becoming

I lived in Edmonton for 10 years. Basically my high school and undergrad. years were spent there. My parents lived there until last year and I visited there almost every year after my move to Toronto.

Here are the top 10 things I think you should do while you are in Edmonton:

1. Have a huge bowl of Vietnamese beef noodle soup (Pho). For this, there is no place like Saigon Garden (9711-107th Ave., Phone: 780-428-8833). I don’t think it serve anything else except Pho. And even if they do, make sure you have the noodle soup before ordering anything else!
   
2. Visit Whyte Avenue (82 Avenue). This is somewhat similar to Main Street in Markham. Little shoppes along the street. Also some live bands and music at night.
3. And while you are at Whyte Avenue, make sure you visit this European style cafe called "Block 1912" (10361-82th Ave., Phone: 780-433-6575). This is a great and relaxing hang-out place with friends. Try their apple pie with ice-cream, you won’t regret it!
4. And of course, there is the West Edmonton Mall. How can you resist from shopping with 8% provincial tax less?!
5. While you are at WEM, please visit and buy something from a store called Elite Luggage. The store is owned by Cc’s Uncle!
6. The Edmonton City Hall consists of 2 striking, glass pyramids (#1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, cross 99th street), the surrounding areas are nice place for outdoor lunch during weekday (if weather allow).
7. The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s charm and classic elegance has been a much-beloved destination for members of the British Royal Family since their opening in 1915. Of course I am not asking you to stay there. Just walk around, have an afternoon tea (or if you can afford, dinner).
8. Another nice building is of course the Alberta Legislature (10800 – 97 Ave). It is the seat of Alberta’s provincial government and the province’s foremost historical building. Here is a picture of the building at night.
9. More shopping from virtually any place in Edmonton, 8% less, woohoo! (Try the area north of WEM, or south side around 23rd Ave and up, along Calgary Trail)
10. Last but not least, (Cc suggests you to) stay in the hotel, then rent and/or bring lots of movies, TV shows and books to watch and read!