Another day where, as I type this, I know that I will be heading to sleep as soon as this blog entry is complete! Being tired from adventure is the best kind of tired there is!
This morning, Sarah and Derek sent us off with a delicious breakfast - coffee, fresh fruit and Chef Derek even made us both an egg McMuffin. On top of that, Dave and I got to sample some of Sarah's homemade strawberry jam - it was incredible! A few more laughs, some photos and finally a few hugs and we were headed back onto Highway 17.
In no time at all, we crossed into the Manitoba border! I was super-excited to see it in person - Manitoba, the province of the Jets, Bluebombers, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world (more about that tomorrow) and the largest curling rock in the world!
In a couple of hours we were close to our final destination for today, Winnipeg. We were stunned by the beauty of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights! It stands proud and can be seen for miles around. The Esplanade Riel was also really neat. We parked, walked around and headed to the Forks - the market there has all kinds of culinary options, including both Canadian and international delicacies! Dave and I shared some Trinidad chicken roti which was a whole bunch of yum!
Next, we did the five minute walk to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. I had heard about its powerful exhibitions - it takes a look back at the cruelty of humanity, but also some of the positive steps that have been taken to protect human life. I must admit I had a difficult time in the museum, for too many reasons to explain, and I think I will just leave it there.
Our last stop in downtown Winnipeg was mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, a beautiful church that was absolutely packed. Dave and I were touched by the friendly greetings we received. We could not help but notice the wide spectrum of ages and cultures that were worshipping, and the many families (some even of three generations) that were there.
Finally, we headed to a night market at Assiniboia Downs - the woman working at the Manitoba tourism centre told us that it would be a neat thing to check out, and I think it may have only been on tonight (or this weekend). Neither of us had been to a night market before. It had all sorts of food trucks and merchants, many of them selling handmade items. There was lots of food and drink to sample, including honey, birch syrup and craft beer. It was lots of fun and really cool to see everything illuminated under the strings of lights that were hanging everywhere.
Well, that is pretty much it for me tonight. More from Winnipeg tomorrow.
Thank you for reading. I wish you all a restful night! xoxo
