In 2014, a group of friends chartered a sailboat to scope the west coast of Scotland with various distillery stops along the way. Because I was somewhat instrumental in making this trip happen, I was told, during one of the messages back here, that a very special bottle of scotch would make its way home to me. Sadly, however, it never made it. However, it did land in the hands of a very helpful fellow sailor who, clad in a wetsuit, went down under and untangled/cut the sternline from the prop. A very nice gesture, so I let it go. At the time, this scotch was not available in Canada.Explore

Staying in the beautiful Fairmont Empress Hotel recently, it was impossible to refuse a refreshing gin and tonic after a busy day filled with outdoor activities. Empress 1908 has an unusual flavour, with a hit of citrus. During distillation, an infusion of butterfly pea blossom creates the distinctive hue. Indigo blue in colour, added to a splash of tonic, it transforms from indigo blue to monarch purple then rose petal pink.Explore

When you are in Arizona, turquoise jewellery is irresistible.

Turquoise was designated the official state gem of Arizona in 1974, and the quality of it is world-famous. An icon to Arizona surely has to be silver and turquoise, so when I saw a row of market stalls at the side of the highway backing onto a desert and canyon, it was the perfect place to shop for my souvenir. Stalls all run by local Navajo women made it even more of a treat.Explore

Grenada draws those who worship the sun and everything that comes with it – beaches, aquatic sports, hiking and true Caribbean culture.

It’s also a place for foodies. There are many types of scrumptious fresh fish, locally grown vegetables and herbs, but it’s the spices that set Grenada apart. In fact, the island’s main products – nutmeg, cinnamon and sorrel give it another name, Spice Island, and they are used in local dishes in fresh and inventive ways.Explore