The Star By Petti Fong Western Bureau

CALGARY—The mayor of a city isn’t supposed to admit to having a favorite neighborhood but Naheed Nenshi doesn’t need much persuading to reveal that East Calgary is where he goes to eat at his favorite restaurants, discover new parks and reconnect with his roots.

Nenshi, recently voted one of the country’s most popular politicians, went to Harvard and worked at the UN in New York before returning to his hometown where he won the mayoral seat in 2010…….

Here’s Nenshi’s list of the six things visitors to East Calgary must do when they visit the city.

1. Mirch Masala…….

2. Telus Spark Science Centre…………

3. 17th Avenue SE………

4. Rotary Challenger, Prairie Winds and Ralph Klein Parks………….

5. Bai’Tun Nur Mosque

One of the country’s biggest mosques, the Bai’Tun Nur Mosque (4353 54 Ave. NE) built by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, has become a gathering place for all cultures and religions “We welcome everybody,” says Khalid Choudhry. “This is a place where anyone can come to visit, to make new friends, to join their families. Our door is open.” On Fridays, more than 1,600 worshippers congregate here. The Ahmadiyyas follow the teachings of Muhammad, Jesus, Confucius, Buddha and Abraham. The adjoining community centre includes a full-service kitchen where hundreds can join in meals and a recreation area where ping pong is rigorously played by visitors from a range of cultures and backgrounds. Read more