Gettin' used to new city

[shootingstar]

Between the red meat and the car-oriented infrastructure, I've put two inches on my waistline. Be careful!

Oh, uh..great. I'll just have to pretend it's sort of like living in Toronto when I couldn't/didn't want to cycle in winter. And my peeling, dried hand skin problem has resurfaced whenever I return to cold winter areas. My dishpan hands. I can't wear sling back dress shoes since my skin on my heels have started to peel..again. Last time it was living in Toronto.

According to dearie, there has been some improvements re the cycling infrastructure, meaning more sections. He lived here over 11 years ago. The design concept of new downtown residential high density living is slowly infiltrating the city with access close to public transit, parks and some shopping. There are some big long-term master plans.

I choose to live downtown. Absolutely no way, I'm living out in the cold, isolating suburbs, far from services.

CC, I agree that Calgary probably "leads" Albertan cities and towns in terms of reducing its car-dependency abit. I did hear from someone who works for the city, that suburbanites still fiercely insist on low-density, single-family dwellings etc. Calgary cycling advocates are highly envious of the cycling infrastructure in Vancouver. I think they mean in City of Vancouver, not out in the Vancouver area suburbs.

So I thank small blessings of being close to a few MUPs and the odd bike lane here and there. There are alot of joggers and cyclists at freezing, but dry temperatures. Most of them are doing their thing by the riverside paths.

I wrote a wee blog post, that integrates a theme across 3 cities where I've lived/am living. There is incredibly, a cycling route connection.

Calgary recently voted in a new mayor a few wks. ago, an underdog at beginning of mayoralty race. He doesn't quite fit the previous regime: he's Muslim, claims sustainability, is pragmatic and asks for accountability ..it appears some locals are looking forward to this breath of fresh air.

We'll see where the job goes. Meanwhile I still have 3/4's of my stuff in Vancouver. I realize I didn't bring enough business/dress clothing. Wonder what I was thinking of. And the hunt for knee high warm-lined, waterproof, non-suede winter boots continues. (I've been looking for past 3 yrs. But living in Vancouver, gave me great excuse to do very little about this apparel gap.) Yes, I'm pretty picky and practical. I'll just clump around in my pant-oriented snowboots I normally wear for snowshoeing, for time being.

Catrin, it is possible to get to more "rural" areas or at least non-residential, parkland areas in less than 1 hr. from city core. But it is flat prairie land until you get to the Canadian Rockies/Canmore/Banff 150-200 kms. later. I have been warned about the winds /Chinook winds that blow. It is one thing that dearie told me he had to become accustomed.

So yes, TriGirl, Calgary is probably a cold version of Oklahoma city. But then, I haven't been to OK yet.