A Province-otic Rant

"Whoa!" I hear you say, calling all of your friends and family to gather around the computer screen. "You know that world-famous blog, 'What I Would Do?' One of their writers has changed their format!"

Well yes, yes I have. Don't worry, it's just for today. Deal with it. (Unless it's you, Laura, who's reading this and objecting. After all, you are my employer, and I tremble before your wrath. You don't mind, though... right?)

I just finished reading Laura's post on Halifax, and when reading about the awesome landscape of Alberta, I got a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Because I love Alberta. I love Canada in general. And so today, I think I'm going to rant about it.

Now, Alberta tends to come under fire for the oil sands, it's dry climate, and it's frigid temperatures. But in it's defence;

• The oil sands are one little part of Alberta. We don't support destruction of the environment,
• When's a dry climate ever hurt anybody?
• And it can get cold, but it can also get pretty darn hot when the summer rolls around. And besides, according to a Coors light or Bud light or Molsen Canadian commercial (probably the latter), true Canadians don't say "let's wait for a warmer day." We can handle the hold.

And now that that's out of the way, lets focus on Alberta's positives, shall we?

First and foremost, Alberta can be beautiful. From fields of golden wheat glittering in the sun to rugged mountain peaks, it's a good place to snap a few photos. And don't forget the wildlife, either! You're bound to see something if you go for a drive around the mountains.

There are also a bunch of activities you have access to in Alberta; skiing, hiking, shopping. Because oh, right, Edmonton has the largest mall in north america. Take that, USA! #EdmontonPride

And frankly, Alberta is awesome because it's home. No matter where I travel, I always end up missing Edmonton. Sure, other places may have a nicer climate, nicer architecture, nicer whatever. And yet in my mind, Edmonton tops them all. It's grey. it's cold. It's not what I would call a tourist town, and for good reason. But I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. (Except maybe Canmore, Alberta. But I'm not going to say that, 'cause I don't want to ruin the sentimental moment).

Thanks for reading,

-Mark.