Indian Summer at the Villa

Indian Summer at the Villa

Monday, October 5, 2009

Here it is a week into October, and the skies are blue, the sun shines on the reflecting pool, and the leaves have not even begun to be jostled from the trees. Our lovely guests from Seattle are astonished at Victoria's inviting weather, as they hear from friends that the weekend in Seattle has been dreary and wet. On a sunny Victoria day, it is quite astonishing to speak with friends in Vancouver or Seattle, and hear their descriptions of rain and/or overcast skies.

This Saturday is the Royal Victoria Marathon, a qualifying race for Boston's Marathon. Runner's World calls it "one of the top ten destination marathons in North America." The run follows a seaside course, passing by scenic features including the BC Legislative Buildings, Ogden Point, the Olympic Mountain Range and Straits of Juan de Fuca, the statue of Terry Fox at Mile ‘O’, Fishermen's Wharf. Beacon Hill Park, Royal Victoria Golf Course, and Oak Bay Village.

Pacific Opera of Victoria opened its season with Verdi's romanticLa Traviata on October 1st. The Villa offers an opera package that includes not only opera tickets, but a fabulous dual massage and a delicious pre-curtain dinner in addition to opera tickets. Stravinsky's Rake's Progress will be performed in November, Strauss' Capriccio in March, and Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutti in April.

Marathons and operas - starting the fall season with a run and a song - actually many runs and songs!

Duchess of Devonshire

Sunday, October 4, 2009

At the Seattle screening of The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley, Rob and Kate won a gift certificate for two nights at the Villa Marco Polo Inn, with the assurance "to be treated like the Duchess herself."

Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, born in 1757, was a celebrated beauty who was active in literary as well as political circles. It is rumoured that during her political campaigning, she would trade a kiss for a vote! The Duchess had a full and glamourous (and scandalous) life.

We couldn't offer Rob and Kate quite the world that the Duchess rocked, but we did pamper them amid the elegance of the Villa!

A Sand Mandala is Created at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Sand Mandala: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Canada Tibet Committee are proud to be hosting the third visit of monks from the Gaden Jangtse Monastery in India as part of their tour to North America. For 23 days they will be sharing their knowledge of Buddhist traditions and teachings, performing ritual ceremonies and monastic dances and, most importantly, demonstrating their mystical art of creating sand Mandalas. A sand Mandala, which is considered a magical and sacred realm, is a visual prayer...

Price:	$12.00 (Senior/Student $10.00; Children 6-17 years $2.00; Free admission for children under 5 years.)
Dates:	Oct 03, 2009 - Dec 06, 2009

A Broken Water Main . . .

Monday, September 21, 2009

It started with a hissing sound heard in the laundry room. Believing that the filter for the reflecting pool might need changing, our attention was directed to this easy and straightforward remedy. Alas - the hissing persisted even after changing the filter.

After more investigation (with the assistance of professionals), we learned that the nearly century-old pipe bringing water from the city system to the Villa had cracked - in three different spots. Its life, as we know it, had ended.

So in comes a backhoe and a crew of five, working furiously so as not to immobilize the Villa's business any longer than necessary. We now have brand new shiny pipes bringing us pure and pristine BC water. How fortunate that this crisis did not occur during a wedding weekend!

Helen's and Bob's Beautiful Wedding

Saturday, August 1, 2009

The Villa was the backdrop for Bob and Helen's lovely wedding. The traditional Chinese tea ceremony , with the bride and groom dressed in exquisite crimson silk, was followed by a western oriented ceremony, in which the beautiful bride wore ivory silk embroidered with pearls. The photo is of their getaway scooters, whimsically decorated with flowers and ribbons.

Tunisian Buffet

Monday, July 20, 2009

Middle Eastern Mint Tamarind Mojitos in the Villa gardens lanched this evening's festivities. Eight lucky people found themselves at the Villa to enjoy a four course Tunisian dinner, including Spiced Chicken with Dates, Madarins, and Figs; CousCous with Currants and Pistachios; and Sablefish Fillets with Harissa and Black Olives. A sorbet of Passion Fruit and Ginger Liqueur cleansed the palate between courses. A Roasted Almond and Black Sesame Seed Bakhlava topped off an amazing meal.

Summer has really arrived

Monday, June 22, 2009

Summer has really arrived at the Villa Marco Polo...

The dogwood blooms fell some time ago, as well as the pink magnolias. The rhododendrons are waning, the crimson blossoms having spent themselves entirely, while the paler lavender blossoms continue to enchant. Marco Polo lilies are blooming, one solitary fig is trying its best to grow robust and yummy, and the roses are truly breathtaking.

We are tying up last-minute-ends for a Villa garden wedding on Saturday - colours are Tiffany blue and silver. We are giving hourly thanks to the sun gods for our amazing blue sky, and supplications that this gorgeous weather continue through the weekend.