There's No Place Like Home!
Monday, April 2nd, 2012

By Matthew Mackenzie

Animal spotting as of March 30th : (28) moose, (31) bald eagles, (1) red fox, (3) seals, (15) chipmunks, (7) deer, (1) cat track the size of your fist, (1) blue jay and (1) owl!

This past week my family and I enjoyed the company of my Father, Stepmother and brother visiting from Kelowna, B.C. We are fortunate to have had many members of my family and Monika’s visit us since moving to NS and each of our guests seem to arrive with the intent to relocate here as well. During my family’s visit in Ingonish in March, I had the over whelming sense of pride when they met my team, the locals and enjoyed the scenery and wildlife.

Our daughter and new puppy, Kelti

My father is 67 and he was up every morning to watch the sun rise over the ocean and set over the Highlands National Park… he fell in love with our way of life. My brother is 11 and is becoming an avid bird watcher. He was able to spot 25 different species at the Keltic Lodge in the 2 weeks he was here visiting. My family departed from Halifax which was wonderful timing for a visit to the big city.

My wife Monika and I were invited by Guido Kerpel, the Vice-President of New Castle Hotels & Resorts Canada and the General Manager of the Westin Nova Scotian, to Chefs for Unicef which was a fantastic event and evening. Most importantly was the message that Unicef delivered. All the efforts and support to Unicef over the years from donations is actually working. Unicef is not only helping children and families survive, they are aiming to help all families survive in various areas of the world. One quote from guest speaker, Solange Tuyishime, captured my attention. Solange said that Unicef was the only organization brave enough to enter into Rwanda and Congo to help her and her family survive, and she has since been able to thrive while giving back to Unicef. The event was amazing and introduced guests to culinary creations from all over the world, these efforts seemed to highlight the immense support from the culinary world within Nova Scotia.

Kelti enjoying the Halifax Arm

Staying at the Westin Nova Scotian Halifax is always wonderful, but as I was leaving the team there yesterday, I realized that city living with three kids and two dogs is a challenge and I applaud the urban family. As we crossed the English Town ferry  in Cape Breton, I spotted my first moose of the week. It reminded me that this moose was actually my first wild animal spotting of the week and I was very pleased to be back home and wake up to my Life at the Keltic.

Have a great weekend!