Esoterica: ramblings, wanderings, photos & more

A Remembrance at L’Arc de Triomphe: More Than Meets the Eye

November 10, 2013

When I spend time in France, occasionally, some profound emotion takes hold, often when I’m least expecting it. When I was growing up in England, “The War” came up regularly, if fleetingly, especially when my parents’ friends came to visit. It was more of a mention, a reference in passing, whispered in the same tone […]

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The Honda Coupe / Painted Rock Shifting and Sipping Post. Just Kidding!**

October 8, 2013

Honda Accord Coupe V6 Navi at Painted Rock I have to confess, I had a tough time giving back my sleek Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 Navi, which I was lent for the other week’s Okanagan trip, prior to the BC Wine Awards judging. This is one of the most fun rides I’ve had in […]

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No Roughing it in Osoyoos: Watermark Hits the Mark and More

September 27, 2013

The view from Watermark: An ever changing panorama

I’ll admit it: when I’m in full-on writing mode, I’m a bit of a home-body, which can be challenging on the road. All the more reason why I’m very happy to be ensconced in the Watermark Beach Resort, in Osoyoos, in southern BC. Yes, I’m being hosted here. Thank you, friendly Watermark people. But this […]

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The Champagne Charlie Chronicles: Riding the Rails Around North America

September 23, 2013

The best laid plans … My good intentions to document a few memories of In the Footsteps of Champagne Charlie have been derailed by a trip to London last week. But never fear, we’re back with Charles Heidsieck in hand to regale you. First, a little more background. The challenge was to race around the […]

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A Slice of the Past (and Present) at Paxton & Whitfield

September 19, 2013

Paxton & Whitfield, Jermyn Street On my way across London to Heathrow the other day, I had a little time to spare, so thought I’d check out my old neighbourhood, St. James, where I used to work. Well, actually, it was really an excuse to drop by Paxton & Whitfield, at 93 Jermyn St., just […]

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In the Footsteps of Champagne Charlie: 20 Years On

September 1, 2013

The Night They Invented Champagne! Tim & Heather toast the next 100 days on the roof of Hotel Vancouver - Jack Wong photo

In the Footsteps … the night before Hard to believe, but exactly 20 years ago today, on September 1, 1993, my wife, Heather, and I embarked on “In the Footsteps of Champagne Charlie” —in what turned out to be, truly, the adventure of a lifetime. “In the Footsteps…” was a 100 day race around the world, […]

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BC Politicians Mull Legalising Wine on the Beach

July 15, 2013

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania. Used because it

You have to hand it to our provincial government. No time like a summer semi-heatwave (that’s as close as we get in Vancouver) to raise the spectre of—gasp—legalising the consumption of alcohol on the beach. Isn’t this what’s known in the artful (though not always tasteful) business of politics as a “trial balloon?” The idea […]

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5 Reasons Why, Even in the Rain, this Cactus will Soon be Flourishing

May 7, 2013

Cactus Club Coal Harbour Vancouver Sea to Sky Terrace: It

Last night we dropped by Cactus Club Coal Harbour to check it out on what more than passed for a spectacular Summer’s afternoon. Here’s what we found, inside looking out from that “giant dormer” mentioned further on … Essentially, at the the push of a button, the entire wall of windows slides aside to bring […]

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The Sex Lives of Vegetables: What Carrots & Co. Really Get Up To

April 12, 2013

Edible Bouquet by Elaine Savoie of Hornby Island

If you’re a regular visitor you know this site is concerned almost entirely with food and drink, which is why we think you should hear about a unique, (almost) all Canadian concert, The Sex Lives of Vegetables—and other Delicious Distractions, April 20th, 7.30 p.m. at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Full disclosure: we’re romantically connected (as in […]

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On the Brink of Spring

March 7, 2013

I don’t know what it is but this cherry tree down the street has me in its power. I took this shot the other night in anticipation of the blossoms that will soon obscure its tangled branches. It still has that kind of spooky Halloween look. But that will all be gone in a couple […]

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