urban exploration

Plane Jane: A Walk to the Airport (2022 Edition)

David Firman1 Comment

Looking for a good long walk on one of Winnipeg’s first spring-like days? This Saturday, join tour leaders Gail Perry and David Firman for a unique walk from our house to YWG, Winnipeg’s international airport. It’s our contribution to Jane’s Walk 2022.

This is a fun but long walk so be sure to read the following not-so-fine print:

Date and time

Sat, 7 May 2022

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT

You can register for this free walking tour on Eventbrite but, if it’s a last minute decision to join in, just show up at noon on Saturday.

The walk starts at 521 Raglan Road, in the Wolseley neighbourhood. This is our home. We will gather in the front yard. There are major bus stops at Raglan Road and Valour Road serving all Portage Avenue bus routes within 290 metres or a 4 minute walk.

This is a fun but long walk so be sure to read the following not-so-fine print:

Continue reading →

Another Day in Nagasaki

David FirmanLeave a comment

Our cruise ship slowly makes its way through Nagasaki harbour. Under the delicate spans of a cable-stayed bridge. Past Mitsubishi dry docks, busily fitting a new cruise ship. Past Catholic churches, their bright white walls and spires set against the dark greens of steep forested slopes. And onto the open sea.

We navigate around numerous uninhabited islands until one – our destination – appears on the watery horizon. A long, grey form crusted with ruins. From this distance it looks like a battleship and, indeed, it is locally known as Battleship Island, Gunkanjima. It’s real name is Hashima and the reason we and a boat full of other tourists are coming here is because of Hashima’s industrial history.  Continue reading →