Misunderstood in Manitoba

A rainy morning and a quick start towards Winnipeg. We crossed the border easily, hopscotched through the detours and headed north, and began to wrap our heads around the metric system.

The countryside is a lacework of lakes, cabins, and fir trees as we drove north through First Nation territories...these are the lands of the native people. As we turned west towards Manitoba, fields, farms, and rich soil filled the landscape as far as the eye could see.

Our first stop in Manitoba was the province's Tourist Center. There were maps, brochures, posters and friendly tips...until Eric inquired asked the location of cycle paths. The moment was Kiwi accent meets Canadian twang.

The agent looked at Eric warily. She was certain Eric had asked where the psychopaths were. She replied that Manitoba had its share of crime.

Eric's face registered the 'disconnect'...and repeated his question. Laughter and hoots followed.