Victoria’s Butchart Gardens – Keep Calm and Wander

Butchart Gardens - Keep Calm and Wander

At Butchart Gardens in Victoria (British Columbia), the flowers will happily welcome you. This is one of Canada’s largest gardens with a designation as a National Historic Site. As you can guess from its name, there are gardens within this huge garden that was made possible by Jennie Butchart, wife of a Canadian businessman who manufactured Portland Cement. Today, the garden receives one million visitors every year and these pictures below will tell you why.

Taking a bus to Butchart Gardens

On a beautiful Spring day, I spent my whole morning strolling from one garden to another. From downtown Victoria, I took a bus early to avoid the heat that was predicted that day. It took me around 45 minutes to arrive there. Though the bus won’t stop at the gate of Butchart Gardens, the bus driver was kind to drop me off at the exact stop/location and walked from there.

Before coming here, it is better to check out the gardens’ virtual tour on their website. If you want to be surprised, then avoid doing it. However, once you arrive and pay your entrance fee, remember to get a map so you will be guided on where to start and go. The dominant flowers here were tulips of different colours.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Southern Vancouver Island Gay Travel Resources

Changi International Airport’s Rain Vortex – Keep Calm and Wander

Changi International Airport's Rain Vortex - Keep Calm and Wander

Check Out the Rain Vortex at the Singapore Airport

The Rain Vortex at the Jewel at Changi International Airport in Singapore is mesmerizing. It was the first “tourist attraction” I’ve seen in Singapore. A friend picked me up at the airport and despite carrying my 14-kg backpack, we took a short bus ride to The Jewel.

The Jewel is a nature-themed zone filled with shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment emporiums. And at the heart of it is this amazing attraction that collects, what else, water. 

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Singapore’s SuperTrees – Keep Calm and Wander

Singapore's SuperTrees - Keep Calm and Wander

The SuperTree Grove at Gardens by the Bay is one of a kind tourist attraction in Singapore. Such a concept is, perhaps, a pioneer in the world on how we see trees. It’s not just a man-made tree but there’s more to that.

Singapore’s SuperTrees

There are 18 super trees in the garden. Standing at 25-20 meters, they look like strange trees when they’re lit up at night.

Yes, they look strange for a first-time visitor, but they’re spectacular to look at!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Adams No Eve – Gay San Diego Guesthouse

Adams No Eve - Gay San Diego Guesthouse

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

Adams No Eve is a unique 2 story studio guesthouse in a quiet tropical backyard with a Zen like atmosphere. This is the perfect setting for you to relax and refresh after adventuring out in beautiful San Diego CA.

The private entry of this unique Studio Guesthouse opens to a Kitchen painted in festive colors and a small bathroom with a pedestal sink and a cozy stall shower. 14 stairs lead you up to the sleeping area where a queen size bed awaits you. A 55″ TV with local HD channels and Amazon Fire stick and a sound system you can plug your mobile device into allows you feel at home. WiFi service is available in the guesthouse and the surrounding lagoon pool area.

Adams No Eve is located in a very quiet single family neighborhood in the mid-city area of San Diego CA. The Main House and the Studio Guesthouse share the \0xBD acre terraced property. Citrus trees, fruit trees, avocado trees and a working vegetable garden along with the tropical lagoon pool make up this unique property.

The backyard view to the north gives you Cowles Mountain and night lights. Cowles Mountain is a prominent mountain which is a popular hiking area and the highest elevation of the city of San Diego. On any given day you will see neighbors out walking and socializing with each other. Ample on street parking is available for guest, however off street parking can be available for an additional fee.

Once you enter off the driveway through the locked entrance, prepare to be relaxed. The surrounding tropical Zen atmosphere takes over and compels you to relax and unwind. Guests are free to use the tropical lagoon pool and surrounding backyard. Hosts John and Rick live in the main house and are on site to answer any questions and to ensure you enjoy your stay.

Pool hours are 9 AM to 9 PM, No glass or food by pool, Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM, 2 Adults maximum occupancy, no children, no pets, Tobacco free. 420 friendly.

Adams No Eve is just a short drive or an inexpensive Lyft or Uber ride to Hillcrest, Gaslamp, Downtown, Balboa Park, North Park or any of San Diego’s fun attractions and a quick 20 minute ride to the Mexico border. The Studio Guesthouse is a short walk through the neighborhood to public transportation and one mile from San Diego’s trolley service.

See the Adams No Eve Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in San Diego

Monte Placido Vacation Rentals – Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Monte Placido Vacation Rentals Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Welcome to Monte Placido Vacation Rentals. This tropical hilltop paradise is a secure gated residence comprised of 6 individual rental homes. Each home offers breathtaking views of the ocean, the forested mountains and the coconut groves below. Our elevated location offers constant soothing breezes and very few mosquitos. The homes have fully equipped kitchens to do your own cooking or a personal chef can be provided (maid and linen service included). Each home is especially designed with a verandah for privacy from neighbors. The homes are airy and spacious, comfortable for both inside and outside living. Monte Placido Vacation Rentals’ tropical and botanical gardens are busting with an explosion of colorful flowers. Enjoy the infinity pool virtually cascading into the sea with its cabana and barbecue. From our pastoral setting we are just a short 15 minute drive from bustling and fun Las Terrenas with its beach bars and restaurants, late night Latin dancing galore. We are located in Samana Province on the North East of the Island. It is still is a very well-kept secret with its pristine and undeveloped beaches, reefs, waterfalls, hiking, bird watching whales and more. SHIVA’S CAVE is our yoga retreat center that can also welcome Latin dance camps, special events and wedding parties up to 25 guests (see our website). Full catering for events/groups or a hired chef for a special individual lunch or dinner are optional and on request (inquire). We offer complimentary continental breakfast on the 1st day. The owners live on site and they are always available to help out with every little detail and make sure that their guests enjoy their getaway.

See the Monte Placido Vacation Rentals Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in the Dominican Republic

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