The next day that follows, livelier, the weather is amazing! Woke up very early, had a warm shower, wear clothes for the occasion, prepared for the plan for the day. Finally we had our seats reserved for us in a fine Victorian restaurant. We ordered our breakfast: 2 cups of coffee + croissants, hashbrowns, sunshine eggs + Italian sausages + and crunchy bacon. We also tried their famous macaroon and creme brulle. We stayed there for extra 2o minutes looking at the brochures and we drove to BUTCHART GARDENS. I forgot how much we paid for two tickets. It was not cheap. We started at the main entrance for our photography.
Where in the world you can find all variety and species of flowers ? Only in BUTCHART GARDENS! FLOWERS: roses, daffodils, tulips, geraniums, orchids, carnation, dahlias, lilies, peonies, rhododendrons, camia, hyacynth, vermillions, violets, phlox, sage, lavender, yellowbell, lilacs, petunias, daisy, iris, red poppies, gladiolas, chrysanthemums, cornflower, hydrangea.
What they don't have? I didn't see sampaguita and ylang-lang, hibiscus, bougainvillea. It's okay, they are tropical flowers.
Husband Lorne managed to pose for the camera. We took turns in taking pictures.
Me posed for the Star-shaped pond with all the colorful floral around it.
The small pond has water lilies and lotus.
The above rose variety has 3 tone colors: pink, white & red. That's rare and unique species for a rose.
After our great stroll at Burchart Gardens, we had a stroll along the commercial avenue where art prints (paintings) are being sold. We didn't buy any. We then entered a Christmas Village, a special kind of shop where you can find all Christmas decors, figurines, ceramics, and anything you can think of that represent and symbolizes the spirit of Christmas. I know it was only July and yet that building is already in celebration of CHRISTMAS. Hmm... Christmas in July?
We went back to our staycation motel and had a shower to freshen up, changed our clothes then drove again to the nearest restaurant, had our reservation seat at the Japanese Village for our dinner. They have awesome Japanese restaurant with all the red lanterns and all Japs decor and their servers, sushi chef wearing Japanese kimonos, such a thrill that it feels like we are in Japan. We were ushered to a square bench with the square table and at the center are the stove, skillet & large grill and chopping boards. We placed our order, few minutes later the chef came with his line cooks with their ritual ceremony entering the center of the square. The Japanese chef greeted us within that square in Japanese & English language then he started chopping veggies skillfully fast. He was doing some juggling acts too. After the ceremonial rituals we had a hot plate of yummy grilled wagyu beef it was so juicy and tender. We also had hot miso soup, soba noodles,California sushi rolls (crabs, shrimps and avocado). We also ordered a Japanese cheesecake for dessert. It was worth it. The fun of the chef's being a juggler was a bonus because all the customers, mostly tourists enjoyed his tricks. I think he received big tips from everybody.
I wished can tell you more of a long detailed story but that was 1993. I can only remember what I could remember that's it 33 years ago.
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