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Fukuoka
Fukuoka was just a quick overnight stop for us before our flight to Seoul, but it still gave us a good feel for the city. After checking in, we headed down to the famous Yatai stalls — the open‑air food stands that line the river at night. It’s one of the things Fukuoka is known for, with locals cooking right in front of you and small groups gathered around each little stall. But honestly, the reality didn’t match the photos. It was packed, the seating was tight, and with the
Philip Robson
May 171 min read


Miyajima Island
After the heaviness of Hiroshima, Miyajima feels like stepping into another world. A short ferry ride away, the island is calm, green, and almost unreal in how peaceful it is. The famous floating torii gate is the first thing you see — bright red, standing in the water, one of the most iconic sights in all of Japan. For Sandy and I, Miyajima was exactly what we needed after the emotional weight of the museum. The island has this quiet, gentle energy… deer wandering around, sm
Philip Robson
May 172 min read


Hiroshima
Hiroshima is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. It’s a city shaped by tragedy, rebuilt with strength, and lived in with quiet pride. Walking through Hiroshima today, you feel a mix of reflection and calm — modern streets, peaceful parks, and a sense of resilience that’s impossible to ignore. Most people come here for the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the museum. But what you remember most isn’t just the history — it’s the atmosphere
Philip Robson
May 171 min read


Kyoto
Kyoto, first majorstop on our way through Southern Japan, then Seoul and finally Beijing .
Philip Robson
Apr 142 min read


Ramsays Steak @ RIVER ROCK
Went with close friends to Ramsay’s Steak at River Rock because he had to surprise her for her birthday dinner, and the place hits that polished, high‑energy vibe the moment you walk in. The room feels sharp without trying too hard, and the service moves fast even on busy nights. The steaks come out with that classic Gordon Ramsay sear — simple, hot, and done properly. I went for the Beef Wellington, while the guys went all‑in on the massive Tomahawk. The sides are heavy but
Philip Robson
Mar 252 min read


Kelowna Flight Craft
A visit to Kelowna to see grandkids and visit Kelowna Flight Craft Centre for Excellence Museum
Philip Robson
Mar 171 min read


Miku @ RiverRock
Tried Miku @ Riverock!
Philip Robson
Mar 161 min read


How I Nearly Got Taken Out by a Tree in Paris
They finally cut them back! After a not‑so‑great stretch in the U.K. with my ex, I figured a change of scenery might help, so I tried another approach: Paris. City of love! what could possibly go wrong? It was my first time in the city, and honestly, how can anyone be cranky there? She found a way. Meanwhile, I was taking in the history, the long Haussmann boulevards, everything lined up perfectly, all of it pointing toward something awesome. We ended up on the Champs‑Élys
Philip Robson
Mar 142 min read


Elio Volpe
Our friends invited us to Eliovolpe on February 15th for a birthday—a small detour that turned into a solid night of good plates, warm company, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you stay a little longer.
Philip Robson
Feb 281 min read


The Night Tuscany Tested Us
The Drive That Wouldn’t End We were leaving Rome and heading toward Venice, with a one‑night stopover in northern Tuscany. It was supposed to be simple. Instead, it turned into the kind of night that becomes family legend. It was pouring — the only real rainstorm of the whole trip — and of course it hit on the night we had to navigate rural Tuscany. The GPS kept sending us down goat‑trail roads that barely existed, and cell reception flickered in and out just long enough to
Philip Robson
Feb 273 min read


Costa Rica ! Jungle Beauty, Stray Cats, and One Unexpected Lesson in Kindness
I booked a last‑minute WestJet red‑eye from YVR to Costa Rica, with the return routing through Calgary. Because we booked so late, seat options were slim — the only way to sit together was row 20. I’d been reading all the chatter online about WestJet reducing seat pitch to 28 inches in Economy, which sounded brutal for a seven‑hour flight, so I threw in a bid for Premium. No luck. Row 20 it was. The flight itself was your typical redeye. The food was fine, nothing memorable,
Philip Robson
Feb 159 min read


Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers
Flying for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The thrill of embarking on a new adventure often comes with a fair share of anxiety about the unknown. Whether you're heading to a tropical paradise or a bustling city, understanding the ins and outs of air travel can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will provide you with essential travel tips to help you navigate your first flight with confidence. FLYING INTO LIBERIA AIRPORT COSTA RIC
Philip Robson
Feb 155 min read


Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie
Le Crocodile has been part of Vancouver for so long it almost feels like it’s woven into the city’s routine—old‑school French, steady hands in the kitchen, and a history that includes chefs like Rob Feenie coming through before he became a name on his own. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t chase trends because it doesn’t need to; it just keeps doing what it’s always done. For our annual Christmas present to each other—just the two of us—we booked a night downtown and had di
Philip Robson
Dec 19, 20251 min read


Escape the Rain: Discover the Joys of a Last-Minute Beach Getaway at Marina Fiesta Resort in Cabo
When the skies turn gray and rain seems endless, a quick getaway to a sunny beach can feel like a breath of fresh air. That’s exactly what happened on a recent 10-day trip to Cabo- Marina Fiesta, booked on short notice with WestJet Premium Economy. This trip wasn’t just about escaping the rain; it was about enjoying the local culture, savoring generous meals, and soaking up the festive holiday spirit. Here’s a detailed look at how this beach escape turned into a memorable exp
Philip Robson
Nov 19, 20253 min read


My must See Favorite Aviation and Miltary Museums
This is the Halifax bomber one of few left after WW2
Philip Robson
Nov 1, 202510 min read


Sunset and Spring Salmon
Off the mouth of the south arm of the Fraser River -Sandheads
Philip Robson
Sep 12, 20251 min read


Elisa
I took Sandy to Elisa for her birthday. We invited a buddy of mine Ive known fifty years and his partner — the two of them met because I introduced them more than ten years ago. It turned into one of those easy nights with good food and steady conversation. Steak at Elisa in Vancouver hits that perfect balance of deep char and tender bite, the kind of meal that feels like a quiet masterclass in how steak should be done. This Baked Alaska layers caramelized banana ice cream,
Philip Robson
Aug 17, 20251 min read


CARDEROS
Sandy and I went to Cardero’s for my birthday last summer. I ordered the sablefish, which came out rich and smooth, and she had the salmon—a generous portion, cooked right, and full of clean flavour. The room had that steady Coal Harbour rhythm to it, relaxed and well‑paced, and the whole night just felt easy. Simple visit, solid plates, and worth the detour.
Philip Robson
Aug 16, 20251 min read


Exploring the Maritime Gems of Canada: From Peggy's Cove to the Cabot Trail
Even though we’ve seen parts the world, we realized we hadn’t seen much of our own roots. So we decided to fix that and fly out to Canada’s East Coast. The Maritimes have a way of mixing rugged beauty with real, everyday charm — the kind you don’t fully appreciate until you’re standing on a windy cliff or wandering a harbour with friends you haven’t seen in ages. From the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove to the sweeping views along the Cabot Trail, the region feels both familiar a
Philip Robson
Jun 20, 20257 min read


The Day Our Thailand Boat Tour Turned Into a Shakedown
After a few days exploring the sights of Bangkok, we traded the city chaos for something slower and boarded the Thai National Railway south. It was a long, simple ride — mostly locals, open windows, vendors drifting through with snacks — the kind of journey that forces you to relax whether you planned to or not. By the time we finally made it to Krabi and transferred toward Railay Beach, we were already in a different headspace, and that’s where the long‑tail boat adventure b
Philip Robson
Jan 15, 20254 min read
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