Spending so much time in northern communities over the last year has really taught me to appreciate the fact that I live in such a great city and in such an abundant time in history.  I feel extremely fortunate to be living in a time and place where I can go mere blocks from my home and experience some of the best cuisines in the world… from sushi, to Thai, to Indian to Mexican and everything in between.

Having that abundance of choice is something I think too many people take for granted… something many people in the world do not have.

You see, last Thursday I was on the pipeline patrol down to Zama  City, AB with the Enbridge customer.  Due to the shorter days we’re still experiencing this time of year, we do the patrol down to Zama then head over to High Level for the night.  This affords us an opportunity to ‘enjoy the big city’ once in awhile.

I hear you laughing…

Anyway, while it may seem trivial to most people, we do enjoy the trip into ‘the Level’ and we do capitalize on it.  For instance, going to the Executive Inn for a good steak dinner (something you just can’t do here in Ft. Simpson) or even picking up some groceries that are never available at the Northern store here in Simpson.  And that’s exactly what I did…

I picked up a box of frozen chicken breasts (far cheaper) along with a 12-pack of PC Diet Pomegranate Soda (don’t laugh… it rocks!) for all of $2.00.  First, a case of pop up here is more than $7.00.  Second, Sunswan and I have bought it before at the regular price of $3.00 but she told me it was on sale.

But I saved the best for last…

I picked up some smoked salmon lox.  At the time, I didn’t think much of it and just went on about my shopping.  You can’t get it in Simpson so I figured I’d splurge and treat myself (it’s $7.00 for a 250 gram pack).

After getting home the next day, I bought a pack of bagels and cream cheese, of course to go with the said lox.

Let me tell ya…. it was the best toasted bagel with cream cheese and salmon lox I have ever had.  It was so amazingly delicious that I had another the next day and finished it all today.

Now it’s a rare occasion for me to even think of having a bagel with cream cheese and lox but, from this day forward, I’m going to be eating more of it… I can guarantee it.

I just hope it tastes as good back home.