Christmas came a few days early this year in the form of sports eye-wear. A kind Canmore business, Shades On Caribou, is a new supporter of mine. One of the owners, Lindsay, is a nordic sports fan who partners with skiers in the Bow Valley. I'm thrilled to join this team of serious athletes, one of whom is fellow Panda Oli BN. Panda pride!
My current pair of glasses are on their last legs; by no fault of their own these shades are falling apart. I've put the poor things through the wringer: the lenses are scratched beyond belief, they've been crunched in bags and under bums, and the tattered arms are barely hanging on.
My current pair of glasses are on their last legs; by no fault of their own these shades are falling apart. I've put the poor things through the wringer: the lenses are scratched beyond belief, they've been crunched in bags and under bums, and the tattered arms are barely hanging on.
The glasses in question are made by a Spanish company called Spiuk, and I haven't replaced them not only because I'm lazy, but also because I like how they look and how they feel. Perhaps most importantly, the glasses have a story behind them.
I received the Spiuks as a gift from my best friend's uncle - who is a Spiuk brand co-founder - after the 2012 Youth Olympic Games in Austria. My friend, Adrian, was an athlete representing Spain in cross country skiing. Even though I didn't win a medal in Austria, Adrian's uncle (who isn't pictured) gave me a pair of rainbow striped sunglasses along with a note calling me "campeon" (champion). That gesture meant a lot to me.
Note: though this might look like a blossoming romance, I can assure everyone that ours was strictly a brotherly love.
Since all good things must come to an end, Adrian left for Spain. Nevertheless, Adrian and his family kept sending Christmas and birthday gifts, and they looked after my sister when she also moved to Spain a year later.
I miss Adrian and the rest of my Spanish friends, and I'll miss wearing my Spiuk glasses. Feliz Navidad to the whole Clavero family!
I miss Adrian and the rest of my Spanish friends, and I'll miss wearing my Spiuk glasses. Feliz Navidad to the whole Clavero family!
Now I get to look forward to making new memories with some top-of-the-line Oakleys courtesy of Shades On Caribou. Honestly, I can't wait. I get butterflies every time I lay eyes on the custom frames.
To all the Canmorons and Calgarians out there who need to pick up a pair of casual or sporting sunglasses, Lindsay at Shades On can get you sorted. He and everyone else at the store are honest salespeople and they know what they're talking about. Their number is 403-678-3344 and you can find them on 7th Ave, a few doors down from Murietta's. There's also a Banff store located in the Sundance mall.
That's my sponsor plug for the day.
That's my sponsor plug for the day.