Calgary Report - Day 1.
First off, let me say that the current weather in Calgary sucks - it's rainy and overcast and has been so since we arrived. Consequently, any negative comments on what has otherwise been a very relaxing trip out West should be blamed on the weather.
Temporary Home
The hotel where we're staying is almost right in the downtown core - the room looks out at the Saddledome and Calgary Tower. There is a large group of Japanese women staying in the Hotel - culturally it was a little odd to have the 6'+ doorman bowing to these ladies as they entered (we received no such acknowledgment). The continental breakfast is excellent and Karina has decided that she was right to not like oatmeal.
Path vs. the 15+
Visitors to Calgary or those who have seen the excellent Canadian indie flick "waydowntown" will know that Calgary has a network of covered bridges (15 feet above the sidewalk) connecting the buildings in the downtown core thereby making it possible to travel around the core without going outside. Toronto's PATH connecting the downtown is very much similar but connects below ground. So how do they compare? Both are very convenient for making your way around in inclement weather and locating places at which to purchase soy lattes. Both have a marvelous cold and corporate air about them that seems to reinforce the idea that this is not a place to lounge about. Both are mainly traveled by people in various stages of corporate undress. Both are very confusing to navigate. But the 15+ doesn't seem to have all that many people using it. In fact, there don't seem to be very many people around. Let's see what I have to say in a few days - for now I'm giving the 15+ top marks for letting the corporate drones get sunlight and the apparent lack of doors you have to open (stupid TD Center). There are, however, much fewer stores (and an abundance of card shops???)
I am shortly to head over to the Eau Claire Market - and will report back (when I please).
Temporary Home
The hotel where we're staying is almost right in the downtown core - the room looks out at the Saddledome and Calgary Tower. There is a large group of Japanese women staying in the Hotel - culturally it was a little odd to have the 6'+ doorman bowing to these ladies as they entered (we received no such acknowledgment). The continental breakfast is excellent and Karina has decided that she was right to not like oatmeal.
Path vs. the 15+
Visitors to Calgary or those who have seen the excellent Canadian indie flick "waydowntown" will know that Calgary has a network of covered bridges (15 feet above the sidewalk) connecting the buildings in the downtown core thereby making it possible to travel around the core without going outside. Toronto's PATH connecting the downtown is very much similar but connects below ground. So how do they compare? Both are very convenient for making your way around in inclement weather and locating places at which to purchase soy lattes. Both have a marvelous cold and corporate air about them that seems to reinforce the idea that this is not a place to lounge about. Both are mainly traveled by people in various stages of corporate undress. Both are very confusing to navigate. But the 15+ doesn't seem to have all that many people using it. In fact, there don't seem to be very many people around. Let's see what I have to say in a few days - for now I'm giving the 15+ top marks for letting the corporate drones get sunlight and the apparent lack of doors you have to open (stupid TD Center). There are, however, much fewer stores (and an abundance of card shops???)
I am shortly to head over to the Eau Claire Market - and will report back (when I please).
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