We are very grateful to the Red Lion which treated us to a most rejuvenating last night in the USA.
This morning we took the ferry from Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia.
Canada! Here we are, ready for a whole new adventure!
Traditional paintings and elements of the First Nations culture are everywhere in the city.
A few of us ran to the parliament.
We were escorted to our first meeting of the day by a very elegant gentleman.
We had a few fascinating guests.
Councilor Jackie Albany from the Songhees Nation welcomed us.
Together with the Acting Mayor Margaret Lucas who read the proclamation.
Salil presented the run and the members of the team with his usual eloquence.
We had three Torch Bearer Award recipients today. Penny Joy and Saul Arbess from the Canadian Peace Initiative gave two inspiring speeches on how crucial peace is in today's world.
The third recipient was Ann Mortifee, a prolific writer, singer, composer and peace lover who works tirelessly around the world to promote peace in multifarious ways. She performed a wonderful composition of hers: "Let's give peace a chance!"
It was a wonderful first step in Canada!
Pierre and Josef never fail to find an occasion for fun.
The Cook Street Village Activity Center welcomed us during their Aboriginal Day and performed the Peace Dance for us.
The seniors were delighted to learn the moves to our songs.
Staff and members joined for a one minute meditation.
The enthusiasm and cheerfulness of the staff give this place a soul.
We were thrilled and deeply moved that we met Judy and her two dogs, Delorus and Micky. Judy is a member of the The Cook Street Village Activity Center. She has led an incredibly inspirational life of service in many ways. She has a special love of animals and spent many years helping people using animals. She found her dogs on the streets of Mexico, they are the luckiest dogs in the world!
To conclude the day, a few of us ran along the peace mile inaugurated in 1986.
