Day two...in the castle

from Sister, a.k.a the Cultural Attache to Zapponia

I awakened early this AM, raced to the window, threw back the heavy castle drapes and thought everything was covered in snow - not a lot of snow - just a heavy frosting. I was terribly excited and awakened Valerie (who was not quite as excited - since I woke her before 8:00).  So I looked again 'just to make sure' and then went back to bed. After tossing and turning and thinking about my father's date of birth for an hour - I gave up and got up. Imagine MY surprise when I looked out and there was NO SNOW!!! What the??? I have no idea what I saw in the early hours  but am convinced SNOW was there.

I couldn't wait to get to breakfast because (a) I was starving and have been thinking about Bow Valley breakfasts since our last visit in 2007 and (b) I couldn't wait to ask someone what happened to the snow. Well, two people said there had been no snow this morning.  I mean it 'is' snowing but it is "not" sticking - so did I have a tiny brain poot??? 

It is nice and gloomy today, excellent snow weather and lots of folks are checking out of the hotel. We plan to bowl a couple of games this afternoon.  The bowling alley is nine pin and something out of Rip van Winkle and Disco days.  We first encountered this unique form of bowling in Boothbay Harbor, Maine and just love it.  Being the competitive one  I am out for blood while Sissy can laugh her way through many, many, many gutter balls.

from Sissy:

Today was indeed a lovely gloomy day in the castle.  Banff Springs Fairmont is called "the Castle" based on its main building which certainly resembles a Gothic castle.  After a delightful and bountiful breakfast, we did the tourist thing...photos, postcards (We always send my cats a postcard from any travel adventure.  They have an interesting assortment of cards from many destinations and many fans.) and wine shopping.  The salesperson at the wine store had moved here 8 weeks ago from Tampa, Florida, so he could sell a new ski product.  Most people move TO Florida and away from the cold.

OH!  one story from breakfast...Remember that woman on the plane who inflicted her gas on all of us?  You will not believe this.  She is staying in the Fairmont and was wolfing down a bountiful meal.  When sister directed my attention to her, after a spasm of laughter, we both sought 'cover'!

The plan was to bowl but the place did not open until 1:00 and people were lining up around noon.  The decision was to wait until Tuesday and spend today reading and loving the gloom.  We settled on couches with great views of the mountains in the Rundle Hall and later moved to a fireplace location with puffy chairs.

Supper is sushi in the Samurai, one of the hotels many dining establishments.  Then more reading.  Notice we have not mentioned movies or television even though the rooms are equipped with state-of-art technology.

Tomorrow, day three, will be from the road.  Stay tuned.

***Zapponian note:  There appears to be a lack of enthusiasm within the staff.  Hopefully, we can meet with the Fairmont Ambassador, Tony Harvey, and suggest some "cultural improvements"...  from one Ambassador to another...  We have known Tony since 2007 and he is our favorite person at the Fairmont.