Intrepid Explorers

It's funny sometimes how you never get to see a place until you've been there multiple times. This is actually our third visit to Victoria but the first where we've really explored the city. Back in 2002, we focused on the mainland and my only desire was to have tea at the Fairmont Empress and last year, Victoria was a waypoint off Vancouver Island after sea kayaking near Campbell River. We took advantage of our three days in British Columbia's capital by thoroughly exploring downtown by poking into antique shops, exploring dark alleys in Chinatown where the opium trade prospered way back when, and shaking our heads over architecture and art that was considered cool circa 1962.



We also did our fair share of shopping by visiting the Roots store, Roger's Chocolaterie, and Murchie's for tea and coffee.



And Santa picked this up for Nathan....



Really, Mom had to have Hockey Player Mr. Potato Head. Sssh, no telling.