This post was originally intended to follow my fascinating account of my trip to Colombia. However, I’m still far from finishing that journal, captivated as I was by the wonders of that experience. I even tried to catch up during my trip to Victoria, but, predictably, sleep won out. Some habits just never change
It's been a while since I've properly journaled, and I've been feeling the urge lately. Q3 was challenging but rewarding, and now I'm hoping to reconnect with myself in this new quarter—at least once I get through the upcoming travel.
So, why Victoria again? The main draw was diving. My most experienced instructor is based there, and I genuinely enjoy cold water diving. The Pacific Ocean offers an entirely different experience compared to the tropical seas and the Atlantic, it’s teeming with life, and there’s so much to discover. I promised myself that if I hit my Q3 goals, I’d take a break, and here I am, back in Victoria.
Returning felt like being a local. I rarely travel to the same place twice unless it's a place I call home, so this was special. Having been before, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. My dive schedule was relaxed this time, just two tank dives a day for three days, starting at 8 AM and wrapping up by noon. But beyond diving, I had one major goal: to eat. I was craving oysters, especially "Fanny Bay," which I fell in love with on my last visit. Then, of course, there was my favorite Italian restaurant and the Michelin-starred spot where I had an unforgettable Omakase experience. I was eager to relive that. And let's not forget, Afternoon Tea at the Empress was non-negotiable.
If I’d visited at the peak of summer, I probably would have enjoyed the water more, but here’s the thing, once you’ve seen what lies beneath the surface, swimming on top feels a little underwhelming. The only time I stay on the surface now is to build strength for my dives. Otherwise, I’d much rather be exploring the depths. Surfing does interest me, but that's another challenge for a later date.
As expected, the food was phenomenal, no disappointments whatsoever. The Empress welcomed me back like an old friend. A waiter I had chatted with last time recognized me immediately and joked, “Oh, you're by yourself again!” We laughed, and she gave me a prime table with a sea view, usually reserved for couples. “The world must hate single people". Throughout my meal, she stopped by to chat, making the experience feel personal and warm. I even got to try their Earl Grey tea, though it wasn’t quite to my taste, so I switched to my favorite, "Rose Congou"—Princess Diana's favorite too, which made it feel even more special. It tasted just as perfect as I remembered.