A ferry ride from the mainland and we are back into city visiting, staying at the lovely Fairmont “Empress”. Beautiful specimen of Arbutus in the hotel grounds, often referred to as the Madrona, which is a native species of British Columbia. These evergreen trees can grow to a height of 25m with a trunk 60cm in diameter. They have a signature smooth, red, peeling bark, and shiny leaves.

Walked up Government St and window shopped…gave into temptation and bought a lovely earring and necklace combo by Honika, a local designer….very spesh! Diverted through Chinatown and then along the waterfront.

Caught a water taxi to Fisherman’s Wharf for Barb’s fish and chips tonight ….we should have these on the Yarra! They only consume 4 gallons of petrol a day….very efficient little craft.

The local gulls were vigilant for leftovers.

Walked back downtown along the pretty waterfront predominantly lit by moonlight and lights from abutting apartments and boats moored in the harbour. 

 

Parliament House was also illuminated, a very gorgeous sight…pity the poor bureaucrats, Premier Christy Clark and Minister who are up to their armpits and working into the wee hours trying to resolve a teacher’s strike over pay and conditions…yep, enterprise agreement time.