I wasn’t sure if I liked Regina. Cailin and I pulled into the city riddled with scaffolding due to a bewildering economic boom, and I was an absolute wreck from lack of sleep. My body was screaming. We were headed to the Bushwakker Brewpub for some eats and a pint of something local, only to discover the whole city was mostly shut down. It was 5 p.m. on a Sunday evening.
After a quick meal at Chili’s, we decided it was futile to explore a city on such low energy, and headed back to our bed and breakfast aptly named the Dragon’s Nest.
You’re likely sick of hearing how tired I was throughout my Cross-Canada trip, but Regina was definitely the last straw. I was cranky and irrational and snappy. I wanted to kick things and knock over garbage cans. Then we were welcomed with open arms by the owners, Denise and Rick Urbanski, and I thought, “Ok, at least the people are awesome.” This was later confirmed by eccentric Cathy, a landlady staying at the B&B as a guest, and someone we got to know rather well in our short visit. Every time we mentioned a place we had visited, she followed up with, “Oh, I used to live there!” When I told her my website was “Candice Does the World,” she told me to use a condom.
The Dragon’s Nest is a pretty quirky place. Built in the early 1900s, the rooms are adorned in their own special themes: Love, Serenity, Wisdom, and Wealth. We were given Serenity, a cozy little spot to throw down our luggage and rinse off the day’s drive in the biggest shower I have ever seen. The Urbanskis are big fans of Chinese folklore, and the dragon stands for the belief that if you “snuggled up against the belly of a dragon, your protection is assured.”
Being constantly reminded of the “serenity now!” Seinfeld episode.
We had full use of the common area on the upper-level, and since no one else seemed to be around, we flicked on the TV and lounged around catching up with emails and work. Peace. And. Quiet. Snacks and coffee were laid out for us, and narry a soul disturbed our slumber.
The highlight, however, was definitely the epic breakfast spread we were greeted with early the next morning before we set out for Moose Jaw. Rick is the cook, and despite not having any formal training, we couldn’t find any fault with his creations. Homemade granola, fresh fruit, yogurt, tea, coffee and then the entree—something Rick calls “Saskatchewan Toast.” It’s his own creation, a fresh croissant dipped in special egg batter and served up like French toast with maple syrup, and naturally we asked for seconds. His other specialities include Wascana Wraps and the Dragon’s Nest, a breakfast pizza. Pizza for breakfast…sounds ludicrous, but it works.
Then in the early morning sunshine, Rick and Denise and our new friends waved good-bye from the front deck as we pulled away from luxury in our little Mazda Protege.
Now if someone else can master the art of the Saskatchewan Toast, please share.
