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Monday, February 9, 2009

At Large Welcome to Lethbridge

Posted by Dan Savage on Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 4:12 PM

7390/1234223769-lethbridgeneedle.jpg

Lethbridge's answer to the Space Needle: a decommissioned water tower on the outskirts of Lethbridge that's been converted into a restaurant with 360 degree views of... um... the traffic on the outskirts of Lethbridge. My escort—the lovely and talented Jenn—tells me that it's home to Ric's restaurant and points out the Jesus-died-for-your-sins billboard affixed to the tower. ("He Created... He Loved... He Died... The Ultimate True Life Drama. Now Playing... All Around You.") Something to think about before you tuck into your curly fries.

There was a distinct, er, scent in the air when I got off the airplane. The airport must be next to a sewage treatment plant, I figured. But when we got to the hotel, um, the same weird stench in the air. I asked Jenn about it and she explained that there are a lot of farms in the area and they're pretty liberal with the ol' manure and there's a pig manure lagoon here and there. "You mean it always smells like this?" I asked Jenn. "Yes, a lot of the time," she said.

"Wow," I marveled, "Lethbridge smells like ass."

"Well," Jenn replied, "I guess you would know."

Snap.

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Once you visit Banff or Jasper, Dan, (if you haven't already) all your comments about Alberta will be retracted.

But um, yeah, Lethbridge, Coaldale.. is Medicine Hat on your itinerary as well?

Posted by mackro mackro on February 9, 2009 at 4:31 PM

Ha- good one, Jenn! Enjoy your trip, Dan!

Posted by moobs on February 9, 2009 at 4:37 PM

I have been to few places in Canada, but currently Lethbridge is holding the title for Ugliest.

Posted by ryan on February 9, 2009 at 4:46 PM

I haven't been anywhere between Edmonton and Windsor, ON. But there's a lot more ugly than Lethbridge if you can believe it. Most of any province is pretty ass. (and this kinda goes for any U.S. state for that matter.)

A special category for Most Ass Place In The Face Of Shimmering Beauty goes to Squamish, BC. Thanks for putting a shithole strip mall design right next to the Howe Sound, BC peeps!

Posted by mackro mackro on February 9, 2009 at 5:03 PM

Now Jenn, it only smells like ass when the wind blows from the northeast. As you know, it usually blows from the west - at about 60km/h! See you in an hour Dan.

Posted by Holly on February 9, 2009 at 5:06 PM

Those of you who seek gutted civilizations of yore, check out Uranium City, Saskatchewan

http://www.nlsd113.com/schlcom/north/ura…

Posted by mackro mackro on February 9, 2009 at 5:06 PM

The more suprising thing is that Lethbridge even has an airport.

And yes, it smells like that all the time. I remember visiting it in high school and the smell just lingered over the "city".

Posted by Robert S. Porter on February 9, 2009 at 5:23 PM

You know, in the summer I bet it smells much worse.

And Jenn's burn was truly awesome. Dan, you got served.

Posted by dwight moody on February 9, 2009 at 5:31 PM

Jenn seems quick with the reply. Glad to hear it.

Posted by kim on February 9, 2009 at 5:47 PM

Alberta is the Texas of Canada--oil money, right wing politics and all. During the Calgary Stampede everyone wears cowboy hats and they have a stadium shaped like a saddle. Creepy...

Posted by RainMan on February 9, 2009 at 7:39 PM

@10-
The important difference being the Canadian part. The conservative leader that was elected with a minority vote actually has a minority government, and gay marriage is legal (if not popular). And it's cold. As for the smell, Brooks is far, far worse...

Posted by Harv on February 9, 2009 at 11:30 PM

Wind from the west is always better than the north or east.
There are dozens of feedlots (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, horses, sheep) in the area.
http://www.saaep.ca/docs/county_feedlots…

Lethbridge's population is around 85,000 with the college and university student populations over 15,000 (nearly 20% of the total), the city should be a lot more open, progressive, creative, trendy, and lively than it is at times.
People bitch and complain about nothing to do yet there is theatre, music, sports, recreation, arts, etc happening everyday. Students should use their numbers to influence more than what trend the bars have this month. Create some real change in the community

The beauty of Lethbridge is not found in the green water tower converted into yet another restaurant but in the river valley, Japanese Gardens, and coulees.

Live, love, and Be ..... where ever you are

Posted by aManOnaJourney on February 9, 2009 at 11:51 PM

does the smell follow you Dan? Maybe you should wash your ass between felchings? Just a suggestion.

Posted by IheartDan on February 10, 2009 at 12:26 AM

13
cause after a night of Brownbacking no one wants to be downwind of you, Dan

Posted by and Depends are NOT airtight, no matter what the label says on February 10, 2009 at 7:19 AM

Seriously, Dan
When your shoes are squishing it's time for a new pad.

Posted by your momma was too embarrassed to tell you on February 10, 2009 at 7:39 AM