Welcome to Victoria

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Oh my Gosh, my first visit to Canada.  I've always wanted to go to Canada -- Whistler, Quebec, a train ride all for a future trip.  But for now, I'm visiting Victoria.  I'm jazzed.  We had drizzle. 

Today's excursion includes a trip through the city, and wow, it is beautiful.  The architecture is stunning.  Victoria is considered Canada's most British city showcasing Victorian and Edwardian era mansions and other landmarks. Victoria began in 1843 as a Hudson Bay Company trading post, named in honor of Queen Victoria. I am reminded of Berkeley, San Francisco and Princeton as we tour the city and surrounding neighborhoods.  Exquisite gardens abound and flowers everywhere. Very pretty.  Of course it's famous for its Butchart Gardens and is known as the "Garden City".  Unfortunately, Victoria has become like the Bay Area (CA) in terms of real estate prices.  I was unable to capture the pretty neighborhoods we passed; I know that I am returning for sure.

We were entertained by our guide about Victoria's history.  Here we are stopping at Mt. Tolmie.  Had we had better weather, we would have seen Washington state across the water.

I toured Craigdarrouch Catele built by Robert Dunsmuir (related to Dunsmuir near Mt. Shasta, CA).  It was marvelous.  A search in Google will provide you with its history.   I wish I had more time to explore this incredible city.  I wanted to sample chocolates from Rogers' chocolates, and hang out in a pub.  Before we knew it, we had to return to ship.  Much to short.