Travelogue - Victoria

I've been visiting Victoria, BC for a week, starting with the JASNA AGM on September 29 to October 2, and then for a week with my husband.

The JASNA AGM was focused on Sense and Sensibility, and I thought all three general sessions were excellent, and I enjoyed all the breakouts I attended. I picked up two new Austen-related books--on one crime during the Regency (by Susannah Fullerton) and one by Robert Morrison, who did one of the general talks. It was great fun to talk Austen for 3 days, hobnob with Janeite friends, and learn to English country dance (I did one of the workshops--Regency aerobics!).

Here are some photo highlights from the JASNA AGM:

Ready for the banquet, Saturday night!

No, I didn't dress Regency but pulled a tried-and-true out of the closet for the first time in years.

The belle of the ball, dressed in the theme, City of Gardens!

The promenade of Regency-clad Janeites headed from the banquet to the ball.

After the AGM, it was on to Butchart Gardens--one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

The Sunken Garden - a former quarry complete with cement factory, transformed into a wonderland.

The Dragon Fountain -  one of many gorgeous fountains

So many landscapes - I especially liked this grove of trees encircled by impatiens.

I also really loved visiting the Moss Lady at Beacon Hill Park. Inspired by the Mud Maiden in Cornwall.

Victoria is a wonderful city that caters to walkers, bikers, readers (lots of bookstores), and coffee drinkers. It is truly a city of gardens, with flowers everywhere, even in October! 

I've also enjoyed visiting a few other spots on Vancouver Island--Sydney was lovely and we really enjoyed visiting the Shaw Center for the Salish Sea, which is a small aquarium staffed by some of the nicest people on the planet. The Esquimalt Lagoon Bird Sanctuary was wonderful, with a large variety of shore birds as well as sparrows and loads of Brewers blackbirds...and a swan!

The sun has shone every day I've been here, and the weather has been mostly warm with a refreshing cool breeze just when you need it.

Off to Victoria, BC - JASNA AGM and Gardens!

 

Just a quick post to say stay tuned for posts about the JASNA AGM in Victoria, BC this weekend. After the AGM ends on Sunday, my husband is flying up and we'll spend the following week exploring the city, the island, and all the wonderful gardens therein.

It's been 11 years since I was able to attend an AGM (Ft Worth), which also focused on Sense and Sensibility, so I am very excited.