For many of us, traditional images come to mind at the mention of an exotic island destination: swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters and pristine golden sands. A place where time stands still and all troubles seem to be caressed away by gently blowing tropical trade winds. I recently asked my brother, James, to name his favorite exotic island destination. Without a second’s hesitation he replied, “Iceland, definitely.” “Iceland?” I exclaimed. “Why Iceland?” His answer was just as certain. “The remote and windswept island of Iceland is one of the most inhospitable landscapes on the planet, yet it is also the world’s most gorgeous with its sub-Arctic expanse of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers and hot springs. Alongside that brutal beauty comes a sense of coziness and sophistication with multicolored shops, world-class hotels and restaurants, and a vibrant cultural scene. Now that’s exotic.” Maybe he’s right. Who says an island has to be tropical to be exotic. So I put on my thinking cap and selected four island destinations that are important to me; and the reasons why. Sure, one does fit the bill as tropical, but after all, I am only human.
The Outer Hebrides, Scotland – Buying Harris Tweed
Nestled off the northwest coast of Scotland, the Outer Hebrides is a 150 mile-long island chain of remote beaches, rugged bogs, sweeping fields of heather and stone, and Gaelic culture. It is also home to Harris Tweed. For centuries the islanders have hand-woven this rich cloth, known in Gaelic as Clod Mohr – The Big Cloth – in their homes. No one else in the world can call tweed “Harris Tweed” unless the pure virgin wool was dyed, spun and finished in the homes of the islanders of Harris. It is refreshing in this modern age of globalization where everything on our backs seems to be made in China to find something so unique and regional. Arriving in little villages, some no larger than twelve or so homes, you will see handmade signs announcing that Harris Tweed is for sale. Knocking on the door of the home weavers and getting a tour of their little work area is an experience I will never forget. It was not a coincidence that my entire family received Harris Tweed scarves that year for Christmas.
Vancouver Island, Canada – Hiking A Rain Forest
Vancouver Island is located in British Columbia along Canada’s West Coast. It is a region renowned for spectacular coastlines, rolling fields, old-growth rainforests, quaint towns and seemingly unlimited recreational activities. The English-flavored town of Victoria is known to many as a romantic weekend getaway, but just a few hours up the road is the town of Sooke (pronounced Sook) and East Sooke Regional Park. In my opinion the only thing better than hiking in a rain forest is hiking in one that leads to an ocean beach, and that is what you will get on the East Sooke Coast Trail. The park features 3512 acres of natural and protected coastal landscape and is considered one of the premier day hikes in Canada. The trail leads you through a dark, second growth forest of Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock to a protected beach, lined with driftwood and massive boulders. There’s even a little waterfall that cascades onto the beach. This is a west coast wilderness experience unlike any other. The hike takes approximately six-hours roundtrip. Leave early and remember to pack a picnic lunch for the beach. For creature comforts, book a night in one of Sooke’s many accommodations.
Lofoten Islands, Norway – Eating Lutefisk
The Lofoten Islands, off the northwest coast of Norway, consist of stunning mountain peaks that seem to come right out of the sea, and sheltered inlets populated with little fishing villages. For centuries, fishing has been the very foundation of life on the islands. Once while on the deck of a vessel outside a Lofoten fishing village, I overheard an American passenger ask a Norwegian what those things were hanging on stilts. The Norwegian replied that it was air-dried cod for making Lutefisk. The American exclaimed, “And the birds don’t eat it?” The Norwegian shrugged, “No, they don’t seem to like it.” Everyone of Scandinavian heritage knows of Lutefisk (pronounced lou-tah-fisk), but few have actually eaten it. Lutefisk is a traditional Nordic food of dried cod or stockfish, prepared in lye. It is soaked in cold water for five to six days (changed daily). It is then soaked in an unchanged solution of cold water and lye for an additional two days. When this treatment is finished, a final treatment of yet another four to six days of soaking in cold water (also changed daily) is needed. Eventually, the lutefisk is ready to be baked in the oven for 40-50 minutes. Some are known to even eat it.
Dominica – Visiting the Carib Territory
There it was in bold print: “Dominica is the only island Columbus would recognize if he returned today.” I’m not sure how the author managed to land that quotation, but even from the deck of my arriving vessel, I could see that this tiny island nation of 70,000 was definitely an untouched paradise found. Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica (pronounced Doe-mi-Nee-kah) is blessed with rainforests, undeveloped beaches, cascading waterfalls, small coastal villages and the highest mountain on any of the Caribbean’s Islands. In 1493, Dominica was a stronghold of the Caribs, who are today the last indigenous people of the Caribbean. Situated high in the mountains, The Carib Territory is a must-see destination in the northeast part of the country. It is also where some of the most spectacular vistas of the island can be found. With a population of 3,500, most of the villagers live in huts that have changed little over the centuries. Unfairly categorized by the first arriving Europeans as cannibals, these are a gentle and shy people. Children would hide behind structures when my small group arrived by van. Young men, who were carving coconuts, offered us fresh coconut milk to drink. Today, income is derived primarily from crafts, fishing and farming. It’s a great place to purchase gifts or souvenirs to help the local economy.
