The beautiful Eiffel Tower! Arc de Triomphe! French pastries, of course! Sipping a cappucino across from the Notre Dame! The Louvre Museum--breathtaking!

From Paris With Love

One week has now officially passed since I arrived in India, and although I felt I had enough to blog about after roughly 24 hours into my trip, I felt I should probably limit myself!

My journey began, however, in the famed city of love: Paris, France! I could not have asked for a more magical start to my summer adventures, either. To me, Paris was every bit the fairytale that authors, filmmakers, and locals make it out to be! I spent my day strolling down the Avenue des Champs Elysees, one of the most famous Parisian streets, and then headed over to the river where I spent the rest of the day touring the city by boat, with the freedom to get off at each stop and explore the neighborhood and the monuments. Next to a Vespa, this seemed like the most ideal way to see Paris!

The elegance and grace of the city could not be denied. Sophistication seemed to be etched into the very cobblestones I walked on. Perhaps it was due to being surrounded by tourists, but everyone seemed far more concerned with the “getting there” rather than where it was they were going. Time was taken to converse with old friends in the street, to wander into shops, to lounge in the grass and read a book—it was so refreshing to see!

Though Paris held itself with the confidence and poise of a city who has lived long and seen much, it really seemed to be driven by the soul of youth. Everywhere I went, and most notably in my neighborhood strolls, I noticed young people—shopping, dining, arranging meetings, carrying out those meetings, leaving the office, going to the office…Paris seemed to be propelled by young people! It was inspiring, and as I counted myself among this number spending their day roaming the streets of Paris in whatever capacity it may be, I realized that Paris truly did belong to these young people. I guess we aren’t so young anymore, really. One day it will be on us to preserve these histories of and monuments to the youth that came before us, that built for us homes to believe in.

I must confess. I had originally thought that I wouldn’t care much for the Eiffel Tower; I thought it would be an annoying and decidedly underwhelming tourist trap, and figured the locals likely held a similar disdain for it. But the moment it came into view, I was in awe. It was all there—majesty, romance, history, Paris! And looking around at all of the people taking it in, I realized that none of these testaments to history are worth ignoring. They make us who we are. From the Eiffel Tower right down to our own Prince Albert Main Street, history is history, and home is home. Even if you’ve seen it a million times, there is always going to be someone that comes along and is inspired by what they see and keen to learn the history behind it. It is our job as young people to keep those histories alive. Paris is beautiful because it has endured and done so on its own terms. Reminds me of another place I know and love and am also proud to call home!

Mountain Bike to Make a Difference!

Last year I had the pleasure of enjoying an afternoon out at Little Red River Park at the Pine Needle Mountain Bike Festival, organized by the fine folks at Fresh Air Experience!

The event is a six-hour mountain biking extravaganza that you can undertake on your own or as part of a team. You can also just go out there and watch the athletes while listening to great music and eating food from some of the area’s best restaurants/chefs: Kevin Dahlsjo from Two by Dahlsjo, Chef Jenni formerly from New Ground Cafe in Birch Hills, and the lovely ladies from Persia Bistro!

Competitors raise money for local initiatives and organizations. Over the past two years the event has raised $12,500! This year the goal is to install as many AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) machines around the city as possible.

It’s a great day for cyclists, foodies, music aficionados, and everyone in between! This year’s will be held next Sunday, June 9th from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.!

If the mood strikes you and you find yourself fancying a spot of tea, head down to the Historical Museum at the bottom of Central Avenue!

It just happens to house the loveliest of tea rooms, which I have had the pleasure of frequenting here and there. Last week, however, my friend Sarah and I decided to go all out and host our own little tea party in the room! We brought our own snacks and devonshire cream and were treated to a vast selection of tea and the cutest china! Not to mention the perfect tea party ambience.

Even if you don’t feel like tea or a party, you are also welcome to take your lunch into the tea room or outside on the deck and enjoy the beautiful view of the river bank!

Having the best time with these bucket list items! Keep them coming!

The newest must-have summer accessory in these parts!! Heart Prince Albert bracelets!!
This summer our tourism ambassadors will be out and about looking for citizens, newcomers, and visitors to take the oath and rock the bracelet as well as their PA pride!
Stop by the Visitor’s Center or keep an eye out for our ambassadors at major Prince Albert events like the Downtown Street Fair or Canada Day celebrations! High-res

The newest must-have summer accessory in these parts!! Heart Prince Albert bracelets!!

This summer our tourism ambassadors will be out and about looking for citizens, newcomers, and visitors to take the oath and rock the bracelet as well as their PA pride!

Stop by the Visitor’s Center or keep an eye out for our ambassadors at major Prince Albert events like the Downtown Street Fair or Canada Day celebrations!

A free showing of Les Miserables tonight at the John M. Cuelenare Public Library at 6:00 pm! High-res

A free showing of Les Miserables tonight at the John M. Cuelenare Public Library at 6:00 pm!

Weekend Adventures!

This time taking place at the beautiful Yellow Fender Eatery out at Christopher Lake, just twenty minutes from Prince Albert!

Locally sourced ingredients and homemade everything. What more could you ask for?

Open for breakfast and throughout the day until 7:00 p.m. for the summertime!

Go early on the weekends, if you can. It’s a popular spot 24/7 but gets particularly crazy on Saturdays!

Pitch-In Month

We’re nearing the end of the pitch-in month of May, but I managed to capture some men at work to keep our city in shipshape this afternoon!

The two featured are students in the SIAST Basic Education program, and the pitch-in was organized by SIAST instructor Dustin Vandale!

Thanks SIAST for helping to keep our town sparkling!!

This is a biggie!!
Prince Albert is set to host a Pro-Am event on July 2nd, 2013 for the Dakota Dunes Open, which is a stop on the first ever Canadian PGA Tour!
Huge news for Saskatchewan in general, and we are so thrilled to be a part of it! High-res

This is a biggie!!

Prince Albert is set to host a Pro-Am event on July 2nd, 2013 for the Dakota Dunes Open, which is a stop on the first ever Canadian PGA Tour!

Huge news for Saskatchewan in general, and we are so thrilled to be a part of it!