Brian’s Grandpa used to own this Florist Shop in Victoria and it’s still in the family.

On our last trip to Canada, three years ago, Vancouver Island was the highlight. We went for Victoria week-end in May and stayed at Nanoose Bay Camp, where Brian spent summers growing up. Most of the family was there and I enjoyed hearing Brian take many-a-walk down memory lane. The kids had a great time digging for clams at the ocean and paying games in the loft of Great-Grandma’s cabin. Once they were in bed, we pulled out a deck of cards and just enjoyed being with family we hadn’t seen for so long.

A highlight for me was going on a date! Grandma and Great-Grandma watched the kids while Brian and I went to a quaint restaurant on the waterfront. We had a seat right by a window and watched the waves come in while we ate. We still talk about that restaurant as one of our favourites, and our walk along Rathtrevor Beach while the sun set, listening to seals bark in the distance. A picture of romance.

Our dates in China pale in comparison. In our first city, that was small by Chinese standards and didn’t have a lot of options, ice-cream at the McDonald’s kiosk was our go-to for dates. We were always surrounded by hundreds of college students and had to shout to hear each other. Back home, while recovering from the noise and crowds, we would try to imagine what our evening would have been like if we were in Canada.

Needless to say, after such a great trip to Vancouver Island, we were all eager to go back. But this time it was March and the weather was cool. Heavy rain came and went, so we would jump in and out of the van in between to catch the sights. And while were only there for two full days, our oldest was sick for one. But we still managed to enjoy our time, especially hearing Brian’s dad tell us what the city was like when he was growing up there.

It was meaningful to help the kids identify with their roots, and especially since it’s such a rare opportunity for them, they loved it!

Playing on a playground that Dad played on when he was a kid!

After our short trip to Victoria we were back to the mainland. As always, sad to leave this captivating place.