You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been a little absent as of late from making some posts. I’ve got a little side project going right now - I’m writing a novel! November is National Novel Writing Month, and I’m giving it my all to produce a literary juggernaut in a month. Masterpiece or not, the fun is in the process. And you may think it’s too late to start now, but it’s not!
When Riley Park was given to the city back in 1908, it was an area for Calgary’s best cricket players to show off their stuff. 100 years later, Riley Park is more than a simple cricket green. Splendid gardens, a wading pool, and a band shell make for a versatile park in the Kensington area.
During the summer time there are flowers of every colour in neat little patterns that speak of the care and attention that is put into the gardens.
Being a fan of tasty cappuccino, I know that you can’t walk into a Starbucks and expect something exceptional. When you want something that is above average, you need to go a place that cares. You need to check out some of Calgary’s fine local coffee shops, and DeVille Luxury Coffee & Pastries is one of those shops.
It isn’t coffee alone that makes DeVille excel: they’ve got the coffeehouse mood down.
Having left Sackville, New Brunswick just as the music scene started blossoming (a la Sappyfest), I long for the sound that I know from those days. Sitting in George’s Fabulous Roadhouse, I would hear Shotgun & Jaybird, the Port City All-Stars, Gary Flanagan, and more - always exciting, fresh, innovative. When I heard that BA Johnston and Shotgun Jimmie were swinging through the Ship and Anchor on 17th Ave, I knew I had to go.
Zombies are a menace to humanity, and having witnessed the carnage of the zombie invasion of Millenium Park, it’s all too clear to me just how fragile our society is when subjected to these bloodthirsty beasts. Make no mistake, zombies are mindless, godless, and intent on carnal destruction. I’ve even heard from some fringe elements that they are also communist (this last part has yet to be verified). Having survived the “Massacre on Millenium,” here’s a few pointers that could save your life.
Resting up from a rough night, I was reading the paper in my apartment when I heard blood-curdling screams from outside. Running to the balcony, I saw that a full on zombie horde was ambling down 12th Street, congregating towards Shaw Millenium Park. The Calgary Police call it “Zombie Walk,” but the concerned citizens fighting for their lives called it straight-up terror. I took pictures and documented the ensuing chaos as it unfolded at the park.
If you have ever taken the Crowfoot C-Train line to the downtown, you’ve like caught a quick glance at the Avatamsaka Monastery. Overlooking the Bow River, this little d-spot adds cultural richness to an otherwise bland business zone with its impressive front entrance and colourful decorations. Having seen the monastery daily on my way to work, I needed to check it out. Thanks to the bucket list, I finally got off my butt to do it.
17th Avenue is not only fantastic for the nightlife, it also just so happens to have a great little breakfast joint in Nellie’s Cosmic Cafe. While some places try to over-complicate breakfast, Nellie’s focuses on delivering the highest-quality classics in a comfortable diner setting.
On this particular outing, I got the Belly Buster plate (it smelled so good, I couldn’t help but chow down before taking a picture). Eggs, sausage, pancakes, toast, hash browns, and fruit slices, all for 12 bucks.
Update: After a few other storefronts, The Good Life closed for good in 2018
Tucked away in Eau Claire Market is a unique shop that has the distinction of being the only non-profit bike shop in Calgary. The Good Life specializes not just in selling bikes, but showing the riders how to maintain their bikes, providing a large workshop area that members can work on their bikes for free in. With a strong social justice mission, Good Life has been riding high since it got its space in the market.
Snug up against the business district and Chinatown, Prince’s Island Park is a d-spot that can be packed to the brim for a concert, or a beacon of solitude. A skip away from the hubbub, this exaggerated peninsula (it’s not really an island, since there is some land connection on the west edge) is packed with art, sophistication, and fun. More photos and facts under the fold...
On a nice day, it’s not unusual to see interesting social activities going on in the fields.