We had no set plans for our day in Victoria so we took our time to get off the ship and walked along the scenic walking path into the main part of town… well that was the plan but we found a couple of diversions on the way!
Our first diversion was not far from the pier and was Fisherman's Wharf…. a small floating village of quaint unique colourful houses which was a painter's paradise. The would be artists were out in force as it was the weekend! It was relatively quiet walking around as it was early in the morning so not many people were out and about.
As we walked on we saw a sign on a power pole for a local market so off we went into the back streets in search of white tents and yes we found them. The market was relatively small with a good mix of art and craft, hand made clothes and jewellery, fresh fruit and veg, local street food and a great family band consisting of a brother and sister and Dad. We later found the same band in the main part of town with another brother and yes we bought a CD. At the market we sampled some of the local food while we sat in the sun and took in the band. A very local experience!
On we walked into the main part of town through the gardens of the Legislative Buildings and on to the beautiful Empress Hotel where we stayed when we were in Victoria back in 2006. Unfortunately we could not go inside the Parliament buildings as it was the weekend and tours had to be prebooked and the timing did not suit our schedule. Next stop was the Empress Hotel and of course we had to walk through the ground floor and ogle at all the people having high tea in the decadent dining room. Interestingly the same leather coat that my friend bought 10 years ago is still on display in the gift shop in a different colour! I suppose you could say timeless fashion??
After a walk up the main shopping street we made our way back to the ship via the residential area. By this time it was hot walking in the afternoon sun so we a cold drink was well received when back on board.
One day at sea before San Francisco which is the end of the second sector and where we will loose one couple off our dinner table. On the original itinerary we were supposed to only have an overnight stay but due to "technical issues" we are now missing the port of San Diego and staying an extra night in San Fran.
Arriving into Victoria
Timeless fuschias
The unusual floating village at Fisherman's Wharf
The local market
A hot dog!
The family band minus one brother
Waling through the gardens of the Legislative buildings
Parliament
The Empress Hotel
The signature Empress china
The timeless leather jacket
The Inner Harbour
Some garden art
Walking around the main shopping area
Walking back to the ship
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