About

Your recent posts on Facebook have reminded me of my first trip to Victoria, which has since become a regular event in my life.

When I was starting out, money was in short supply. I was in desperate need of a getaway, but couldn’t really afford it. One of my co-workers was kind enough to give me a coupon for a reduced fare, so I eagerly signed up for a day trip.

Arriving early at Pier 69 on a rainy April day, I was able to score a front window seat on the lower level, and pretty much had my nose pressed to the glass the entire time. I still remember how excited I was as Victoria Harbour steamed into view. This wasn’t my first trip to Canada – one of my college friends lived in Vancouver – but it was my first glimpse of that unique skyline, part Old World, part New – part something else. The sun was trying to come out as well, which made it all of the more exciting for this Seattle girl.

I can’t remember which I enjoyed the most – shopping at Munro’s books or the used bookstores, browsing through Murchie’s amazing tea collection, admiring the lovely boutiques downtown, sampling chocolates at Roger’s or the three hours I dedicated to wandering through the Royal BC Museum. My first glimpse of Butchart gardens was to happen a few years in the future (once I could afford it), but even seeing the hanging baskets, complete with spring color, or wandering through Beacon Hill park had me entranced.

The Parliament Building, with its exquisite glass windows, gilt and silver decorations and commemorative murals was also amazing. Finally, footsore, tired and extremely hungry, I ended up at the James Bay tea house, where the two tiny scones, clotted cream, sandwiches and a tiny lemon-curd tart were perfect for both my appetite and my slim pocketbook. Their tea was both amazing and fortifying, especially when loaded up with cream and sugar, and, between my fairly-endless refills, I admired the roomful of royal memoribilia.

All too soon, it was time to head back. Much to the detriment of my hair, which ended up seriously snarled, I spent a some of the return trip outside, watching the wake foam behind us and the stars come out against a lavendar-green sky. Going through customs, I remember that I made my agent laugh out loud, when presented with a shopping bag containing a year’s supply of tea and two chocolate bars.

That day was magical, the first of many, which have since included trips to Butchart, tours, overnight stays, combo tours, visits to Sidney bookstores, and even tea at the Empress. Thank you for the opportunity to relive it.