Archives for category: Travel

After a very lazy Christmas morning, we took the most delicious long walk in the later afternoon. The day was dark and stormy, but the rain held off. When we arrived home after dark, a storm of a different kind ensued; then we ate until we just couldn’t move! Hope everyone had an enjoyable day.

Another of my most favourite seasonal windows.

Another of my most favourite seasonal windows.

Detail of the lovely window.

Detail of the lovely window.

Rare brown pelican sighting in the Inner Harbour.

Rare brown pelican sighting in the Inner Harbour.

Hard to see, but I love the "light trees" that dot the edges of the harbour. This one right at the Coho Terminal, surrounded by flags.

Hard to see, but I love the “light trees” that dot the edges of the harbour. This one right at the Coho Terminal, surrounded by flags.

Near the Coho Terminal: winter flowers and a view of downtown.

Near the Coho Terminal: winter flowers and a view of downtown.

Beautiful palette: sky, ocean, shore.

Beautiful palette: sky, ocean, shore.

Dark storm clouds out over the Sooke Hills. I wondered if it might be a white Christmas out that way!?

Dark storm clouds out over the Sooke Hills. I wondered if it might be a white Christmas out that way!?

A few samples of the gingerbread houses at the Inn at Laurel Point, a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Victoria.

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Some of my favourites from the Festival of Trees at the Empress Hotel, a fundraiser for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.

This one very pretty and colourful; from The Market on Yates.

This one very pretty and colourful; from The Market on Yates.

Probably my most favourite, from Tilley.

Probably my most favourite; from Tilley.

A lovely and traditional tree in the lower lobby. One can also find a beautiful display of vintage photos from the early history of the hotel and the city.

A lovely and traditional tree in the lower lobby. One can also find a beautiful display of vintage photos from the early history of the hotel and the city.

And the tree in the main lobby, this year in white and silver.

And the tree in the main lobby, this year in white and silver.

Centennial Square, Victoria BC

Centennial Square, Victoria BC

Always two of my favourite festive windows every year are at Rogers Chocolates on Government Street.

Always two of my favourite festive windows every year are at Rogers Chocolates on Government Street.

Beaconsfield Inn, Victoria

Beaconsfield Inn, Victoria

Beaconsfield Inn, Victoria

Beaconsfield Inn, Victoria

The front window at Fan Tan Gallery.

The front window at Fan Tan Gallery.

Festive vignette.

Festive vignette.

Cole the Christmas cat.

Cole the Christmas cat.

Our little branches  and glass ornaments illuminated in blue-whit light.

Our little branches and glass ornaments illuminated in blue-whit light.

For the next week or so, I will post photos of Holiday cheer from around my city; just for the Joy of it. Sending love and best wishes.

A little festive embellishment in the entryway of our home.

A little festive embellishment in the entryway of our home.

Our last full day in Vancouver began early with another delicious breakfast at the Central Bistro with I and M. They were also staying at The Sylvia. Then we hopped aboard a bus to UBC and spent most of the day at the Museum of Anthropology. There were some new exhibits to explore since our last visit. In the late afternoon we headed back downtown to Chinatown where we wandered a bit waiting for Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie to open. This was our second time there and what a treat. Since we were so early, we were seated at a great table. Every dish was superb and the desserts were divine. Best to go early or quite late, but also well worth the wait. As we ate so early, we were back at the hotel just after 7 so decided to walk through Stanley Park to see the Bright Nights display. This event is a fundraiser for the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund. Entrance to see the lights is by donation, but there is a fee to ride the Christmas Train. We didn’t ride the train, but it was still really fun! The strangest compilation of lights and displays I’ve ever seen, most looking like they had been donated from the long-forgotten corners of garages. The children there that evening were so loving it. There were great snacks for sale, live music and Santa was on hand for photos until 9 pm. Another fabulous day, perfectly festive!

One of my favourite little bits of MOA.

One of my favourite little bits of MOA.

Many decades of Yuletide decor represented. If I had more time in Vancouver I would love to research all the pieces to see how far back they go!

Many decades of Yuletide decor represented. If I had more time in Vancouver I would love to research all the pieces to see how far back they go!

These beautiful vintage reindeer were tucked away in a quiet part of the display.

These beautiful vintage reindeer were tucked away in a quiet part of the display.

This sweet little miniature village was one of my favourite vignettes.

This sweet little miniature village was one of my favourite vignettes.