Through Little Eyes

September 12, 2009 saw the successful running of another edition of the Alberta AFV Model Show at the Museum of the Regiments in Calgary. Unlike the other major annual competitive model show in the Calgary area—the Western Canadian Regional Competition—the AAFVMS focuses solely on armour and other military subjects relating to ground combat.

This was my first AAFVMS, but more importantly it was the first time my daughter Rhane was able to take in, and show some of her work in a competitive format.

I started modeling when I was eight or so—my first model was a 1/48 scale Mirage IIIR I built with my father. Like many of us, I took a break in my teens, and after a stint in the Canadian Forces, and settling down into a career as a software engineer, I picked up modeling again on a more or less serious basis. My daughter Rhane was born around that time, and has grown up around models, and glue and paint, and when she was about two she and I started modeling together.

Now going into Grade 1, Rhane has graduated from pre-painted snap kits, to simple glue-able kits she brush paints. It was two of these kits she entered in the 2009 AAFVMS.

Recently, many of my friends and I in the local model club have discussed what needs to be done to attract more people to modeling—especially younger modellers. Much has been done by manufacturers to create a wide range of models for varying skill sets and tastes, but in today’s world of video games and internet, getting kids to sit for a while and model seems to be difficult.

Like most other competitive shows, AAFVMS has a junior category for kids under 18, and there seemed to be quite a number of entries, and many of them with far more skill than I had when I was in my youth. Each entry won gold, and even more exciting for the kids, they were asked to come forward to receive a special certificate of merit for their work.

But recognition of a job well done is not the only thing that I think grows the younger modeler’s interest in the hobby—the venue is important as well. The Museum of the Regiments is a fantastic venue for this show—and highly educational. Rhane was almost as excited to see the tanks and artifacts as she was to show her models, and receive her awards. Better yet, such a venue provides every parent the opportunity to help our children connect with their history and heritage in a very intimate and fun manner.

All in all, I had a fantastic time, and plan on returning—even though my six-year-old did better than I did in the awards department (I won silver for both my entries). Just seeing the excitement, interest and occasional awe in my daughter’s eyes was a better reward anyway, and I believe that even if she moves away from the hobby as she grows—as many of us did, only to return later—what she will have learned about patience, craftsmanship, and sportsmanship will hold her in good stead.

A final note: all the photos taken for this article were done so by Rhane. Though she’s still learning the ins and outs of photography, I find it fascinating to see what things draw the eyes of a six-year-old when at a model show.


Cheers,

Sean

A Touch of Papaya

A friend of mine had a photography job booked for this past Saturday, and he invited me along for lunch. The models he was shooting looked fantastic, smelled fabulous and tasted even better.

Now, before anyone thinks I’m a pervert, the photo shoot was for a restaurant, and Dave was shooting the menu items.

And am I glad he invited me along.

It was Dave who, lo so many years ago introduced me to my second favourite ethnic food—Vietnamese Pho and Bun. My favourite is of course, curry since I grew up with it at least once a week.

Saturday, Dave was at the Green Papaya, in north Calgary (so far north in fact, it used to be beyond the city limits when my sister lived in the area), a restaurant that serves—in conjunction with its sister restaurant that shares the same dining area—Vietnamese and Indian cuisine.

Since we had been spending the day running about, I brought my daughter Rhane along—she’s only just learning to eat hot curries, and had never tried Vietnamese food before. I was hoping she’d have a good experience—and was not disappointed.

The interior decor is nice and open and airy, with alternating booths and tables comprising the seating of the main area. On the Vietnamese ‘side’ the art on the walls was simple, and understatedly beautiful—of Asian extract. The other side was similar, but with the flavour of India instead. The manager, who took time to speak with us while Dave shot fresh dishes from the menu, indicated that all of the items, from the seating to the dishes and glassware were authentically Vietnamese—“Everything but the food is from Vietnam” he said, “Well, the recipes are too.”

Service was pleasant and fast—although for lunch there did seem to be fewer patrons than I would expect, but considering they have buffets during the week, I suspect most people visit the establishment on weekdays or weekend evenings.

Rhane and I shared a bowl of vermicelli (Bun) with BBQ pork and spring rolls, we also had some of the veggie rolls with peanut sauce and papaya salad—which was a little spicy for Rhane, but I thought was fantastic.

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food, and I look forward to returning with my mother and sister to try to Indian side in the near future. An interesting note, is that each side of the restaurant uses a separate kitchen, chef and kitchen staff—which allows for the Green Papaya to provide fusion-style atmosphere with an authentic ethnic menu regardless of whichever of the two are your favourite ethnic foods—Indian or Vietnamese.

The Green Papaya is at 128-12024 Symons Valley Rd NW, Calgary (just follow Beddington Tr north past Stoney Tr and it’s in the mall on your right)

Now if only Dave would invite me along the next time he’s doing a fashion shoot.

Cheers,

Sean