Joy Drop: Calgary still glows despite smoky skies

Hello from Alberta! I am in the beautiful but currently very smoky city of Calgary attending my son’s volleyball tournament.

Before flying there was a smoke advisory due to the forest fires that ravage the West. And for those of us unfamiliar with wildfires, we can’t begin to comprehend the thick air and darkness. But the Calgarians are a kind and friendly bunch and they have been exceptionally helpful (I got lost twice while hiking) and also informative in explaining how to manage altitude acclimatization and smoke.

There are many indoor options. A perfect example is the Calgary Central Library, which is absolutely beautiful. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to get the tip from my lovely Aunt Sally who lives here in town. She told me that she has won architecture awards and that the open concept and abundant natural light make it a tourist attraction and a gathering and reading place.

As libraries usually do, they weave community, knowledge sharing and a lot of joy. They are a breather for many and a place to share and possibilities.

I want to scream the best croissant I’ve had in a long time. My friend Amanda works in the library and we went for coffee at Alforno Cafe and Bakery. I have already been there several times this week and the staff is amazing and even went above and beyond when I had some technical difficulties and needed to work. Their drink menu is fantastic and their baked goods are exceptional.

Croissants have long brought me joy, but if the croissant isn’t flaky and doesn’t fall apart on you, it’s not a top-notch croissant. I am happy to report that this croissant completely fell apart on my laptop, on the floor, and even on my hijab.

I saw the cutest Twitter thread about a New Mexico United men’s soccer player who was on a flight talking to an old lady. ESPN’s Randy Scott captured the moment and reported it. As sports journalists, it’s really nice to have the opportunity to witness these simple moments that make people happy.

Kudos to my colleagues at CBC Sports, Monika Platek and Camryn Kern, who came to Vancouver last week to do an amazing job. They did a fantastic digital segment at the world breakout championship. phil wizard. Breaking will make its Olympic debut in 2024 and CBC Sports is ready with all the details. IWizard explained how much of the talent also emanates from parts of Asia.

It’s Asian Heritage month and I came across an amazing article from CBC Montreal featuring different Asian Canadians. They were asked “How do you carry your culture?And the answers are deep and important.

I was thinking about how I carry my own South Asian culture (with a mix of Central Asia) and it all comes down to food. My aunt and uncle introduced me to samosa chips and I was surprised I had never tried them before. They are the batter of fried samosas but light and delicious.

They offered us the best from a local Calgarian company called noreen samosa which boasts of being “the best Samosa in Calgary”. I highly recommend them and you may want to bring some home with me.

I hope your weekender isn’t flaky, but your baked goods are. Stay safe and healthy, friends!