Vacationing in Victoria

On Friday January 2, 2009 my mother and I caught a bus to Victoria, BC. For those of you who aren't aware Victoria is on Vancouver Island and is the capital of British Columbia. It is also the birthplace of both my mother and me though I never lived there and my mother hasn't in about fifty years.

We got to the bus depot early so ducked into Macdonalds and had a McChicken each. Then we lined up to board the bus and we were the first on. I settled into a window seat with Mom beside me and shivered in anticipation. This was going to be fun!

The bus ride to the ferry terminal - Tsawassen - is only about an hour and we had lots to look at and talk about. The ferry was large and majestic looking. Our first stop was the gift store where I bought two Ann Rule books that I don't have. Then we proceeded to a special lounge on the second passenger deck. Here, for ten dollars per person, you can have non alcholic beverages and snacks while relaxing in a quiet area. A bit of serenity before the onslaught of activity when we arrived in Swartz Bay.

Back on the bus and about forty five minutes after docking we are pulling into the Victoria bus depot which is located in the downtown core. Mom and I stood and waited for a taxi to take us to our hotel, the Inn at Laurel Point. We soon realized that the cab may have been a waste of money since the hotel was within in walking distance. But you never know.

After we quickly settled in and unpacked a bit, we headed out onto the town. We strolled along the waterfront and gazed at our surroundings. The Christmas decorations were still up which gave a festive atmosphere to the city. And I love the quaint and historic atmosphere of this area of the city. There is also a sense of power since the legislative buildings are located in this area too.

On Government street my mother took me to an Irish items store. She was looking for something for my father and I just looked at all the items. It is so neat seeing all the articles from a country where my ancestors were born.

Mom took me out for dinner the first night and we went to the Bard & Banker Public House. This English style pub/restaurant is a pleasure to sit in. And the food is excellent. I even tried Sticky Toffee Pudding which I had seen on the television show, Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. I am so glad I don't live near that place because I fell in love with the pudding.

After a stop at a bookstore where I did get another book, we headed back to the hotel room to watch some tv and relax.

Saturday we walked. And walked. And walked. Mom had so much she had to show me. We stopped at a store with metaphysical items such as crystals and books. I bought three more books and a calendar. (I left my apartment with two books and returned with seven.) I was starting to fade but I wanted to visit some attractions.

We weren't that impressed with the Undersea Gardens since it was dark and we couldn't really see the sea creatures through the glass. We learned a few interesting facts about the life below the water's surface.

But we did enjoy the Royal BC Museum. It was admission by donation week so for a discounted rate we were able to enjoy this attraction. From the exhibit honoring BC's 150th birthday to the First Nations display, the Museum took my breath away. I loved the third floor that has been created to represent going in the past. An artifact of a woolly mammoth greets visitors as the enter the exhibit. Cobblestone streets with exhibits of clothing and such from the turn of the last century, a replica of the captain's quarters of the HMS Discovery, best known as the Royal Navy Ship that was the lead in George Vancouver's exploration of the west coast of North America, and the set up of a mine where people can actually pan for gold - the third floor is a wonder to behold. I was filled with pride while viewing the second floor tribute to those who have made BC what it is.

Later that afternoon, Mom and I took in a Victoria custom that is about one hundred years old. Afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel. We were treated like royalty from the moment we came in to the time we stepped out. The hostess drew out our chairs and lay the napkins on our lap. Our server Paul brought small bowls of fruit to cleanse our palates before eating then left us alone for a few moments to choose from the selection of teas. We chose the Empress blend and it was served in two silver pots. One contained tea and the other hot water to dilute the tea if it were too strong. Paul poured our tea and added cream and sugar to mine. Our meal was served between us on a three tiered serving unit. The first level had a selection of finger sandwiches. The second had scones with jam and Devonshire cream and the top level held the deserts. Everything was bite sized and tasted exquisite. A host even roamed the dining room to greet everyone and discover more about them.

After tea we wandered for a couple of hours then stopped at a restaurant for some seafood appetizers. We ended up taking most of it back to the hotel so we had coconut encrusted prawns and cheese bread for breakfast on Sunday.

Sunday we were up early, walked to the bus depot and made the journey home. On the ferry while Mom and were sitting in seats reading we noticed that a group of people had gathered around us. Through the window we saw the fins of a whale disappearing below the waves. I later heard there were a couple of whales playing by the ferry.

We had a great time and the weather for us was sunny yet cold. I am glad to be home though and it is time for getting back to life.

TAGS:Let Us Play, Karen Magill,Royal BC Museum,Empress Hotel,Bard&Banker,Afternooon Tea,George Vancouver,HMS Discovery,Inn at Laurel Point