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Published: March 10th 2006
10/2 Today was designated as a rest and organising day. We have been so busy for a week now (and more in the weeks leading up) that we needed to catch our breath. For me today is also my first homesick day. The weather here is terrific (14 degrees), but there's not much to do today as we are organising our finances and travel for the next two weeks. I think it's also because it's Saturday at home which is my favourite day.
On a lighter note I was appointed to a job starting at St Clere's teaching Maths from March 9th which is only ten minutes from where we are staying at Kez and Rod's. Bit surreal having a phone interview in Canada, and the other end of the phone is in the UK.
11/2
The plan was to go to Vancouver Island with Pacific Coach Lines, who leave every couple of hours from the middle of town. On the bus on the way, the driver and a passenger advised us to catch public transport all the way, as it works out a lot cheaper. We took this idea up, and it was a good feeling to be independent
getting around. We ended up catching the bus to the Airport terminal, and then another one to Tsawwassen Wharf where we caught the ferry across to Swartz Bay, and then another bus down to Victoria.
The ferry was really cool, plenty of leg room, and you could go and walk out on the deck if you wanted, but it was very fresh. The scenery was awesome; mountains and water and islands. Mt. Baker seems to be following us everywhere so we took some more photos of it.
The bus from Swartz Bay was packed so we had to go up to the top level, which had a very low roof - both of us had to duck to get into our seats. The bus driver was really nice taking time to direct us on how to get to our hotel which we duly found easily. The girl on reception at The Red Lion Inn and Suites was nice and helpful also, and our room was just what we were after. We found it on the cheap at the expedia website. After checking our bags in we decided to walk downtown.
The hotel was a bit further from downtown than we
expected, but it was good to stretch the legs. Victoria is very pretty like Vancouver, but its buildings are Old World and there isn't any skyscrapers. Downtown Victoria is very impressive with The Empress Hotel, the museum, and Parliament House all neighbouring each other and overlooking the water. We took some photos on twilight, and when the lights came on, before heading back to the hotel.
Before falling asleep we watched The Green Mile which has to be one of the best movies of all time.
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noely
non-member comment
awesome
Great to see some wonderful old world buildings, much more inspiring than skyscrapers. Cheap hotel but just what you want is everyone's desire. Great photos dan and bec. Look forward to seeing some photos od the Dutchies next and of course New York.