Tales from Tawa: Viva Victoria!
Eve-Marie Wilson's dream place, apart from New Zealand, is Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. "Visit there once and I guarantee you will return again and again. I do.''
Chatting with a group of friends recently, the topic of where we would like to live other than New Zealand, came up in conversation. It didn’t take any thought on my part to name Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada.
Like New Zealand, it has a relaxed pace of life, a temperate climate and pristine cleanliness. However, unlike New Zealand, it has the added benefit for a travel bug like me, of being easily accessible to other parts of the world. I love New Zealand, but it is very isolated.
I’d move to Victoria tomorrow if I had the opportunity. Unfortunately all I’m able to do is to go there for short holidays.
Back in 1995, the crowds, pollution and expense of the world’s major tourist destinations had caused me to become disillusioned with travel – then I stumbled across Victoria. After just one visit I fell in love with its blend of olde worlde charm and modern sophistication. The locals, unlike many I have encountered in other parts of the world, are extremely hospitable. They always have time to chat and go out of their way to be helpful.
Unlike other capital cities there aren’t traffic snarl ups at every intersection, with vehicles belching out toxic fumes and drivers on the verge of road rage. I’m not jostled by crowds wherever I go. Moreover, Victoria is a safe city. Violent crime is rare and there is no apparent reason for it to be on a terrorist hit list. In Victoria I can take tea at the majestic Empress Hotel where I drink Earl Grey tea in bone china cups and waitresses in frilly caps serve me tiered plates of cucumber sandwiches, dainty cakes and scones- very posh!
After tea, I can take a city tour in a horse and carriage, or if I prefer, a leisurely stroll around the inner harbour with its many buskers and artists or I can follow the shoreline to the West Bay Marina and delight in spotting many species of wildlife along the way.
There is always plenty to do in Victoria. I can take a drive to the world renowned 20 hectare Butchart Gardens. Here seasonal displays from thousands of varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees give credence to why Victoria’s nickname is the city of flowers.
I can take a scenic drive to enjoy the rugged natural beauty of the coast, explore the museums or spend time in the art gallery.
When I tire of scenery, parks and gardens I can take my choice of whale watching, scuba diving, fishing canoeing, kayaking or cycling.
The shopping is excellent and the restaurant cuisine is equal to that anywhere in the world.
On top of this, the favourable Canadian dollar makes Victoria a very economical holiday destination for New Zealanders.
In fact, Victoria is the complete package. Visit there once and I guarantee you will return again and again. I do.
