Sometimes you need a break. Not just from the laundry pile that乌鸦传媒檚 threatening to become sentient, or the jar in the fridge marked 乌鸦传媒�?乌鸦传媒� but from politics screeching like nails on a chalkboard, the doom-and-gloom news cycle, and that bottomless pit known as doom-scrolling.
So, I took a vacation. Didn乌鸦传媒檛 plan it, didn乌鸦传媒檛 overthink it too much, just went. First stop: English Bay, Vancouver. Sunshine, salt air, and a delightful stay at the Sylvia Hotel. Toss in the colour, glitter, and joy of the Vancouver Pride Parade and you乌鸦传媒檝e got yourself a cure for the political blues.
Now, people ask: 乌鸦传媒淲hy leave Kelowna in the middle of summer? Cherries, peaches, sandy beaches, are you mad?乌鸦传媒� No, friends. I just know that if you stare at the same scene for too long, even paradise starts to feel乌鸦传媒� routine. A change of scenery is the best palate cleanser for the soul.
From Vancouver, we sailed to Sidney, a sweet little seaside village where lunch at Riva乌鸦传媒檚 patio comes with ocean views and a side of serenity. Then off to Victoria for a few nights at Hotel Zed 乌鸦传媒� retro chic with a rebellious streak. Think bold colours, 70s nostalgia, and staff who proudly call themselves 乌鸦传媒渞ebels.乌鸦传媒� And the bed? Let乌鸦传媒檚 just say it was nothing like the spring and slat contraption from my youth that guaranteed a midnight wrestling match with gravity.
We wandered downtown as the sun set, watching the legislature building and the Empress Hotel light up like they were posing for postcards. Dinner at *Wind Cries Mary* was a treat with incredible sharing plates and the kind of patio that makes you wish summer lasted forever. And yes, Victoria *allegedly* has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada. (Don乌鸦传媒檛 fact-check me. I乌鸦传媒檓 happier this way.)
The next day was Butchart Gardens, my first visit in 30 years. Still a jaw-dropper. A rainbow of blooms, winding paths scented with summer, and a 100-year-old sequoia standing tall like it乌鸦传媒檚 got all the time in the world.
The trip乌鸦传媒檚 not even over, but I乌鸦传媒檓 already feeling fresher, lighter, and more grateful. BC, you乌鸦传媒檙e stunning. And Kelowna, I乌鸦传媒檓 coming back to you for a staycation before reality knocks again. But for now, my elbows are up, and my heart is full.
- Wilbur Turner, LL.D. (Hon.)
~ Wilbur Turner is a political strategist and community advocate based in Kelowna, British Columbia, with deep roots in Alberta. With experience on the ground in federal and municipal campaigns, and a passion for civic engagement, Turner offers sharp, accessible insight into the political and social issues shaping our region and country. He was selected by the University of British Columbia for an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his significant contribution to the community. He also writes articles as QueerGranddad on Substack.
