The Best Place In The World - December 1st 2006

Calgary – What A Fantastic Place!

I have traveled and worked all over the world. I have seen many countries, cities, cultures and people. I am amazed by the way the Japanese have adapted their culture to their crowded islands. I love the attitude of Italians who live in what is perhaps the most beautiful country in the world; yet are wracked by the worst governments in Europe. I could go on, but the point I want to make is that out of the entire world I choose to live in Alberta, near Calgary.

Calgary isn’t perfect of course and the very fact I said “near Calgary” probably gives you a clue that I’m not really a city kind of guy. So, what do I like about this part of the world?

Firstly the mountains. I don’t want to live somewhere that isn’t close to mountains. The Rockies are so much more impressive than the Alps (for example). The Rockies rise so suddenly, almost straight out of the prairie so that on a clear day you can see them from 100 miles away. The skiing here is second to none. The season is long from November to May so you can afford to wait for reasonable weather. In the summer, the hiking opportunities are legion.

Secondly the people. Calgary is a town of mostly young people who moved here for the opportunities available in this boomtown. Consequently, people’s attitude is mostly positive, dynamic and optimistic. It’s a “glass half full” kind of town which certainly suits my attitude and outlook on life.

Thirdly, the economy. If you can’t make a living in Calgary, then you won’t be able to make a living anywhere. Even the homeless and the downtrodden don’t have it too bad compared with elsewhere. There’s nearly always a place for them to sleep and a generous population to panhandle from. For everyone who wants a “real job”, local companies are offering at least $1,000 joining bonuses if you’ll go work for them. Just yesterday, the Airport Shuttle Express company which runs busses from the airport to downtown closed its doors simply because they couldn’t recruit the drivers they need!

Fourthly, the weather. The weather! What is he talking about? This past week saw temperatures dip down below -30C, but I still love it. Those living in more temperate climes simply can’t imagine what such temperatures feel like and probably wouldn’t live here just for that reason. But you know what? Although -30C is a bit extreme, the combination of low humidity and frequent sunshine makes a cold day here much more comfortable and pleasant than say, the damp +1C of a typical winter day in Amsterdam. Try the winter here some day, you may surprise yourself.

I live with my wife and dog in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains some 50km SW of Calgary City Center. We have ten acres of wooded hillside with mountain views to the South West and plenty of wildlife wandering or flying by. I work at home most of the time, developing software and web sites and life is good. I’ve worked hard over the last 30 years to be able to afford the lifestyle I’ve got now so I don’t feel “lucky” as some would describe it. It’s simply a just reward for an honest, hard working life.

So is there anything I don’t like about this region? Of course there is, and I’ll be airing many of my gripes and grumbles in future posts. The only structural thing I don’t really like is not being able to see the sea from my window. But hey, it’s only an hour’s flight to Victoria, two and a half hours to California or four to Mexico so it’s not that big of a deal.