You've probably been hearing about the latest holiday idea. It's called the '50 km vacation', and as it suggests you can find a holiday in just a short radius from home. It'll save you a pile of money, the stress of taking a family away, and you'll enjoy the sights and fun of a place that has just been a stone's throw away.

This makes a lot of sense if the cost of living hits you smack in the pocket book. Gas prices are up yet again, so you really have to decide if you want to take a long road trip. Attractions can cost big bucks for a whole family and restaurant food and accommodations can practically ruin you.

I gave planning this kind of a holiday an honest try, but as I the idea went round and round in my head, the thing just got stuck there like a hamster wheel. So I took the problem to my back yard = my office. The fresh air, breeze, and the songs of Mother Nature all around me clear my head and I can find a solution. And Ta Da! It came to me! The best place to take a vacation within 50 km's is ... Drum Roll ... right here!

I resolved to make the challenge of finding a vacation within the 50 km my new mandate, but I had really been dreaming of a European vacation. Now I was going to miss all of it - the sights, sounds and flavour of the continent. I was still bemoaning that missed opportunity as I drove to Descanso Bay to plan my Gabriola get-away.

As I rounded the corner I was stunned by a blast of color. The flowers in Earl's Dahlia Garden had come into full bloom with intoxicating colors. Tall plants massed with colourful blooms swayed and danced in the breeze off the bay. I gasped, and pulled over to watch the cancan or maybe it was a flamenco dance troop, and I felt like I was in Spain. And that's when the inspiration for my vacation hit me - my European vacation was right here, on Gabriola!

It's all here, but on a slightly smaller scale. If you want Greece, just visit the Artworks Gallery were local craftspeople showcase pottery, woodworking, spinning and fabric crafts, and fine jewellery crafted in silver and gold. The Italian markets are right here at the Farmer's market at Agi Hall every Saturday. Fresh herbs, vegetables, fruit, preserves and honey are grown here, right on our island. You can even try something as foreign as chocolate peppers!

If it's history you're after drive to Malaspina Galleries to see what 100 years of waves have created, or go on a mystery tour of the Petroglyphs. Spanish explorers crossed the Atlantic to discover us, so that makes Gabriola a world-class destination hot spot. And then there are charming B&B's which rival quaint English cottages or seaside shanties. With water all around us and lush green growth everywhere you may as well be in Ireland. If you're looking to kiss the Blarney Stone just help yourself to the rock formations that change with every beach.

How about an afternoon at the French Rivera? Go to our version of the Champ Elysees as you stroll along the boardwalk at Village Mall and investigate the shops. Savour an espresso at a Turkish coffee shop there and meet some of the local colour who could tell you a tale of the island, possibly enlarged for flavour. Later, enjoy a spicy seafood dinner on the patio of the Surf as you watch the sun set on sailboats and yachts swirling your glass of imported German Riesling. Admire the really huge white yacht that is yours for the moment.

We live here, but we may not have actually seen the island as a tourist. So be good to yourself, save the bag of euros and the monorail pass, and spend your vacation here, with us. The beauty and culture of our island is here to enjoy and share with the world and with you.

Ciao! And come again.

July 18, 2008