268 replies to this topic

[JohnsonStBridge]

Merry Christmas from everyone's most expensive Blue Bridge!

[Barrrister]

Mery Christmas to everyone, we should remember to count our blessings.

[Nparker]

...we should remember to count our blessings.

I've counted mine. Now what should I do with the other 23 hours, 59 minutes and 45 seconds of the day?   

Seriously though, to all my VV "family", best of the season to each of you. 

[todd]

2 for 1 deal, I guess!

Constantly finding new ways to use them.

[todd]

I wish you all a joyous holiday season!

[todd]

Santa tracking:

NORAD: https://www.noradsanta.org/en/map

or

Google: https://santatracker.google.com/

[Victoria Watcher]

Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

[Barrrister]

<erry Christmas and the joy of the day to everyone.

[Mike K.]

Merry Christmas everyone.

I see Victoria Watcher got a knock off CYbErTRuCk.

[Redd42]

We’re off to Butchart tomorrow as well, they are sold out but managed to squeeze me in!

 

Couple of years ago, the friend and I who try to do Christmas together, reserved about a month a head to eat at the restaurant at Butchart. So a couple of weeks away.

 

When we showed up we were directed to what I would call the kids table. On the crowded back porch. The front was almost empty. I assume they were leaving the front very spacious tables open for the foreign tourists who might drop in. I made made a fuss about this so they did eventually seat us in the front. No one else came in while we there, we dropped a couple hundred dollars but won't ever again.

[Matt R.]

I’ve got a couple fabulous hookups there. Never an issue.

[Redd42]

I’ve got a couple fabulous hookups there. Never an issue.

??

[Mike K.]

When you live on Salt Spring status is shown in different ways.

[Redd42]

Contrast my Butchart experience with Christmas Eve tea at the Empress this year where again we had booked a couple of weeks before. Got the best seats in the room, right by the windows. 

[AllseeingEye]

Naturally, unfortunately, our actual experience at a place or of a thing will color our perception of it thereafter, sometimes positively and unfortunately sometimes not. IMO it depends partially on why you choose to attend a (Christmas) venue or occasion and above all the new memories made as a result, and in our case, particularly at BG, the good memories remembered.

 

When I was younger heading out to BG at Christmas was not a thing as far as I can recall. Not sure what year the "lights" became a holiday attraction but I can only recall the last 10-15 years or so. Fast forward to today and the Number One reason we head out there aside from the festive atmosphere is - of course - the lights. Dining out there honestly isn't on our list, beyond perhaps grabbing a hot chocolate.

 

Conversely back in the 80s when I was a UVic student I worked at the Empress for three years and wouldn't have given you a plug nickel for the food because of what I saw behind the scenes and because even then it was grossly overpriced. I can't imagine what it costs in 2021 - however the dining experience today for all I know may be amazing - but the negative experience is my perception and my recollection; unfortunately perceptions & memories do have a way of staying with you, accurate or not.

[Nparker]

... unfortunately perceptions & memories do have a way of staying with you, accurate or not.

Just like oral histories.

[Victoria Watcher]

Billed as an attraction that will draw people downtown during the festive season, the Victoria Harbour Lights: A Winter Dream display will be visible to anyone walking along the waterfront, but is geared primarily to guests aboard newly refitted Victoria Harbour Ferry vessels.

The ferries, which have been equipped with heaters and sound systems, will take guests on a 45-minute narrated tour of a child’s story of a winter dream set to music and lights. The attraction is expected to launch Dec. 2 and run through December.

Ralmax Group founder Ian Maxwell, who is spearheading the project and paying the bills, said he and others have been thinking for years about ways of getting people onto the water for a new perspective on the city’s shoreline.

“If you could get that, then Victoria all of a sudden starts making a whole lot more sense — the architecture makes more sense, the stone walls make more sense, the way the streets are laid out starts to make more sense, because they are all laid out to the water,” he said.


https://www.timescol...ecember-6109040

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 16 November 2022 - 06:19 AM.

[Mike K.]

I think we get it, from land. Or from Vic West.

But I thought the urbanists want to close off water views with more bars and lounges?

[Nparker]

Views of the water are always best FROM the water.

[Victoria Watcher]

It's $35.  They need to justify the cost somehow, so they take you in the boat.

 

 

https://victoriaharb.../harbourlights/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exclusive to Victoria Harbour Ferry, our 45-minute narrated upper harbour voyage tells the story of a child’s Winter Dream with 3-dimensional projected animations and sound-reactive lighting installations. Our story inspires warm thoughts of the people we treasure, reminding us that this time of year is meant to be shared with those that we love.

The Ralmax Group of Companies, owners of Victoria Harbour Ferry, invite you to see Victoria from a different viewpoint – to look from the water to the land.

Our thanks to Limbic Media for their beautiful story-telling and light creations, and to PaintScaping for bringing their internationally acclaimed 3-D light mapping from Los Angeles to Victoria Harbour.

Do the stars shine a little brighter this time of year? We think so.
There is something about the long nights and cold weather that inspires us to find ways to come together. This tour is the perfect way to share the gift of time.

Important Information 

• The audio and story narrative are heard only on the Harbour Ferry boats.
• Please use caution when arriving as the docks may be slippery.
• Although the boats are heated, please dress for the weather.
• There are no washroom facilities on board.
• Vessels are not wheelchair accessible, however, people with walking aids can be accommodated. If you are not able to board on your own, you must have an attendant who can help you.
• The ferry boats carry 12 passengers. The Lynda Mae, which sails on the hour, carries 35 passengers.
• Questions? Please call us at (250) 708-0201 or info@victoriaharbourferry.com.

Tickets + Departure

• Tickets must be booked ahead either online or by phone.
• Sailing times are available when booking your tour.
• Tours depart from the Empress Dock on the Inner Harbour Causeway (across from Empress Hotel).

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 16 November 2022 - 08:48 AM.