so fucking good.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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