WALKING IN WINNIPEG

Winnipeg's Exchange District is one of the downtown neighborhoods, easily in walking distance from the Fairmont. I was to meet a guide at Old Market Square for a tour known as Death & Debauchery which explores the dark secrets of the city that was once known as "the Wickedest City in the Dominion".

Old Market Square, once occupied by the city's central fire station, is a popular location that plays host to a variety of events including the Winnipeg Fringe Festival and the Winnipeg Jazz Festival. I noticed that there was some "setting up" going on to later find out that a Reggae happening was the theme for a few days here. In the meantime, the annual Folk Festival would be going on at a location outside of the city.

Matthew Komus conducted this 45-minute tour which basically startsed out with Winnipeg's history as a politician was tarred and feathered for denying the first bid for the city's incorporation. "We don't know for sure," said Komus, "but we suspect hangings were carried out near the stage. It wasn't a public execution, but you could apparently get a ticket from the sheriff to attend."

Some of the other juicy tidbits were: how Frank Mariaggi, who built Western Canada's first European hotel, escaped a lynch mob; Winnipeg's largest unsolved robbery; the scandalous contractor for whom the Kelly Building on Bannatyne Avenue is named; and
what happened in Room 309 of the Royal Albert Arms Hotel.

Exchange District BIZ conduct other walking tours as well. You can check it out on www.exchangedistrict.org

Having a guide book added to the experience as I was later able to read about the history of many of the buildings as well as check out some eateries and small art galleries. I heard that there was a Filipino bakery nearby and so I headed to McDermont Avenue for Jejomar Bakeshop for a sample of a bun with sugar and butter atop.

Being lunchtime and wanting to try out a new restaurant I headed down Albert Street to a place called kimch'i on albert. Korean fare and named kim, for the owner's mother's nee name and ch'i for energy as well as the fermented pickled cabbage.

What's a bit odd about the restaurant is the "space". There are tables in the front near the window and then there is a couch and cushy chairs situated around a large screen television. Free wifi for those who bring there computers and then more seating in front of a sort of deli counter. You basically go up to the counter and place your order and someone delivers it to you.

I tried the Kalbi Special of bbq short ribs, rice, and marinated veggies in a soup. I decided on the Vietnamese Iced Coffee to cool off the kimchee automatically served at the table. It was perfectly hot enough for me and didn't even require a coffee sip to cool.

Now you may ask what's so odd about the space? I left out the part that on the right side sits another business that sells knitting supplies. Yes, you can meet, knit and eat Korean fare. Perhaps the space should be known as a "knitting cafe". Knit+eat/drink+chill = repeat

Next stop, the Manitoba Museum at 190 Rupert Avenue. The museum is both great for history and art. It has eight interpretive galleries including the Hudson's Bay Company gallery and the full-size replica ship Nonsuch,whose voyage in 1668 led to the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company. There is also an example of a young prairie city of the 1920's in the Urban Gallery. www.manitboamuseum.com