Calgary…

I must have heard of it in the 20s. Alberta, Toronto, Montreal are more famous. But what attracted me was the university! Recently attending the convocation ceremony there gave me goosebumps.

From the beginning of the march towards the podium to the last clap it was beautiful. ‘The Dinos’ are really fierce! Right from the jovial speech by the chancellor it could only move upwards.

From different etnicities, creeds & races the students achieved their degrees from a common platform. The past students also attended in huge numbers. To feel proud of one’s own institute. It instills that confidence.

Calgary has everything to be proud of! Situated at the confluence of the Bow river & the Elbow river, it has about 80 km east of the Canadian Rockies. I feel wikipedia doesn’t truly get you the feel. Statistically, it is the third largest city in Canada. But ‘Cow city’ or ‘The Stampede city’ is more than that!

The vast expanse of land, the horizon meeting you at all points gets to you. The roads wide & clear, nature’s bounty to be explored at will. Banff National park, Lake Louise are just over an hour by car. The road is good & scenic.

Due to the winter in place the road near the lake was frozen but the lake was beautifully blue in it’s full glory. The tourists make it a wonderful destination! Having selfies or just walking in the icey weather!

Canmore. the sleepy wonderful storybook city has great restaurants & stunning views. I was actually trying to figure out which film had been shot at that sight! Recently I have seen so many, but the small bookstore or the store with knickknacks was nostalgic.

The Horse shoe Canyon was closed for the season but the tour in Drumheller was fruitful. The world class Royal Tyrrell Museum is a treat. A treat to the eyes & a treat to all the curious students. I missed all my students. Wish they would make it sometime!

Visited the huge library & was amazed by the structure so modern & user friendly. The wooden interior fascinates. The boat shape is innovative. The staff all good, co-operative with a smile always.

Missed a visit to the ‘Calgary Tower’ but the Indian restaurant we dined in was just too good! Feeling down at missing the opportunity I vowed to make it in time next time! ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ films have glorified the towers & film buffs like us just follow the leads!

‘Canton tower or ‘Beijing tower will also do. The towers towering over the city gives a chill & a feeling of awe!! The rotating restaurant was an added attraction, here. But then we used the time to go home & chill.

With the chilly weather it was an excellent idea. The day before it had snowed & it gave rise to all the wonderful moments. Not being able to get snowed in Shimla or Kullu Manali nor visiting Kashmir, I would just be in Calgary to watch it again!!!

The roofs, cars, the roads everything snowed in gave a surreal feel. A picture postcard wouldn’t give the feel!! I strongly realized that the eyes can see better than the camera. I can describe in so many words but the colours fail to be the same in the photograph!

It was a dream come true. Leaving, I had a huge lump in my throat & a sinking feeling in my heart. About to tear up, I just waved a goodbye, for now , to return back again in the future!