September 30, 2004

Less than a month settling into our new pad, which is a funky studio apartment in downtown Victoria, right by Chinatown. Let me tell you, 5 sushi CAN satisfy the unrefined palate of this Saskatchewan born girl. Our first couple of weeks here were jam-packed with concerts, food, cafes, and the like. Lots to explore! We learned a critical difference between Saskatoon and Victoria during an outdoor Tegan & Sara concert. When in Saskatoon, one rarely brings the umbrella, because even if it looks like rain, it probably won’t. However, in Victoria, when one says, “it looks like rain, should I bring the umbrella?” the proper response would be “yes.” Attached pictures attest.

Typical to finding yourself in new territory, I find myself doing things that I ordinarily wouldn’t do. One morning, noticing an interesting looking bird lounging in the harbour, I actually stopped a stranger and asked him if he knew what kind of bird it was. (When did I become a freakin’ bird watcher? Did I actually think I would remember the name, could this old pedestrian actually dig one up?) The stranger looked like an eighty year old logger, complete with lumberjack vest and toque. He answered in an accent, that he knew the name in French, but not in English. He uttered the word, which was sadly indistinguishable and I went on my way. (I really MUST learn French, though not at all for the sake of knowing the names of birds.) This strangely romantic encounter is my new method of seeking companionship among the locals. That and drinking at bars with my guitar. Both have proven very effective.