a mundane post from the west coast

   I'm writing this entry from the lovely town of Saanich, located in British Columbia. It's situated on Vancouver Island, a beautiful place that has the distinct privilege of having absolutely fantastic weather. If California and Canada married and popped out a baby, this island would be the result. It's Canada, but with sunshine and a good tan.

  It's my first time in the province, and it's been a lovely introduction to the west coast of Canada. If you haven't been, picture a landscape consisting of a sparkling blue ocean set against a backdrop of mountains, roadsides planted with lush gardens, a temperate climate, and, my absolute favorite part, baby palm trees! Yes, there are palm trees in Canada. Who knew?

  I am here on business, but I managed to take the day to explore some of what the island has to offer.  I ventured on to the bus system, which is quite nice, and puttered around the island.  It was a nice and cheap way to see some of the local scenery.  For anyone interested, the 39 Bus from U Victoria to Royal Oak Exchange has a section that goes along the ocean and travels through a beautiful and densely wooded park.

  I eventually ended up at Butchart Gardens. I highly, highly, highly recommend a visit. I've always been a fan of all things botanical, and this place was a like a little slice of heaven.  The gardens are a work of art, and not to be missed. The plantings were world class, with every aesthetic quality carefully thought through.  Sight, smell, touch, and even sound were all considered. 

  My only complaint was the amount of tourists.  It's not even peak season yet, so I can't imagine the place during the summer months.  I raised my eyebrow a few times at the pushy behavior of some of the Chinese and Korean tourists, who were willing to plow down anyone in the way of a good photo opportunity.  I got stepped on several times by little old Asian women.  I never knew such dainty, tiny ladies could inflict so much damage.

 I will upload some photos when Blogger will let me. Right now it's refusing to upload anything.