Taking Things for Granted
A friend of a friend from Toronto took a brief stop over in Edmonton before continuing on to Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary, Nelson BC, Vancouver, and so on as she makes her way down to Albuquerque, New Mexico.It was useful for me to see Edmonton through the eyes of a tourist, I went to places and saw things that I hadn't visited for some 5 or more years. Like Fort Edmonton Park, West Edmonton Mall, Whyte Avenue, and even the University of Alberta campus.
We take things for granted when they're viable options, I think we just feel so comfortable having the freedom to do something that we don't actually feel the desire to do it. Like engaging in politics. How many women and minorities care about voting now compared to before they had the right to? How many women take advantage of their right to walk around topless in Ontario? How many times have I been to the CN Tower or Niagara Falls since both are within driving distance? Well 0 and 1 there. And I only went to Niagara Falls because my parents had come to Toronto and wanted to go there.
If you are in Edmonton, I encourage you to see Fort Edmonton Park, it has changed for the better in the last 5 years - the steam engine was upgraded thanks to the new Brad Pitt movie "The Assasination of Jesse James" that was shot there, there is now a 1920s style hotel that you can stay at, but beware that it is true to the time period and you will not find any ammenities that were not around in the 20s. That means no TV and no Internet.
If you have been to the CN Tower, let me know if it was worth the $40 to take the elevator up to the top. I might just go before I leave Toronto.
posted by Blight @ 1:54 PM
7 Comments:
How many women take advantage of their right to walk around topless in Ontario? I think we all know the answer to that one. Particularly if, by women, you mean young, attractive and perky.
The CN Tower is worth it (plus its not $40 if you scrounge around for coupons -- hotels have 'em or find someone with an Entertainment book). It didn't change my life, but I recommend going before it's not the tallest free-standing structure (which, I recon, won't be long). The glass floor is cool, the view ain't bad either.
BTW, that is a very pretty picture to go with the post. It's bitter sweet; like the theme of your last few posts :)
$40 to go up the CN Tower? I was there in 1979. I don't think it cost that much then. I am sure it has changed a bit up there.
You are right in that we take things for granted where we live. A lot of people think it is always greener on the other side of the fence but once they get there they realize the grass was pretty green where they came from. It is good to be a tourist in your own hometown once in a while just so you can appreciate what you have near you.
>> Dalban
Thanks I liked how the photo turned out too.
OK I'll try to see if there is a CN tower coupon or something around somewhere.
Are you taking advantage of the Cali coast or what? Gone surfing at all these days?
>> Sirdar
I totally agree. That's why I'm so happy I had someone to show around. It was great for me as well.
Isn't there a thing if you go there for lunch, the ride to the top is free?
We do tend to take for granted the things closest to us. So near, yet so far when we don't see or appreciate them.
I went to the top, and it's not bad. Go when it's a bright, clear, sunny day out. When I went the pollution / clouds meant that you couldn't see very far. Probably the best part is standing on the glass floors.
When it's done they dump you in a souvenier shop, which is near impossible to escape.
That photo at the top is great, did you take that?
If I have to take another visitor through King's College Chapel, I may kill him/her. These tourist attractions may be beautiful and amazing, but they get repedative after a dozen or so trips!
Yes I took the photo, with my little digital camera even!
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