Bug Zoo-Victoria, BC

Victoria Bug Zoo: What a cool place. The girls and I loved it. We learned so much about so many insects. Pip and I held each one--my favorite was one of the leaf bugs (top) their faces are like bull dogs with protruding lower jaws and they are dear--they wave their front legs in the air gracefully in front of your face wanting to dance. When you let them hold your finger, they wiggle their behinds gently like they are dancing. I was truly in love. The scorpion (not pictured) was perhaps the one I was most hesitant with because her large bubble of venom was visible at all times--though I enjoyed holding her and she was very calm and gentle. I love insects! It is odd, Peter's father was an entomologist, so naturally he has a knowledge and appreciation for insects and I for some unknown reason absolutely adore them--it is odd we found each other. Insects are fascinating, beautiful and much more intelligent then we can know. 

Thoroughly enjoyed Victoria. We had bright sunny weather and the city itself is beautiful and historical. I enjoyed and appreciated all of the heritage buildings and their stories. And the down town is filled with interesting shops and restaurants. The girls and I sketched Foxes at a local restaurant: The Blue Fox. They placed our napkins under the glass table cover to display them--so if you're ever at the restaurant, look for our napkin sketches. Also the Dutch Bakery--family owned since 1950--traditional baking at great prices. 

We went to "Shrek III" 3D as a family one night--gotta love Shrek. Fiona as female warrior was great and a fat Puss n' Boots adorable. And the witches--who doesn't love a wicked witch?

The next few weeks are enough to make me certifiable. Never again will I decided to do a 2 week trip to South Asia in June. In fact, no June travel allowed any longer--the girls are far too busy this month, not to mention my thesis work is absolutely insane at the moment. 

The Empress didn't disappoint. Our room had 20 Ft high ceilings. The pool was dreamy and the entire hotel smelled so good: like an old, old house--a clean smell of old wood and freshly vacuumed wool carpets.