Location! Location! Location! The best place ever for being in the heart of the city and close to everything we wanted and needed.
Joshua and Amy's apartment is wonderful. From the fully equipped kitchen (the knives were sharp so we could use them for cutting!) to the size and space and attention to the details (there were definitely enough hangers for our clothing and space to put the incidentals in the closet and drawers below the bed). The kitchen appliances included a coffee grinder, coffee press, blender, dishes for baking in and pots and pans that were big enough for meal preparation). Since we ate every supper meal in the apartment, this was so necessary to our stay. (Well, ok, the can opener was a wee bit tricky but we still used it). And all the bedding and pillows and cushions you could want/need. Uh, we put most of those in the closet... ;) But they were there!
This was our "home" for 2 weeks and whenever we came back from our walks or bus rides or shopping or activities, we fully appreciated the apartment and the building. We attended movies, the Vic Conservatory of Music choral performance and the Hermann Jazz Club. We enjoyed a 'ghostly' walk and the free activities for the Aboriginal Cultural Festival. All well within the walking distance/buses we set for ourselves. We even enjoyed a wonderful meal in Colwood. Being just off Douglas Street gave us access to buses everywhere!
Yes, the apartment building is on a major street and it is busy and noisy. But for people watchers', the balcony was ideal and many a coffee was enjoyed there. It is a city setting with the fresh air of the ocean and the cries of the sea gulls. We left the bedroom windows open during the nights.
We were able to figure out what to sort with the recycling and compost (a trip to the City of Victoria website helped with items we don't have to sort where we are from). The garbage/recycling area downstairs is especially well-organized.
Other reviews mentioned the bed. It really was as comfortable as they said! Just need to add that the bedroom allowed one to walk around the bed comfortably (we had previously banged knees and toes in a smaller apartment bedroom --this was a plus for us larger sized people).
Today, a day after returning home, there is a sense of loss. We will miss this little home and the feeling that we lived in Victoria and weren't just tourists!
We wish our hosts much success and happiness.
Bob and Lavonne