Arieh here. We are now on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, USA. We enjoyed four great days here with our good friends, Jan Nolan and Brian Yellin, transplants from Toronto. We also saw some other friends and, of course, relatives. Where DON’T we have these two types of people??
If you think Vancouver is nice, forget it! Victoria wins hands down with cleaner air, smaller population, less traffic and wonderful views (picture above)—most of the above changing rapidly. On the other hand, Victoria does seem to “fold up” well before midnight—sort of like all the flowers here. The three home-cooked meals were great—our friends and relatives split the duties. One night was wonderful Portuguese food cooked by my nephew-in-law, John DeMedeiros. The food was from fresh and organic local products from their stores (Ploughshare and Ambrosio in Victoria). The menu was Portuguese salt-cod with eggs, onions and olive oil; roasted potatoes, steak, fruit and home-made wine. Who needed dessert? Neice Jodi took care of the talking and beautiful baby Vianna. The next night pediatric specialist, Dr. Rafi Beck, handmade (from scratch) a very good quiche and bar-b-qued the salmon. Spouse, ESL specialist Dr. Dahlia Beck, engaged us during the afternoon and evening in lively and challenging conversation and up-dating of our 30-year old relationship. (Dahlia was my Hebrew language teacher in Jerusalem in 1973 and we have met over the years in Haifa, Toronto, Calgary, back in Israel and now in Victoria). The third meal was finally done by a woman--Jan Nolan. OK, Brian did some of the work (actually a fair chunk). Fresh halibut, stir-fry, special salad and raisin challah. Don't forget the wine at both second and third meals. The fourth meal was possible because we delayed our departure by one day (to Monday AM) and we were justly punished. Jodi cooked--fresh veggies, free-range chicken and a great Greek salad. I would be remiss if I forget to tell everyone of the two lunches cooked by Chuck and Claire Waldman. Homemade pear pie, omelettes, waffles, salads and garlic bread--yummy! I think I gained 3 KG in Victoria alone. Can't speak for Val.
We finally left Victoria on Monday morning via a ferry to Port Angeles, Washington. We took Brian's sage advice ("don't worry--no need for a reservation") and missed the ferry by two cars. Had a wonderful day walking around downtown Victoria and Beacon Hill Park (see picture of Mile "Zero" of the Trans Canada Highway) and finally left at 4 PM. Goodbye Canada! See you in 11 months.
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