Tired of Romance? Go to Edmonton!

Most people want romance on Valentines Day, but sometimes when thing just arent going our way, thats the exact opposite of what we seek. So I figured Id save you some time and find the most un-romantic place on Earth. First a couple ground rules: I ruled out anywhere that is currently in the midst of major turmoil, and I fully acknowledge that ANYWHERE can be romantic if youre with someone you love. So take all this with a grain of salt. Now without further ado, the most un-romantic place on Earth is Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada.

And before they get their lawyers ready to sue me, let me state for the record that the lack of romance doesnt mean a lack of luxury. Nor does it mean a lack of adventure, in fact quite the opposite, Edmonton is filled with adventure. The skiing is top class, in fact all the winter sports are unrivaled in this part of Alberta, with the Canadian Rockies within sight from any vantage. Winter sports, of course, dominate this part of the world, especially with a day time temperature of 18 degrees as I write this. Fahrenheit, mind you, and if you dont think being frozen is so bad, Edmonton just ! might be right for you.

Again, though, this is for the adventurous, and Edmonton has adventure in a more temperate setting: The West Edmonton Mall. Before you scoff, let me point out that this is not just any mall. In fact, its the largest in North America and boasts not just a full-sized amusement park, not just a waterpark, not just a miniature golf course designed to look like Pebble Beach, not just an indoor aquatic habitat for sea lions that includes a replica of Christopher Columbus Santa Maria, but also a bowling alley, arcade, movie theater, pool hall, and performance arena that some of the worlds hottest acts have graced. That goes along with more than 800 stores and restaurants. Im almost out of breath as I type this!

And while the West Edmonton Mall is incredible, and worth the visit, its hardly romantic. But it sure is fun! (more)


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A luxury trip to Machu Picchu

Image
24th July of this year marked 100 years exactly since Yale man and National Geographic explorer Hiram Bingham puffed and sweated his way up to the jungle-covered ruins of Machu Picchu. A century later, travelers who want to take in this true wonder of the world arent limited to explorer-style bivouacking; rather, there are now a wide range of accommodations, dining experiences, spas and adventures that rival the best in the world. So, in honor of Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham and the incredible cultural patrimony of Peru, I would like to show you what a luxury trip to Machu Picchu looks like today. Most visitors begin their journey in Lima. A short stay allows you to soak in the glorious colonial past of Limas central plaza. Palms, tropical-yellow buildings with exquisitely-carved wooden balconies and Spanish palaces sweep you back in time. Before becoming too nostalgic, head for the modern and very hip Miraflores district. Hugging the green cliffs, Miraflores offers visitors an incredib
Keep reading

Guide to Swahili street slang in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Image
All photos by author. Mambo! Its the classic street slang for whats up? in Stone Town, Zanzibar and in most of urban East Africa. It literally means, things or issues? The upbeat term is often paired with the word vipi (how) as in, Mambo, vipi? How are things? There are at least 20 ways to answer the popular question that I never learned in formal Swahili classes. The gap between school and street could not be wider than in Stone Town, Zanzibars capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that nearly 400,000 residents call home. Here, the lugha ya kisasa slang or lugha ya mitaani street language changes by the minute, mostly by young people who flip or shine an old word, or fashion a completely new one, inspired by hyper-local contexts, meanings, and realities. I thought I knew Kiswahili. Id earned an advanced certificate at the State University of Zanzibar. The program prides itself on teaching a kind of Swahili described as sanifu (standard) or fasaha (clean). It was rigorous
Keep reading

Interview with Kerstin Brand, Director at Dar Fakir

Image
Kerstin Brand is the Director at Dar Fakir since its re-opening in 2011 after an undergoing extensive refurbishment in 2010. Dar Fakir belongs to a chain of successful enterprises in Marrakechsuch as the infamous Nikki Beach, Le Tanjia restaurant and LAvenue, all owned by Nordine Fakir. If someone knows how to create a In place that people want to go to here you are at the right address. Kerstin herself brings with her a wealth of understanding within the travel industry herself from extensive travel around the world and also having set up Bare Minimum Travel an up-market low-mid range accommodation agency for Morocco. Having travelled to Morocco for over 12 years before finally settling over here she has seen the country develope and knows even the far reached corners. Her experience and understanding of Moroccan culture adds valuable insights to anyone being a guest in the Riad. What is it that you do exactly? My name is Kerstin Brand, I am the director at Dar Fakir. before coming
Keep reading