I’m back in Lethcity now and frankly, I’m loving it. I forgot how much I love this little attempt of a city. It’s endearing, in the “aww, look how hard it’s trying to be a real city” kinda way. But also, mocking aside, I genuinely do love it. Reasons being:
1. I spent the entire day today biking around downtown. Granted, you have to endure the Whoop-Up Challenge to even experience this little delight, but once you’re over on the East side, it’s pretty cool to just go exploring. There are so many good thrift stores/used books stores/little restaurants and even my very limited meanderings have awarded me with some sweet finds. Downside = they all close way too early, but hey, it's not the end of the world.
2. The coulees. I have said it before and I will say it again, the coulees are one of the more gorgeous sights I have ever encountered. If you time it just right, watching the sun set over the river gorge with the silhouette of the bridge in the background is definitely a sight to see. Today I actually biked up on to the bridge itself—which was slightly terrifying—but worth it for the view that it granted. Not as worth it when I tried to leave and ended up hopping a fence INTO A POLICE STATION, but hey, serves me right for not reading the signs.
3. The Owl. Yes, I will give it its own section, because I enjoy it that much. It’s just a small restaurant but the live music always brings me unnatural amounts of joy. Tonight there was a blues band on stage and the lead guitarist was pretty phenomenal. One of my goals this year is to definitely make it out to this place many, many more times.
4. The traffic. After spending a week driving in Calgary, I’m actually proud to live in a city where going all the way across town takes 20 minutes, not 3 hours. That being said, it still often sucks being a pedestrian, but we’re working on that. I figure if I slap enough hoods, drivers will learn to look for bikers before attempting to turn.
5. The Galt Gardens. I was not impressed when my university prof assigned an entire novel to be read by Monday (ah yes, right back in the swing of things), but decided to make the most of it. I took advantage of the 30 degree weather today and went and sat in the middle of the park for four hours. With the water fountain/park in the distance and a perfect stretch of sun-strewn grass beneath my bare feet, reading one of my favourite novels of all time turned from an awesome experience to a perfectly sublime one.
6. The University. I’m super pumped about my classes this semester, but I’ll get more into that tomorrow. Just let it be known that I am a very proud attendant of the U of L.
7. My home. I’m excited to have moved back into the same house I lived in last year because it really is a great place. I have all the same roommates, PLUS the newest roommate is BRITISH! Needless to say there are going to be countless opportunities for me to make a fool of myself as I subconsciously emulate his accent while talking to him. Can’t wait. All the guys I live with are solid, solid, solid. I also opted to move downstairs this year (a sarcastically sad wave goodbye to the neon watermelon room) and am currently reveling in a nice, cool, carpeted living space. I just have to get used to living next door to the furnace :/
8. E-free. I have loved being able to be a part of the worship team at my church and actually getting to put my years of trumpet practice to some good. This year I opted to join the choir as well and we have our first performance tomorrow morning bright and early. The vast majority of the men in the choir (and by vast majority I mean all of them but myself and a fifteen year old) are over the age of 40(ish). It's pretty cool to get to stand next to a 60 year old guy and do something together that you both love. It's been a long time since I've sung in a choir but I'm really excited to do it this year.
8. E-free. I have loved being able to be a part of the worship team at my church and actually getting to put my years of trumpet practice to some good. This year I opted to join the choir as well and we have our first performance tomorrow morning bright and early. The vast majority of the men in the choir (and by vast majority I mean all of them but myself and a fifteen year old) are over the age of 40(ish). It's pretty cool to get to stand next to a 60 year old guy and do something together that you both love. It's been a long time since I've sung in a choir but I'm really excited to do it this year.
As I am writing this, I feel like I’m composing one big, cheesy advertisement for Lethbridge, but ultimately, I just really enjoy where I’m at right now. I always want to explore more of where I’m living, and each time I do, I find that Lethbridge delivers. Call me sentimental, but I’m just really excited to see what this year has in store.