In April we flew to Germany to welcome our nephew Jonah into this world. On our sojourn we became quite irritated by the fast going traffic, and even more so by the bad mood of the natives. Despite high standard of living, we Germans tend to complain. A lot. And on the highest level (such as: my garage is too small, my third car doesn't fit in…) And so we were indeed happy to return home to Alberta.
In summer Sonja and her two best girl friends went on an epic road trip covering the touristic must-do's in Alberta and BC. There was downtown Calgary and the Stampede to begin with. The prairies and the badlands, the foothills and the mountains. The ladies came to Canada to get the ultimate scenic overload. (Photos courtesy Ulli & Big)
While Roland was still content with this job, Sonja decided that it was time to move on, which should ultimately turn out a bad idea. However, the break between then and her new employment would give us the opportunity to fulfill our dream to travel the Maritimes in late summer. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland. It was an awesome journey, although the weather didn't always work in our favour.
Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg in Nova Scotia
Confederation Bridge and red Earth on Prince Edward Island
A covered bridge near Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
East coast Scenery, Newfoundland
Cape Spear, western Newfoundland
Without warning recession had arrived in Alberta in October, and hit the workforce with a vengeance. Most colleagues at Sonja's new employer got laid off in a flash, and her days were counted, too. The Alberta advantage blew out overnight, and friends started leaving the province in quest for new jobs. This had put quite a damper on an otherwise splendid year. But nothing was lost yet. We kept it with the saying: If life throws you lemons, make lemonade. And that 'lemonade' should become an aspect of lifestyle. Please stay tuned for more to come in 2009.
Very nice set of pictures! Those cowboy hats suit you two.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dom. We brought those hats back to Germany. They hang on the wall now, like a trophy.
DeleteYes, Martha. Sorry to be the one breaking the news to you. It is in the genes. At least now you have an explanation for it. Hold on tight to our other side of heritage to balance it.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya about German complaining! But even if it's in the genes, it can be counterbalanced (at least a little bit, I hope) by some years in Alberta :-) Except for complaints about the (German) weather - boy, is it ever bad here where I am! When I look at the Sunset House forecast, well, I almost want to cry (not quite, though ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou bet, Petra. Embracing the Canadian lifestyle or better view on life really helps. Weather isn't too bad over here. Snow capped mountains, clear roads in the valley, sun and blue skies. We spent the afternoon hiking. It was great.
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