All Posts

When people hear we visited Japan, South Korea, and China on the same trip, the first question is usually, "How did you put that together?" The answer was simple: let the airfare do the planning. I've visited Tokyo several times before, so rather than spending all our time there, we used it as a gateway into parts of Japan we hadn't explored. After arriving in Tokyo, we immediately started working our way south through Japan, enjoying everything from the major cities to the s

and Heads Salmon: Downrigger Days at the Mouth of the Fraser There's something about September at Sand Heads that keeps drawing us back. Maybe it's the anticipation of seeing a rod bury over, or maybe it's simply being out on the water with good company. Either way, when the salmon are staging near the mouth of the Fraser, it's hard to think of a better place to spend a day. One trip that stands out was heading out with my buddy Dave and my wife for a crack at the incoming sa

In May , I returned to the United Kingdom for another visit, but this wasn't about checking off tourist attractions. Having been to England and Scotland before, the focus this time was on reconnecting with family and revisiting the places that helped shape my family's story. Our journey began in Surrey, England, where we stayed with relatives and took advantage of the excellent rail network to make regular day trips into London. In just 25 minutes, we could be in the heart of

Roche Lake May Long: Fly Fishing, Good Friends, and Some Very Aggressive Loons After returning from an incredible spring trip through England and Scotland, I wasn't quite ready to slow down. With the May long weekend arriving and the Interior lakes beginning to wake up after winter, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to hit the road again. This time the destination was Roche Lake, alongside a good friend who happens to own one of British Columbia's most respected fly sho

Like many travelers, I originally viewed Narita as little more than the airport I'd be flying out of. After spending a night there, I realized that was a mistake. On our final evening in Japan, we headed into old Narita and spent a few hours wandering the narrow streets and lantern-lit lanes looking for dinner. The area had a completely different feel from Tokyo. Small family-owned restaurants, traditional storefronts, and the slower pace made it feel like stepping back into

After our time in South Korea and China, Osaka was the perfect place to finish the Japan portion of our trip. If Tokyo feels polished and refined, Osaka feels a little louder, a little more energetic, and a lot more willing to show off. I ended up capturing so much footage here that it became the basis for both a daytime and nighttime YouTube Shorts video. Everywhere you look there's something happening. Massive video screens, flashing signs, busy intersections, street perfor

One of the most memorable experiences during our Beijing visit wasn't the Great Wall or the Forbidden City. It was a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and tasting. Like many tourists, we sampled a variety of teas while learning about their preparation, history, and significance in Chinese culture. The experience was fascinating, and before long we found ourselves browsing the adjoining tea shop. Several of the teas were exceptional, particularly one compressed tea cake that ca

Seoul wasn't originally the primary destination on this trip. The journey was designed as a multi-country adventure through Japan, South Korea, and China, with stops in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Seoul, and Beijing The decision to include Seoul was partly practical. Flights from Tokyo to Beijing were significantly more expensive than routing through South Korea. By traveling from Fukuoka to Seoul and then onward to Beijing, I was able to take advantage of shorter flights and more reason

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

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

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

Kyoto, first majorstop on our way through Southern Japan, then Seoul and finally Beijing .

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

A visit to Kelowna to see grandkids and visit Kelowna Flight Craft Centre for Excellence Museum

Tried Miku @ Riverock!

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

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.

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

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,

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