Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are located in Victoria, B.C. in the Colwood community. They are two miles (three kilometers) from Royal Roads University. Both places offer gorgeous scenery and are ideal for walking and learning history.
This post concludes photos from my vacation in the Pacific Northwest. Soon I will start editing a video showing places I visited, and then post it here. Currently, I am almost finished writing my next novel. It will (hopefully) be available by the end of 2023.
Hatley Park and Hatley Castle are both located at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC in the Colwood community. It is the only university in Canada located within a national historic site, and the historic charm is grand. Touring the park and castle could definitely relieve stress from studies!
It was nice visiting Hatley Park in June because the flowers were in bloom. Twelve years ago I visited in April and they were not.
The Butchart Gardens is located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Many beautiful gardens are on display. It is a place of inspiration for gardeners and others who enjoy nature. Walking through the rose garden smells absolutely fabulous.
A favorite place to visit in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. It is a peaceful location in the middle of a busy city. The population of Vancouver has grown a lot since my last visit 12 years ago, so the classical Chinese garden offers a restful break. (Stanley Park is also a good option.)
The city of Surrey is about 21 miles (35 kilometers) south of Vancouver. It is part of the metro Vancouver area. Arts and culture are embraced in Surrey. The architectural design of several businesses and houses is contemporary. The exterior of the City of Surrey building is San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital on the television series The Good Doctor. (Some scenes have been filmed inside the building.)
City of Surrey building
West Vancouver is a beautiful city located about five miles (eight kilometers) northwest of Vancouver. It is an affluent community and Lighthouse Park has attractive walking trails.
Horseshoe Bay is located in West Vancouver. There are restaurants, a marina, and a BC Ferry terminal. It is also residential.
Sally Hawkins gives an outstanding performance as Maud in the movie MAUDIE. From the beginning of the film, the audience knows to root for her. The character is a well written multi-dimensional one adapted by screenwriter Sherry White.
MAUDIE is based on the real life story of Nova Scotia artist Maud Lewis. Maud lives with her aunt Ida, played by Gabrielle Rose. Her brother Charles, played by Zachary Bennett, sells their mother's house without telling her. After feeling disrespected, Maud cleverly goes after the job of a housemaid for a local fish peddler named Everett Lewis, played by Ethan Hawke. Hawke's performance is captivating, as the role is much different than others he has played.
Maud and Everett's relationship starts out rocky, moves along, and then enters an arena neither one of them expects. Other than coming into contact with a few townspeople, they only communicate with each other; therefore, their romance is inevitable. In addition, he sells fish and she sells her paintings--the first customer is Sandra, played exceptionally well by Kari Matchett--acquiring international acclaim. Furthermore, there is a storyline involving Maud's child and Sandra becomes an honest confidant.
MAUDIE is a delightful film directed by Aisling Walsh and currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://sonyclassics.com/maudie/.
