We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there.
Pascal Mercier, Night Train to Lisbon
We arrive in Moose Jaw, the city I spent my childhood in and, after a potty break, tour the familiar streets of my neighbourhood. No need for the navigation system here, I easily direct Gerry in this city, with a population of about 34,000, to 7th Avenue and the house my dad built before I was born—the house we lived in until, shattering my heart, we moved to BC.
I’m pleased to see the house well maintained and cared for. We drive up the back alley and I can tell by windows moved in the back of the house that it’s been remodeled inside. I wonder how much of the original footprint remains—maybe very little. It’s changed, but parts remain the same. Like me.
We make our meandering way south of the city (and for this I do need the navigation system), past the airport toward the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village Museum where we’ve decided to spend a few hours walking around in the past—we’re both interested in history and spend a pleasant afternoon here.
After an evening meal, we take a walk through Crescent Park past the beautiful old library, museum, and natatorium swimming pool. I love that these are the same beautiful old buildings my dad used as a boy, and that I did later. There’s so much history in this small city.
Today, we pause the LLF vacation and take a day for ourselves. It’s going to be a beautiful sunshiny prairie day, perfect for pulling out the grown up cameras, spending some time at the Temple Gardens Spa, and whatever else we choose.
Yes Moose Jaw has a colorful past – Al Capone and his bootlegging, and the plight of the Chinese. The tour into the tunnels under the City are most interesting. The City has done a wonderfull job in perserving the past.