There is a guy about 20 a plumber type, expert, fixing the taps that supply the beer and house cider, etc. in the bar of the restaurant. He's pretty confident and at home here and someone asks him for the menu even. He looks like a young actor from Sesame Street, so wholesome and chatty, and by eavesdropping I heard quite a lot, about his studies and stuff and all the while he was beavering away in his navy cap and boiler suit, or he could be a part in the Andy Griffiths Show. So open and friendly. He is still studying,and he does this job to supplement his student loan. In the meantime, I am swigging coffee (American style), and eating a special dish composed of savoury and sweet. Here, as a side dish of fruits all beautifully arranged :pineapple slice, strawberry and the biggest blueberries. All very beautifully stacked, and I later discover the price is quite high. I am fascinated by the Calgari trams trundling past. . .
The 10.30 shuttle to Banff , a huge bus arrives on queue.
The handsome young receptionist, interested that I am going to Banff, volunteers a good spot to check out there, writes it down, and I board an American type bus, and off we go Contiki style. I snap a few high rise building shots, for Guy's benefit. See below. 
Can you see the enclosed pedestrian bridge ?
Me craning upwards from a bus. Downtown Calgary.
I have also been informed about the above ground, pedestrian bridges which abound, between shops, in this city, because of the snow. You can go shopping right round town, and not get cold or wet! Even in sub zero temperatures. I have touched base with Gary and Sandra this morning, and Gary says that there are underground pedestrian links too. All round the city. All of this because of snow. And this type of cold is because Calgary is so far North - colder than Kelowma, where Gary and Sandra are, and than Vancouver, which is near the sea. I think this is the explanation.
Anyway, these sheltered closed in walkways, go everywhere. We visit other hotels,and head off out to the airport, before heading on our way.the driver is courteous and sweet and very sociable in a way that melts my heart, and I wish we passengers weren't such staunch, boring farts. He is like Mike Mulligan (story book character) civilised ,gracious, courteous, out going and I could wrap him up, and take him home. But we all sit and give no feedback. At one hotel, some older chatty Aussies hop on and sit up front. They are engrossed, I am vicariously enjoying the fact, that some people give back, clearly not me, in this instance. You may find that surprising, but it's true. Disappointingly, the rain is still present, hence not good photos
In fact this applies to the day, which is overcast and rainy . A bummer for my epic visit to the Rockies I think. It was Andrew's idea that this would be the jewel in the trip. he pushed for me to do this.
This is the kind of photo that makes me feel very blonde. Was it the truck? Is there a train ? Did the thing disappear between click and snap?
But here are the valiant attempts at what I could pick of the mountains as we headed in and up to the Rockies. Oops have you noticed, the river is quite full. Now melt time ?
This is a train - thy are very lo-o ong in Canada. Someone counted 50 carriages. I did not see the beginning or the end of this one.
Anyway it is misty and overcast, and not a lot to spot,as we pass Canmore and arrive at Banff which is chalet like and ski centre pretty in it's architecture.
The mountains are shrouded in mist though..I am dropped at the door and check in
My room above the Main Street Banff Avenue.
And head off out to explore. The hotel is old and on the Main Street. There is plenty to see, shops abound, and I at a Supermarket deli you can buy mugs of soup for $2.99. I do and it thick butter chicken or something and I stroll around sipping. Very misty and rainy still. those elusive views and mountain peaks hover up there out of sight.
And so the day goes. I have my first Tim Hortons coffee and donut. He was a legendary baseball player whose coffee shops keep his name alive. This TV promo says you can have a coffee and donut of your choice and there are heaps, to choose from, for $1.99. I do this on the way back fom checking out the Greyhound depot.
It is found in this huge,but now demoralised Railway station for Banff. The railway industry would have once been the hub of this place, a generous old stone building. You can imagine a roaring fire, and all the bustle. The trains now compete with each other for freight but not passengers. Two rail companies across Canada, who own two railway lines, side by side. True.
Today this station is sad and derelict. I explain that I m catching he 3.05 Greyhound, next day, and will get a taxi if the rain keeps up.
She is an eccentric with an opinion who says "Taxi, no, what's rain. its just water - walk!"
So, that's where I get to for the Greyhound.
The hotel is busy with several styles of restaurant attached.to it, is owned by Brewster's who pretty much have a monopoly in this town. I eat in, and am introduced to the Canadian style of cocktail drinking. It is a young art at home, but I intend to revive it. The two waiters are attentive, she is learning the ropes and he is a skier who survives by being a waiter. It is recommended I have a Bellini, so I do. Very tasty fruity cold cocktail beautifully presented. Both waiter and waitress are Canadian, but there are heaps of nationalities here in this town, including a Kiwi receptionist . It is evident the weather is stymying people's plans and the town is full of outdoorsy sorts, family campers. I eat crispy fried prawns and a delicious steak dish. My first Canadian meal, and hit bed., as the body clock is all awry.
. . . .
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