Victoria, British Columbia

On Sunday we returned to Victoria to enjoy some down time after the cruise. Having been to both Seattle and Victoria before we didn’t felt the need to rush around and see the sights, which is good because we were pretty tired. We took a city tour and also spent some time taking buses and looking around. Victorians are very keen gardeners and it shows. Almost every house seems to have a beautiful garden, and of course everything is in full spring bloom.

Two of the city’s most impressive buildings are situated next to each other – the Parliament Building and the Empress Hotel. The latter is built in a classic French Canadian style and has ivy covered walls. It is obviously classy, as High Tea can be taken there for the somewhat less than modest cost of $60 per person! You can get a full 2 course dinner for $30, so take your pick!! The Parliament Building is very impressive, with marble columns and mosaics that remind us of our own Parliament House. We watched a debate about a new tax bill that the Opposition New Democrat Party (i.e like the ALP) was happily using as an excuse to attack the Liberal Government. This bear pit was so like our own parliaments – lots of jibes, ironic laughter and table banging. Kindergarten for adults anyone?

On Monday we took a bus yesterday to the Mayfair Mall – what a misnomer!! There were no supermarkets, no pharmacies, and no book store. There was just a range of high end fashion stores, and a food court. As we had eaten at Denny’s, we had no interest in the food, so after a quick stroll headed back to the city. We FINALLY found a supermarket – 20 minutes walk uphill from the motel. We managed to get some fresh fruit and yoghurt which we had for tea, after having a spa to get over the long walk!!

We are back in Vancouver now for a couple of days and a good catch up with Phil’s brother and sister-in-law, Rob and Marg. Next blog will be from LA.