Victoria and Seattle

September 15, 2007 -- Victoria was too quick a trip for us. We arrived at 6pm, the sun went down two hours later, and we sailed out at 11pm. Diane and I got off the ship as soon as they allowed it, and we took a shuttle into downtown. She really wanted to visit the Butchart Gardens, but at $65 per person, I thought it was too expensive for seeing flowers. We later heard of another tour service that charged only $40, but by then, it was rather late.
So we visited the Empress Hotel - a sumptuous old structure in the grand European style. It was filled with English antiques, Spode dishware, mahogany woodworking, Indian tapestries, historic photos of the hotel in the 1930s, and many other elements of refined living. The exterior was old brownstone covered with ivy, and the gardens were lush and well cared for. It was all quite lovely.
As we walked along the small craft harbor, we snapped photos of the hotel reflected in the water and studied the Parliament buildings, which were constructed to honor Queen Victoria's jubilee. Later that night, they were lit up like a big wedding cake, as they have been for 100 years.
As evening fell, we walked up Government Street, poking into one shop or another - looking at handmade soaps, fine bags, cheap t-shirts, luggage, and other goods. Street musicians played to the delight of passing crowds, and everything seemed very safe and clean. Canadians, by and large, were very polite, and the streets were free of graffiti and litter.
By 9pm, we were quite tired from three hours of walking, so we caught the bus back to the ship. The Vista Restaurant had already closed, so we had a quick bite at the buffet. It was our last official meal on the ship, and you could sense the low-key feelings from all the guests. Tomorrow would send us back to reality.
Saturday morning came too quickly, as we finished our last-minute packing and had a quick breakfast of fruit and coffee. We were off the ship by 10am, saying our last good-byes to the stewards and others who had become our temporary friends during the trip.
My college friend Margie Coles picked us up at the terminal and recommended a quick run through Pike Place Market. Talk about mind-boggling! It was a long stretch of stalls packed with all manner of local goods - giant peaches, exotic vegetables, juicy berries, aromatic mushrooms, two-pound lobster tails, whale-sized salmon, spiced teas, handmade sausages, local arts and crafts, organic honeys, huge colorful bouquets, and much more. We pushed our way through the crowds doing their weekend shopping, as well as tourists snapping photos and gawking at the sheer variety of goods.
Along the streets, there were life-size pig sculptures, each designed by an artist and intended for a fundraising auction. Celebrating the market's 100th year, the pigs were done up in Piccaso-style paints, or covered with pennies, or dressed like Carmen Miranda, or wearing baby clothes, or looking like mermaids. It was all very clever.
Taking us up to her home on Queen Anne Hill, Margie gave us a running commentary about the neighborhood history before we met her husband Neal. What a great guy... someone who obviously loves Margie and is quite settled, bright, and funny. He's a real keeper.
After conversation over cheese and crackers, we drove over to see a fantastic view of the city from one of the local parks. A couple of bridal families were there for photos - a Seattle tradition, with the Space Needle and the city skyline in the background. We couldn't believe how young the newlyweds looked. But at our age, everyone looks too young to be married!
Then it was off to the airport, where there were hugs all around and sad good-byes. Diane and I had a pre-flight lunch and then our vacation was over. "I love you," we said, parting at the foot of the C and D terminals. She went one way, and I went another.
My next trip? Spending Thanksgiving with her daughter and family...