Winnipeg and the Festival du Voyageur
This February I did something a little bit crazy. While on vacation from my job in Mexico I went to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Let's just say that the difference in temperature from Cabo San Lucas to Winnipeg was noticable. I was quite cold while there, but had an amazing time. I went to visit some friends and also to attend the Festival du Voyageur. It is a festival celebrating the history and culture of the French Canadian voyageurs, many of whom ultimately settled in Winnipeg. Most of my friends in Winnipeg are French Canadian and I know them all through a program called the Voyageur Wilderness Project. It is through this program that I go canoeing in Ontario each summer. I had a fantastic, if chilly, time and hope to go back someday. Many thanks to all who entertained me while there!
This is the St. Boniface Cathedral. It is the cathedral for the French Canadian community in Winnipeg. The original cathedral burned and a new one was built within the ruins. The photo is of the exterior remains of the original cathedral.
This is from within Fort Gibraltar. Back in the day the voyageurs would come here to trade.
At the festival one of the games one can play is Beaver Ball. There is a volleyball that has been covered with beaver pelt and basically Beaver Ball seems to consist of whatever one might want to do with the ball. We started out trying volleyball, but the ball was essentially frozen and that was painful so we moved onto soccer and finally cuddling with the ball. It is surprisingly warm.
My hosts, Marieve and Guy, have a new Beagle puppy named Kano. I adore him.
At the festival there is a snow sculpture competition. This was the main snow sculpture, located at the entrance to the grounds. What does it remind you of?
Marieve and Guy took me 5 pin, or Canadian, bowling. Some of you may know that I love bowling and I have to say that I might even love Canadian bowling more than our US 10 pin bowling. There is a whole different art and strategy to Canadian bowling.
These are my VWP buddies. It was great getting to see them all. I wish the rest had been in town. I have so many more friends up there I was unable to see, but it was great seeing these guys. Thanks for a great night!
This is the St. Boniface Cathedral. It is the cathedral for the French Canadian community in Winnipeg. The original cathedral burned and a new one was built within the ruins. The photo is of the exterior remains of the original cathedral.
This is from within Fort Gibraltar. Back in the day the voyageurs would come here to trade.
At the festival one of the games one can play is Beaver Ball. There is a volleyball that has been covered with beaver pelt and basically Beaver Ball seems to consist of whatever one might want to do with the ball. We started out trying volleyball, but the ball was essentially frozen and that was painful so we moved onto soccer and finally cuddling with the ball. It is surprisingly warm.
My hosts, Marieve and Guy, have a new Beagle puppy named Kano. I adore him.
At the festival there is a snow sculpture competition. This was the main snow sculpture, located at the entrance to the grounds. What does it remind you of?
Marieve and Guy took me 5 pin, or Canadian, bowling. Some of you may know that I love bowling and I have to say that I might even love Canadian bowling more than our US 10 pin bowling. There is a whole different art and strategy to Canadian bowling.
These are my VWP buddies. It was great getting to see them all. I wish the rest had been in town. I have so many more friends up there I was unable to see, but it was great seeing these guys. Thanks for a great night!
posted by Louise at 11:32 PM
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