Aloha friends!
It's time again for my second tour guide installment, featuring Victoria's bustling Antique Row.
On my way into town we first come across one of Victoria's famous hanging flower baskets. These beauties pop up all over downtown, attracting butterflies and photo snapping tourists alike.
This is the view up Fort Street, the Antique path heavily trampled by locals and tourists alike.
Our first stop is 'Recollections' one of the two large antique shops in town.
Check out this great goblet! From a Shriner's convention in 1911!
Here's an entire case of old tools, very interesting!
I can't say I've ever seen a ceramic eel before
This is a view of half the store. It's very quiet this sunny Saturday afternoon.
Rugby playing letter opener. I swear I've seen this guy somewhere else before.
A couple of Absinthe spoons. I don't see them very often so was first excited, Unfortunately upon further inspection I see they are of the stamped variety, with no makers marks at all. They're probably worth only $10.
Next two shops. The first one had a Maori carving priced at $10, I managed to talk the owner down to $8,(wouldn't take $7) then corrected him by letting him know it was made in New Zealand(pic later in post). He also had an ugly African carving he thought was Polynesian.
The second shop has a resident Old English Sheepdog that hangs about. At least two other shops have dogs.
My favorite local Thai restaurant, Sook jai Thai.
The best spot for breakfast in town, The Blue Fox Cafe is located on the left hand side of this building.
Conveniently located directly across the street from the breakfast spot, is Lunds auctioneers. They have a viewing of their upcoming auction all day Saturdays.
Stepping in to take a closer look, I find a lot of three monkey skull items.
Very, very cool. I'd have to take the afternoon off work to even attempt to put a bid on these beauties.
This is the smaller of two full sized traffic lights.
A 10" fish float. Local antique dealers eat these puppies up. I'd have to pay anywhere from $50-$100 for this one.
An actual tiki, first one I've seen here. At 7" and crudely carved, I don't think I'm going to bother coming down to bid.
Side view
Crocodile head, possibly a Cayman? Very nicely mounted, it would be great tiki room jetsam.
Stuffed cock.
If I ever decide to do a north woods themed room, I know where to go. They also had two bear mounts, the flat rug type with head attached.
A box full of old wood fish floats
A very old woven basket with what look to be moon snail shells dangling from below. This would look fantastic hanging in a tiki room, it could possibly be wired as a lamp.
Walking further up Fort Street you pass this tiny little Tudor style home, nestled among busy shops and street corners. Just inside the gate at the base of the tree there is a waterfall and pond, with a little bridge to cross. It's a most welcoming oasis on a hot day like today.
Right across the street is the Mosaic building. The original structure and mosaic were done in the 1960s, the building was recently rebuilt to provide condo units, with restaurants below. They managed to retain the fantastic giant original piece of artwork.
The last shop I visit today is called Vanity Fair, it's the other larger mall style shop in town. This one case always has a few Hawaiian items.
Unfortunately my reflection is mucking it up, but here is a nice Hawaii tray and flanking each side, 2 large coco joes, the asking price for them is $35 each. It's no wonder they've been sitting here for over a year.
A tiny tourist perfume bottle that comes complete with a miniature lei.
A view of a small part of the store.
I stopped at this thrift store on my way to the bus, it's always crammed full of stuff, but no tiki was to be found this time 'round.
Less than a block from my house lies this thrift store, and next door, a second hand furniture store. I've been fairly successful at finding items, but I don't visit more than once a week at most.
This time round I happened upon this mug for 49¢
Nice skirt for $8. It's made from mulberry bark shreds, and has a tapa cloth band around the top, and a woven shell band over that. Quite the find for a thrift store!
These two little fish floats were cheap, at $6 and $8 each. I found them at the Vanity Fair shop.
This is the Maori tiki I got for $8, he had a chip of the back of one of his feet, but he still stands and displays well. He has no makers mark, and is fairly crudely carved. I love him! That tongue is fantastic!
Hand painted nudie glass, this gal has quite the kitchy charm! I was so happy to bring her home. Vanity Fair also had one of a bride.
A copy of South Pacific, I haven't seen this one before and liked the graphics(49¢)
Gizeh Temple on Parade! This photo was taken here in Victoria on our Legislative Buildings front steps, I can't wait to listen! Everyone's dressed up in their best outfit & fez. I may take a better, closer photograph.(also 49¢) THIS JUST IN Song #3 on side one is the "Hawaiian Wedding Song"
Well that's it!
I hope you enjoyed my tour.
When you come to town for a visit I'll let you in on my secret spots :wink:
If you enjoyed this little slice of town, don't forget to visit my first offering
"Let's Go to the Thrift Store! - with your tour guide, Tikiwahine!"
Mahalo nui loa!
One Sway at a Time
[ Edited by: Tikiwahine 2006-07-20 18:26 ]
