VISIT CANADA 3

 

You can see us standing on the ferry while waiting to go ashore in Victoria. You can see the famed Empress Hotel directly behind Manaswini (Manu).

I think attitude of the Immigration authorities of a country shows how serious it is about attracting international tourists. May be the United States, while making a singular contribution to international tourism in most other countries, is quite content with the flow of domestic tourists to its places of attraction and does not necessarily need tourists from other countries. Moreover for many of us, USA per se, is one big attraction. On each of my visit to the States, I did not find a single immigration official who was not stern-faced and devoid of humour. They seemed more interested in my departure and would have been very happy to put me on the return flight the very next day. My first ever Canadian experience was so very different. The young lady at the counter was friendly, courteous and absolutely positive. I was a little confused when she asked me how long we would be staying on in the United States before returning to India. She perceived my hesitation in answering and hastened to add that although our visa was for a single entry, this stipulation was not applicable if we returned to Canada once again while remaining in the States before returning to India. She said that many visitors were not aware of this provision for tourists coming over from the States. It made sense because Manu and Mukul being permanent residents of the United States (Green card holders) did not require Canadian visa.

Our hotel was just across the street; we wheeled our baggage and reached the reception but not before taking in as much of the magnificent waterfront as was possible. It was a little after six in the evening and we decided to come out after freshening ourselves.

As we walked along the waterfront. You can see the Legislative Assembly of the British Columbia province in the background. This architecture is what is known as Edwardian. Anu and Manu are in the left bottom corner

Same building at night. This reminded me of the erstwhile Vicoria Terminus in Mumbai when it used to be illuminated on our Republic Day. Many of you may not have known about it, much less seen that illumination.

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