Category: Edmonton

Fort Edmonton Park – Back To The Past Tour – Edmonton (Part 6)

Fort Edmonton Park – A Park that made me felt back in time of Canada.

Discovery : Snow Shoe (From Royal Alberta Museum)

Discovery (Post#4): Snow Shoe (From Royal Alberta Museum)

As I am looking for photo to post that belongs to my project – photo themes, while reading again my old post for the month of February which entitled Royal Alberta Museum – Edmonton (Part 8) I saw again the snapshot that I captured inside the museum. When I saw the old version of snow shoe I was amazed how people really creative and intelligent just to address what it needs to survive. This image was shot last June 2008 and this is part of my Edmonton photo collection.

Old Ski Shoe 2

View At My Window : North Saskatchewan River

DSC04550View At My Window (Post#6) : North Saskatchewan River

During my stay in Edmonton, one of the things that I tried in the city as experience and another way to look around Edmonton was riding the High Level Bridge Streetcar. The said bridge is located near Alberta Provincial Legislature Building. The photo captured when I got a chance to visit the capital city of Alberta which is Edmonton last June 2008. The bridge is now one of the tourist spot in the city because of its significant history.

As per Wikipedia, High Level Bridge links separate communities of Edmonton and Strathcona which combined to become Edmonton City today. The bridge was designed to accommodate rail, streetcar, automobile and pedestrian.

Other post related to North Saskatchewan River which published few years back
North Saskatchewan River – Edmonton (Part 5)

Name Of The Place : Fort Edmonton Park

DSC04520

Name Of The Place (Post#6) : Fort Edmonton Park

As I am looking for next photos to be posted in this series of categories under “Name Of The Place”, I found this photo which just right here.

Fort Edmonton Park is located in Edmonton City, Capital City of Alberta Province in Canada, I captured this photo when I visited the park last May 2008. The park is heritage park which opens late spring season to show case the old days of Edmonton from its beginning up to the times it became a city.

I wrote a post years ago about my visit in the park in other blog site and I transferred it here.

Fort Edmonton Park – Back To The Past Tour – Edmonton (Part 6)

Alberta Aviation Museum – Edmonton (Part 9)

When I arrived in Edmonton last April 2008, I used to passKingsway Avenue every time I travel from my place where I live in Downtown in Edmonton to anywhere, I used to see an airport beside this road. Before I thought it’s the city’s or town’s commercial airport,  but it seems it’s kind of small for that purpose. And one thing that I noticed, few planes are landing to or flying from this airport.Then, I asked some of my colleagues that time about the place until I understand that it’s city’s airport that I used to see is not the international airport that I was thinking of. And as far as I recall, I had a long trip from Edmonton International Airport to Downtown Edmonton, and the airport that I saw is just near in Kingsway Avenue which is just a few minutes from the place  where I lived.
Edmonton City Centre Airport is also known as Blatchfold Field Airport where Alberta  Aviation Museum which I visited is located. At the front of the museum, you can see some of plane displays as a sign that the place is an aviation museum.
 I can’t recall the name for the above plane
but the small one on its right bottom is
Boeing CIM-10B BOMARC (1958)
McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo (1957)
Most of the photos I got seems I am part of the photo, and because of that I tried to crop and modified  (see some blurry part of the photo?) photo so that things that I saw inside or outside the museum are more visible.
 
 Canadair CL-13 Sabre I
 
Beech D18S-3NM Expeditor (1952)
 
De Havilland Mosquito B.35 (representing FB.VI) (1943)
There are more planes that I saw but I haven’t got of their pictures to show here. One of the unique things I experienced was when my buddy and I enter in Boeing 737-200 (1972), airplane, it is similar to the commercial plane we used to ride. And we were able to get inside the pilots area.
 
Inside Wester AirPlane (Boeing 737-200 (1972))
 
This plane above, I can’t recall the name, so spare me for this one.
There are more planes to see in the aviation museum, and the great thing about it, it displays earlier airplanes that we may not be able to see flying anymore in our current time because they are now just part of aviation history.

After enjoying the tour inside the museum I bought some souvenirs as my remembrance from this museum.

I hope you enjoy this little story of mine about my tour in Aviation Museum in Edmonton Alberta, Canada which happened last June 7, 2008.

Royal Alberta Museum – Edmonton (Part 8)

I started to write my story about this place, it’s almost a year that had been passed. But was not able to publish it in my blog immediately.
I visited Royal Alberta Museum same day when I went around Edmonton City, it was Saturday – June 7, 2008 . The tour I had that day started early in the morning, I also visited that day were Muttart Conservatory (just the vicinity area since it still under renovation), West Edmonton Mall, Alberta Aviation Museum, Government House and some historic places in Edmonton such as 24th Street. Well I considered that day as my Edmonton Day Tour.
Captured outside the museum
Captured inside the museum

For this article I will be focusing what I did and what I found in Royal Alberta Museum. Just additional information before I continue telling my story, after I visited two royal museums such as Alberta and British Columbia (in Vancouver), I quite understand that it seems that there might be another province in Canada that have their own royal museums. After checking in internet, I just found out that there is one in Saskatchewan and Ontario province. After I learned that, I felt good that at least I was able to visit two royal museums in Canada.

As far as I remember, it was more than an hour left when we went to Royal Alberta museum and it will be closed (the reason was, we visited other places and I never realized that museum’s will be closing that so soon). Because of tight schedule, we were so aware about the time but honestly, while looking to each exhibit in that museum, how I wish I have more time.

There are two levels in Royal Alberta museum. First level has portion where you can see lots of wild animals that had been preserved in some ways, they call it “Wild Alberta”. And for me, seeing those animals in up close and personal (although they are not moving anymore) was one of my amazing experience in that museum. There are lots of animals I saw in that gallery. I wish I can take pictures of all of them but that is impossible with short period of time that we had. The second level, composed of the gallery of Aboriginal Culture where you can see the earlier history of Canada. While in another room, you can view the Natural History Gallery for their beautiful stones and historic fossils.

Without further ado, lets begin my short journey in one of the beautiful museum I visited in Canada.

Wild Alberta

There are different kinds of zones in Wild Alberta.The following zones are: Borreal Forest Zone, Prairie Zone, Parkland Zone, Mountain Zone and Water Zone.

In Borreal Zone, I was quite exciting because I saw beaver that I felt like they were so real. I saw beaver while traveling in Banff but I am very far from it. Unlike in the exhibit I saw them closely and found how cute they are c”,). I also found some caribou, wolf, moose, pelican and grouse. And even I have less time to see it, I still take my time to take pictures of some animals there.

Beaver

In Prairie Zone, I had fun enjoying the view of eagles. The museum exhibits different kinds of eagles. And eagles are the raptors that I really admire. The other animals I saw were: coyote, mule deer and prong horn. I also post with huge bison, the animal that I can’t believe with an amazing size.

Coyote
Bison


Brown Bear

In Parkland Zone, I found birds and swans. This is the zone where the animals you can see in Borreal and Prairie were mixed. In this place, I enjoy the different sounds of birds tweeting in my ears. And most of the sounds soothes my ears. It’s really different in a place like nature, the only difference of the museum to the nature, animals through dioramas are enclosed in glasses and not in motion.

In Mountain Zone, I found the mountain lion which similarly look like a tiger. Honestly without notes at the front of diorama there, I will really think they are tiger. Other animals that I saw were bighorn sheep, grizzly bear and mountain goat.

Lion

Bighorn Sheep
Mountain Goat Kid

And in Water Zone, I saw different fishes that was enjoyable to watch but since I have limited time, I was not able to capture some photos from this area.

Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture

When I visited this part of the museum, I totally understand who were the first people lived in Canada. They call them “First People” or “First Nation”. While in this gallery it reminds me that this huge country of Canada has similarities in my own country Philippines when it comes to the first people. The way they live their life, like hunting is amazing. And the way they survive in the winter season. I saw a lot of unique stuff of Canada history.

snow shoe
Husky during winter season

I saw the old snow shoe and that was awesome. Then I saw the clothes that the “First Nation are wearing during winter. I was able to see the ancient tools they used for living like rocks. The life that first people did to survive during ancient times such as Bison hunting. Even the kind of shelter that they live in. I remember when I visited Fort Edmonton Park, and thinking the Fur Trading Era. It connects everything. Seeing a very old and unique stuff were wonderful. The gallery showcased the artifacts of history from Ice Age up to the modern times of Canada specially in Alberta. It’s really worth to know the Alberta history and of Canada as a whole.

Natural History Gallery


Since we just have few minutes left before the museum close, we tried to visit this gallery as much as we can. But even I tried to view all those stuff displayed, I still amazed and I can’t stop admiring the things I saw in this gallery. I took a lot of time, viewing the wonderful stones displayed. Every stones displayed there, struck me and I can’t believe I am seeing it.






Photos above are snapshot of different stones from a video since
I don’t have good photos of these magnificent rocks

Then, I saw the fossils display in the gallery where you can find the dinosaur bones located at the side of the room.




Dinosaurs bones and fossils

Photo snapshot from video
to see inside the gallery

For me everything I saw in the museums are made of artwork and passion for history. I hope you enjoy the little story I had when I visited Royal Alberta Museum last June 2008.

West Edmonton Mall – Edmonton (Part 7)

I do not have so much stories about West Edmonton Mall during my visit on this place. But one thing reminds me about this mall, I thought at first, that people living in Edmonton does not like going to the mall, because I have this impression in malls in Edmonton City. For instance, Bay Mall and City Centre which are both located in downtown but it seems like a ghost town mall for me. Why? One reason – I found few people visiting this place.
To my surprise, when I went to West Edmonton Mall for the very first time, there were lots of people inside it. When I realized that, I tried to find out why. Before I able to answer my own question, I need to stroll inside the mall.First reason, West Edmonton Mall is really huge, based on information that I got, this mall used to be the largest mall in the world, but China built two huge malls, West Edmonton Mall are now the third largest mall in the world and largest mall in North America. Can someone imagine how big this mall is? What will be your reaction if you will find out that there is a beach like resort inside this mall? When I heard this, I was shocked. I cannot imagine a beach inside the mall. I knew I need to visit West Edmonton Mall.

One of inside view of the mall (This photo was cropped,
there is a big fish sculpture and I was inside it)

I visited West Edmonton Mall twice. The first one was just to stroll around the place but I never able to take photos that time because I was not comfortable and there are lots of people walking around the place. After strolling around, I decided to watch one of the scheduled shows. I watched sea lions show. This show was the second sea-lion show that I watched. The first one was the time I had a vacation in Singapore. I recorded a video of the show as my souvenir, I was entertained while watching it. I was fascinated by the people who controlled the sea lions. For me, it takes a lot of effort on their side to have a show with special animals. And I can say that it is one of the distinct talent of human. The show can be found at Sea Lions Rock at Deep Sea Adventure inside West Edmonton Mall.
Sea Lion at Sea Life Cavern
Photos above is place to watch a sea lion show
Bridge at Sea Life Cavern
After sea-lion show, I visit Sea Life Cavern, wherein I saw a lot of underwater species. And I enjoyed watching creatures such as fish, sharks, sting rays, penguin and reptiles. During the time I visited the place, their was ongoing presentation done by one of the crew and she was explaining something about reptile bone.
The second time I visited this huge mall was happened last June 7, 2008 – Saturday, last Saturday I spent in Edmonton. I toured the mall together with my buddy at work. This buddy of mine likes a sister to me. She is also a Filipina who migrated in Canada together with her all family. Since she was with me, I got a lot of chance to take pictures of famous spot of the mall. Honestly, I tried to find photos inside this mall without myself and to my surprise all pictures that I have in this mall I was there.
All the pictures that I have are memories of this huge mall. Here are some of the famous place to be found inside West Edmonton Mall: Ice Palace, World Waterpark, Deep Sea Adventure and Professors Wem’s Adventure Golf. I also found the Chinatown place, The Galaxyland Amusement Park and Bourbon Street.

Ice Palace is a place to watch hockey game. When I visited this part of the mall, there are young kids (both guys and gals) were playing.

Ice Palace
I never tried to get inside “The Galaxyland Amusement Park” since I am too old to play in this place.

World Waterpark is the indoor beach-like resort where you can swim and just enjoy water. I actually like the slides built beside the resort. This resort has man-made waves wherein you will feel like you are totally in a beach. Edmonton has no beach because it is surrounded by land areas and this is the right place if you want to enjoy the beach like atmosphere. The people who enjoy the place are also the same people who enjoy the beach outside. They just either stay beside the water and enjoy the sun rays passing the glass ceilings of water park.


Inside World Waterpark
Parking beside Waterpark

I also found a bungee jump beside the world water park. I had fun watching the kids enjoying the jump. Next, we found the Deep Sea Adventure wherein I saw Santa Maria – a sea fleet with exact replica of Christoper Columbus Santa Maria. For me its a real classic boat. I also found some people who dine at the docking area of the fleet. Well, it is indeed quite cute for me as a place for a dating with someone.



Christpher Columbus Santa Maria fleet replica

My buddy and I continued strolling around the place until we found an awesome golf course place, Professors Wem’s Adventure Golf. This golf course is a mini golf course with lot of small areas to allow different players to play golf.

Professors Wem’s Adventure Golf

Chinatown is a place for Chinese restaurants and stores. While Bourbon Street is a place mostly for western restaurants and diners.

There were lots of things I saw in this mall and I did enjoy strolling around the place. But for someone who really wanted to explore the place, one day is not enough. Before I forgot, I also found the Fantasyland Hotel wherein I saw an architectural design which similar to Europe.

Fantasyland Hotel

That is all I have to say about West Edmonton Mall.

Fort Edmonton Park – Back To The Past Tour – Edmonton (Part 6)

Almost one year passed but my visit in Canada still memorable with me, maybe because I loved the places that I saw in this country. For the last weeks that I stayed in Edmonton, I considered visiting a famous park during spring and summer season. I remembered that I planned to go to Fort Edmonton Park last May 24 2008, Saturday but what happened that day was I took a bus going to the park and the bus stopped at the park bus stop but suddenly I changed my plan and I went home.
Fort Edmonton Photo mixed
The actual tour at Fort Edmonton Park did materialized last May 31 2008, Saturday. That time, I was firm in my decision to see the park or else I will not be able to visit it anymore. I went at the park in the afternoon. But before going to the park, there was incident that I waited for an hour for the bus going directly to the park. I was in Alberta University bus stop station that time because I got a pamphlet of bus saying that it goes to the park every weekend, but my mistake was that, the bus schedule was only Sunday and not Saturday. After waiting for an hour, I decided to take a bus going to West Edmonton Mall since it will stop either in Whitemud or Fox Drive bus stop which near in the park.
Almost near at the entrance gate? Not yet..c”,)
After arriving at the bus stop, I thought the entrance gate was near, but I walked for a while until I reached it. My curiosity to visit this historical park started when someone from the office mentioned to me that what I can see at the parkland are the old days of Edmonton, 18Th to early 19Th century period of the city. And another one told me that I will see people wherein they will reenact the old century time and for me that was amazing.

First thing that greets me after I bought my entrance ticket to the park was the old train and they call it steam train. Honestly, I only saw this kind of train from the classic movies that I watched and I was kind of thrilled after I saw it. And I told to myself, “I think I am going to enjoy this tour.”

The People and the Streetcar
Inside the Streetcar
Egge’s Barn and Bunkhouse at 1920 Street
Blatchford Field Air Hangar at 1920 Street
Hotel Selkirk at 1920 Street
Fire Hall & Town Hall & Police Station at 1905 Street
Ernest Brown Studio at 1905 Street
Fire Hall & Town Hall & Police Station at 1905 Street
Reeds Bazaar & Tea Shop with Ernest Brown Studio at 1905 Street
At 1905 Street
Next, I went to the streetcar station near the steam train station. And I waited for the approaching streetcar. I saw a lot of people inside it. And I knew they enjoyed the trip. I checked my park map and found the trail of the street car. I decided to take a ride because I knew I do not have enough time to stroll around the parkland. While riding with the streetcar, I saw 1920’s and 1905’s street together with the houses and building structures during those time. And I felt like I was living in the past for a moment. Since it was a short ride, I grabbed all my chance to take pictures. Based on the pamphlets that I was holding, 1905 is called as Municipal Era wherein I found few churches, post office, Bank of Montreal, Fire Hall and Police Station.
On my way to steam train station
Steam train
Steam train
Hotel Selkirk and Blachford Air Field Hangar
1920’s Midway and Exhibition
Inside the steam train
After the streetcar rides, I went back to the steam train station to experience the classic train. What do I expect in the steam train? One was the whistle sound of the train which the same of what I heard in the movies. Before I hopped in to the train, I approached one woman dressed in 18Th century and I requested if I can take picture with her and she agreed. There were lots of people inside the train. Mostly were families, parents and their kids. The last stop of the train was near at “The Fort” (Fur Trading Area), I walked for few minutes until I reached “The Fort” gate. “The Fort” was a place for fur trading and what I saw was a place in its earlier time from late 17Th to 18Th century. “The Fort” showcased what the community looks like during the old centuries. The place also shows the architectural design of home which made of woods and houses with small windows. Most of the houses has its brick fireplace and chimney. Not only the walls shows its era, but also the flooring, the tables, chairs and beds. While looking inside the houses I felt like I was living in the past again. While wandering the other part of “The Fort”, I am wondering the purpose of fur and I realized that Edmonton is located near North wherein the weather is winter more than a half year round. I can imagine that people living in this place needs fur for the winter season. And Canada has its native people which they call it “First Nation” which are Indians and their life used to hunt animals and the skin animals are being used as a fur. After “The Fort” area, I continued the exploration of this historical park. I found Native Camp wherein I saw an Indian lady (which represents first nation of Canada). I had my photo with her as my souvenir. I found an open store and I bought a boat display to remember Fort Edmonton Park.
Fort Blacksmith Shop
Fort Blacksmith Shop
Inside Clerk’s Quarter
Fort Indian Trade Store
Sundial at Fort Courtyard
Chess at Rowand House
One of the guest room at Rowand House
Kitchen at Rowand House
One of the guest room at Rowand House
Kitchen at Rowand House
Indian trade Store
Native Camp
Native Camp
Next destination was the 1885 street. The street called as Settlement Era. From this place I found school, carpentry shop, jewelry, Methodist church, drug store and bakery. I checked almost all building structure in this avenue. I was amazed for all the things that I saw. A truly 1885 street. The avenue, shows that during this time, the people lived that time showed that their lives improved compared with fur trading time.
1885 Street
Raymer’s Jewellery

Inside Jasper Hotel
Inside Jasper Hotel



Kenneth McDonald House
1885 Street


Peter Erasmus House

Lauder’s Bakeshop & Residence at 1885 Street
Inside the Methodist Church at 1885 Street
1885 Street
Jasper House Hotel
Daily Drug Store & Dr. Wilsons Office at 1885 Street
Kelly’s Sallon at 1885 Street
Henderson Round Barn

After 1885 street, I continue strolling up to 1905 street, I found a barn and farm house. Then, some of the stores which already closed because its past 6PM. It made me sad but I can not do anything about. There was no train anymore and because of that I have to walk from 1905 to the exit gate. I passed again the 1920 lane. And what I did was capture scenery as many as I can.

At the entrance / exit – Steam Train Station
Edmonton Park Entrance


Fort Edmonton Park

The trip was great and I titled it as “Back To The Past Tour”.

North Saskatchewan River – Edmonton (Part 5)

I booked an Edmonton Queen Riverboat cruise. My main reason for doing it was to experience North Saskatchewan river. From the time I arrived in Edmonton, I was fascinated already by this river.

I took a cab from Legislature Building to Edmonton Queen Riverboat center at 98Th avenue. I gave my reservation booking to one of the crew and they gave me my entrance and dinner ticket. But on my way to the rafters landing area where I am going to ride the boat, I lost my ticket somewhere. So, I have to go back and look for my ticket or else, I will not be admitted to the entrance and I will not have my dinner (this situation made me felt bad). I went back to the center where I get my ticket. On my way, to the center, other tourist that coming approached me and asked if I lost my ticket, and I told them that I was. After saying that, they showed my ticket and gave it to me. Then, I felt lucky and thanked them. Next, I went back to the boat and showed my ticket. I was relieved when I got myself inside the boat.I walked to the front deck of the boat and approached one of the table then grab a chair for me. Then, I saw a couple sitting to the table next to mine. Then, I stood up and approached the couple and asked them if they mind if I can join them in their table. I told them I was alone and I added that it was better to give my table to the other group of people. They agreed and I joined them in their table.

Shaw Conference Centre (with flags)
and Canada Place (pink building)
from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River
Fairmont Hotel MacDonald (Castle like building) and
TELUS (former highest building in Edmonton)
from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River
Downtown Skyline from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River

The couple started a conversation with me. They introduce their selves and I did the same thing. Right now, I cannot remember their name. I was informed that the reason why they were cruising and having dinner in Edmonton Queen Riverboat was to celebrate their 10Th anniversary. For me that was really wonderful. And the idea of dating or cruising in a river is kind of sweet thing. Then I told them where I came from, why I was in Edmonton and until when I am staying in the city. I had a great time with them. They were very friendly. And when the boat crew announced that we can go inside the boat for our dinner, we went down and shared the dinner table. I never felt alone in my cruise in Edmonton Queen Riverboat since I was accompanied by the couple I met.

After dinner, that was the only time the cruise started. I requested a permission to the couple to leave the table to enjoy the scenery outside. I told them that I have to take my chances to take pictures of the river. While cruising the river, I were able to view the downtown skyline. Even though I used to see downtown, what I saw from the river still amazed me. I loved what I saw. And I loved to feel the air in the river which was quite cold.


Different photos with North Saskatchewan River

Another angle for Downtown skyline

Downtown skyline





Mixed photos of Downtown
from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River

The sail started from the Rafter’s landing area then cruised before the high level bridge. Then, the boat turned around and sailed up to area before Dawson Bridge. The cruise was enjoyable and I had a great night.



Wonderful North Saskatchewan River

Before leaving the boat, I approached the couple and thanked them again for letting me joined them to celebrate their anniversary. Next, the couple asked me how I will be able to get home and I told them that I am going to take a cab since I am not sure which bus will take me to downtown and if there were still bus around that time. To my surprise, the couple offered me that they will drive me home. And I cannot reject their offer that was why I accepted it. Before they dropped me home, they drove me around downtown and nearby places so that I can see more about Edmonton. We even stopped at Starbucks and they bought me an iced coffee that was really thoughtful of both of them. I really enjoyed their company, they were so kind to me to think they just met me.

Edmonton Queen River Boat

I really enjoyed my Sunday.

Provincial Legislature Building – Edmonton (Part 3)

If someone reading my blog probably noticed that I have a lots of blog for Edmonton. To be honest, if I will not divide it to each topic, my Edmonton City blog might be very long . I wanted to shorten my story as much as possible. Because every time I write my blog. I tend to tell all the details. Because when I am remembering something, there are lots going on in my mind.
Anyway, I have to stop explaining my reason.My next feature is the Provincial Legislature Building. When I am asking some of my colleague at work what are the places that I can visit in Edmonton, they told me the Legislature Building. After I heard it, I searched it in Internet and tried to plan how I will be able to go to this place.I went to this building last June 1 2008, Sunday with an actual tour plan of the following: High Level Bridge tour, Provincial Legislature Building tour and Edmonton Queen River Boat tour. I guess I have a whole busy Sunday that time.
Legislature Building
The Magnificent Fountain

At first, when I arrived at the vicinity of the Legislature Building, I thought I can just get inside and have my own tour since it was free. When I approached one of the guard in the building, he told me that I have to go to the Interpretive Centre and Gift Shop. So I followed his instructions. I found out that the tour guide are waiting for us in that place. I was grouped with other tourist.

Next thing happened, the tourist guide started to give us a building tour outline to give us idea what we are expecting in the tour. From Interpretive Centre we went to the Legislature Building. Then, our guide started talking about all information of the building and some historical information of Canada related to the building. When I saw the first floor of the building I see an awesome fountain in the middle and the Grand Staircase.

Rotunda
Grand Staircase


Wonderful Ceiling

The guide showed us important statues such as Princess Louise Caroline Alberta – fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and Chief Crowfoot. When I heard the name of Princess Louise, I asked the guide if it is the same person of Princess named after famous Lake Louise and the guide agreed. Well, I learned that information from the tourist guide in Banff. I remember that Princess Louise was small lady. And I can see that in her statue in the Legislature Building.

Princess Louise Caroline Alberta

Chief Crowfoot


Next thing that the tourist guide showed us are the portraits of the person who became Alberta’s Premiers (head of the government). As of this writing I cannot remember anymore the names of the Premiers that was mentioned by the guide. Next, portraits that was showed to us are pictures of Alberta’s Lieutenant Governors (representative of the Queen). Then, the guide led us to the Mace Case. We saw two mace. One is the original mace and based from the guide it was made from scrap materials which was amazing. And I learned that the mace is a symbol of Legislative Assembly authority to make laws. The other mace was the current mace being used.

Mace case

Then, the guide led us the Legislative Chamber, but before that, we saw the picture of King George V and Queen Mary. One thing that the tourist guide emphasize in these two portraits of the King and Queen. The guide mentioned to us to look into their eyes and try to walk in either direction and we will see what is it. I followed the instruction of the guide and I found out that it seems that their eyes are following us like they are looking to us. I just realized how great that painting was.

King George V

Queen Mary

After the portraits, we went inside the Legislative Chamber. I was amazed on what I saw. The lightnings of the chamber was fantastic. The main door of the chamber seems to be fully crafted and the same thing with the Speaker’s chair. Inside the chamber, I saw the portrait of Queen Victoria.

Speaker’s Chair

Inside the Legislature Chamber

Last but not the least, I spent few minutes outside the building premises by taking lots of picture of the pool, fountain and the Legislature building itself.

Legislature Building with the pool

Zooming the front structure of Legislature Building

Left side of Legislature Building

The Fountain and Legislature Building


In the end, I had a great time inside and outside the Legislature Building.

Edmonton – Silent Capital City of Alberta

Two things I will never forget in this city. First, the people I met and second, the places that I was able to visit for a short period of time.

When I informed by my boss in Manila that I will be sending in Edmonton for training there was a part of me that was unhappy. Why? Because I never heard the name of this city. I never knew that this city was existed. I wish I had been assigned to Vancouver or Toronto, because these two cities are well-known to the whole world. But, it was not my wish that should be followed. It was work that was why I was sent in this city.

I arrived in Edmonton City International Airport at past 6PM or almost 7PM last April 26, 2008 and it was Saturday. I never got a chance to walk around the airport. Once I was out of the plane I looked for my luggage and find a cab that will drive me to Crown Plaza hotel where I stayed for my first five nights.

When I got myself out of the airport, I was excited because I was curious what Edmonton looks like. Along the way, I saw some snow at the side of the road which indicates that winter season just recently over. I saw some oil company buildings and structures and I learned from the cab driver that Edmonton has a lot of it. I also noticed that Edmonton is somewhat a flat place, no mountain or even hills. I also thought that the airport is just near in the city center but it’s not. My excitement decreased when I see nothing for a while aside from a flat land. Few minutes passed again, I saw houses and small buildings which was a sign of community. I was more thrilled when I saw buildings and towers which was a sign of being a city.

I knew to myself that one day was not enough to experience this whole city. I took all my time to go around the whole Edmonton which became an interesting place to discover.

Here are the highlights of Edmonton City that I found while staying here for almost two months.