September 4th -

One of the papers I've read since coming here is a neighbourhood publication supporting the local neighbourhood community. There seems to me to be a lot of civic pride and I very much enjoyed a walk around this morning.

There are many churches mirroring the immigrant population - Roman Catholic (Italian, First Nations, Viet Namese) Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Baptist, etc. When I tried the doors at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, one of them opened as if by a miracle! The staff person invited me to stay and pray awhile.

The sanctuary is embraced by a rainbow and the symbol of the four sacred directions.

Be sure to visit the Sacred Peoples webpage for a fuller explanation of the rich symbols beautifully protrayed here, and for more information about this wonderful community.

Passing through an Italian neighbourhood I stopped for a coffee and to rest my tired feet. The cafe was filled with men drinking coffee and playing cards, but they graciously made me a mocha java even tho I was the only woman in the place and I think it was a men's "club". In reply to my "good-bye" I received the familiar "Ciao!"

The "Gate of Happy Arrival" marks an entrance to Chinatown. As I walked up the steps to the Chinese Zodiak I found myself at the plaque for the year of the Tiger....my year...1938. I gave it a loving pat!

CNWE supper, and first visitors to Veronica and Chris's new apartment in Edmonton.

(l to r) Myself, Chris, Kristin, Veronica

My Edmonton Hosts, Kate and John

Kate and I went for a walk this evening, into an area I hadn't seen before. I'm in awe of an apartment building...dark red brick with a balcony at one end but no other windows. They strick me as being very dark, and the brick lends a somber atmosphere. It's a building that I experience as awesome in it's ugliness. While a block or two away, is the beautiful area of McCauley with it's tree lined streets and houses. At the same time, I don't know what the apartments are like inside....is the lack of window a relief in summer's heat? Am I too quick to judge something by it's outward appearance?