...you're probably not surprised, as a New Yorker in Winnipeg is usually a fish out of water. And water there seems to be a lot of, as the threat of
flooding looms large. But before I say my goodbyes, I wanted to touch on what I feel are the strong points of Winnipeg - the things that make an otherwise miserable place bearable.
- TenSpa: This luxurious spa at the Fort Garry Hotel is a truly pleasurable experience, although the massages are rather wimpy. The spa boasts a Turkish bath, delicious complementary refreshments, and fragrant skin treatments. It also boasts New York prices, but this may be forgiven.
- Dental Offices: Although the publicly-funded medical care in Winnipeg is antiquated and sometimes downright scary (I know of a heart attack patient who has been awaiting surgery for three weeks), you'll find state-of-the-art dental care in Winnipeg (probably because it is privately funded). The hygienists at the Cholakis office offer one of the most pain-free cleanings you're likely to find. Unfortunately, the dentist will not see you unless you come in for a separate appointment, so unless you do this, your X-rays will not be analyzed. The office is often booked months in advance, but once you do finally get in, there's a playroom with Wii and Guitar Hero for the kids.
- Support for New Moms: Winnipeg offers an unparalleled array of free and low-cost services for new moms. There are weekly new mom support groups, $2 indoor playgrounds with toys and rides, free classes at which you can make a scrapbook while people read to your child, and music and crafts classes. Many of these groups give out free, healthy snacks. The long, cold, depressing Winnipeg winters make attendance at these groups almost essential for mental health.
- A Rich Musical Tradition: There's a great tradition of vocal music and folk music in Winnipeg with festivals like Folkfest. The Mennonite religious group, which is prevalent here, is forbidden from dancing, so they channel all of their energy into singing, with impressive results.
- Baked Expectations: A slice of cake at this bakery costs $8, but it's one of the most delicious $8 of cake (or cheesecake, or pie) that you're likely to taste. According to a friend of mine who used to work there, they use organic eggs and butter and the highest-quality ingredients. I like the Key lime pie, old-fashioned chocolate cake, chocolate-banana cream pie, and chocolate cake with orange mousse.
- Some Lovely People: Although I feel that Winnipeg is an awfully provincial place, I was lucky to make some of the most wonderful friends here (some of whom plan to leave). Just in case one of them is reading this blog, please do not take offense: none of this is directed at you.
Goodbye, and goodbye to paying
20% more than Americans for identical products! (By the way, it's snowing out today.) Have a great summer, once it finally gets here, and don't get bitten by too many mosquitoes!
Here is a little photo-essay paying tribute to the years I just spent living in Winnipeg. It's definitely not as appealing as the photography on Winnipeg Love-Hate, which is a photo-blog by someone with a particularly talented eye.
...you're probably not surprised, as a New Yorker in Winnipeg is usually a fish out of water. And water there seems to be a lot of, as the threat of flooding looms large. But before I say my goodbyes, I wanted to touch on what I feel are the strong points of Winnipeg - the things that make an otherwise miserable place bearable.
Goodbye, and goodbye to paying 20% more than Americans for identical products! (By the way, it's snowing out today.) Have a great summer, once it finally gets here, and don't get bitten by too many mosquitoes!
