When the lady in customs recalled how she thought her elder daughter went to the same elementary school as a Wedderburn, I got an idea of what I was soon to be dealing with. The “city” of Winnipeg itself is, well…allot more “country” than I expected. The roads aren’t as busy, the drivers more patient and Canadian friendliness is on full throttle. Cars drive by with “Friendly Manitoba” as the tag line their number plates. Winnipeg prides itself on being just that.
Winnipeg is smaller than I expected. On the whole it seems a laid back place and I’m happy to report the unplanned holiday is going well. There isn’t a laundry list of tourist activities so, even with the jet lag now fading, I don’t feel the need to whip out the calendar and plan out the rest of my trip away.
The thrill of changing surrounds has me in holiday mindset. As when you go to any new place, there are always elements of your new surrounds that seem to raise an eye brow. Here are a few from my first days in Winnipeg;
Four Way Stop: Yes, there is far less traffic than Melbourne. And yes, the drivers are far more patient. That said, the Four Way Stop features at the majority of non traffic light intersections- the most illogical way to keep traffic flowing. In reality the Four Way Stop becomes a race as steely eyed drivers see who can brake the fastest. He who breaks first wins seems to be the go (But it must be within some specified width range of the actual intersection line that only native Winnipegians seem to know about.)
Don’t walk on wet grass: Myths and stories about giant mosquitoes I thought where exaggerated, well, they actually seem to be true. And I have the mosquito bites to prove it! These mammoth mossies like to hide out in damp grass waiting for unsuspecting tourists to raise them from there damp hide outs.
Trucks: a barrage of trucks seemed to confrom me as I walked through the airport parking lot to our car. It just seems to add to the country fell. Around half of the vehicles on the roads seems to be trucks. And in Winnipeg it is all about the ride. Drivers slouched over the steering wheel, nodding apporvals if your caught checking out their ride. (And size does matter!)
Weather: Summer here lasts for two and a half months. When you know the majority of your time is going to be spend in the freezing cold, boy do you get out there and take advantage! The current long daylight hours and weather are sublime change to Melbourne winter. And all of Winnnipeg seems to be out and about.
Kimberly Hill: In a city that is totally flat, mounds somehow become hills. And actual hills become mountains!
Reverse: I know I’m on the opposite side of the of world and water flows un the opposite direction. What is still catching me out every time, however, are the reversed hot and cold taps. Every time …
Time to get back to my “unplanned” relaxing before the drive to a Traditional Indian site tomorrow.
Your local want-to-be Adventurer, Georgia
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