2015-07-02: Northern Exposure

Calgary is probably not the northern most point we have reached in the American Continent. However we are finally getting true exposure to the local culture.

The Pommie side of Canada is not as pretty as the Froggie side, the chaos is hidden behind the quiet suburban walls.

We are staying with a Local Lady, Miki, and her sons. She is a friend of Conrad's and no doubt has been warned of our lifestyle and tendencies which makes things easier.

Cross cultural exchange. North American beers, Australian Quantities.

Miki's sons are quite sporty and active. I get a sense of the same thing I saw in the Swedish Summer. If there is sun and no snow better take advantage of it lest the Gods get bored and use your life as a metaphor.

Alastair could shoot but not carry

Lacrosse is a game which has been played in Canada since long before the Europeans arrived. Well before the Froggies anyway.

I could carry but not shoot.

No one was quite sure if it was played before the vikings arrived.
Given the various names of the original versions of the sport; Eastern Cherokee Little War, Mohawk Little Brother of War I think the vikings may have joined in when they were here.

Shoes might be part of the modern uniform but we are purists.

Alastair and I like the Onondaga Men Hit a Rounded Object. It makes us feel like Manly Men but also not have to come up with fancy words to describe what we are doing or how we feel about it. Plus the ball only has to be sort of round.

Scary faces add a psychological element

If the Froggies had spoken Ojibwe Bump Hips might have been a game they would have wanted to join in on. Just goes to show that you should learn the local language if you want to have fun.

Locals are kind of casual in their approach

Suffice it to say that the locals were slightly better than us. Although Ewa claims a misunderstanding in the scoring system means that she won her match.