My Dearest Calgary, Canada …
On my way to Paris, I had a seven-hour layover in Calgary. I’m not one to pass up a sightseeing opportunity, so I sought assistance from an airport volunteer sporting a very stylish cowboy hat. He pointed in the direction of Gate 15 and off I went. I paid the $3.50 bus fare for the 25-minute ride to the center of town and as if by magic, bus 301 appeared. This was my first time in Canada and the only knowledge of Calgary that I had was the 1993 film Cool Runnings, where the Jamaican Bobsled Team competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Just like them, I came from a warm region, but I was bundled up and wasn’t worried. It didn’t take me long to realize, however, that I was overdressed for the weather, and I cringed when I remembered I’d left my hat, sunglasses, and sunblock in the bag I checked in.
On my way downtown I searched for the best places to visit in Calgary, but in the interest of time, I elected to visit Eau Claire Park. The walk from Eb 5 Av SW @ 6 St SW bus stop was short, but by the time I reached the water’s edge of Bow River, I was desperately overheating. I snapped a couple of photos, crossed Peace Bridge, and returned to an eatery I had passed – Buchanan’s Chop House and Whiskey Bar. Its red brick exterior and wood interior offered just the right amount of rustic charm. The host greeted me with a warm smile and asked if I wanted to sit inside or out, but before I could answer, I hastily made my way inside. I welcomed the air-conditioning and the tall glass of ice water – I don’t remember the last time I felt so parched!
The host, now waiter handed me a menu. I never bother to read those things when I travel. Someone once told me to simply ask for the most popular menu item, and so I did. I ordered a plate of thick noodles with a combination of seafood items. It was quite tasty. After a full pasta meal, three glasses of water, and a nice chat with the host, I felt I had gained enough energy to give the area a proper visit.
I returned to the river, bridge, and Bow River Pathway; however, I was drawn to an area of the river that had a small stretch of sandy beach and a cement ramp leading into the water. When I arrived, there was a gentleman playing with his dog, a woman sunbathing and a couple chatting on the shore. I sat there on a ledge and took it all in. Soon another dog would arrive and another – it always amazes me how something as simple as a ball can make a canine so happy. For those peppy pups the temperature of the water was perfect and after dipping my hand in the crystal liquid, I had to agree. I almost jumped in myself, but it was time to catch my connecting flight to Paris and arriving sopping wet at the airport didn’t seem like a good idea!
And so, with that my dearest Calgary, I thank you for the lovely visit. I will remember to bring my cowboy hat next time. Yee-haw!
Love always,
Susana Porras
