A first glimpse of Victoria....

After arriving under less than ideal conditions to this beautiful city, I have recovered and am LOVING my time spent here! I rode the bus to the office this morning, something I did on a fairly frequent basis when I lived here 12 years ago, and I was struck by how different I am from that 20 year old girl. Grown up, less naive. And while part of me wishes I could have the optimism and outlook of that girl back, I wouldn't trade places with her for anything.

Yesterday was spent doing some sight-seeing, shopping, and generally just enjoying spending time with my sister, Amanda, and brother-in-law, Doug. We headed downtown mid-afternoon, parking north of the downtown core. It meant a walk through areas of Victoria that I don't remember - Chinatown and a craft market in the block previous - to get to where we wanted to go. While I don't remember these spots, I am sure there were there. I just didn't pay any attention. I paid attention this time. I was struck by how different it was...and hope to head back that way tomorrow on my lunch to take more pics. Pictured here is the gate to Chinatown...

One of the neat things we found was this tiny little alleyway right through the heart of Chinatown that was MAYBE 8 feet wide at the most. As we entered it I was struck by how much it reminded me of the picture I have in my head of the "market" place that Harry & friends would buy their school supplies before heading to Hogwarts'. I know it's not the scene pictured in the movie but when I read the books I picture something like this alleyway...only packed with people and a little darker! Walk with me, & Doug and Amanda, through the alley. As we entered, heading north, there were residences (I am assuming) on the left and little shops on the right...I was struck by the vivid colors on the doors of the apartments and the cool numbers - 16 1/2, 17 1/2, 18 1/2. It was very "unmodern" and a total surprise!! It was truly another world....

FIRST - the south entrance, Doug & Amanda up ahead (Doug is wearing the blue t-shirt and Amanda is in the green). I love the signage to the right...

SECOND - a little further into the alleyway...looking up. You can see how narrow it is here...

THIRDLY - A doorway to someone's home that struck me...I couldn't resist taking a picture. I didn't zoom in for it either. I am directly across the alleyway with my back pressed against the wall! And I mean PRESSED!!! And the camera was held as close to myself as possible!


There was this really neat noodle shop...just a hole in the wall into this room where they were making noodles. There wasn't much too this place - it really was tiny. It was this sight that had me feeling like I had really been transported to another world...who knew these little places existed?? I'd really like to try the noodles...I am sure they are the best around!!

All in all it was a great day! Ended with some really yummy hamburgers that we BBQ'd back at the house...made by Amanda. We had purple potatoes and they were really yummy! I am going to do a different post about food...Other than this shot of the Noodles-to-Go shop (check out that fancy signage!!), I'm gonna keep it all together! Easier that way!