DRAKE DEVONSHIRE : WELLINGTON

The Drake Devonshire opened its doors in Wellington, Prince Edward County in 2014 for an extended preview of their guest rooms, lakeside restaurant, fireside lounge and glass cube recreation room.  Although the hotel has not officially opened, they are already boasting a strong local turnout for weekly events and many city visitors.  I stayed in the "Stargazer" room last week and Naomi and Afie joined me for a final day of county rambling.

The property was first developed as a foundry back in 1860 and in the late 1800's it was expanded and converted into a home by W.P. Niles.  Many features from his Victorian-era renovation are still present today including the oak staircase and stained glass windows.  The 20th century saw the house serve as bed and breakfast, nursing home and mink breeding business. In 1974, Larry and Karen Arbuckle christened the place Devonshire Inn, a name maintained by the Drake when they purchased the property in 2012. 

The renovation and expansion of this historic building has been executed with care and precision. The mandate of the Drake was to meld the city into county style and this they have accomplished while respecting and referencing original features. I was particularly taken with the variety of floor treatments, especially the wool carpeting set into the hardwood.  The extensive art collection on display was curated by Mia Nielsen, and we were thrilled to see a large piece by Jennifer Murphy in pride of place.

HAPPY EASTER

I'm not sure whether paper cut outs have always been a pervasive art form in Denmark or if Hans Christian Andersen popularized the technique.  There is no direct connection between the author's paper cut illustrations and his fairy tales, though he used to accompany his paper cutting with a fantastic tale.  It has been said that at the end of telling a tale, to amuse friends and children, Andersen would unfold the paper to allow the amazed listeners to take in an intricately cut image.  Regardless, at each holiday the Danes love to decorate with paper cut outs. 

Walking this quaint little town I've noticed many Easter themed cut outs hanging in the windows of  people's homes.  Bunnies and daffodils, chickens and eggs brighten the streets when the weather is grey.  Admiring the cheerfulness of these seasonal ornaments, it was just my luck that the Red Cross second hand shop were selling these three, homemade by somebody. I purchased the small lot for 15 dkk ($1 each).  They are a perfect token of my spring here, not to mention lightweight and flat for easy packing!

PYHÄINPÄIVÄ

Last Saturday, on a dreary rainy day, we visited the Heitaniemi cemetery to see Finnish families decorating graves and lighting candles for Pyhäinpäivä (All Saints Day).  Pink erika (heather), evergreen, and moss wreaths are popular choices for decoration.  All Saints Day was originally on November 1st, and still is in many countries, but in Finland it's now celebrated from October 31-November 6.  Honouring the Christian saints, the martyrs and the dead, Saturday is the official statutory holiday and when they celebrate their version of Hallowe'en.  We saw lots of festive decorations and young people (not children) dressed in costumes in the bars of Helsinki.  I regret not walking the cemetery at night with all the candles lit.  Apparently it is a beautiful sight.