Victoria: Everyday Fun Flaneur Finds!
As most of you know by now, I love flaneuring almost everyday the streets, alleys, parks, pathways, plazas and public spaces of whatever city I am in. Last Fall we spent two weeks exploring Victoria BC and here are some of the fun flaneur finds from that trip.
Everything from a Jean-Paul Riopelle-like painting to a William Blake quote, from a fairy garden to free range peacocks and from front yard putting greens to bike racks.
I saw this empty building while waiting for the bus and noticed there was what looked like small artworks hung on the the facade. I ran across the street (yes I looked both ways) to get a better look before the bus came and yes indeed there were several lovely little artworks. The building is located at Richmond Road at Birch Street.
Found this decaying totem pole hidden at the back of the Government House grounds. Turns out it is the original Hosaqami pole left to return to earth. A new pole stands in front of Government House.
Backstory: In 1959, the Royal Canadian Navy, as a 50th anniversary event, commissioned artist Chief Mungo Martin to carve a totem pole and gifted it to the Royal Navy in recognition of the enduring relationship between the two navies. The pole, Hosaquami, was displayed on Whale Island in Portsmouth, England until the late 1980s, where it was severely damaged by the weather. It was sent back to Canada to see if it could be restored, but the extent of the damage was too much and Chief Tony Hunt, who assisted his father Henry Hunt and his adoptive grandfather Chief Martin in carving the original, recommended it be returned to the earth and a replacement be carved.
On another day I was hanging around Government Street aka downtown Main Street taking some street photos and looked down at the decorative brick sidewalk and found these names. What are the chances? I am not aware of having any relatives in Victoria.
I then explored the sidewalk more and found out there was lots of historical documentation integrated into the decorative brick work, as well as on plaques on the side of buildings.
Oak Bay acorns…too obvious… too much fun!
Mini community gardens like this one were scattered around the City Centre. It was November so most of them had already been harvested.
Was wandering by the funky Sparkle Bright Launderette near the corner of Hillside and Quadra and noticed the interesting artworks in the window. I loved them so much I contacted the artist and bought one.
The Museum of Old Office Oddities is a hidden gem. It is located in the lobby next to The Regional Assembly of Text at 560 Johson St, which itself is odd as it is a tiny shop located under a staircase.
Love this public art work of concrete mattresses that also serve as places to sit. I couldn't help but wonder if there is an issue with people sleeping there at night.
While flaneuring our way to the Ross Bay Cemetery to visit Emily Carr’s grave we encountered these creepy driftwood figures along Fairfield Road.
Loved this colourful bike rack / shelter.
The peacocks at Beacon Hill Park were a fun surprise, as were the front yard plantings below.
There are some strange building names in Victoria.
Unique playground equipment is one of my favourite flaneur finds.
Found this yard art in James Bay. I almost missed it.
I love creative, fun signage.
Over sized objects are great flaneur finds.
I am a sucker for cheap, colourful street furniture.
I am going have to convince my neighbour he needs one of these. I will be responsible for keeping it clean.
Found this fairy garden in James Bay a lovely community of historic homes.
Sometimes you just have to stop and admire mother nature’s light show.
This pond reminded me of a Jean-Paul Riopelle painting.
Found these in the garden behind the Oak Bay United Church. They are easy to miss!
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Garden Flaneuring: Try it, you might like it!