Escaping from chaotic Hong Kong, with its overcrowding, choking pollution and shameful political system, paid immediate dividends. Entering rural and small-town Canada in the Atlantic Provinces meant more space to move, cleaner air to breathe, even fresher food to eat.

Staying for much of the summer brought one pleasure after another: bright-red lobsters, fresh vegetables, dill pickles, exotic ice-cream flavors, picturesque scenery, playful dogs, curious kittens, imaginative theatre productions, family picnics, reunions with friends, and above all, the delightful regional music. Leaving after so many pleasant weeks took tremendous willpower.

The local restaurateurs and retailers lamented that tourist traffic lagged due to pricey gasoline and unfavorable currency rates. But that equated to less competition, more pleasures and wider options for the visitors who did arrive.

Actually, Atlantic Canada makes a pleasant winter destination too, but for travelers keen on chilly winds, frozen ponds, hockey sticks, cross-country skis and hot-chocolate drinks. That’s prime time for a different crowd.


Delightful music makes folks dance.

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