So bob brown - are you also brookwood?????

My original explanation stands (and is independent of whether you have actually been in Finland or not) - large bodies of water have a moderating influence on temperatures (water cools and heats at a much slower rate than land). So someone from Finland may indeed find that "continental" winters feel very cold.

Another aspect to consider is subjectivity when describing temperature. For example - the first cold day in autumn feels very cold indeed, while the same temperature in the spring feels positively balmy. It isn't the temperature that changes - it's our perception of it.

I don't play tennis - however a visit to Georgia sounds tempting - but only in winter ;-) !!

Borealis,

You make some good points about the buses. But I still wouldn't take the 52 when you can catch any number of express buses at 109th that will get you downtown in 5 mins (I consider 15mins long and slow!).

Basically staying at the Varscona you have many different transit options, and it won't be hard to get around. Taking the 6 (or the 4 or the 106 if it is running) to the University for the LRT to a hockey game is a better idea than going downtown, you can catch it right outside the hotel - no walking at all, and then you are right on the train.

Oh my goodness, Borealis! What's with the argumentativeness? IT'S COLD HERE DURING THE WINTER!!

sockboy -
I agree that travelling to the U of A and transferring to the LRT is the "easiest" option, and the best bus for that is probably the number 6. The 106 seems to have limited hours (to just past 6 p.m.) as does the 52, which would make it problematic for an evening hockey game.

I was trying to avoid the "transfer at 109th street" option because it basically means transferring twice - this is OK if you are familiar with the city, but could be confusing if you are a visitor (especially with all the different buses that travel down 109th street).

So for peggym - ask the concierge at the Varscona to find the information re the ETS for you (or even catch a cab - you can't get lost that way - especially after the hockey game when it is dark and you have to find your way through crowds - and the Oilers draw very big crowds).