And yet there is this Britishness in some of the people I talk to. Many of their fathers and mothers came out here in the 60’s when you could get that £10 assisted fare, if you immigrated here. There are a lot of Asian people around. It’s different. The vegetation is beautiful. The houses have well-kept gardens (as opposed to yards) over flowing with flowers and beautifully maintained shrubbery, just like in England. The big thing that dominates the city, is that amazing dramatic backdrop of the snow – capped Canadian Rockies. They look huge and daunting.
Last night at the legendary Yale Club, we arrive late due to the bureaucracy at the border but throw the gear on stage and play our little hearts out. It always goes really well when we do this, without too much of a sound check and so on. There’s an edge to the music. It’s a good way to end this tour and take stock for the summer. We have not stopped since the U.K., with not even a break between tours. What an outfit. Prior to this, forgot to mention at the border, I get nailed with $450 work – permit fees plus a $450 with holding tax deduction. Not bad money to encourage people to come and work here. Same ol’, same ol’. I’ll claw it back at some point down the line. It’ll probably take months.
Big thanks to Scott Pickard for helping us out on merchandise and backline and providing his uniquely affable company along the way. Leon, Jen, Dr. John and Diane, all our friends and supporters – thank you all for making the going great. Joe, Bob and Daniel looking as chipper as ever but Mudman has the flu. He’s gone down fast but soldiered on like a trouper. Some hot chicken soup will do the trick, back home in Finland.
Adios Amigos ~ A.P.
