Clematis armandii – beautiful and fragrant – in the back courtyard of our building.
Archives for category: Travel
Sun is shining this morning; beautiful, colourful morning! Here is the same tree from rainy Saturday, a couple different vantage points.
Beautiful pink blossoms with the Legislative buildings behind. Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada.
Beyond the blossoms: Inner Harbour, Victoria BC.
This was the view of the Inner Harbour yesterday morning. The Coho about to depart for Port Angeles WA and beautiful pink blossoms heralding the beginning of spring.
The last day of February and I’m squeezing in a couple more hot chocolate treats. Yesterday, I had a lovely one at Street Level Espresso. Dark, rich, creamy and beautifully presented with a piece of chocolate on the side.
Last one! Maybe until next year! Out early this morning for a lovely walk. Spring was in the air and the sky was blue. I stopped in at a Victoria icon, Murchie’s, for hot chocolate and a currant scone with jam and cream. Very lovely.
We had a beautiful snow day yesterday. None settled downtown, but we walked for several hours with it fluttering around us. As we walked around the harbour, we saw these brave ones in their beautiful canoes:
Every month is for art in my world, but this month is special. A while ago, we were given an opportunity to curate a show at Dales Gallery, right here in our neighbourhood. GJ and I have both shown our own work there, and love the owner and atmosphere. There was an opening for this month and we decided we would organize a show for our friend Michael Lewis. It’s been a real treat working with Michael and the gallery to make this show happen. Michael has had some great press (here and here) and we’re very happy that sales are going well. Here are a few photos of the process and the show.
Hanging day: Michael and GJ deciding where each of the 24 pieces will be.
It all came together quite quickly; we were able to go for lunch by about 1 pm!
People begin to gather at the opening; a very cold evening, February 6, 2014
The gallery is so beautiful and showcases Michael’s work really well.
Hanging out at Dales on one of the run’s Saturdays; GJ and Michael exchanging puns.
L to R, Kiss Me Deadly, Sands, and Politicians and Pirates, © Michael Lewis
L to R, Lucy, Dryads, Definitely Not the Ripper, On the Rocks, and Beach Open, © Michael Lewis
L to R, The Box and Dick Tracy, © Michael Lewis
The hot chocolate search will continue, but I will be drawn back again and again to Chocolat, Chocolatiere de Victoria. It’s understandable that a chocolatiere would be the place to find exquisite hot chocolate, what’s not understandable is why I hadn’t tried it before yesterday! I have bought delicious chocolates there many times. It’s probably just too tempting a place to be; as we enjoyed our delicious beverages I was thinking about all the chocolates to try! There is some cozy seating in which to savour your hot chocolate (several varieties including Chili Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Chai) as well as coffees and lovely desserts.
On the left, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, and right is a Dark Hot Chocolate without the whip.
Chocolat, 703 Fort Street, Victoria BC
One of the first businesses to open at The Hudson (where the Downtown Public Market is located) was 2% Jazz Coffee. This is their second location, their first being at 2631 Douglas Street, popular with coffee drinkers for many years. The decor is industrial and interesting with coffee roasting visible from an open balcony near the entrance.
2% Jazz Coffee, 1701 Douglas Street, on the Fisgard Street side of The Hudson.
The hot chocolate was tasty and very sweet. There was a hint of spice. The barista said it was chipotle, but I didn’t detect any smokiness or heat, just an interesting flavour.
The space was left raw and open with lots of seating options and big windows.
Yummy looking treats.
Today’s rain storm marks the end of a cold snap. The cold clear days were beautiful, but I’m sure hard on the little buds.
Small purple crocuses blooming in spite of the cold.
Lovely fountain in Beacon Hill Park, Victoria BC.
View from the top of Beacon Hill.
Coloured lights filtered through the icy fountain in Centennial Square.
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