I had no idea that such a beautiful place existed in my city. Victoria is old (older than Canada in fact, with settlement starting in 1843.. which is pretty impressive considering you can't get much more west than us!) Our downtown is filled with charming old buildings, but for some reason I didn't think we'd have a cemetery to match. I started out near the ocean, where the smaller, more simple headstones are. They're beautiful and peaceful in their own way, but I hoped to find at least a few stunning examples of the workmanship of the old days. Then I came across her...

Wow. This is probably one of my favourite photos from the day. I can't quite describe her expression... she doesn't look peaceful or protective... more stricken... it's rather haunting actually.

I may have squealed when I came across this. (as in appropriate as heel clicking, I know.) From the headstones, I believe the demographics in Victoria were probably heavily English Protestant, and, as I studied religion a lot in my history degree, I believe that protestants usually back away from the gaudy and opulent..... This lovely gentleman and lady are Italian. Absolutely amazing!