Our first experience at -15 degree day wasn't too bad. We hit the shops when they opened at 10am to go in search of gloves, beanies, scarves and boots.
Our hotel is in Downtown Calgary and therefore it was only a 5 - 10 minute walk to the closest shopping mall. After a wander around it soon became obvious that if we were shopping for designer label clothing, this was the place to come. After explaining to a nice salesman that we
are tight Australians didn't want to spend a fortune on gloves and boots, that would only be worn for a week, we hit the icy footpaths and train to seek out bargains. Our first stop was Mountain Equipment Cooperative (like Anaconda) for the gloves and beanies at clearance prices. Bargain number 1! We then ventured, via a 15 minute train ride and a 15 minute walk, where probably not that many tourist tread - Value Village, a Salvation Army style store that sells donated goods. 4 out of 5 of us needed suitable footwear for the below freezing temperatures and sneakers weren't going cut it. Half an hour later 4 pairs of brand new second hand warm waterproof boots walked out the door for less than $20 each. Bargain number 2! We headed back downtown to the hotel for a rest and a warm up before having tea at a nearby Irish pub and finished day 2 with a swim in the hotel pool. The 20 story hotel is very nice with fantastic views from the gym & pool on the 18th floor. After a bit of research we have found out that the
adjoining suite we are using for 1 rollaway bed and our luggage would normally cost $1500 per night( we only paid the standard rate)! Bargain number 3!
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| Downtown Calgary |
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| A warm hearty Irish dinner |
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| A real life Gingerbread House in the hotel lobby |
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| Swim with a view |
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| City lights with ice skating rink |
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