Victoria, British Columbia

July 15, we met Young-il in Victoria, British Columbia. It was fun to see him after having been gone for a week. He flew up to join us in Victoria while we visited his parents who live there (Halmoni & Halaboji to Matthew: Grandma & Grandpa). Young-il visits them annually and, while I used to, Matthew and I haven't seen them for several years. It was good to see them again. They're now 85, still living in their own apartment, and still healthy.

I came away with a deeper respect for my parents-in-law, especially my mother-in-law. They are not sophisticated but are simple folks, yet there is much to learn from them. They give Young-il and me complete freedom and acceptance in the decisions we make and the things we do; there is never a word of criticism from them, just love and support. This is difficult for any parent to do but it is especially uncharacteristic of an Asian parent. Then they told us that every morning the first words they say to each other are, "I love you," rather than "Good morning," because one doesn't know if it will be a good morning or not but you do know that you love the other person. This is remarkable because people in Asian society don't say that to family members, especially people of their generation!

While in Victoria, I took Lisa and Matthew to a Butterfly Garden. Loved the warmth and humidity. Reminded me of Taiwan. Also went to the world famous Butchart Gardens. Saw a fireworks display there in the evening unlike any fireworks show I've ever seen before. This wasn't just fireworks; it was a light show/fireworks dance/fireworks exhibition set to music. The fireworks were set in various shapes and moved according to the music. Hard to explain but just awesome. Also saw the Parliament Building and other sights around time.

The highlight of our time there, aside from time with Young-il's parents was the last day when we went out on a boat to see orcas in the Sound between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Did we see orcas! We saw one after another, then a whole pod which was breaching not too far from our boat. Suddenly, 3 of the orcas in the pod broke off and headed our way. We watched in amazement as they swam directly under our boat and off into the distance. We were able to see their black and white markings as clearly as could be, that's how close they were to the surface as they swam beneath us. What a treat!

Victoria. Love the town. We finally said goodbye and left on July 22 on the ferry for Vancouver.