Winnipeg and West..

The Hostelling International hostel in Winnipeg, behind a shopping centre, is rather plain but adequate.

After settling into the hostel, It became apparent that there was a charity music event being held later in the evening, to help raise funds for the Japan earthquake. This was held at the Winnipeg Cultural Centre and was country music at its best. The main feature was a typical country style, rock and roll six piece band. (three guitarists: lead, rhythm and bass, a drummer, a keyboardist and a steel guitarist (playing a lap steel). The band were joined by a female vocalist who sang just like Dolly Parton!

Winnipeg is about the size of Harrogate - Like being stuck in the eighties though. The Lo bar next to the Winnipeg Hi hostel, had some interesting youth within! Fashion was rather mod-like (jeans with home-made turn-ups, trendy? you decide)

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Here starts the first leg of my westerly, trip across Canada. After a prairie-filled, Tim Hortons-fuelled bus trip, the Greyhound bus dropped us off in Winnipeg.

Arriving in Winnipeg, I was alert to an announcement offering an alternate drop-off location, downtown. The airport location where the actual Greyhound station is, is far from central. Made sure to collect luggage because they assume you will be getting off. This is a good idea of their's and an opportunity i took.

Suprisingly, without tiredness, I got on a '55' bus going to the Hostelling International hostel where i am now. I am now sorting out a route to the Winnipeg mint, where they press all the regular Canadian circulation coinage.

I'm now 6 hours behind UK time as Winnipeg is in Manitoba.

Later that day, went to see the Manitoba Legislative building and the ruin of Fort Garry. Didn't get to the mint.