We did some map and accommodation checking with our morning coffee and it looks like Tuesday we will try and head north to see more of the island. Paul is quite prepared to go without reservations, I'm still pushing for having a definite roof over my head. We'll see.
Victoria is made up of neighbourhoods, each with it's own character and charm. Today we visited Oak Bay. We had driven the area earlier and noted the galleries, antique shops, gift stores and cafes and knew we wanted to return. We were also on the lookout for a tea room where we were told we could get a much better and fresher selection then at the Empress and for a much lower cost.
We wandered in and out of the more interesting places, one having the best collection of estate jewelery I have seen. I could be happy rich!
At the local craft gallery we asked about the tea room and when Paul wondered if they served coffee, good coffee, they suggested we might like to try a bakery cafe that had unbelievably great sandwiches and desserts and the desired good coffee.
On our way toward it Paul spotted an art gallery he thought looked interesting so again in we went. First rate pottery pieces, I was drooling and Paul fell in love with a picture of a small Venice St. with the houses reflected in the water. It was suggested that we look at it really closely...it was a fabric collage so perfectly pieced with tiny bits of cloth that seemed impossibly arranged to form the picture.
A tad above our price range ($4,400.00) Oh well. I'm sure it will find a good home. Seems the artist if very collectible.
Lunch was fabulous, after sharing a ham and blue cheese sandwich on a freshly made bun. Paul finished with a piece of pecan pie and I had chocolate raspberry torte. The coffee? It was excellent.
We decided to drive further afield, found a park and pulled in. We still haven't grown tired of the views across the strait.........
It was still a little early to make dinner when we got home so decided we needed to walk off more of our dessert. With Beacon Hill Park so close, back we went.
I like flowers.
I also like the contrast in the park between structured beds and native woodland.
2 comments:
Are you going up to the Butchart Gardens? It's been 40 years since I've been there, but I remember it fondly.
We are undecided. It's become expensive and very crowded. Perhaps if we run out of things to see and do.
We've visited lots of gardens so far and have enjoyed viewing the gardens of homes we walk past.
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