Whilst on holiday in Canada during the Summer of 2006 we visited the West Edmonton Mall. This Mall proudly proclaims to be the worlds largest shopping and entertainment complex. It even includes an Ice Rink!
I decided that it would be fun to try to skate, having only been on the ice once before as a child (I couldn’t skate then so what made me think to try in the middle of a crowded shopping centre I will never know). With no tuition, or idea of what I was doing, I stepped onto the ice spurred on by my own determination to make my way around the rink without having to hold onto the barrier.
After a lot of effort I was able to make my way around without holding onto the barrier, although my feet were in agony due to me relying entirely on the inside edge of my blades.
The rink was very quiet and so a lot of very friendly shoppers that had stopped to watch those of us mad enough to step onto the ice were talking to me and giving me advice as I struggled round the rink.
Despite the sheer look of fear and concentration I did have fun, as you may be able to tell from at least one of the photos below. I also met some very nice, helpful and friendly Canadians during the hour or so that I was on the ice. More importantly, it started my interest in a new hobby, and one which has become very addictive.
