CAFE D'ART

A few days ago I posted a photo of the BC Legislative Assembly Buildings that generated some interesting comments around the topic of bilateral symmetry that I, unfortunately, do not have time properly to reply to now. As a bit of a response, however, I submit this photo of the garden patio at the Cafe d'Art, which is in James Bay on Superior Street, only a few blocks from where I took the photo of the Legislative Assembly Building, and which strikes me as one artist's answer to the question of why we are here and what we are doing.

Causeway Artist #11 - John McCallum

In yesterday's post about Fisherman's Wharf I mentioned entertainment. There's often a fortune teller and palm reader, and usually there's a musician. If you're lucky you'll catch a performance by singer/songwriter John McCallum. I've really enjoyed his music and the wry wit and wisdom that make his songs worth listening to.

Fisherman's Wharf

The Inner Harbor mostly hosts pleasure craft and boats catering to tourists such as sailing and whale-watching excursions. But about twenty minutes walk from the Inner Harbor along the seawall (or a five minute ferry ride) is Fisherman's Wharf. Here there are many fishing boats and picturesque houseboats, as well as fresh seafood, art galleries, restaurants, hungry harbor seals and more entertainment. Below is a favorite food stop of mine, Grilligan's, which features vegetarian chili made with tofu, and there's lots of other good things on the menu too.The boy in the picture above is standing on the wharf. The man behind the counter to his right is on his floating food stand. They are so close together you may not notice that they are not really connected until you lean on the counter, like I did one afternoon, and a sudden wave shifts the restaurant up or down a few inches. Grilligan's also has a water-level "drive through" at the back for kayakers who need a veggie-dog to go.

Bilateral Symmetry

I suspect the reason we love bilateral symmetry is because we are made that way ourselves, as is most of the animal kingdom. In a larger sense, we love patterns, repetitions of sounds or shapes or colors, perhaps because we always hope that in the apparent chaos of reality is an underlying order, a unifying principle, a reason for the unfolding of the universe and for ourselves. Whatever the reason, bilateral symmetry is pleasing to the eye. The example above is the British Columbia Legislative Assembly Building from behind, rather than the more usual view from the front. And here's an interesting article on bilateral symmetry.

Classic Boat Show

I promised a post about Fisherman's Wharf today but I got sidetracked at the Inner Harbour and the Classic Boat Show. Here's a show that is everything the Tall Ships should have been and wasn't. Lots of beautiful classic boats of all types from small motor boats and steam boats to large sailing ships. Free entry to the wharf, no line-ups, friendly people on board, lots of free tours of beautiful boats. The night shot above will only give you a hint of how pleasant and interesting it was. Bravo to the Victoria Real Estate Board and Black Press for presenting this 5 star event and a big Thank You to the many boat owners who participated!