Sundown In The Paris Of The Prairies

This might be my last Tragically Hip reference for the trip, but I can't promise. This is tonight's not overly exciting sunset in Saskatoon.

I had looked up what G. Downie meant in Wheat Kings when he sang about Paris of the Prairies. Turns out he was singing about Saskatoon! Of course he didn't say why it was given that name. I was imagining finding a croissant shop or perhaps a bunch of surly waiters. But no, the phrase refers to the fact that Saskatoon has numerous bridges just like Paris. So, while Marilyn, her mom and Nancy were off at a wedding present opening party, I went on a walking tour of the city to check out the bridges. 
Saskatoon, it turns out, is a very pleasant city that has many picturesque paths where you can walk, run or ride. 

I'm on the Broadway Bridge here looking towards the University Bridge.

In the other direction on the Broadway Bridge, you can see two more bridges whose names I didn't get. 

After crossing Broadway Bridge, I walked along Broadway and saw this theatre which is apparently Canada's only non profit, community owned, repertory theatre.  

I continued to walk along quiet, tree lined streets towards the University of Saskatchewan. Just before I got to the university, I heard a loud, annoying burst of bird squawking. I saw these guys fighting over the bath water. I think they're magpies and I'm glad we don't have them at home. I can just imagine them at 5 in the morning outside my window.

Most of the university buildings that I saw were made of sandstone. I believe this is a newer building made to look like the older ones. 
Here's the observatory.

I then walked across the University Bridge twice so I could get views from both sides.

Here's the view looking downstream towards even more bridges.

And, back the other way towards the Bessborough Hotel. 

Just before I got back to our hotel, I saw this signpost beside a building. Definitely a good sentiment given all that is going on these days. It had different languages on all four sides. 

We're off to Edmonton in the morning. I expect the next post will be full of our adventures at the West Edmonton Mall.