Calgary

February 6, 2010

I went to Calgary about ten years ago and saw most of the city. This time I didn't see much of Calgary, but saw a lot more of the people.

As soon as I exited the airport I noticed a plaster cow invasion with cows acting as painters, ninjas, and unorthodox art work... it was utterly fantastic. I later found one cow accepting money that they are raising to build a park for developmentally disabled children... it really moooved me so I threw in my extra change.

If you're still reading this, you have a much higher tolerence for bad puns than I do, because I don't think I can write anymore, but no guarantees.

As I checked into my hotel across the street from the airport I asked what there's to do or see in Calgary and my almost too honest hotel employee told me "not much." I asked how to get downtown anyway and he insisted I take public tranportation because "taxis and shuttles are way too much money."

Instead of rushing off to see "not much" I decided to pick up some tourist brochures in the lobby. Most of the sights are not in Calgary at all, but in the mountains, which I've been to and are more incredible than any city could hope to be. Hidden amongst the mountain brochures I found a brochure called "Calgary Attractions" so picked it up and headed to my room.

The city, like most northern cities, seems to offer more in the summer than it does in early February. One of the highlights is the Calgary Fort which described the city in a succinct, yet almost embarassing way... well embarassing to me. "The heart of Calgary is red... the scarlet red of the North West Mounted Police tunic." I wonder if the heart of my home, Milwaukee is navy blue... the navy blue of a state trooper's uniform? I don't think so, Milwaukee's heart is more light amber... like the light amber of Milwaukee's Miller High Life.

Another highlight of Calgary is the Heritage Park Historical Village. Appearantly here "Guests solve a traffic jam..." among other highlights. I decided to stay in the hotel for the evening.

February 7, 2010

I woke up for work, got ready, then headed across the street to the airport to get a couple doughnuts at Tim Horton's at the airport. I got a Boston Creme, but then noticed a sign that said they are now selling the "Canada Doughnut" so I got one of those as well. Americans have a stereotype that Canadians are pround and the red maple leaf symbolizes that pride. This doughnut had white frosting with red maple leaf sprinkles on it. After I finished I felt a little more Canadian.

I like the Canadians though, they seem more laid back than most Americans and tend to be more down to earth. I can't claim to like hockey or beer as much as most Canadians, however I find I have more in common with the Canadians than I do with much of the American south. My culture, attitude, etc. all seem to favor the Canadians and it's impossible to go anywhere in Canada and not find a person you like, especially here in Alberta. Life seems to go at its own pace and no one seems rushed. Everyone seems willing to help you out and time seems to move a little slower. Even here in the big city of Calgary you feel like you're in a small town.

For lunch a Canadian friend learned I had never been to Swiss Chalet so encouraged me to go. Each time I'm in Canada I tend to become a little more culinarily Canadian beginning ten years ago here in Alberta when I first ate French Fries with gravy, then discovered The Sticky Wicket in Victoria, learning about my love of Poutine, then multiple dinners at The Keg, followed by my addiction to Harvey's. So when I learned that Swiss Chalet is a Canadian mainstay I had to try it... I'll stick with Harvey's.

February 8, 2010

Went to Tim Horton's for another Canada Doughnut... how could I not have another one?

Lunch was at Harvey's at the airport for poutine... yum. Then I headed home to the land without poutine. I think I may try to make a poutine sandwich: roll, sliced pot roast, cheese curds, French Fries, and covered or dipped in gravy. That with some ice cream is the best heart attack I can think of... that's how I want to go.