Hidden Panorama

Riding a High Level Bridge street car was the first thing I did that day. Before I went to Jasper Terminal which located in Jasper Avenue, I called their customer service and I did inquire how I will be able to buy a ticket. Similar to my other adventure tour in Edmonton City, I brought my map and figured out how to go the High Level street car station. The station in Jasper is located between 109Th and 110Th street in Jasper Avenue. I decided to walked from 104Th street to 109Th street. While on my way, I realized how many establishments exists in Jasper Avenue and I understood why the avenue is famous in Edmonton. Then I continue walking, I thought that I will be having a short walk since I thought that it was just few meters away but I made mistake on estimation, it was quite too far.

When I arrived at the station I did not see a street car and because of that, I thought that the street car left already. But I checked my watched and the time was still early. I tried to find a small building that will serve as ticketing station, but the station that I saw are open place with few waiting chairs and the High Level street car trail. I wondered that time, "Where I will buy my ticket?". That question in my mind had been answered when the High Level street car arrived. Some of the tourist went out the street car Then, the tourist guide went out too. The tourist guide was also the one who will collect our payment for the ride. Well that explains why there was no ticketing station because there is no need for it.

Next thing I was aware was I was inside the high level street car and the tour started. First, we passed the Legislature building. Then, we passed North Saskatchewan river, three tunnels, the Fort Hill, C&E Station Museum until we ended at Strathcona Terminal. What I like best on this rides, was the time when we were at the top of the bridge and below is the North Saskatchewan River. The view was wonderful. I see Edmonton in different angle. And the bottom of street car trail was a bridge passing by a real cars and other vehicles. The feeling was different and a little bit exciting while on top of the bridge.




The street car will be on its way to Jasper Terminal. And because of that I decided to get out myself of the street car at the station near in Legislature Buiding for my next tour.

That ended my experience in High Level street car with a quick tour.

If someone reading my blog probably noticed that I have a lots of blog for Edmonton. To be honest, if I will not divide it to each topic, my Edmonton City blog might be very very long . I wanted to shorten my story as much as possible. Because every time I write my blog. I tend to tell all the details. Because when I am remembering something, there are lots going on in my mind.

Anyway, I have to stop explaining my reason.

My next feature is the Provincial Legislature Building. When I am asking some of my colleague at work what are the places that I can visit in Edmonton, they told me the Legislature Building. After I heard it, I searched it in Internet and tried to plan how I will be able to go to this place.

I went to this building last June 1 2008, Sunday with an actual tour plan of the following: High Level Bridge tour, Provincial Legislature Building tour and Edmonton Queen River Boat tour. I guess I have a whole busy Sunday that time.

At first, when I arrived at the vicinity of the Legislature Building, I thought I can just get inside and have my own tour since it was free. When I approached one of the guard in the building, he told me that I have to go to the Interpretive Centre and Gift Shop. So I followed his instructions. I found out that the tour guide are waiting for us in that place. I was grouped with other tourist.

Next thing happened, the tourist guide started to gave us a building tour outline to give us idea what we are expecting in the tour. From Interpretive Centre we went to the Legislature Building. Then, our guide started talking about all information of the building and some historical information of Canada related to the building. When I saw the first floor of the building I see an awesome fountain in the middle and the Grand Staircase.



The guide showed us important statues such as Princess Louise Caroline Alberta - fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and Chief Crowfoot. When I heard the name of Princess Louise, I asked the guide if it is the same person of Princess named after famous Lake Louise and the guide agreed. Well, I learned that information from the tourist guide in Banff. I remember that Princess Louise was small lady. And I can see that in her statue in the Legislature Building.



Next thing that the tourist guide showed us are the portraits of the person who became Alberta's Premiers (head of the government). As of this writing I cannot remember anymore the names of the Premiers that was mentioned by the guide. Next, portraits that was showed to us are pictures of Alberta's Lieutenant Governors (representative of the Queen). Then, the guide led us to the Mace Case. We saw two mace. One is the original mace and based from the guide it was made from scrap materials which was amazing. And I learned that the mace is a symbol of Legislative Assembly authority to make laws. The other mace was the current mace being used.


Then, the guide led us the Legislative Chamber, but before that, we saw the picture of King George V and Queen Mary. One thing that the tourist guide emphasize in these two portraits of the King and Queen. The guide mentioned to us to look into their eyes and try to walk in either direction and we will see what is it. I followed the instruction of the guide and I found out that it seems that their eyes are following us like they are looking to us. I just realized how great that painting was.

After the portraits, we went inside the Legislative Chamber. I was amazed on what I saw. The lightnings of the chamber was fantastic. The main door of the chamber seems to be fully crafted and the same thing with the Speaker's chair. Inside the chamber, I saw the portrait of Queen Victoria.


Last but not the least, I spent few minutes outside the building premises by taking lots of picture of the pool, fountain and the Legislature building itself.


In the end, I had a great time inside and outside the Legislature Building.