Downtown Victoria

We went to downtown Victoria yesterday to wander around and have lunch.  Ended up at The Flying Otter.  Jim had a wonderful paella and I had the crab cakes.  What struck us initially driving down into town were the number of empty buildings with For Lease signs.  Loads of people downtown taking advantage of the sunshine and businesses full with locals and tourists so glad to see downtown cashing in on the good late weather.

"Cleopatra's Bedroom"....don't think I'd seen this before.

 Great tulips at the Dutch Bakery...did they always have a big restaurant serving breakfast and lunches?

 Hadn't seen these 3 D murals before....the one below is the Emily Carr one.  They were done in 2010 so I guess that makes some sense.

 Ok....please tell me why there was a huge line up (this was before noon) and many patrons already eating  at Red Fish Blue Fish.  Yeah....the food must be good but rather uncomfortable seating,  line ups, no beer or wine....

 My crabcakes....crab and shrimp....great combo!

Jim's paella.

Took in the chalk festival....looks very uncomfortable!