Cead Mille Failte- 100,000 Welcomes!

One of our city's greatest cultural events is almost here! Folklorama is a two week celebration of all the different cultures and traditions in our city and our country. There are 45 pavilions to visit this summer, all of them spread across Winnipeg.

Last summer was my first time going to Folklorama and it was amazing! My friends and I went to the Ireland-Irish pavilion where we were fully immersed in a culture so unlike my own German/Ukraine background. We got to see traditional dancing, folk music, and experience people of all ages enjoying their own heritage. I think that is what I like the most, seeing young people enjoying and celebrating their heritage and background. It was awesome to see kids dancing to traditional folk music and singing along.

 

(Photo from Folklarama)

If you are going to be in Winnipeg this summer from August 1st to the 14th I strongly recommend that you visit as many pavilions as you can. If not for yourself, for me (sadly I will be on vacation during this time).

Should you need more convincing to go to Folklorama it was also voted Event of The Year by the Tourism Association of Canada 2009.

One thing I regret not doing that I encourage everyone else to do is try the food! The line was really long and we just were not in the mood to wait but we regretted it soon after. The food did look and smell amazing and everyone else we talked to said we were crazy not to try it!

Cheers and enjoy Folklorama 2010!

Janis
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Take Off!

Part of what we do here at the Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites is provide our guests with an airport shuttle. We can pick you up or drop you off, just give us 48-hours notice.

Today was one of those days I got to make a run to the airport to drop off a guest who was staying with us. I always like going to the airport because 1) it gets me out of the office, 2) I get to talk to the guest and get to know their story and 3) I like to see the progress they are making on the new airport terminal and I daydream that it will be easier and more efficient to pick up and drop off guests.

This morning I got to drive through the new part of what I assume is the pick up/drop off area of the new terminal and I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. Unless they are building more than two lanes, the same pandemonium and confusion will take suit.

If you have ever been to the airport in Winnipeg, you know what I'm talking about. There are two lanes one for quick drop offs pick ups (idle and be sure to get yelled at by one of the many parking guards) and the lane for those of us who have to wait for more than two minutes. This seems like a good plan right? It would be if people wouldn't double park, idle where you're not supposed to and a host of many other problems.

My only hope that new airport terminal has something up their sleeves that will surprise us all ( in a good way of course) in terms of picking up /dropping off.

Other than this one small issue I have with the new airport, it looks great. The website james2010.ca has many illustrations of the final product and current pictures of construction. The building is sleek, clean, open and looks much more modern than the existing building.

Cheers,
Janis
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Mexican food will spice up your summer

One of my favorite places to eat in Winnipeg is Don Pedro's, this Mexican grill and bar is the best Mexican experience you will have while in Winnipeg.

Located in the heart of the Exchange District, this grill will exceed your expectations. The atmosphere is very brightly coloured, and decorate with an array of eclectic signs, artwork and colorful Christmas lights draped from the ceiling.


As far as the food goes, it was amazing. I had the Don Pedro's Famous Fajitas that arrived at our table sizzling, smoking and smelling delicious. Once they cooled down enough for me to assemble them, I was in heaven. Never have I tasted a better fajita. My dining companion ordered the Fish Tacos, which I will admit I was apprehensive to try, they just didn't sound appealing at all. However, once I got over that and actually tasted these fish tacos, they blew my mind! Who knew fish tacos would be so good.


Then for dessert we couldn't resist the Deep Fried Ice Cream! It was the perfect way to end our Mexican adventure in the Exchange District and is a must eat place when coming to Winnipeg.


Cheers,
Janis
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites