And because I got carried away and I don’t want

to miss anything on this trip, this post

will be published in a series of three articles.

I hope you have the time of day

as this is a long read.

A State of Gratefulness

[First of a Series]

I’TS BEEN QUITE A WHILE and, as always, I was preoccupied with this and that, thus neglecting to fill this space.

            This and that have nothing to do with the country’s state of lawlessness or Digong’s scary state of mind. Neither do they include those trolls cashing in on social media or Leila’s admission of her frailties as a woman.

            I’m sure you didn’t miss me but the last post I made was about my Becoming Sixty [published 17 May 2016] that centered on my first trip ever to the US of A, specifically the city of New York. This is where best friend cousin Luis lives which would become the venue of my 60th birthday celebration courtesy of my loving and generous daughters, Jacklyn Ghiselle and Paulyn Angela.

            Now I would like to fill you in on another trip I took which could easily be some sort of a grand finale to my first 365 days as a new senior citizen.

            It’s been fun — all those discounts and no-lining-up in banks, fastfood restaurants and supermarkets and, being a Quezon City resident, I get free parking in some malls and other establishments — and flattering, too — “senior na po kayo? … hindi halata.”

            I’m sure it will continue to be fun and flattering and, let me add, fabulous.

            Anyway as I was saying …

UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS       

        If views were for sale, I’d surely buy that one along the highway going to Banff from Calgary showing the Canadian Rockies with its endless row of mountains. Some have snow on top, while others look as if the sky decided to come down and kiss them, and settle as pristine white clouds on their shoulders …

            Or that stunning one from Sanson Peak, the highest point on Sulphur Mountain where you look down on Banff’s natural beauty with the distinctly turquoise blue Bow River flowing along mountains and pine trees and all that lush wilderness …

            Or those from Elbow Falls  and Johnston Canyon, where the sight and sound of rushing waters are simply relaxing …

            Or from the lobby of the gorgeous Prince of Wales Hotel that overlooks the scenic Waterton Lake …

            Or that one from downtown Canmore, where you walk amidst colorful shops and boutiques with the mountains so close around you like it’s yours for the climbing …

            And the or’s seem endless. Indeed, Canada, the world’s second largest country, is a beautiful postcard-perfect place. It’s no wonder it is the seventh happiest nation in the whole world, as revealed by the World Happiness Report 2017 of the United Nations (UN) released last March 20th, the International Day of Happiness. Other countries in the Top Ten list include Norway, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.

          Anyway, as daughter Pee Ann and boyfriend Alex toured us around, I was simply torn between wanting to stay a bit longer in one place and moving on quickly to the next.

            I wanted to linger a bit to memorize every detail of a particular place; but I also wanted to quickly leave to cover as many awesome places as possible.

            There were even moments when in just one place — like Banff, Canmore and Vancouver — so many beautiful features were like competing for my attention and the feeling was just intoxicating.

            And there’s this saying that comes to mind: Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away. In this trip, I simply lost count …

            These beautiful places that afford the best views are exactly what’s giving me a heightened state of gratefulness that God has indeed made a beautiful world and He showed me concrete proof with this Canadian version.

            [By the way, us means Pee Ann’s dad Richard; and Alex’s parents Mike and Grace; with Ghiselle joining us in the last two weeks because that’s all her company is allowing her to go on leave].

            And that’s us doing a well-orchestrated jump shot at VanDussen Botanical Garden in Vancouver.

ONE MEMORABLE SUMMER

          We visited Canada during their summer — from July 18th to August 17th last year — and it proved to be fun and adventurous and definitely memorable. It was a different kind of summer because while the sun was shining bright, it felt cozy cold.

            This is where Alex and Pee Ann live and work away from home and family. It was a generous treat for us and more than the views, this trip further intensified my state of gratefulness as our children retain their sense of family, showing us their love and care even now that they are no longer dependent on us.

            Anyway, medieval Moroccan traveler and scholar Ibn Battuta says that “traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

            He is right and he could have been talking about me.

          As the places I’ve mentioned left me with one-syllable words like “wow!” I think I have found enough words to walk you through the amazing places we’ve visited as well as the people we have met along the way. I didn’t expect it but we have encountered a lot of Filipinos — from a parish priest to an entire crew at a chicken house, from the cleaning lady at Costco to a fellow shopper at a mall elevator to a staff at a printing press in a museum park …     

         

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

          Alex and Pee Ann’s place is called Berkley Gate in northwest Calgary, a most convenient residential area. The house is spacious and well-designed and has a basement that could pass for another house.

            The backyard is perfect for summer barbeques which we did on our first night there.

            The front yard has two crab apple trees — reminds me of the mansanita tree in our hometown in Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur — some pine trees, and ornamental plants; while the back has more pine trees and prolific raspberry bushes.

            The house is a stone’s throw away from Nose Hill Park, a national environmental park; a few streets towards a Catholic church, the Ascension Catholic Parish; and just a short drive to some of the biggest stores and malls.

            Such stores include Ikea, that popular Scandinavian chain selling do-it-yourself furniture and everything you need in the house in a warehouse-like atmosphere.

            The Home Depot is much like the same but I especially liked that plants section selling a variety of gorgeous flowers in my favorite colors, including assorted hibiscus, which are related to my gumamela back home.

            Super Store is aptly named because it is such a big supermarket with everything you need and want in it.

            Bass Pro was interesting, looking like a big cabin in the wilderness and surrounded by life-sized stuffed animals, false falls, animal-themed benches, and vintage sofas, all perfect backdrops for a photo shoot. It sells a wide selection of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, being true to its tagline, Canada’s Great Outdoor Store.

            A single-seat sofa caught my attention and I lounged on it a bit, wishing I could bring it home.

          CrossIron Mills is a shopaholic’s place having all the stores with name brands in one roof. I liked one part of its ceiling that had what looked like the backbone of a dinosaur; an ice sculpture that seem to have frozen inside it a long-haired man holding a paper cup; and those rock benches strategically lining the mall’s walkways, one of which I also want to take home for our backyard …

          And I specially enjoyed the Deerfoot Farmer’s Market which had a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables — my first time to taste a juicy peach and really tasty cherries — sausages, which Mike bought; really beautiful plants, baked goodies, honey and wine; and some arts and crafts.

            And wherever we went, there’s always a Filipino just too eager to bond with us.

          The parish priest of the Ascension Catholic Parish is Fr. Terry, a Filipino. He was installed during a Mass I attended after a stroll around the neighborhood. His nationality wasn’t mentioned when he was introduced but when I approached him for his blessing after mass, he said to me, kumusta?

            I am so glad that there is a church nearby because there is always something to be thankful for. I also love its fountain of holy water that welcomes you upon entering its main door.

            Grace and I would attend Mass either before or after Sunday because of our busy schedule as tourists.

            On the first time we went, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed after the Mass and the officiating priest recited this meaningful prayer: ”Thank you for Your presence Jesus in the Eucharist ... may we learn to count our blessings instead of our troubles and may we be thankful for what we have and what we are ..."

            Another remarkable mass I attended was on the last Sunday of July when the Gospel readings centered on the meaninglessness of worldly possessions and that God doesn't say it's bad to be wealthy, He just doesn't want us to be greedy.

          During the Homily, the officiating priest recalled the oil crash two years ago [this was my first time to hear about this and would later learn more in a visit to Banff] which he said caused lost jobs and tough times in the province of Alberta. This was a devastating time, he added, because the province has always experienced the good times and that financial wealth was never a problem. He concluded by saying that while the province has yet to fully recover, he encouraged everyone to thank God that Alberta is holding up quite well. He likewise commended the people for sharing their blessings and showing their generosity in times like this, including to the victims of the  destructive fire at Fort McMurray [this one I know because the campsite where Alex and Pee Ann work is located here and they had to be evacuated during the said fire].

            The church gives away free rosaries to the faithful with an invitation that goes “get as many as you want and they’re already blessed.” It is a project of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Foundation (Canada) Inc. [www.ourladyqueenfoundation.com] in Calgary, Alberta.

            I got as many as I want and gave them to family and friends.

            Finally, Nose Hill Park is unlike some popular parks. It doesn’t have tall trees but it is surrounded by acres upon acres of grassland.   It doesn’t get boring because there are some dainty flowers from weeds along the way breaking the beautiful monotony of greenness.

            You may also find trees in coulees or deep ravines around the area where the park’s resident fauna roam. According to an interpretive sign, coyotes and deer wander about as well as porcupines, squirrels and northern pocket gopher. strathcona.ca says the gopher is a burrowing rodent that got its name from the fur-lined external cheek pouch or pocket that it uses for carrying food and nesting materials.

            Swainson’s hawks also fly over the area and I did see one soaring above during a walk.

          And, of course, there were park benches, perfect for catching one’s breath after a long walk or for taking a deep breath to absorb the lush atmosphere and breathe in mountain air.

            The park has many trails you can choose from but the first one we took was uphill. It was our first official activity, which we did the first day after our arrival.

           

            The weather was cold and windy and we had to stop at middle trail because the ascent was beginning to be difficult. Alex and Richard continued on to the higher trails though. But where we stopped was already perfect — the fresh air, the warm sun; the view from the top, giving us a glimpse of a yellow blanket of canola plants in some far away field; the green trees below; and the feeling of oneness with Nature — and great for picture-taking.

            A walk around my neighborhood in Manila or along Marikina River near sister Patty’s copy center will always be a welcome one but this was bringing park stroll to the highest level.

            Visited the park again on some days, either alone or with company and I always chose the flat right trail.

           

CANADA 101

            The Heritage Park Historical Village is the first tourist spot we visited. Dubbed as the country’s largest living history museum, it definitely gave us a quick backgrounder about this lovely country.

            The village looks like a mega huge park or a small city that centers on western Canada. There are historical buildings and houses, comprehensive exhibits and personnel dressed in costumes representing different time eras from the 1860s to the 1950s.

            It was an engaging lesson and a captivating experience in Canadian history.

            One building is the Gasoline Alley that had me mesmerized with a wide collection of shiny cars, gas pumps and colorful race car banners. The interpretive signs gave me an information overload but it was interesting to discover the country’s version of “life in the fast lane” — from one of Alberta’s first “horseless carriages” called Locomobile to the succeeding cars made by Ford and Chevrolet.

            Other notable buildings we visited include:

            . The Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women, which houses an exhibit that tells the story of Canada’s influential women, namely Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Henrietta Edwards, Emily Murphy and Louise McKinney.

            These women are called “Alberta’s Famous 5,” who bravely and persistently fought for the right for women to be considered “Persons” under the British North America Act in 1929.

            The house is a replica of McClung’s home.

            . The Gleichen School — where I sat with the costumed children at play for a photo — was built in 1908.  It was first established in 1883 and constructed from logs that were floated down the Bow River.

            . The Strathmore and Bow Valley Standard that delineates a typical pre-1915 prairie newspaper plant and office. Built in 1909, it was used to produce the Calgary Herald, Edmonton Bulletin and the Gleichen Call. One of the press personnel is a Filipino but whose name escapes me now.

            And then there were more — the Hudson Bay Company Fur Trading Fort which showcased the country’s fur trade; some houses and firms constructed by colonization companies in the 1900s like the Wainwright Hotel and the Vulcan Confectionary Ice Cream Parlour, where I tasted my first maple walnut ice cream; the Bruderheim Windmill and the First Nations Encampment that gave a feel of a typical way of life of Canada’s First Nations people with tipis furnished with artifacts and other tools and interpreters sharing stories from their culture.

            Going around the village is made more fun and comfortable through horse-drawn wagons; an antique shuttle bus, whose driver approached us to say his son married a Filipina; and a steam train, which we missed because it doesn’t stop at the station where we waited.

CHARMING CALGARY

            Of course, there is more to Calgary than this amazing village.          

            Arriving at the Calgary International Airport, I chanced upon this signage of a shop that says, “Life is good.”

            I would soon find out that indeed, life is good in this city that has a charm of its own. It’s a little bit country, a little bit city. The Canadian Rockies nearby provides the country atmosphere; while its downtown affirms its city status with those modern glass skyscrapers and tall buildings.

            Upon arrival, we met two of Alex and Pee Ann’s friends, couple Conrad and Lea with their son, Miguel, who were at the airport to pick up Lea’s parents, Pedro and Yolly, likewise visiting.

            And, of course, I was so happy to see cousin Gary Bong, who I haven’t seen in years since he left our hometown in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur a few years back to work and live here in Calgary. He joined Alex and Pee Ann in picking us up at the airport.

            We would have dinners together in the duration of our stay and of course I was so happy to see his daughter Jasmin/Garda all grown up. I think she was barely five years old the last time I saw her.

            Downtown Calgary is a typical business center — and very much like Makati City — with all those tall buildings. The difference is the ever imposing red-topped Calgary Tower and, of course, cleaner air.

            Going around was fun with all those colorful flowers lining the roads and adjacent sides of structures. We also dropped by Fairmont Palliser Hotel to “try out” the toilet and eventually ended up posing for pictures.

          Going up the Calgary Tower gives a panoramic view of the entire city, a beautiful combination of man-made buildings and God-created mountains in the horizon.

            Aside from the view, having to stand or sit on a glass floor which is the only thing that separates you from 191 meters down below added scare and thrill to the experience.

            Finally, we had dinner at a Japanese restaurant — Ke Charcoal Grill & Sushi — and the food was really tasty. Some of our orders were served on cooking stones which was quite interesting and really delicious.

            Other places I distinctly remember include Chinook, Lake Sundance and Edworthy Park.

            Aside from the usual fantastic mountain views, Chinook, whose name means a warm winter wind, is home to Chinook Centre, the largest mall in Calgary with five major department stores.

            The iconic Hudson’s Bay has its flagship store in the said mall. Remembering from Heritage Park, the said store was founded more than 300 years ago and initially traded furs.

            Lake Sundance is a residential neighborhood with a beautiful lake near Macleod Trail. This was where we attended the 66th birthday celebration of Lilia (below photo, second from right), mom of Alex and Pee Ann’s friend, Conrad.

               

            In this occasion, we got together once more with the family of Conrad and Lea and some of the rest of their family and friends.

            Grace and I enjoyed posing in various parts of the lake with the birthday girl and her guests. Our photographer Tatay Pedro was most accommodating in making sure our pictures come out perfect. The rest likewise enjoyed sitting by the park and enjoyed the breeze from the lake.

            Edworthy Park is a city park along the shore of Bow River. It is filled with tall trees notably the Douglas Fir, which are so beautifully aligned. This was where we met more of Alex and Pee Ann’s friends, among them, Dothy and Shirley [below fifth photo, shown with Lea and Pee Ann]; Rizza and Jen [lowermost photo, second and fourth from left respectively].

           

AWESOME ALBERTA

            Calgary is in the province of Alberta, one of Canada’s prairie provinces, the other two being Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

            Wikipedia further says they are called Prairie Provinces or the Prairies because they are partially covered by prairie or grasslands. With this, we had more of mountains and lakes and waterfalls and exploring the province was one exciting adventure.

            On top of the list is Drumheller, one of its interesting towns, where we marvelled at hoodoos. Interpretive signs say they are eroded pillars of soft sandstone rock or, as the Aboriginal people believe, were giants turned to stone by the great spirit due to their evil ways. Whatever they are, they are beautiful formations and perfect for photo ops ... [Couple Joel and Faith, two of Alex and Pee Ann’s friends, joined us.]

            This town also boasts of the Little Church that can only seat six people at a time. But it was big enough to feel God's presence and I did my thanksgiving prayers in between being impressed by its interiors and wall quotations.

            An interpretive sign says the church was erected by local contractor Tygve Seland in cooperation with the ministerial association in 1968 and was reconstructed by inmates of the Drumheller Institution in 1991. It was designed as a place of worship and meditation and not just a tourist attraction.

            Thus, visitors are requested to treat it with respect.

            It also has the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, popularly known as the Rosedale Suspension Bridge, Rosedale being the small community where it is located. It is 117 meters long and it swings and sometimes bounces around when walked on or caused by some naughty tourists or maybe residents who gallop or make moves to make it so.

            The experience was exhilarating and frighteningly fun.

          We were assured the bridge is safe and I was scared to look down but I’m glad I did because I had a glimpse of the  pristinely clear Red Deer River below and the surrounding scenery. Also noticed some padlocks fastened on the side of the bridge,  reminiscent of Paris’ Pont de Arts where couples attach locks to profess their undying love for each other and then throwing the key into the River Seine beneath.

          More places that contribute to Alberta’s awesomeness are its capital, Edmonton; the Elbow Falls in Kananaskis, a park system in the province; and the town of Canmore.

            We visited Edmonton and stayed at the house of JR [middle photo, extreme right], another friend of Alex and Pee Ann, in Summerside Ellerslie. We were joined by his cute daughters Snow [with me in lowermost photo] and Star, and their mom, Rizza.

          We spent a day at The Beach Club nearby, a beautiful resort by the lake where you can swim with the fish or simply bask in the sun with the fresh air coming from the mountains. We met more friends of Alex and Pee Ann, including Melinda and her cute daughter JM.

               

            We likewise got to experience the annual K Days  in nearby Northlands, where we unleashed the child in us. We checked out the perya booths, stared in awe at the crazy and wild rides, played the giant jenga, petted some barn animals, strolled by the indoor shops, watched briefly the acrobats of Peking perform, and of course photo ops galore.

            Worth mentioning is that being a senior, Mike and I got a discount getting in.

          The Elbow Falls starts with a river where a trail has been built leading to it. Both river and falls are beautiful with its fast-moving water so clear and the color is a glorious tint of the different shades of blue and teal.

            [In this visit, we were joined by the family of Conrad and Lea. Some of the photos were taken by Lea.]

          An interpretive sign reveals that a devastating flood in June 2013 washed away over 17,000m2 of land above its falls’ viewpoint, damaging all picnic sites, tables and fire pits.

            It adds that nearly one-third of Alberta’s people depend on the water that originates in the Elbow River watershed and some of this water are used in homes, industries and farms.

            Indeed, more than its beauty, Elbow Falls is an important part of the province.

            Finally, Canmore, a very appealing town that makes me want to live there.

            It is beautifully surrounded by mountains, notably the Three Sisters, a trio of mountains. Downtown Canmore is great for walking and sightseeing.

            Wikipedia says the Three Sisters was originally named The Three Nuns because they resembled three praying nuns after a veil of snow settled on each peak after a storm. Individually, they are known as Big Sister or Faith; Middle Sister or Charity; and Little Sister or Hope.

[To  be continued …]