but Victoria, BC does her namesake proud. We were very pleased with everything we saw in and around Victoria. Again we had not booked any ship’s tour but tried out luck ashore.
The garden is divided in areas; the Sunken Gardens developed from an old stone quarry, Japanese Garden, Italian Gardens and Rose Gardens. The rose gardens were not in bloom but the summer views promise to be spectacular from the early spring growth we saw. Art displays and benches throughout the gardens make it an inviting place to sit and contemplate.
Gifts shops, garden art, and several restaurants finish out the garden to a full day experience which we didn’t have.
Most impressive was the Empress Hotel. We vow to visit again and stay at this palatial, old icon. Many famous luminaries havestayed there and there are reports that Bob Hope used to putt golf balls on the front lawn. Guess they can handle us for at least a cocktail.
We knew we wanted to see Butchart Gardens as anyone who has ever been to this area labels it a “must see”. They are so correct! The beautiful gardens are impeccably maintained by a large staff of gardeners and employees. The garden is open 365 days a year so the flowers obviously change with each season. We were not disappointed with the spring collection as we saw thousands of blooming tulips in all shapes and colors, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring beauties.
The garden is divided in areas; the Sunken Gardens developed from an old stone quarry, Japanese Garden, Italian Gardens and Rose Gardens. The rose gardens were not in bloom but the summer views promise to be spectacular from the early spring growth we saw. Art displays and benches throughout the gardens make it an inviting place to sit and contemplate.
Gifts shops, garden art, and several restaurants finish out the garden to a full day experience which we didn’t have.Returning on the bus to downtown Victoria we drove past some wineries, industrial and residential areas. Even from the bus we caught views of the beautiful parks, lakes and harbor, and took a quick drive through Chinatown. Vancouver-Whistler, only 60 miles away, are the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The logo wear and ‘ringed’ souvenirs are abundant.
Most impressive was the Empress Hotel. We vow to visit again and stay at this palatial, old icon. Many famous luminaries havestayed there and there are reports that Bob Hope used to putt golf balls on the front lawn. Guess they can handle us for at least a cocktail.As we first looked out our balcony this morning we saw the young sea lion swimming between the ship and the dock. This afternoon while completing the blog and viewing pictures this ‘sky rat’ came up upon our balcony looking for any final crumbs. Guess that says it all…crumbs to the gulls…underwear is dirty and the liquor bottles are empty. Time to go home.
Well, my "tarts" what can I say.
ReplyDeleteJust come back today from Tasmania and done my 14 days reading. What a trip and my memories come flooding back of all thoise seedy joints you went to.
You are so lucky!!!!! and I'm not tlalking about the weather
Love your courages excursions without the safety net of the ship. Great dress rehearsal for Oriana WELL DONE
Love you both to bits
Bren and Rob xxxxxxxxxx
How did I not know that you were a photography nut? Great pictures and memories. Did you consider being a writer before choosing Science? I love the blogs and pictures. Thanks for sharing your travels with us.
ReplyDeleteHelen