‘Beyond The Borders’

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you-it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you…Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”~Anthony Bourdain

Hi, I’ve missed you!  I’ve been traveling through British Columbia.

This was my first time there, and I’ve got to say I was captivated from the get go.

Come on I’ll share with you a few highlights of my travels. I don’t have lots of time because my dear friend from California is visiting. I’m looking forward  to sharing all my favorite fun shops here on the coast. Oh, and of course this sweet little cottage.

One of the main reasons that I love to travel is that it increases my connection to others, & myself.

Travel allows time to escape the demands of daily life.

I gain a deeper sense of the world around me.

And, even though it can be challenging…

it’s an exciting challenge to see how other people live,

and to view the world through someone else’s eyes.

I often have epiphanies while traveling.

Sometimes problems or situations that perplexed me before I departed…

are transformed

and I return with a healthier

detached view of the situation.

Geographic distance & new experiences are a winning formula.

At some level they enhance the quality of life.

With that said there’s no doubt that whenever I get out of my social comfort zone, immerse myself into cultures that are different from my own, learn to appreciate others’ world views,

I have an increased sense of self confidence regarding my values and beliefs.

And, of course that’s what makes travel worth the time, and effort.

Here are a few captured moments I’d like to share.

A recent visit to The Fairmont Empress Hotel for an afternoon tea inspired this iced tea recipe. Ripe peaches are fairly sweet on their own, so it’s up to you if you want to add the honey.

CHAMOMILE & PEACH ICED TEA

(makes 2 cups)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon chamomile tea (I used a chamomile blend called Gentle Blossom from Tealia.)

1 ripe peach, diced

1 cup ice

1 cup cold water

optional: peach slices for serving

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring 1/2 cup water & honey to a boil. Take off heat & steep tea for 5 minutes. Strain & cool.
2. Combine diced peach with cooled down sweetened chamomile tea in a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Fill half a cup with peach puree. Add ice, then fill to top with cold water. Garnish with peach slices.