Blogs from Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, North America - page 11

Aloha My Friends, Even though I have not brought back the sunshine from Hawaii with me (sorry), I have brought back something else that is equally as warm which is the Hawaiian way of life, Aloha. The word Aloha is commonly used to greet someone as in saying Hello or Goodbye as an expression of love. However, it also means many more beautiful things. In the Hawaiian language, Aloha symbolizes affection, peace, compassion and mercy towards others. 'Alo' means presence and ' ha' means breath which equates to the "the breath of life". The Aloha way of living allows us to share the love and respect with others in our lives. The spirit of Aloha is about sending and recieving positive energies to others and living life in harmony. When practicing the spirit of Aloha, you ... read more

Day 4 Today was a day of firsts for the Wilkins. It was our first time on international waters, our first time on foreign soil, our first time using our passports, our first time going through customs, and our first time on a ferry. We got an early start today by being in the dining room of the hotel by 6:30am – it was hard for the rest of the family to be up and ready by 6:30 – especially since we on vacation. But we had to catch the 8am ferry to Victoria and be there early for passport check and proper documentation. The sun comes up early here, so it was daylight way before then, making traveling that early fairly easy. We check in for the ferry, show our passports, fill out the customs ... read more

Butchart Gardens, Victoria BC... read more

Hi everyone, I've never used a blog site before, so hopefully this isn't too complicated. I have three more sleeps in my own bed until I leave for this incredible trip! I'm excited, and anxious (both to arrive in India, and to be away from home for four months), and so many other feelings right now. Only a few days left!... read more

We made it to Victoria in the early afternoon and checked in to our hotel. They gave us a balcony suite overlooking the harbor! I have been sitting here watching the float planes and ferries come in. It is very relaxing. I have decided that the Canuks must think I am an overly aggressive driver. They do not tailgate, honk their horns, flash their lights or give you any finger signals. Now, of course I do not consider myself an overly aggressive driver, but compared to the Canuks, I am all of the above! Megan and I walked all over Victoria and up over Beacon Hill. We have seen a lot of sights and have enjoyed our time here. We ate at a restaurant overlooking the harbor called Nautical Nellies. They had the best food EVER! ... read more