Picturesque Inner Harbour

Sorry for bombarding you with pictures but these pictures are priceless.

It looks just right out of a postcard ha ha!

This was the day of the Victoria Symphony Splash which basically is a concert outdoor, or more specifically performing on a floating stage. I wouldn't know because we were not able to witness the actual concert :( but there were some people who has their lounge chairs around the perimeters of the supposed stage as early as 10:00am. We even saw a couple of reclining chair (bulky ones!). 

  

* Postcard #1

* Postcard #2

* Postcard #3

See some chairs on the perimeter?

* Father and Daughter Moment

* Postcard #4

* Postcard #5

One of my "must do" list in the future...

An afternoon tea at the Empress

* The Empress

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INNER HARBOUR/ THE EMPRESS

VICTORIA, B.C.

Candy Cures

Think of Shoppers Drug mart and instead of pills, ointmenrs and creams, think gummy bears and all the sweet stuffs girls are made of... he he!

That is the creative concept behind Candy Cures, a Candy store in Victoria.

* Candy Doctor's card

* The Clinic... Er Drug store...

* It comes complete with a sales rep wearing a doctor's coat

* Classic favorites are categorized as Retro cures

* Pill boxes, Medicine Bottles as containers

Plastic gloves and tongs to complete the concept

* Some freebies at the counter

* Clean bill of health :)

I just love how creative this store is...

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CANDY CURES

UPTOWN SHOPS

Victoria, B.C.

Meeting the Princess...

The Parliament Building is one of the "Must-See" in Victoria. 

* Parliament Building in all it's glory

* Birds gathered here too

* Totem Pole in the picture

* Water Fountain

* Statue of Elizabeth the....nth (II)

* So much detail goes into even a simple post

* Kimi poses for a quick picture :)

* Finally... Meeting the Princess as Kimi calls her

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PARLIAMENT BUILDING

Victoria, B.C.

Japanese Village and Marching Band

Initially, we were aiming for a seafood experience for dinner. Victoria is actually well known for their seafood but I guess a lot of people are thinking like us and we got a reservation for an 8:45pm- Too late.

We decided to scanned through the Victoria magazine inside our hotel room and saw a page that advertised Japanese Teppanyaki cuisine. They are also a recipient of Best of the City from 1995 onward. So, with that in my mind, we called them up for a reservation and managed to get a reasonable 8pm dinner reservation. Small Victory- Yey!

We use our outdated (but still reliable) GPS and arrived looking for the Japanese Village sign. Two phone calls to the restaurant, we finally found the restaurant a bit ahead from where we were planning to park covered by some trees... AHA!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! A loud noise from the other side of the restaurant. Being curious (ha ha!), Kimi and I decided to investigate and found a marching band coming.... 

* These are probably a preparation parade for the Victoria Symphony Splash for next day

After the parade, it was just a preview so it was short... Whew!My stomach was grumbling by this time.

* Basement Restaurant

I was a bit apprehensive seeing the dark entry going down the actual restaurant. 

* Achievement plaques displayed at the wall

It was not so bad downstair. Yes, it was dark just like any typical Teppanyaki restaurant.

We had to wait some more- but no the wait was not so bad. 

* Chopsticks for the meal

* Chef Exhibition

The meal was really good. Even hubby who doesn't eat mushroom managed to finish the appetizer mushroom that comes with the meal. I was apprehensive with the veggies but it was all so good as well. The kids loved the halibut fillet and even hubby who is very particular with steak (always complaining how hard it usually is), was satisfied on how his turned out.

 * OUR ORDERS *

Complete Order Dinners

Includes: Shabu Shabu Soup, Village Salad, Yaki Shrimp Appetizer, Hibatchi Vegetables, Short Grain Rice, Green Tea, and Sherbet or Ice Cream.

New York Steak

Scallop and Halibut Steak

I was hoping the ice cream would be green tea but the vanilla was really good as well.

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JAPANESE VILLAGE

Victoria, B.C.

Totem Pole and Royal BC Museum

What would a place be without some totem poles to signify Canada's roots?

...so, here are some totem poles we came across our walks in Victoria

* Totem Pole

* Mel and Kimi :)

One of the things in my checklist was the Royal BC Museum. I was tempted to go in but I think it would be more practical to do this when the kids are more older and Kenzo is not as noisy when the mood struck him...

* Royal BC Museum

* Royal BC Museum from the outside

* * * * *

VICTORIA, B.C.

Old World Charm at Old Spaghetti Factory

Coming from our hotel that reeks Old World Charm Interiors, we proceeded to a restaurant that is of similar design. It was a plus that spaghetti is always a big winner with the kids ;)

* Interiors that are so... Victoria?

* Old Fashioned things added to the charm of this restaurant

* Achievements Received

* Our Menu

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OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY

Victoria, B.C.

Hotel Grand Pacific

It started with a deal from Travel Zoo recently. Then, my mind started turning...

RELAXATION.

I'm sold....

* Hotel Grand Pacific

Right next to our hotel on the left is this coat of arms sort of park. I am not sure what you call this place but that is the best I can do ;)

* Splendor.

* Coat of Arms of all the Canadian provinces and territories

* Fountain at the middle

Love the location... A few steps away to the Inner Harbour. It almost feels like the Inner Harbour is your whole front yard :). To the right is the Parliament Building. Really good eh? Even hubby was raving about this hotel.

* Nice Entrance with Glass Awnings

It was like a Hotel that says luxury... even the Interior of the hotels speaks of Classic and Regal

* Kimi has been begging for a horse ride

it was way expensive so....maybe next time!

It's a good thing that Kimi is not a girl who does tantrum when she doesn't get her way. It is easy to distract her with another offer. :) Whew!

* Waiting Area

* Look Ma, Canadian Leaf!

Now, A tour of our room...

* Room 215

* Comfortable Bed

* Classic Armoire with Side Chairs for late night coffees

* Complimentary Coffees

* Ice buckets and Glasses

* Bathroom were a good size plus 2 sinks!

I wish that there was a shower hand spray for the kids in the shower though.

* Bathroom Neccessities

Overall, the hotel was a great choice and we also had spa at 10% off so no complaints there except I think the spa area was too small and not maintained as well as the hotel. I learned though that it was previously privately own and the owner went back to Japan so the hotel just held onto it while no one is interested in buying. The massage therapist was okay and friendly but it would have been more of an experience if there were candles or some scent to add to the spa experience.

* * * * *

HOTEL GRAND PACIFIC

Victoria, B.C.