I, for one, am quite excited that we will be seeing more of Harry and Meghan.
News reports have said that Harry has now joined his bride and son in Victoria, just down the road from us. I do hope they decide to settle here. Even just today we saw a picture of Meghan, toting Archie in a baby carrier, walking a wooded trail with dogs and security guards in tow. She looked so happy, beaming with an easy smile, drop-dead gorgeous, in tights, a woolly hat, and hiking boots. That was good to see. Already she is fitting in nicely.
That got me thinking that we would be happy to offer the couple some insights into the BC west coast lifestyle. Here are my Top Ten Tips for becoming acclimatized to Island life.
1. Practical head gear. There are really so few occasions when wearing a pretty chapeau isn't just kind of out-of-place and downright weird. The only hat shop I know about in Victoria has the word "funky" in "About Us" on their web site, so I'm guessing that they aren't creating fabulous fascinators. Up here in Nanaimo we have a "Lids" at the mall where you can get a baseball cap custom embroidered. Sporty, but not stylish. Instead, I would suggest, Meghan, that you take a look at a nice "toque" which is de rigueur around here — perhaps a hand-knit one with a fun moose motif in sturdy, water-repellent Vancouver Island sheep's wool. Harry, you should think about a Tilley.
2. Ditto your day-to-day Island Uniform: Think informal, kids. In our closet, you'll find three different warmth-levels of fleece jackets, one for each season, down puffer jackets, down vests, waterproof outer layers, and sturdy boots: waterproof, of course, one light pair for jaunts in summer rain to the farmer's market in Duncan, the Island's largest, which I know you will enjoy, a second pair for more challenging walks, hikes if you like, or beach rambles with the young lad and his security detail, and a third for January days when the rain gets deeper — aka, snow. Really, the most fashion-forward clothing on the Island is at Mountain Equipment Co-op. For Mommy and Me days at the rec centre, or yoga at the Saanich Bikram studio, Meghan, you might like to check out lululemon on Johnson Street for cute tights and tops.
3. Canadian Tire. Now that you'll be home owners, you're going to need screwdriver sets and T-Fal cookware. Canadian Tire — call it "The Wheel" to fit in as locals — is your go-to spot for all your housewares and hardware needs, as well as for your snow tires — you'll need them on the Malahat Highway mountain pass from October to March. Bonus: Canadian Tire bucks, which you can collect, stuff in the glove box in the car, and eventually cash in for discounts at check-out.
4. Local cuisine. Harry, I heard that you tried Nanaimo Bars and quite liked them. Great! Sure, we have the freshest seafood, abundant organic veggies, farm gate poultry and meats, gorgeous local cheeses, and great hippie bakeries, but the Nanaimo Bar is truly our Island specialty — a dessert to die for. You'll need to be careful about over indulging, though — each little chocolatey square is about 4 million calories — literally to die for. If you feel like coming "Up Island," some weekend, we'd be happy to take you on the "Nanaimo Bar Trail" to sample every variety, including a Nanaimo Bar craft beer, I believe.
5. Pubs. There are plenty of chic restaurants around, some young hipster cafes and bistros you might like, coffee bars for days, outstanding world cuisine in tucked away little places, and always Tim Horton's for donuts and a double-double, but for rubbing elbows with the locals, there is nothing like the hundreds of ersatz-British pubs that dot every community. You could even be served a warm ale and a Melton-Mowbray meat pie — just like at home.
6. Ferry travel. A fact of Island life is we all need to get off the Island occasionally. You can fly from commercial airports, of course (I see you arrived on wonderful West Jet, Harry), or from harbour to harbour in float planes, but the most fun to be had is on BC Ferries. Regular sailings all day from here to the mainland and other islands make the ferry service the best, most scenic, slow-down-and-enjoy-the-journey way to go. White Spot "double-ooze" burgers are served in the cafeteria and Archie would enjoy the play room to meet some local kids. If your grandmother would happen to visit, as a senior citizen she could ride the ferry for free, walk-on, from Monday to Thursday. Her Majesty might like to visit the *&%#@ tunnel on the highway between the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen and downtown Vancouver that she dedicated when it was built in 1959 — which has never been updated. We all "love" to complain about that tunnel.
6. The Great Outdoors. You've come to a place where salmon is what's for dinner, and orcas and sea lions are spotted regularly just off shore. Deer nibble your garden, eagles land on trees in your backyard, bears rifle through your garbage bins, and cougars troll for terriers. And that's within city limits. Getting back to nature isn't difficult.
7. Victoria. A perfect choice, in my opinion. At one time, the city was considered, "More British than Britain." Afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, Harry, named for your great-great-great grandmother, would be like taking tea at the palace again and would make you feel as though you had never left Jolly Old.
8. Climate. Here on the Island, we enjoy the mildest temperatures in Canada. And also the most rain. Occasional fog. But that should make you feel right at home as well! I hope you brought your Brollies and your Wellies with you from the Old Country. You'll need 'em!
9. Extreme Fun. We know how to have a good time here, all the while risking life and limb. Consider these two dare devil events: the annual Polar Bear Swim on New Years Day in the bone-chilling, hypothermia-inducing Pacific. In a bathing suit. Or this summer time madness: the Bathtub Race from Nanaimo to Vancouver ACROSS the Salish Sea strait — that's open ocean — in a tricked-out bathtub of your own design. They've been doing this race for years and haven't lost anybody yet — that I am aware of.
10. Demographics. This might be a deal breaker for you young folks. Victoria is also known as the place where old folks go to visit their parents. It is becoming hipper and more urban, but is still the retirement capital of Canada. Sure, it's quiet and just the ticket for getting out of the spotlight right now, but if that wears thin and you're looking for, you know, some nightlife excitement after 4:30 pm, you would do well to consider the big city across the pond — Vancouver. I meant Vancouver!
Good luck, sweeties! We are rooting for you! Welcome to Vancouver Island!
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