Go Flames Go!

  Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Sunday, May 2, 2004

This is where travelpod becomes particularly useful. No time to ponder in front of the screen - it's travelling time!

I picked Ian up on Friday and we had a grand reunion. He is now being introduced to the wonders of pubic transport, an experience few mining engineers get the chance to appreciate! It's all good though, transit is much more tolerable when you're with someone you care about.

On Saturday he had a great introduction to the hockey, as the Flames beat Detroit 1-0. We went to 17th Ave with his mate Ado and my friend Karen, and took in the atmosphere at Melrose. The scene on 17th afterwards was ridiculous. I don't know how Calgary can possibly get any more excited if the Flames actually win the Stanley Cup. People were honking their horns unremittingly three hours after the game had finished, when the novelty of chaos had well and truly warn off. It's certainly a festive time for Ian to see Calgary.



Yesterday we headed up to Edmonton, Liz and Sarah picked us up belatedly from the bus depot, and we headed over to the mall. I've been a bit crook (too much stress and overexcitement - now it's all coming together I'm recovering) so the first thing we did was go to our hotel room and have a Jacuzzi. Based on Rahul's advice we stayed at the Roman Room at the Fantasyland Hotel, well worth the moola (particularly since it was half price).

That was the highlight of my Edmonton experience this time, Ian's though was probably the water park. Recommendation - if you're going to the mall, brave the crowds and go on the weekend. Today we rocked up and I dragged Ian across the "beach" to my favourite ride, which was closed! Too late I discovered some of the rides are closed on weekdays. For Ian, who had no previous expectations, it was sensational, and we were there for him so it's all good.

I should get to bed because we're heading to Sunshine tomorrow for Ian's very first snow experience. I have to mention though that Calgary beat Detroit 1-0 again tonight and they're into the Western Finals! Go Flames Go!