Traveling Downtown

 

We had a taste of Mexican culture on Sunday afternoon. Although we won't be traveling south any time soon, our local Mexican-Canadian association did several performances around the downtown core on Sunday. A typical mariachi band and dancers in colourful costumes played and whirled on the steps of the Legislature building where Captain Vancouver's statue stands. I wonder if he was lucky enough to see such a sight on his travels up the west coast. 

Then off we walked to Fisherman's Wharf where we enjoyed Mexican food for lunch - I had Prawn Tacos and he had Prawns Diablo. We seem to always order the same each time we go. 

We eat mostly western European-style food at home, but if I had to choose just one other culture's food to enjoy, it would be Mexican. Not Mexican-American which tends to be very heavy on the cheese and fat, but authentic Mexican. Although some people say it's too spicy, I've found that the spice is often added as a condiment and to one's personal liking. 

What cultural food traditions do you enjoy?

After lunch we wandered along the waterfront. Lush hanging baskets are a trademark of Victoria's downtown core where the tourists hang out. The US/Canada border is now open to Americans coming across, but oddly not to Canadians going south. Very strange considering our vaccination rates are higher and case rates much lower than those of the USA. However, as in everything about this strange time, it seems that politics and not common sense is involved. 

One of my favourite downtown buildings is the Customs House. It was built shortly after British Columbia's entry into the federation of Canada by the Dominion Government who wanted to establish a federal image. It was built in the Second Empire Style, with a mansard roof covered in slate tiles, and was designed to impress upon the new province the stability of the new nation. 

The building really came into its own during the Klondike Goldrush of 1897. Here prospectors obtained certificates enabling them to pass through the Yukon customs house without delay. The government enforced regulations about the entrance of foreign goods, and Victoria did a booming business outfitting miners with the equipment and supplies needed for their northern adventures. 

The building is now used for offices for various firms. 

And home again where the roses are blooming beautifully. They had a hard time with the extreme heat in mid-late June and have taken awhile to recover. These sit on my dining table and waft their fragrance when I walk by.