Thursday, October 23, 2008

Beautiful Victoria, BC

Well, it's hard to believe that we are more than half way through our trip to Canada. It has been beautiful here in Victoria - the weather is in the fifties, and the sun has been shinning the whole time we have been here. It is glorious here.

We flew into Seattle on Monday, and went to dinner with a friends brother-in-law who lives there. It was a wonderful seafood dinner overlooking Tacoma - breath-taking views, delicious food and good company - can anyone ask for anything more? Well, we did, and we got it. We took the Victoria Clipper to Victoria on Tuesday, where we were able to see more beautiful mountains,and even some whales swimming in the distance. We experienced some turbulence in the boat, but nothing too terrible.

We are staying in downtown Victoria, just a couple of blocks off the harbor. We are situated about a block from the church, and anything else we could need. We have found several great restaurants. We are eating too much, and enjoying every bit of it.

We have spent a good amount of time catching up with old friends, and making new ones. It has been better than I could have imagined. One thing we have noticed since stepping foot here, is that service, and in general, the Canadians seem to be a very nice, gentle, and rule-abiding group of people. Even the "Goth" kids don't cross the street until the sign tells them they are allowed to go. The pan-handlers politely say "thank you" when you tell them you have no cash - because you don't. And for those who know me, I will be bringing back a Canadian accent - I'm already hearing it now.

I am spending some time in the room this afternoon - while others are in meetings. It just seemed like a good time to catch up with myself. We will be here for 2 more days - leaving on a ferry Saturday evening. There is so much we want to do, we are having difficulty deciding what we will do with our time here Friday afternoon and Saturday. No matter what, we will be sad to go, I think.

I am taking pictures, and will be posting them once I am home. I hope that everyone is doing well - or are doing better, for those I know to be not feeling well. See you all soon!