UNIVERISTY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (UBC)

Charlene brought us to her alma mater, which was not just a tour but also a history lesson about the original natives in Canada. The so-called Red Indians in North America are given a more appropriate name in Canada - "First Nations". Charlene told us how the First Nations were persecuted, killed and cheated of their lands in Canada, and of course in America itself. We were brought to UBC's Anthropology Museum which was unfortunately closed for the day, but we saw the original totem poles and log buildings constructed by the descendants of the First Nations as a gathering place in the university grounds. The sad part is that a lot of the totem poles in Canada were stolen from the First Nations. Moreover, the Anthropology Faculty and some parts of the university grounds are on sacred First Nations' grounds.

On a lighter note, Charlene told us that there is a nude-bathing part of the beach very near the university. Hmm. Interesting diversion for undergrads. We did not visit that beach however; weather was too chilly to be in the nude.

What really interests me is that the college has lots of space and areas to look for peace and quiet in the face of study stress. Just imagine being able to see the mountains and water in the background when you need your sanity back.

VICTORIA ISLAND

We were in the car queue at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal south of Vancouver, waiting to file into the ferry. All vehicles were kept in the lower 2 decks, and passengers could go to upper decks to rest or just take in the sights as the ferry sails towards Victoria. The sun was beating down really hard, but the wind was just too searing for me to take out my jacket. However it did not stop me from staying on the viewing deck to have a taste of fresh Arctic air and beautiful scenery. Hot chocolate from the caf� in the ferry also proved to be a useful "tonic".

We were at Victoria's Chinatown for lunch, and saw to our surprise durians in one of the traditional Chinese provision shops. It is just amazing to see these fruits suddenly, but they were really small (not the D24 kind) and exorbitantly priced. Very interesting shops selling First Nations' traditional wear, weapons etc.

Later on, we went to the Royal British Columbia Museum for an educational trip. There is a major section on the history of the First Nations in Canada. The artifacts are really amazing, many tall and intricately carved totem poles, replicas of the First Nations lodgings, weapons and clothes. Photography is strictly forbidden in this section only.

Other sections in the Museum include the Prehistoric Era in Canada (note the Ice Age covered much of Canadian soil) and exhibits on the different eras like the 30's, 40's till present day. All museum buffs should visit this place because it is most impressive. The Victoria Parliament Building is very near the museum itself, and we could see lots of locals just lazing around on the huge field before the Parliament Building itself.

End of Part 1