Poutine

Ah, Poutine! This "quintessential Canadian comfort food," which consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and covered with brown gravy, sounds about as appetizing to me as pork rinds. However, at Angie's Kitchen in Waterloo, Ontario, Angie served up a plate of these (well, actually minus the cheese curds) that would put a smile on nearly anyone's face. Alas, Angie has passed on to that great kitchen in the sky, but her grandchildren are still serving up the local favorites.

One of the best things to do in Paris is simply wander to see what awaits you around the corner, and just around the corner and across the footbridge from Notre Dame, on the Ile St. Louis, (31, Rue St Louis en l'ile to be precise) you will find what is reputed to be the best ice cream in the city at Berthillon's. Rumor has it the ice cream is divine at any time of year!

Loreto in Baja, Mexico

The Baja peninsula has much to recommend it - accommodations range from luxurious resorts to primitive camping and include just about everything in between.

The most visited destination in Baja is Los Cabos - also known simply as "Cabo" - at the southern tip of the peninsula. It is know for its charming boutiques, courtyard restaurants and accommodations ranging from quaint to luxurious. Favorite activities there are sport fishing, golf and sea kayaking as well as relaxing and partying.

For those who seek a quieter experience, just up the Sea of Cortez is Loreto, a much smaller and less developed town. Here you will find charming hotels and some new resorts. Across the bay is the Loreto Bay National Marine Park where you may catch sight of dolphins or whales in season. It's an easy paddle from one island to another and over the course of several days you may stay on the usually uninhabited Danzante or Carmen Island. Spend a night and wake to the sound of pelicans just offshore as they dive for breakfast.