#whereswalteryeg

I was told that I had to go to Las Lajas Sanctuary if I wanted to be cured, so here I am waiting to be cured, I don’t really know what I have to be cured of or saved from (probably a hangover?) but at least I got to see this amazing basilica church built inside of a canyon. This church was built in 1953 and is known for the stunning architecture. I find it so unique as it’s a Neo-Gothical building in the middle of the forest, I never thought I was going to find this in the middle of Colombia. Chatting with some locals, they told me all the legends about this sanctuary that I am 99% convinced that the reason my hangover didn’t appear this morning is not just for all the water that I drank. 

I am glad that I had the chance to go out and see some real salsa dancing, spending the night in Cali was a great idea, this is an incredible city. Lots of colour and culture to observe, and everyone seemed like they were in a really good mood. One thing that stuck out was that all the women I see here look like different versions of Kim Kardashian! The nightlife is great, now I get why people said that this city is “The Heaven’s Branch Office” and the World Capital of Salsa. I definitely have to learn how to dance salsa, my first Thursday night back in Edmonton will be at On the Rocks! I hope my salsa tutorials go better than my mambo tutorials.

Now that I mention rocks, I should tell you a bit about my adventure in Suesca, it turns out that a girl that I met last night is going rock climbing and she was kind enough to invite me to come with her friends. Of course, these rocks are not as big as the Rocky Mountains, but this one was big enough for me and my out of shape hockey body. We spend the afternoon scaling and hiking the formation which exhausted me! All this travel, food and indulging in beverages are starting to affect my athletic performance. As soon as I get to Edmonton I need to put some serious attention towards getting back in shape! I should get a bike and get back into biking.

I found a miniature version of Drumheller! it’s called el Desierto de la Tatacoa. Nobody told me that “La Tatacoa” was a snake, and that I was going to be camping in a desert of snakes. I was scared at first but then I realize that even though that is the name of this place, this isn’t really a desert and it isn’t full of Tatacoa snakes. This tropical sand forest is full of stunning landscapes, during the day the sand looks like it’s on fire and at night you can go to the observatory. During the day, there is not a lot to do, I went for a walk and made some friends, Sofia and Carlos. They are also camping for the night, but this wasn’t their first time in the desert so they showed me around. They took me to this secret pool, it was just like a mirage, I was so hot! No one told me that it was going to be 50° C and that I should have brought more food. Although I was burnt and starving, because there are no lights around so at night I got to see the stars and the moon, and it was absolutely incredible. The astronomer was really friendly and helped me to take some photos but I am dreaming of having a cheese burger and fries.

Here am I doing paragliding, this was a great experience, I didn’t even think of asking if somebody had died in an accident in one of this fabric wings things, well I guess it just wasn’t my time.

Someone told me that there was snow in Colombia, and I wanted to see if it was true. Countries around the equator don’t get to shovel snow every year. I won’t bore you with geography lessons in my blog, though. The locals, it was  a point of discussion to consider whether it was going to snow or not every winter season. Apparently, there was snow this year, it was just really hard to find. My feet and back hurt from that hike, though. But it was totally worth it, you can be the ones to judge.

After hiking and camping I was ready to check out the beaches. Everyone speaks so highly about Cartagena that I decided to start there. It was such an amazing experience to be able to be in a city with two completely different landscapes. The old city is surrounded by a wall that helped them fight for independence from the Spain. The architecture is totally colonial, walking by some of these streets I feel like I should be riding a horse. The food was amazing! There was this rice dish cooked with coconut which was unreal, I wish I could take some of this with me. The fried plantain with salt was also delicious, I didn’t even know that the plantain existed, always thought that it was just a bigger banana. The beaches in Cartagena were not as nice as everyone said they were, the only plus was that the water wasn’t as cold as it is in Tofino. I continued my travels on to a place called Las Islas del Rosario, the sand was pure white, and the water was so clear that I could see the fish swimming. If you ever come here you have to take a boat and get to these islands.

The Cartagena area wasn’t enough so I continue my journey to Santa Marta, which by the way was one of my favorite places so far. I spent most of the time at la Sierra Nevada which is a magical mountain where you can find beaches without a lot of shops around, is like a true paradise.

My last stop was at San Andres, the Colombian island. I rented a Kawasaki Mule for the day to give myself a tour of the island. To my surprise, it only took me one hour. The sea has seven colors here, I wanted to understand why so I booked a scuba diving lesson and found out that the corals are the responsible of coloring the sea. On my last night, I went to a boat restaurant called La Regatta, which was absolutely delicious. I wish I could’ve stayed more time here, just to eat more. I had to wait in line for a while because I didn’t have a reservation. If you ever decide to go to San Andres you can’t leave the island without eating there. 

In the morning, I got a ticket to go to Johnny Cay, which was only a 10-min boat ride away. The waves in this island were totally worth it, if you have a surf board. I don’t know why they didn’t have a place to rent surf boards! They rented tents, chairs, everything else but… ! I would have loved to try it.

In this country everything is so convenient, you can buy beers everywhere, at a gas station or if you’re stuck in traffic a vendor will walk around the cars offering cookies, cigarettes, cheese, drinks, candies, etc. You can even pay a few coins to someone in the street to make a call from their cellphone, or buy just one piece of bubble gum. I guess it’s just like a drive through. Thank you Colombia I am sure I will be back.

I think I have found the perfect job! I have always thought of working in real estate, and it makes sense, everyone needs a place to live… It looks like I’m going to get to be a part of building something unique for people in Edmonton. It’s a great fit with my education. I have spent most of my adult life thus far observing cities, culture and architecture, and now it’s my turn to put my own efforts into building this City. I am starting this great job today, for a really creative company that is trying new things… and, well you all know how much I like to try new things. I got a job working for InHouse, it is the infill division of the Beaverbrook Group of Companies. For those of you who don’t know much about real estate, this company has been around for over 20 years and built a ton of really cool projects! I am so happy to be able to join the great team they have put together. The launch our new project is today! So, I invite anyone who is around Churchill Square today to come and discover this great new project that now I am part of…CX in Grandin, a 68-unit townhome and loft project in my favourite Edmonton Neighbourhood. It’s going to be awesome for so many reasons – such a modern building with industrial interiors. I can’t wait for all of you to check out the Presentation Centre, which is where I’ll be. Wait until you see it! I’m off to work!

I haven’t been able to blog as much as I would have liked. This coming back to Edmonton life and catching up with everyone has been time consuming. I love staying with Sarah, she is such a great friend! I don’t know how she can be so cool about me staying with her for so long. Most people think that a week is not long, but if you have a guest in your house it must feel like an eternity. She has been such a great host, she took me everywhere she could and recommended tons of new places to go like Biera, Situation Brewer, The Needle…. And so much more.

I am actually thrilled to be back in Edmonton because I can now really see how much Edmonton it has grown and transformed. It’s well on it’s way to being more cosmopolitan – with more vibrancy, more entertainment options, and a great vibe that I’ve felt since I’ve been back but haven’t quite been able to put my finger on it. It’s a local vibe I would say.

After having so much fun, though. I have to find the right place for me. I can’t couch surf forever. I’ve started looking around and I’m determined to find the right option. I know I want to live downtown and in Oliver. Anyone out there have suggestions? So far everything I have seen looks a bit bland. Don’t get me wrong I love old homes with character but the price of rent alone is so expensive for what you get!

I am proud to call myself the owner of a new bike! I had a great time at Bar Bricco with my friends last night. It’s a great place if you’re craving Italian cuisine and culture, good wine, and authentic food. I’m looking forward to taking my bike out for a spin, I just need to get a helmet first. My friends recommended I check out Red Bike, near the UofA. I’d passed by there a ton when I was in school, but I’d never been in and apparently they have a great selection.

I found a great new helmet thanks to the knowledgeable and helpful staff at Red Bike – now I’m ready to ride! I am going to explore the University area Whyte Ave, and a bit of the south side today. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here and I’m looking forward to checking out a few of my favorite places and seeing what’s changed.

One of my favorite places to grab lunch is at Sugarbowl on 88th Ave. Their chicken and waffles is my favourite. I am so craving it.They also have a great breakfast and brunch menu – I forgot how many great places there are to eat in Edmonton!

Later this afternoon, I’m going to meet Zac, Sarah, and some of my other friends for patio time on at the new Ritchie Market, and check out Biera, the new restaurant. I spent so many evenings on the patios of Whyte Ave’s many restaurants and bars while at university in Edmonton. This is going to be just like old times!

I’m sitting here at Biera with friends and I one thing that caught my attention right away was the architecture and structure of this new building! Really cool. The ceilings are super high, and are made of wood. And I can see all the duct work and vents through like you would in a warehouse or something. It’s pretty impressive cause it makes me feel like I’m in a loft. But the wood looks modern, not aged like you would see in a historic building.  Zac knows some of the crew who designed this building and he explained that the structure is made of some sort of product called cross laminated timber - the architect in me, got all excited when I saw them! Wouldn’t it be cool to live in a place with ceilings like that? I think so!

I thought a good way to end this perfect day in Edmonton would be to walk along the river valley edge at Ezio Farone Park. I was lucky to catch an beautiful sunset, I sat on a bench to enjoy the view. See you tomorrow Edmonton!

It’s Monday morning and most of my friends are at work today. When I woke up Sarah had already left the apartment but there was a note on the kitchen table for me with a suggestion of where to go for breakfast. Her sticky-note message told me to go to Lock Stock Coffee. Apparently, they have great scones – I babbled on and on about it yesterday and so I guess she got the point after we ordered waffles instead of scones at yesterday’s brunch. It will be a nice taste of London! I have been so busy since arriving in Edmonton that I have not had time to miss London, but I’m sure that the scones will bring some sentiment.

For the ones of you that don’t know, Red Star transforms their space into Lock Stock for coffee, I think it is a great idea!

With a full stomach and caffeine fuelled energy I decide to walk around downtown Edmonton and see how the city has changed since I last lived here. I see more bike lanes! Wow. I have to find myself a bike and then I won’t be walking anymore. I notice a lot of construction and head in that direction. I find myself exploring what is to be the Ice District, and finally see Rogers Place up close and personal for the first time. I’d seen pictures online, but this was my first time. Wow, I’m so glad Edmonton decided to do this. I can only imagine all the new things to come to our downtown with this as the catalyst. Doing a bit of googling as I walk, I see that the new hotel and Stantec tower are also now under construction, and read that the new City of Edmonton tower is done and completed. I wander through the new casino and then the lobby of the new City tower. So modern! I’m impressed by the transformation that’s happening.

Living in London I got used to big city living so I was a bit worried about how I would adjust back in Edmonton. But seeing all this growth reassured me that things are changing here, and that’s exciting. This could be my chance now to be a part of how the City grows and continues to evolve. That seems pretty cool if you ask me.

A long day of walking and thinking has made me hungry. I’m going to call up a few old friends that I have not had the chance to see yet. They have been following my travel adventures @whereswalteryeg and want to hear about my trip. We’re going to Bar Bricco to meet up for some food and catch up. I think I’ll ask them for recommendations on where to buy a bicycle.

It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day in Edmonton! The best way to start the day and get over this hangover is by getting up and going out for a strong cup of coffee and a tasty brunch.  

Like I mentioned, I’m staying with Sarah on her Ikea couch till I find a place to live. She’s lived in downtown Edmonton since her second year of University, and knows all the hot spots go to. She suggested we go to District Café for brunch. The place was packed, but everything looked delicious. Including the pastries. Yum. Scones. My favourite and I don’t think I’ve had one since I left England.  As we walk to District I notice the new bike lanes along the way! Amazing. This is great. Hey there’s actually bike traffic in downtown Edmonton. We saw five bikes lined up at 109 Street and 100 Avenue. Go figure. Man, this place has changed since I left, and for the better. I’m going to need a new bike too. It will be a more affordable way for me to get around the city until I can find a job and buy a car.

I ordered the breakfast scramble for brunch, and since the server told us that the waffles were to die for, we split a small one with salted caramel dip. I can say no more. I am going to forget about chasing women to fall in love with salted caramel dip instead. Leaving the restaurant, Sarah waves at a man with a true hipster moustache. It was unreal. I mean, unreal. Total Colonel Sanders circa 2017. “Who’s that?” I ask her. She told me that it was Councillor McKeen, the councillor for the downtown area. Haha, he fits that part so well.

Before going back to Sarah’s apartment, I decide to head over to the Glenora stairs. My hangover’s gone and the sun and fresh air have given me new energy. I used to run up and down those stairs for exercise during hockey training. I put on a few pounds from all the new foods I tried while traveling and I want to see if I can still make it up those stairs. Good idea? Bad idea? At least I wouldn’t be running alone. There are several others leading the charge. I guess I’ll just chase them up the stairs for as long as I can! Wish me luck!

Hello Edmonton! I’ve just landed at the yeg airport and am waiting for my luggage. My plan was to have a nice relaxing night to recover from the long journey back here but my phone has been lighting up since I landed. I have a feeling that my buddies are going to want to celebrate my arrival and that this is going to be anything but a quiet relaxing night!

I had so much fun traveling the world, exploring and finding the real Walter. But to be honest, I’m excited to see my friends in Edmonton after so many years apart. The luggage is finally starting to arrive, thank God! Actually, thank the Air Canada gods for being quick today. I’ve spent so much time at airports these last couple of months that I’m looking forward to staying in the same place for a bit….I’m going to be couch surfing with my friend Sarah that lives in the Oliver area.

Well I was right, this night turned out to be pretty wild! After I left the airport one of my childhood friends Zac gave me a call and told me that a group of our friends from university were going to Red Star for drinks. I was a bit jet-lagged but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see the old gang!

Red Star still has an amazing selection of beers, hard to choose just one. I debated what to order. Tough call. Erdinger Weissbrau to remind me of my travels in Germany OR good ol’ Guinness. I choose the Erdinger. It’s still summer. But after that introduction, I switched to what I remember were the best whiskey sours in town. They still are! 

What a staple this place has been in our City over the years – it’s been around since the early times of our downtown coming back to life. A local hang out that has stood the test of time and still has a colourful clientele – younger, older and in between. I love that. I took my favourite seat in the window with a clear view of the steps to see who’s arriving. Tonight, the place was buzzing with energy as usual and was a great place to catch up with old friends over a couple of drinks.

When we left Red Star we saw people heading into the Bower and we couldn’t resist following them in. Last time I lived here, it was still Halo. The rest of the night quickly flew by as we had a few more drinks as we tested the dance floor and listened to the pulse of house music. My first night back home in Edmonton, and I truly felt at home again.

I am wandering through Munich’s Marienplaz area – full of shops with fashion forward gear. I need a new pair of jeans for the for my travels.

I have tried on several pairs.

Stupid fashion forward skinny jeans.

They make me look like a pear.

I can’t get them above my thighs.

I can’t leave the change room.

When someone asks if I need help I cry out in pain.

I almost got stuck in a pair where the ankle part got bunched up around my calves.

How do you get help when you’re stuck in jeans in a fitting room and all the staff are female?

Whoever played hockey ever – I mean ever – in their life…. Cannot wear skinny jeans.

This likely includes all Canadians. Probably Americans too…?

Why would all the euro fashionistas cut such a big group of us out of the game?

I’ve never been so eager to wish for the 3-front-pleat pant to come back in style.

I didn’t buy any jeans.

Sincerely,

Walter.