Sunday, October 3, 2010

Winnipeg, CA

Third time is the charm. Despite the two failed attempts to drive to Winnipeg things are finally lined up for this weekend. There's good weather and a free place to stay for Saturday night with a distant cousin who just came back from China. There are a couple of small towns along Rt. 59 between here and Winnipeg but I wouldn't be surprised if there are more cows than people in these little settlements.
As I drove through the town of Karlstad two things caught my attention:
1) the Nordic gift shop - very cute inside
2) the ultimate snow Hummer?
Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba and is considered to be diverse and metropolitan for this part of the continent. My cousin Kyle has lived in this frozen tundra for 6 years now and has finally decided to move back to Shanghai at end of the year. I on the other hand have a pretty tough winter ahead of me. Kyle's friend suggested a boat ride around the Fork, where the Red and Assiniboine River converge near downtown Winnipeg. The afternoon was sunny but the wind made it a chilly boat ride.
The highlight of the trip was of course, Chinese food! YAY! The spicy tasty dishes definitely served as a temporary fix to my cravings. Before leaving the city today we made a quick stop at the mall where I picked up a pair of pants in a hurry and paid more than I ever would for pants. With only three pairs of pants for work I was getting a bit desperate to find something that fits me. I had brought skirts with me but I can't wear them at work because the rubber straps for ESD (electrostatic discharge) is incompatible with high heels. I have attempted to wear high heels with the straps and everyone got a good laugh out of it because it looks absolutely ridiculous. I'll have to post a couple of pictures for illustration.
Anyways, we had Korean BBQ for lunch and then I clinched onto the wheel for a windy ride home. With windy gust up to 35 mph I've never been so nervous driving on a day without snow.

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