Oct 01, 2015
Some neat things about the rest of the trip…
Once I left the girls from my Grade 12 class I meandered back to the hotel where I relaxed and started to work on the first post about my whirlwind trip to Edmonton. By the way you will never see any guys at our high school mini reunions mainly because we went to an all girls school 😎
The lovely hotel I stayed at had a wine and cheese event each afternoon from 5:30 – 6:30 PM. Silly me I got caught up in writing my blog and didn’t get there until 6PM. It was way more than I expected. First of all there was only one other follow there and just at the end a couple arrived. There was a young waiter pouring the wine, either a Cabernet Merlot or a very very fine Sauvignon Blanc. They were from Australia and it has slipped my mind as to the actual label and vineyard.
I was astounded to see 7 different cheeses of which 2 were new to me. Complete with grapes, dried cranberries and a good selection of crackers it really was very special. After the first glass of vino I no longer was concerned about the cost of the hotel 🙂
Got back to the room to catch a peak at the view as the sun was setting behind us. But I was rushing.
I was off to meet Casa Maria, my RMT from the Isla. Her name is Mary and she lives in Edmonton half the year.
Once again I was the only one drinking. It was supposed to be a quick dinner but we managed to chat away over three hours. We had a grand time. Even better I get to see her on November 23rd for a 90 minute massage and every week thereafter. I melt at the thought.
This was one of those unique bistros I had mentioned earlier, Cafe Mosaics. Mary had a very tasty curry dish with tofu and veggies with a curry that each bite explored a new flavor. I went with a portobello mushroom pasta served on black bean noodles accompagnied with avocado on toast and a special sauce that I can’t remember. Needless to say I did not finish my dinner.
I have never seen a bill presented with such a choice for a tip. Sadly they only took cash or debit. Strange I thought.
Mary kindly walked me back to my hotel before she walked a block back to her car. Together we discovered this magnificent piece of artwork on the ceiling of the hotel. I had noticed it during the day but at night it was simply brilliant.
The morning found me at the complimentary continental breakfast which turned out to be a full breakfast. Juices, two blends of coffee ( and a variety of teas ), bacon, sausage, eggs, hot toast ( 3 choices of bread ), croissants, danish and two types of fresh baked and warm out of the oven muffins. A lovely tray of fresh fruit, yogurts, four choices of dry cereal and real porridge complete with brown sugar. Most impressive.
I did not sleep well that night. First off there was no clock although they did offer a wake up call but I am used to seeing the time on my digital clock throughout the night. When I shut the lights to go to sleep I realized that I had to leave the hall light on or I would not find the bathroom in the dark. I guess I should make a note to bring a night light or a small flashlite with me. The bed was perfect as was the duvet, yes a real duvet and two types of pillows to choose from. I did miss my buckwheat hull pillow, but for a night it was fine. A first class hotel and well worth the price.
On my way to my 9 AM chiro treatment I noticed these, at least 4 of them per block. What a unique idea to keep people from littering with their cigarette butts.
While waiting for the shuttle to return me to the airport I noticed this bike by the front desk. The green sign explains that the hotel has a variety of bikes available for their guests to use at no charge. Now that is a first class act.
Once checked in at the airport I had an epiphany 😛 After spending all this money to travel for a chiropractic appointment why was I carrying a heavy purse on one shoulder and my even weightier tote bag on the other shoulder 😯 When I saw the luggage store just past the check in counter and before security I made my move.
Spontaneous executive female decision. Buy the carry on bag on wheels. I just popped my tote in there and carried on. Good thing as the gate was at the farthest end possible and also I landed at the gate the furthest away here in Kelowna. It was meant to be. My back was saved.
Once I got through an extremely thorough complete body search in public including the waist of my pants being pulled away from my body and a hand run all around…..I walked to my water refill station. I knew about this filtered water station in the departures area. I had kept my empty bottle to refill rather than donate $2.50 to someone’s profit. There is only one and it is not advertised but I had been told about it a few years ago. Nice.
So I became a statistic. I wonder how long it took to reach this number. I did see one other person use the machine.
Pet therapy at the airport. It certainly made this little girl’s day and her Dad ( on the right ). What a great way to wear off some kid energy and give the dog a walk. The kid is holding the leash but the lady in blue has her hand on the dog’s collar. Each time the girl looked at the dog, it wagged it’s tail. Therapy for the participants and for the observers.
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Wow, what a great trip! The dinner looks fantastic, I hope it was as great as it looks.
The dinner was extremely good. It was nice to do something different for a change.
An awesome write up. I sure hope the bone cracker job will stick. Don’t excuse the fact that you like wine, lately every picture we are in shows wine at various levels of consumption. At our age we have earned it. Live! Love!
So far I am doing well and really trying not to stress or use the computer too much. As to the wine all I can say is 🙂
Edmonton in general is a very progressive city isn’t it. I was born there, we lived there for a number of years as adults, and I went back there for work projects often so I got to see it several times over the decades and have always been impressed. I just wish it didn’t have such a cccccold winter or we might still be there.
I was born there also as you may know. I always marvel at how wide the streets are.
Well you did have a wonderful time there and all tuned up ready for the winter.
Love those water filling stations we make use of them especially at the sports arenas we go to various times of the year.
It’s the first time I’ve seen such a water filling station. It certainly makes sense to have them in sporting arenas.
What a great trip, good friends, good food and wine, good adjustment – just all around good time. Really like the idea of the trash holders for cigarettes butts – years ago we saw a sign with the outline of a butt saying “remember this is trash, too”. Thanks for sharing with all of us
You are correct Sandy, in a word it was good. I like that visual of the outline of the butt on the ground.