Spring time in Victoria, Blossom Boom

There are many things I like about Spring in Victoria, but it is the blossoms that really let me know that it is time for a new "beginning". The cycle starts again with a blast of color all over the city. The snow drops and blue bells are up first, followed by the daffodils, all of which were really early this year. Sometimes the first Cherry trees blossom in early January, but the explosion happened in February. The city is currently filled with white and pink blossoms. It is beautiful and early leafing trees are starting to bloom. Some of the Cherry trees are already past their peaks and starting to show green leaves. What is really cool is when the blossoms start to fall and the streets and curb sides are filled with blossoms. It looks like snow, but it isn't. This is the spectacular part of living in Victoria. The rest of Canada wont get this kind of weather till May or later. Enjoy the pictures of Spring in Victoria.

To find out more about Victoria, click here.

Downtown Lighting Project - Chinatown Gets New Lights

The DVBA has renewed its commitment to enhancing the appeal of downtown in the evening by continuing its ILLUMINATE Downtown program. Grants of 25% of the cost of purchasing and installing lights for aesthetic or security purposes are available to a maximum of $5000. Please go to our website for more details or contact Ken at ken@downtownvictoria.ca or (250) 386-2239. For more information on Chinatown, click here.

Ballet Victoria Presents Carimina Burana

Check out Ballet Victoria's "Carmina Burana, March 26-28 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria and April 7th at the Cowichan Theatre in Duncan.

Chinese New Year and Lion Dance Celebration Victoria Bc

The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association's annual traditional Chinese New Year Celebration and Lion Dance will take place on Sunday, February 21. Fisgard Street in Chinatown has some new decorations and all is set to go. There is usually a large crowd at the even, so get there a bit early and stake out your spot. Starting at approximately 12:00pm, this colourful procession will make its way throughout Chinatown for about 1 1/2 hours. The ceremony is colorful and exciting.

For more information on Chinatown, Click Here

Amazing Canadian Olympic Athletes - Go Canada Go

I have been most impressed with the composure of our Canadian Olympic Stars. Starting with Jen Heil who took silver in Freestyle Skiing, and Canadian Hero Alexandre Bilodeau who won our first Olympic gold medal won on Canadian Soil, followed by Mike Robertson winning a Silver in Snowboarding, Kristina Groves wh won silver in Speed Skating, and today Maelle Ricker (Mighty Mouse) who won Gold in Snowboarding. They have accepted their awards with graciousness and handled the press who stick mikes in their face and ask really dumb questions, rather than congratulating them and telling them how we all love and support them for what they are doing. Everyone of them have respresented Canada superbly. Well done athletes. Learn More.

VICTORIA DINE AROUND AND STAY IN TOWN

This ever-popular event, organized by Tourism Victoria and the BCRFA, runs from February 18 – March 7. Participating restaurants offer three-course meals for $20, $30, or $40 per person, while hotels offer stays for $69, $79, $99, and $129. A Gala Launch starts the event off, held February 17th from 5 – 7 pm at the Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites (345 Quebec). At the launch event, 28 Dine Around participants will be showing off their food, paired with VQA wines, in an evening to remember. Details on both events are available at www.tourismvictoria.com.

We have taken part over a number of years and the food is great and the deals awsome. Check it out. For more information on Victoria Restaurants, CLICK HERE.

The Story of Esperanza - A Love Story

Recently our friends in Guadalajara, Raul and Peggy rescued a baby hummingbird from their garden. The petitie little bird had been unable to fly for 3 days. When they picked her up, she seemed to realize that she was getting loving help. She let them hold her and became so calm that after a while, she just sat quietly on Peggy's hand and looked up at up at Peggy for 2 days and one night. She was fed every 15 minutes. Then when she was put back in the garden in a glass cage, the other hummingbirds gathered around her. Then suddenly, she just flew away on her own. That night they spotted her on the feeder right beside them. They new it was her because of the distinctive left wing and her tiny body (much smaller than the others). They named her Esperanza Guadalupe. Esperanza means hope and many females in Mexico are named Guadalupe. It is obvious that Peggy's mothering instincts saved this little bird. It is also a great example of the deep bond we have with all the living things on this planet we all share. What a lovely story. Thanks Peggy and Raul.