Once again, I left my heart in Victoria B.C

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.

 

 

 

This trip was nothing short of phenomenal, but what truly stood out to me wasn’t just the beautiful scenery, it was the people. There’s something incredibly comforting about visiting a place and knowing you’ll be greeted by familiar faces, even after some time has passed. From the Italian restaurant to the Michelin-starred spots, the Empress Hotel, and even the guy shucking oysters, I was warmly welcomed by the same people I met two years ago. It’s as if the residents of Victoria find fulfillment in what they do, and that consistency makes the place feel like a second home. Even though I know it’s an island, my mind still thinks of Victoria as a small city tucked away in Canada.

One moment that left a lasting impression on this trip was an unexpected act of kindness. As I was heading to afternoon tea on a perfect weather day, I asked a girl to take a few pictures of me, as I often do when traveling. After snapping two photos, she looked at me and said, "I really love your outfit, and my flowers would go so well with it—take them." At first, I thought she meant just for the picture, but when I tried to return the flowers, she insisted, saying it would make her happier if I kept them. It was such a heartfelt gesture from a complete stranger, something I’ve never experienced before. Usually, I’m the one sending flowers to friends, but this time, I was on the receiving end. Those three flowers traveled all the way back to Chicago with me, I gifted two to others and kept one for myself.

On another note, my diving experience was even more rewarding this time. I had chosen to dive with the same instructor with the hope that he would point out areas where I could improve. Our drills went smoother, and I got to know him better, making the experience feel more like diving with a friend than just a coach.

All in all, it was another trip to remember. Victoria continues to win me over with its laid-back charm and the kindness of its people. I’d love to come back more often, but we’ll see. Until next time, Victoria!

 

 

 

 

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