The tracks

 These tracks are north of Pacific Avenue in the downtown of Brandon:

In the middle photo, do you notice the cupola of what looks like an Orthodox Church?

Why was I by the tracks?  I went to the Westman Immigration Centre.  I had written an email to them about possible ESL teaching opportunities.  They replied (for which I was grateful), but I was told that no positions were available.  I was referred to a volunteer coordinator.  I should have said no to meeting her, because there wasn't a chance I could volunteer there while being underemployed, but I figured I could meet people and, who knows, some tutoring opportunities could arise.  I told the lady right away that I couldn't make a commitment but I was curious about what they did. I learned a little bit about their classes and told them I was interested in dropping in on a class to see what was taking place.  I was referred to an English co-ordinator, but she told me, in no uncertain terms, that I had to make a big commitment to volunteering in the classes which they knew I was not, and so I couldn't drop in on a few of the classes.  I probably looked like a vulture trying to milk money from innocent immigrants and refugees.  Oh well.  Not a great moment for me. I probably wasted their time.

Interestingly, the WIC must occupy the old Brandon Train Station.  Imagine, back in the day, one could take a train from Brandon to Winnipeg.  Now, there isn't even a coach bus between the places.