Kitchener, Waterloo, Ice Hockey

The towns of Kitchener and Waterloo are a 2 hour drive west of Toronto. We were told it was an Amish Community with heritage buildings although we didn't see this we still had a look around.We later found out the Community is in a different town so we will return in the spring when the markets are open.

This ice skating rink is in the centre of town . The people skating were of all ages and abilities.

The  Waterloo Region Museum

The 16 colours of the glass wall are translated into a hexadecimal computer code used in mathematics and computer programming.  The words on the building are a speech made by Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier in 1905:

"We do not want, that any individuals should forget the land of their origin or their ancestors. Let them look to the past, but let them also look to the future; let them look to the land of their ancestors, but let them look also to the land of their children."

The museum's exhibits were about the settlement of the area.  I loved the old radio's and gramophones that were on display. The grain separator was pretty cool too. There was also an After Dark interactive exhibit for the children. We had go at putting the blocks into the correct holes in the dark, easier said than done.

Radio and Oil Lamps

Grain separator

In the dark

Lunch was the Canadian staple - Poutine.  This consists of  fries (chips), gravy and cheese curds. Poutine can also come with extra toppings, ours had crispy fried chicken, ranch dressing and buffalo spicy sauce. It actually tastes better than it looks.

We then toured a Glass works factory and shop. Wow! the work is beautiful but expensive. The artists are all
Canadians.

Wall art $10,000 and Sun Catcher  $1,000

Sun catcher and hanging ball

Family Portrait (twisted metal) $4250

On the way home we drove over the West Montrose Covered Bridge, also known as the "Kissing Bridge", this bridge is 60m long and was built in 1881. How cool is the horse and buggy with 2 children sitting on the back?

Ice Hockey

Saturday night we went to our first ice hockey game. It was a Junior Hockey League game between the Stouffville Spirit (Red/White) and Coburg Cougars (Green), 17 -21 year old males. They play 3 x 20 minute sessions. The Spirit won in overtime 3 - 2.
Ice Hockey is fast, physical and exciting. I am hoping this will not be the only game we see whilst we are here. Ice Hockey should be one of your bucket list items.

The National Anthem