Let's get out the beads...

...and pray some idiotic native group doesn't insist on re-naming 'The Fairmont MacDonald Hotel' in Edmonton because it was named after you-know-who -- the "demon" who established residential (boarding) schools.  A magnificent and historic place, the MacDonald has a history that rivals any other CN (or is it CP?) hotel in this magnificent country.  Why don't they protest sports' team names, such as the Washington Red Skins, the Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Chiefs or Cleveland Indians, to name a few.  Aren't there better things for natives to focus on?  How about holding their own chiefs to account, instead of expecting Canadians to "comp" their entire lives.   

Please, pray with me on this one.

But I digress.  The reason we travelled to Edmonton was to take in the Davis Cup match between India and Canada, in which the wonderful Denis Shapovalov thrilled the crowd.  Thanks to his play, Canada won and will now advance.  There he was, jumping up and down, taking chances and going for everything.  The thing I love about him is he will try something and even if it doesn't work, try it again.  He has charisma in spades -- as opposed to Raonic who is a wooden automaton, boring and never cracks a smile.  Finally, Canada has someone to watch grow into a real star. 

"Oh, that's the young guy I shook hands with this morning as they were checking out," said the doorman.  What?!  I had been wandering the corridors and lobby for three days trying to meet him and get a shameless selfie and this guy didn't know who he was!  The team was staying on the same floor as we were, but I wasn't able to catch a glimpse. 

I did, however, run into Daniel Nestor in the elevator and can now confirm he is as grim and soulless as he appears on court.  "Oh, you played a great match this afternoon," I said with a big smile.  Not only did he not reply, he didn't even acknowledge the compliment.  "Hope you enjoy your retirement," cracked B as we exited.  Ha!  Good on B. 

Lots more to talk about our little trip.  Later.