Friday, January 7, 2011

Calgary


Ventured into the frozen wilds of the North to visit with family in Calgary over the New Year; neat views over downtown in a 'skyscraper on the edge of the world' kind of way. The city has an efficient light rail service, complete with futuristic platforms...

 Well Done, Light Rail

and a new building called 'The Bow', which rises above the place like a giga-NSDAP ministry on steroids. The cranes on the top of the thing give an idea of scale.

 Triumph of the Will

After a couple of days the weather cleared and the sun glinted off a light dusting of high altitude global warming. I found it beautiful but then again I don't have to live with the stuff; what a fierce climate - respect to the people who pioneered the place. Made of stern stuff.

Warming

Back in Texas now, which is, of course, great but I'd recommend Calgary. The city is booming thanks to oil and gas, the people are friendly, there's a 'High Street' with pubs - result - and plenty of decent places to eat. The Rockies are near too, if you've a mind to go ice-climbing/skiing/snowboarding and during the summer there's no shortage of rodeo amusement.


There are drawbacks - the place is expensive, but you'd expect that from a boom town. Visit if you can, it's a singular city.


Happy late New Year & Epiphany,


LSP

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing the photos of your visit to Calgary.
    I spent my New Years Eve in Key West with the crazy people. A far cry from Calgary.
    I hope you have a wonderful New Year.

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  2. LSP, you were so close to where I am, I'm a few hours from Calgary, in the rival city! All of Alberta, or most of Alberta, is very expensive, rents are atrocious, house prices are insane but the province is the richest province in Canada thanks to natural resources. Not that we all make money from oil and gas, but there is ample opportunities out there now that the recession has come to an end.

    Your photos are wonderful, very well shot and I will agree with you that Calgary is a beautiful city. I just wouldn't want to live there, I like Edmonton if I have to live in a city.

    I also wish your a magnificent and blessed New Year.

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  3. Thanks CL - too bad about the crazies... Happy New Year!

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  4. Glad you liked the pics Darlin - interesting city, Calgary, but as you say, insanely expensive. Hope all's well in Edmonton!

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  5. Hi again LSP,
    besides almost being snowed in here, all is well in my world thank you. I guess that I needed some exercise anyways, someone has to shovel these walks and I have yet to train my dog to do so! lol

    Have a fantastic weekend and I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Alberta.

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  6. Thanks Darlin -- snow shovelling can get a bit samey after a while, I seem to recall...

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  7. LSP I have other word choices for this crazy making snow shoveling but they're not proper to say in public! ;-)

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