The best and worst of the Maritime Provinces

Driving was relaxing because there wasn’t half the traffic on Canada’s east coast as the west coast. Plus, I got to admire the millions of lupins that showered their purple, pink, and white flowers by the side of nearly every road. (Featured image: by Masons Beach Road, Lunenburg). BUT the potholes on secondary and some major highways! Driving to Hopewell Rocks, half the road had washed away in several stretches. On one highway there were reminders that moose crossed the road and between watching for moose and dodging yet another pothole, this was a challenge. It appeared that the road crews couldn’t keep up with the amount of damage from the harsh winters.

Kenting night market

Kenting night market was mostly food with a bit of jewellery and souvenirs thrown in. The four-lane road that ran through the southern Taiwan shopping area became two, with stalls that people strolled past.

the contents of a dish are not always in the name

I saw a t-shirt in a Japanese restaurant before I left on this trip last October that said, “I travel to eat” and thought, that’s me! But Taiwan had not met my expectations in the eating department. My best Taiwanese meal had been the cheapest when I visited a night market.

Tamsui’s historic road?

Zhongshang Road claimed to have a number of “old” sites. Apart from Fuyou Temple, I didn’t see much that resembled Tamsui’s old history. In fact, Tamsui, part of New Taipei City, shone with newness while many of Taipei’s buildings needed a pressure washer.

An unexpected encounter

As I headed towards a hike to Mt Songaksan, I spotted a group of women climbing into the back of a pick up truck and knew what I was witnessing — the Haenyeo.

A feast for the eyes (and stomach)

Nishiki Market was the ideal place to sample what Kyoto had to offer. From a variety of foods, to kitchenware and clothing, this long line of stalls had it all. I was there to taste the food after reading Bama’s blog on this very market.

Guarded Guayaquil

I’d been warned about Guayaquil and what a dangerous city it was, but I found it the most delightful place.