Going West

Ever since I came up with the idea of Canada, I have wanted to see the Rockies. That opportunity has come up much sooner than expected, ie: tomorrow. My friend Laura has generously offered for me to come and stay with her for a week or so while I look for a job in Calgary.

Whilst I have pounded the snowy pavements harder this week in Winnipeg than any of you will ever know and Winnipeg has had some limited employment prospects here, there are more positions and more highly qualified positions in Calgary.

So farewell dear old Winnipeg, it's been an eventful week. I leave this city with gratitude for the kindness and welcome I've been shown here, some technicolour bruises from a heavy fall down a set of stairs, a love of ice skating on frozen rivers, a grudging appreciation for genuine root beer and a great experience of watching some young chefs cook my Mongolian BBQ stirfry dinner on a huge circular grill and toss bowls of rice to each other.

Calgary is supposed to be a real mix of urban sophisticates and the "capital" of the Canadian great west country. Alberta beef is world famous so I must say I am looking forward to the steak, because I have been dining a little light since my poutine adventures in Quebec city as a self-imposed measure. And whilst I DON'T intend on taking up line dancing, I might just find the answer to that eternal question- what IS the difference between "country" and "western" music? I hope I don't become addicted to either but my boots ARE made for walking.

Wish me luck, folks and a huge thankyou to Laura in advance for having me stay in her home.