The National General Secretaries meeting is in Victoria BC this year. When I was making my arrangements I decided to tack on two extra days so that I could explore the city a bit before I was stuck in meetings.
I was last in Victoria about 40 years ago. I think it was a day trip. See - it was so long ago I don't even remember THAT! I remember the legislature, flowers, taking the ferry over from Vancouver, and totem poles. 53 year old Jerry was convinced there might be a bit more.
When I got home from the office on Friday I packed (although Beckett wasn't so sure I should be going anywhere).
I had to head to the airport early Saturday morning for my 8:30 flight.
SIGH
It seemed smart at the time.
Anyway. The airport was the airport. The flight was the usual.
I arrived in Victoria, retrieved my luggage, hopped in a cab and headed into the city centre. It was an expensive cab ride - $ 60. Thank goodness for an expense account.
The meeting is being held at the Hotel Grand Pacific. It is a chain out of Asia I believe. It is one of the few hotels right on the Inner Harbour, and next to the landmark BC Legislature and Parliament Buildings, the Hotel Grand Pacific is just two blocks from Victoria’s downtown restaurant and shopping district, and five blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf—a working harbor surrounded by an array of casual food counters, unique shops, and water adventures including kayaking and whale watching. Lots of opportunities for exploring.
I checked in but my room wasn't ready so I stored my luggage and planned on heading out. There was a pressing thing first - my phone was dead and needed to be charged. Funny how you can't travel these days without your various travel apps to help you out. I sat in the lobby until I had a decent charge and then I was off.
Victoria is a beautiful spot. I wandered aimlessly until I found Chinatown and a restaurant for dim sum.
While I was eating I had a text from the hotel - my room was ready. I headed back to the hotel to get settled and have a much needed nap!
Later I chatted with Paul. Found a store where I could get some wine and sat on my balcony watching the sun set over the mountains.
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