Head Tale

Contrary to the impression you might get from some western Premiers, the Covid pandemic is not over.

But with vaccinations and boosters also being increasingly common, we’re all slowly returning to “normal” (whatever that is.)

Shea and I weren’t quite ready to book an out-of-country hot holiday as that leads to all sorts of other potential complications – both in Canada and Mexico if you test positive at any point coming or going.

But we did decide to book a few days in Edmonton to stay at the Fantasyland Hotel (pro tip: in late November/early December, the hotel usually offers a great Christmas deal where you can get a $400/night theme room for half price!)

It wasn’t quite the same as Mexico but if we squinted really hard, it was close! 😉

Here’s how we tried to make it feel like a tropical holiday…

1. Book Yourself Into The Hotel Attached To A Giant Mall With All Sorts of Stores, Restaurants and Other Attractions
…although it’s not all-inclusive, you will have everything you need at your fingertips.  And staying on-site also means you never have to go outside to see if its -30 or that there was snow overnight (assuming you keep your room’s curtain’s closed!). In fact, you can even believe that it’s the sun rising over the ocean if you wake up early enough.

2. Bonus Points If You Book The “Polynesian” Theme Room
…it’s more Hawaiian than Mexican but the main thing is that it’s all tropical when you’re in a room which features (fake) palm trees, a bed that looks like an outrigger canoe, and even a soaker jetted tub with real waterfall!

3. Let The Waves Lap Against Your Toes at the World Waterpark
Your toes might not be in the sand but it feels pretty close to sitting on the beach anyhow!

4. It Will Feel Even More Like A Mexican Beach If You Buy A Margarita or Pina Colada from the Nearby Bar
…just don’t look at the price on the drinks because they’re definitely *not* all-included! 😮

5. Speaking of Tropical Drinks, You Can Also Buy a Pina Colada flavoured Smoothie at Orange Julius
But you’ll have to supply your own rum! And the ice in the background of the picture below isn’t for your drink either.  😉

6. Purchase An Assortment of Scented Soaps and Shampoos to Help Your Mind Travel To Mexico

7. Poke Yourself!
This is another point that’s more Hawaiian than Mexican but make sure you buy poke at the food court (I didn’t have it but I guess Taco Time could also qualify as “Mexican”…maybe?)

8.  A La Cartes 
Just like a Mexican all-inclusive, you can try a different restaurant every evening.  (Unlike a Mexican all-inclusive, they’ll hand you a bill at the end of your meal.)

9.  Travel Time Is Travel Time No Matter Where You Go
Whether it’s a six hour flight or an eight hour drive, you’re going to spend a lot of time in transit to get to your destination.

10. But A Canadian Holiday Has Some Advantages Over A Mexican One Too!
For example, it’s a lot easier to find a sports bar showing NHL hockey!!! 🙂