Just a stones throw from home!

People in Ice  houses do throw stones.

 We have watched hours of Bonspiel, Brier and 'Men with Brooms' footage. They all made curling look ridiculously easy.  So it was with a confident air we ventured onto the ice under the expert tutelage and kind invitation of Meaghan O.

Bambi looks cute and funny when he falls, we just looked funny. Meaghan has curled and won at a national level; she is an absolute gun on the ice with a stone. Trying to teach us how to curl however,  she almost ran out of bullets.

This style would hack anyone off!

Luckily for us Meaghan has as much patience as she does skill and by the end of the session we actually sent a stone up the ice further than we slid. 

Bum up, shoulders square, don't forget to let go!

If only I had let this go from the other end!

A sweeping view of a hogged novice curler.

A style worthy of curling for Australia.

 Despite all the spills. bumps and bruises we had great fun and looking forward to starring in the Australian sequel to the iconic curling movie -   "Men with Brooms" -   "Aussies with Blushes".

Exchanging farewells

The Honourable Donald S Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

As part of Alberta's International Education Exchange week we were invited to a reception with all the other Alberta exchange teachers. The reception at McDougall Centre in Calgary was hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta (The Honourable Donald S. Ethell).

.http://www.lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca/Meet%20the%20LG.htm

 We felt very honoured to be part of Alberta's International Education Exchange Programs week. In addition to the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk (Alberta's Minister for Education) also highlighted the value of student and teacher exchanges. It was very reassuring to hear so much enthusiastic support for such valuable programs, especially as  a number of countries are restricting their exchange programs as part of their austerity measures.

Following the reception we were further honoured to be the guests of Deb and Richard, former Canadian exchangees to Queensland. Not only were they kind enough to offer us a bed for the night, but they hosted all the other Australian exchange teachers and their families for a long night of festivities.
I think the collective noun for a group of Australian exchange teachers could be - A boomerang. We had many happy returns - thinking about returning home to Australia and talking about the prospects of returning to Canada one day. The stories flowed thick and funny - the consensus being we have all had a memorable year, one that we will never forget.
A huge thank you to Deb and Richard for confirming just how generous Canadians are with their hospitality.

The weekend also gave us an opportunity to say farewell to Calgary and southern Alberta.

Calgary through the bike wheel!

Calgary; obviously not a smoke free environment.

It was with mixed feeling we realised this was our final big excursion.
We wont miss the icy/snowy roads, aggressive drivers and distances between wash-rooms.
We will really miss the wonderful open spaces, prairie views,  courteous drivers, wildlife spotting and  the ability to get to most places on wide straight highways and paved roads.

More bison, still no bull moose - will we be allowed to leave the country without seeing one?

Car window view we are going to miss.

A wee peak at Winnipeg

On the way back from the big T we were fortunate to have a brief stop in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg - looks welcoming from the air.

 With only a few hours to spare we did have a delicious lunch at the Fork Markets; we checked out the historic confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers; had a peek at the soon to open Canadian Museum for Human Rights; and saw the Manitoba Legislative building - with the hardy 'Occupy Memorial Provincial Park' tent dwellers opposite.

Almost the White House.

Colourful - but do they keep out the cold and RCMP!!

Prop from the latest Dr Who episode.

Mr Gandhi on his way to the Canadian  Museum for Human Rights.

A unique map of the Red River - all we need now is a boat.

Just a mere morsel of Manitoba. Hopefully we will return one day to enjoy the whole banquet.

Big days to remember in Toronto

In keeping with our quest to see as many "Big" things in Canada as possible, we spent two eclectic days in Canada's biggest city - Toronto.

West Toronto

North Toronto

East Toronto

Naturally we had to visit the World's Tallest Building (1975 - 2010) - the CN Tower.
Even after three decades the tower is an impressive, imposing building that dominates the Toronto skyline. It was a real experience visiting this Canadian icon - unfortunately time and our bank manager prevented us from completing the 'edge walk' - maybe next time!

World's tallest pencil sharpener?

Toronto's Red Light district!

Ready for take off.

When the boat comes in.

The Tower is just one feature of this vibrant city. During the two days we spent wondering around, we spent time on the beach, in the markets, Chinatown, Hockey Hall of Fame,Rogers Stadium (home of the Blue Jays and Argonauts) and of course -  the shops

Waiting for an Ice Cream

A new hockey star?

Fans trying to escape.

You don't see these in the Edmonton Mall!

One of the more unusual locals

China town

Toronto tram race

Toronto taxi race

And would you believe it - to top off our visit we came across the World's Biggest Bookstore




 and still so much more to see and do...................

Niagara Falls

Amazing sights and sounds.

Like most significant natural features in Canada, the sheer majesty of the falls is difficult to capture in pictures. 

Enjoying the view

Horseshoe Falls - Canada's own.

More of natures wonder.

Am I having fun yet?

 The steady sound wave of falling water is a constant reminder of the awesome power being relentlessly unleashed. 

It is the sheer length, rather than the height of the falls that make them so impressive.

America's falls

Illuminated Falls

Who turned the lights on?

A Hershey drop showing off more drips.

The town of Niagara Falls is a spectacle in itself. If you ever tire of gazing at the stunning cascading water there are a myriad of entertainment possibilities. “Las Vegas’ mini-me” may be an apt analogy. Hotels, casinos, amusement arcades, souvenir shops, franchise restaurants and miscellaneous rides, ‘museums’ and spectacles fill the street. 

Sensory overload.

I couldn't believe it!

It may be described as gaudy, but it is irresistible. We spent a few fun filled hours gawking at and taking in the hype.

Another impressive day spent at another iconic Canadian landscape – and still plenty to do if we ever get the chance to come back during the warmer months.