Oh Canada, eh!

So, it has been a while since my last post - sorry about that!! We have been in Canada for the past few weeks and internet access is very limited. But here we are in Saskatoon where the internet is more reliable. So, a couple of weeks ago we were in Edmonton, Alberta, home of the West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America and maybe even the world. The mall was pretty fantastic with a theme park, water park, and live animals. There was a glass encased exhibit of flamingos that was pretty cool!! It was also amusing to walk around in coat and scarf and see people coming from the water park in their swimsuits - those crazy Canadians!! We also taught 5 master classes in Edmonton, so we were pretty busy!!

Stanley Park, with a gorgeous dark sky ready to open up

Next we spent a week in Vancouver, a really fantastic city. So many sights to see, but probably my favorite was Stanley Park, a rainforest within walking distance of the downtown. The park had an aquarium, totem poles, and really beautiful views!!

totem poles at Stanley Park, Statue of "The Girl in the Wetsuit" at Stanley Park, Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden

Also, I have this book called "1000 Places To See Before You Die", I know it sounds pretty morbid. Anyway, Vancouver had a few things in the book. One of which was the Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first and most authentic Chinese Garden to be built outside of China. Well, I decided to take the guided tour and came to find out I was the only one on it. So the tour guide (an 80 year old woman who sounded like Katherine Hepburn) gave the tour and didn't change anything for a one person tour, so she would say things like "If you'll all follow me" or "Can anyone tell me something about such and such?", it was quite amusing, but very informative!!

Children's entrance and exit to a toy store on Granville Island, where they sell Knotty Things!!

Also, I went to Granville Island where they have a Public Market and shops and things. The book suggested a sushi restaurant as well, so when we found the place where it was supposed to be - it had moved. Still ready for some excellent sushi, we went to the new location only to find that it was closed - ugh!!

Closed sushi restaurant :(

There was so much to see and do in Vancouver, it was exhausting!! The shows went great - some of the best audiences we have had all tour!! Now, we are in lovely Sasketoon, Saskatchewan (do you believe such a place exists?) It is by far the coldest place we have been or will be on tour!! Anyway, Canada is good, but I miss the US and paper currency - Loonies and Twonies can drive you crazy - you look through your change and see you have $15 worth - crazy!! Anyway, until next time . . .