Chapter 162: Edmonton: Words

Edmonton is the river city.

Situated on a flat prairie is a city united by a river. The bridges (5/6) crossing the river are a major attraction.

One of the bridges has a functioning tram line. There are trams from Melbourne, Japan and Germany.

We board the Melbourne tram replete with Melbourne ads from 50/60 years ago. Fantastic atmosphere.

The trams are run by volunteers and are very busy going back and forth across the bridge.

We went across the river in a car, train and tram. We also went across on one of the walk ways.

Locals would cross the river many times a day. It would have to cheer them, be good for the sole to see the river and the river valley. Crossing the river is a wonderful thing to do. Provides views up and down the valley.

Edmonton is a city of two halves. Two personalities. A bit bipolar.

The weather in winter changes the city. In winter there are few outdoor activities. Not much cycling, running, walking the dog, playing ball games in the park, boating, fishing or swimming on the river.

In summer the city changes. The river is now ready to be a recreational area but doesn’t remember how to do it. The river remains a sleeping monster. Not a place to celebrate.

Edmonton is also the place where in 1943 my father lived and trained and learnt how to drop bombs on the Germans. He enjoyed his time here in Edmonton and running in the marathon down Jasper Ave I was very much aware of 1943. My father would have walked many times down Jasper Ave.

He enjoyed his time here in Edmonton. He hated what followed. He hated his flights over Germany.

He thought he had no alternative. He thought he was doing what was right and good would follow but he definitely hated his time on active service.

In 1943 the river would have been a highlight of the city. There would not have been many high rise buildings. Now there are many high rise buildings for accommodation and business.

Edmonton is not a destination city. Tourists go there on the way to other places. It is a place to refuel and recharge.  Its major attraction are the bridges across the river. The fringe festival happened to be on when we were there. What we saw was good. Quality acts from around the world with tasty, nutritious, cheap street food.

Edmonton managed to organise and run a major marathon very professionally and sensitively. The volunteers were fantastic. The world triathlon championships are sending another event back to Edmonton because they know Edmonton can do the job properly. Edmonton is capable of getting the right number of people volunteering and running a major event like that.

Edmonton’s ice hockey team has fallen on hard times. Years ago they won major titles and had the best player in the world.

Nowadays their only aim is to beat Calgary.