mackro

The lambics.. The beers.. the croquets… the alcoholic cheesecake. All insanely guilty and good.

The booze selection is more like a booze bible.

The Fremont Sonic Boom has been closed since early 2008. :(

Its replacement has yet to be determined. So far, it looks like a Pinkberry rip-off place called MooBerry, but that could change any day.

I was here all last week to take part in a 100 guitar symphony at the Pageant. Rehearsals were at Powell Symphony Hall.

• MetroLink. I stayed at the Civic Center Sheraton, so I was just across the street from take the train to many neighborhoods, and used it to get to Lambert/STL airport and back on the cheap. Of course, being in Seattle, which has yet to have a train system, I was enamored.
• Architecture. So many swarthy old buildings, so little time.
• The Arch. It was quick, but I enjoyed my tour of the arch. I went into the Mork & Mindy pods up to the top to take photos.
• Hospitality. Aside from older white suit-n-tie men in downtown who looked at me like dirt, I was treated very kindly by everybody around me inside and outside, no matter the race, class, etc.

• Fear. The one major thing that has crippled the city from my P.O.V. is this fear—especially the one that dictates you need to be home before dark. It’s paralyzed the potential life of this city. There is life but it’s hard to find. There’s barely anyone on the streets in downtown during the weekday. Even Seattle’s business core in downtown on a weeknight has more foot and car traffic, which is saying a LOT. People don’t just avoid public transit here. They seem to avoid side streets too. There is a clear and non-obvious social schism that’s ugly, either way you slice it.

Moreover, that fear perpetrates a lot of other bad “isms”, especially the one that begins with “rac”—which is another can or worms, I realize.

That said, as a white guy who looked very non-touristy, I was treated like an equal with almost everyone. It’s cliche to say it, but R-E-S-P-E-C-T is a requirement if you’re going to survive in St. Louis. People here have plenty of it and are willing to give it to you immediately, especially if you offer it first.

I’m not discounting the horror stories of muggings and shootings. There is a history I’m missing, and a week in 2008 just doesn’t bring me that perspective. I heeded all the warnings. However, I’ve heard these warnings in L.A. and Seattle too once upon a time. Many years later, after the pluses and minuses of gentrification, I don’t hear these warnings anymore.

Perhaps one day, for better and worse, nobody will have to be afraid to walk in St. Louis after dark anymore, and much of the fear will be extinguished. And hopefully, gentrification may not be necessary at all to achieve this.

So while I highly encourage people to visit St. Louis, especially if it’s on the way or there is a special event, just be forewarned that it’s a city stilled ruled by fear, even if it’s on the verge of overcoming it.

Slated for opening on November 10th, 2007.

It’s a park in Fremont North, not too far away from the Woodland Park Zoo, which is supposed to provide - on a nice enough weather day - the ultimate Seattle panoramic experience—from Mt. Rainier to the Ship Canal.

I doubt the weather will be that nice on November 10th, but who knows!

..and I’m not sure even many of the locals realize this. I had my worst customs experience ever here, because the guards would not believe I was visiting here other than business. Someone please tell Canada customs/douanes that there are people who want to visit Edmonton to just visit Edmonton! Thanks! :)

I had a lot of fun here, but compared to Calgary, which has a slightly more vibrant nightlife, there are a lot more great things to see by walking around randomly near the river/downtown than in Calgary. I never would have discovered the amount of great parks and isolated attractions. So if you’re going to Edmonton, you’ll have to be adventurous, but you will definitely be rewarded. It will obviously help if you know someone in the city, but that’s not a requirement if you have a drive on your own.

The most shocking thing was the beautifully designed ETS/LRT light rail! There aren’t too many lines, but the stations were lovely. But it seems it’s barely used. (Hey, if you guys could kick down some of that here to Seattle, that would be greatly appreciated!)

And Edmonton isn’t just about the frickin’ West Edmonton Mall! There are way too many shopping malls in downtown interconnected thought glass Ped-Ways as it is. I came here to see the city.

Whyte Ave and Jasper Ave are must-walks in the city, however.. especially the historic part on the west end/bend of Jasper, which is near the gateway to one of the riverside parks.

I could go on, but I’ll spend time uploading photos this weekend. In any case, thanks to all for the recommendations.

AND…

I got the see the Northern Lights! Not the Canadian pro-hunger-relief charity group from 1985, nor in Edmonton on the ground though. I saw them on the plane from Seattle to Edmonton somewhere over Jasper. It was incredibly trippy and something I’ll never forget. I’ll elaborate more when I write my entry for finishing that goal. :)

The Globe is being sold/closing.

This makes me more sad than just about anything else closing. The food here and atmosphere was unmatched anywhere.

I was stunned. What I love about Banff that sets it apart from most other regions of natural beauty is the centralized village and the large arts community. Whistler is a great ski resort, however that’s all it is in the end. Banff is that and much, much more. I knew I would really enjoy the scenery, but I didn’t expect to want to live in Banff when I visited.

So many varieties of dutch pancakes, each will fill you up for the rest of the day! (That didn’t stop me from eating two, although I ordered the second one by accident.)

I’m not kidding. Not even the most seasoned crate diggers in the world may be fully ready for the spectacle of this place. I wouldn’t say the prices are completely amazing, but one could definitely say they are comprehensive not only in genre but in formats over the history of record music. I fear going back because I would have to live inside the store.. seriously.

Wow. Just wow.

Where to start! I had dinner there, and immediately went back for brunch. So many choices, all very delicious and healthier.

Do NOT pass up the Carrot Cardomom Cake with side of Vanilla Tofutti & Vegan Cream Custard. One of the best desserts I’ve ever had, period.

I can’t even get started on the main dishes. I’ll just post pictures of the food instead.