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I arrived off the lovely Greyhound experience from Kelowna at 6am. Dealing with a time zone change, in addition to daylight savings caused a brain confusion that I hadn't planned on for my start in Alberta. I chowed down on some breakfast before venturing off to the hostel in town, and planning my time in Calgary.

Alberta = Cowtown Reunions

Coffeecat
2006-08-12 14:27:26

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a hiking mood, so we boarded the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The views were of course spectacular, and it gave Marina and I a refreshing moment to keep on exchanging life stories. I expect I will return to explore the Rockies further one day as the trails are endless and the sky- kissing views are inspiring, but until that time, our day trip was over and we returned to the streets of Calgary.

I had originally intended to spend just a couple of days in Calgary, but as I had free accommodation and new friendships to discover, I didn't rush off. I spent a few days reading, lounging in front of the tele, and
A good view and a few dinosaurs still roaming aboutthen I joined Marina's flatmate for a day of shopping. Not being the perfect size 8, 9 or 10, I have never really looked forward to finding the right fitting clothes. But as I have grown slightly tired of my t-shirts and trousers after 11 months of travelling with them, I figured it was time to break the mould. Jan was very encouraging, and seemed to know the best shops to go to. The end result was a cat walking Fiona parading the parking lot in my new jeans. Jeans! The feel of denim certainly beats my shapeless quick dry trousers!

The next adventure into town was quite amusing. I had contacted an ex-boyfriend from ten years ago and we met up for a coffee near his office. I figured enough years had passed to put our history behind us and catch up with the different directions life has taken each of us. And I was glad we were both able to laugh at me being caught out in a lie, (sorry Mike, there really really wasn't another guy-I just wanted to move on!) and rather funny that I didn't even remember making it up in the first place!

For one of
My personal shopping assitant, Jan Full Image
We have red eyes just from the hours of shoppingmy last nights in town, Marina and I cruised down to a bar called Melrose's. As we weren't able to get tickets to the Calgary Flames playing on the ice that night, this was definitely the next best thing. There was such a mad collection of people watching the game, we just sat at the bar and people watched. Not exactly true hockey fans, but certainly into the spirit of things! Middle aged women flashed the world when there was a goal, men pushed drinks in front of us even when we had stopped all conversations with them (I'm afraid neither of us are looking for boring, balding or badly dressed boy!). As the bar was situated along the 'Red Mile', I was able to imagine what it would have been like when the Stanley Cup was won, with crowds of people lining the street.

Having spoiled myself with the new pair of jeans, I decided to continue with the trend and had my hair done. The disadvantage of having had it straightened in Vietnam to avoid the humidity afro, resulted in thoroughly fried hair months later. I'm now sporting a sleek straight blonder do, AND shaking my booty in a pair of jeans...under the 40 pound backpack!

I had hoped to explore a bit more of Alberta, as the Dinosaur Park/Drumheller looked like an interesting visit, and the 'Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump' sounded like it could have been a laughable write up, but transport was an issue. Canada is unquestionably, a big place to travel around. So next time I decide to cross the country I'll certainly opt for the car. And I'll most certainly hook up with more friends along the way. It was a shame I was contacted by an ex-boyfriend's brother (that is living in Calgary) after I left as he seems like another good soul to know. Next time, next time.

And this time? I'm boarding a night bus into the next province of Saskatchewan.

Cheers all,

Fiona