travel

Peace Bridge is Pedestrian Landmark in Calgary, Canada 

Peace Bridge is Pedestrian Landmark in Calgary, Canada! Spanning the Bow River, the Peace Bridge connects commuters on foot or bicycling to downtown Calgary. But that’s not what makes it unusual. Arched steel and tubular girders make this unique footbridge an architectural marvel. The atypical red and white design represents the colors of the Canadian flag as well as the flag of Calgary. The protective glass roof and nighttime illumination offer safety from the elements. In an effort to minimize the ecological footprint, the height is restricted and piers are nonexistent. At first glance, one could easily mistaken the bridge for a commuter train or a giant novelty toy known as the Chinese finger trap. I prefer to describe its sleek design as a glimpse into the future. Without a doubt, it is a “must see” when visiting Calgary, Canada. 

Dining Outside the Home: Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary, Canada

Dining Outside the Home: Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary, Canada! If you’re looking for traditional street foods of Mexico mixed with a desire to socialize, you may wish to experience the cantina atmosphere of Native Tongues Taqueria. A quick glance will have you wondering if the soft patina of adobe walls peppered with festive Mexican tiles are for real. They are. Communal wooden tables and solid benches promote casual conversations. Fresh ingredients make up for the pricey miniature tacos, which disappeared in three bites. Other patrons seemed to gravitate to the authentic guacamole and house made chips washed down with a signature Mezcal margarita. Sharing platters is the way to go. The chef-driven labor-intensive attention to detail keeps this restaurant from falling into the category of “Mexican fast food”.

Canadian Central Memorial Park is Calgary’s Oldest Park

Canadian Central Memorial Park is Calgary’s Oldest Park! Geometric pathways cross-cross skillfully manicured gardens surrounding the equestrian statue as the main focal point showcased in downtown Calgary, Canada. “The Horseman of the Plains” is a tribute to all Albertan soldiers who fought in the Second Boer War from 1899-1902. Inscriptions on two granite benches showcase the statue at each end immortalizing their bravery. Artistic fountains illuminate the water with colorful hues, adding to the ambience. Central Memorial Park engulfs one entire block in the heart of the city. Beltline residents as well as visitors, tourists, and downtowners appreciate the numerous benches and café tables available when longing for a brief interlude from daily responsibilities. Pack a lunch, toss a coin into the fountain, make a wish, and breathe easy for awhile. 

Soar to the Summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada 

Soar to the Summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada! Are you afraid of heights? Well, I am, which is why I continue to challenge those fears by meeting them head on. Perhaps, I have a spirit that soars…..as long as I keep my mind on the destination. Climbing into an enclosed gondola surrounded by glass and being suspended over the Bow Valley with a 360° view can be mind boggling. Did I mention the gondola has a glass bottom as well? There’s no escaping the multitude of emotion at the sight of jaw-dropping unbridled beauty. From the Banff Gondola observation deck at 7,486 feet above sea level, this is what it feels like to be on top of the world. In the distance, the picturesque town of Banff, with its château-style hotels and quaint shops, carries on as though this is how everyone else on the planet already lives. 

Blue Waters Outline Wolf Head

Blue Waters Outline Wolf Head! A bird’s eye view from Bow Summit affords the most incredible vantage point of a shockingly turquoise lake in the form of a wolf’s head. This is Peyto Lake in Alberta, Canada. From the parking area, a short walk along a paved trail builds suspense for what lies ahead. The platformed lookout, suspended over the edge of the mountain, sits high above the dense valley below. Everyone can appreciate the snow-capped glacier peaks and incredible color of the icy blue water. Imagine the awe of historical trapper Bill Peyto when he made this discovery in the late 1800s. 

Fly Through the Holidays Without These Items

Fly Through the Holidays Without These Items! If you are traveling by air during the holidays, take heed. As super-cute and fashionable as rhinestone studded jeans appear, airport security checkpoints hate them. There’s just too much metallic sparkle and embellishment that play havoc with the scanners. With four metal prongs on each bead, you can certainly understand what I mean. Then there’s the knee-high boots that are worn with the butter-soft leggings or flattering skinny jeans. Most boots have decorative buckled straps to dress it up. These too, alert security which can slow things down a bit. But probably the most surprising red flag of all, is the body lotion. Especially if you slather it on your hands before walking out the door on the way to the airport. I did that two hours before arriving at the terminal. As I passed through security, the guard pulled me aside. He instructed me to open my hands, with palms up. The TSA screener proceeded to run an alcohol swab over them. The meter reading went absolutely crazy! At this point the agent sternly accompanied me to another station as he put in a request for a female security officer. When she arrived, she gave me a light pat-down. My purse and carry-on bag were swabbed inside and out while the search for EXPLOSIVES continued. Apparently glycerin, an active ingredient in beauty products, is an explosive agent used to build bombs. It triggers a false positive which will cause delays at security checkpoints until it is cleared. Long story short, leave the moisturizer at home….at least on the day you are flying the friendly skies.  

Saskatchewan Crossing is Oasis in the Wilderness 

Saskatchewan Crossing is Oasis in the Wilderness! At the end of the day when the gas tank is getting low, and you need to stretch your legs, “The Crossing” is a welcome sight. That’s what fur traders and weary travelers must’ve thought, too. The Saskatchewan River is a “swift flowing river” that divides wide-open prairie and majestic mountains. Imagine horse drawn wagons loaded down with rich animal furs. Unsteady crossing points where the river was narrow enough for makeshift rafts hindered safety. Horses were forced to swim in icy cold waters and wagons were guided against strong downstream currents. But survival demanded it. The trading post could make or break a man. This was life in western Canada where dreams were born. 

Dining Outside the Home: Glacier Saloon in the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: Glacier Saloon in the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, Canada! On the lower level of the exquisite Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can relax over dinner with a majestic view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains at your doorstep. Unwinding over cocktails, brings reflections of the day’s wondrous adventure whether it be strenuous hiking, scenic canoeing, exploration of glaciers, or wildlife sightings. The pub and sports bar atmosphere serves up a hearty meal complete with Yorkshire pudding. Talk about comfort food at its best. Well done!

Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise is Canadian Wonderland 

Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise is Canadian Wonderland! Deep into the Canadian Rockies, up a narrow winding road, is a prestigious hotel known as the Fairmont Chateau. This world-class mountain resort, in Alberta, Canada, is nestled along the banks of the emerald green waters of Lake Louise. Not only is it a romantic backdrop for a destination wedding, but the view from a sloping back Adirondack chair, planted among the manicured gardens, is unrivaled. Imagine walking trails, canoe paddling, downhill skiing, or horseback riding on a carefree vacation for rest and relaxation. Don’t forget to pack your camera.