Some of you may recognise this Canadian icon, the Clock Tower of our Parliament Buildings, and you will know that the city I’ve met up with Pater in is Ottawa. I’m going to give blogging short shrift this week, I’m afraid, in deference to spending time with Pater when he’s not working with his colleagues. We’re both relieved at having completed the first stage of our big move, but it’s left us tired and needing a recharge. Luckily, the hotel we’re staying in is quiet, despite its downtown location, and the blackout curtains have me sleeping an unheard of 8 to 10 hours a night. Catch up! Lovely!
We’ve eaten at favourite haunts from the years Pater worked here — been recognised by servers at a favourite curry place, Shafali, at the market where the Naan bread is just as fabulous as we remembered. . .
And we’ve discovered a new favourite, MeNa (considerably more upscale than a market curry stall, however yummy) where we opted for the 5-course Chef’s Choice with Wine Pairings. Wow! So great! I didn’t want to be playing with my camera, preferring to focus on the food, wine, and my dining companion, but we wanted to remember this standout Sicilian Chardonnay, a rather different manifestation of the grape. . .
and this stunning presentation of house-cured salmon (the beautiful ruby flesh you glimpse beneath that tantalising mix of greens and flowers and shavings of veg, dabs of honeyed avocado, all on a bed of very thinly sliced cucumber. Mmmmmm!
We walked to visit friends — the weather wasn’t ideal, but the rain held off. I’d packed my new-ish Vince sneakers, and the 5 kilometres in each direction was too much for my poor heels, which are now blistered. Never mind, I’ve got my Birks with me, and if only it warms up a little, I’ll be fine.
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| Gateway to Ottawa’s chinatown which we passed on the way home from our friends |
And I’m sorry, but that’s all I have time for before we head downstairs for breakfast. I’m catching a train this morning, very relieved that a Via Rail strike was averted at the last minute. Can you guess what city I’m heading to? Hint: The train will get me there in less than two hours, and I can practice my second language when I get there. . .
So sorry we couldn't have better weather for your visit. Where is summer, anyway??? Looking forward to our meet-up this week:)
It's here! Summer's arrived, just in time for our lunch date!
Montreal? My geography is very hazy. Sounds as if you are having a well deserved recharge of the batteries. Our weather similarly disappointing – even in Tuscany!
You guessed it!
Disappointing weather in Tuscany? Surely not! But then, you're still in Tuscany where disappointment must be easily assuaged. . . 😉
Oui, Montréal! Warming up beautifully here after a nearly record cold weekend.
Perfect weather for our visit. Thanks for arranging that! 😉
Oh, Montréal. I hope that you have better weather! Enjoy your rest time!
Thanks, Mme. The sun shone and there was a breeze so that it didn't get too hot.
I'll be there in a few weeks, Ottawa and Montreal! Shame we've missed each other! Have a good time with Sue.
Rosie
That is too bad, Rosie!
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I'm so happy that you and Pater have this opportunity to recover and recharge a bit after those grueling weeks. The interlude, a respite from the difficult emotions, must be so welcome. That food looks fantastic! I hope you have a wonderful time in Montreal!
Thanks Marie. It's truly just what we need, although Pater's working hard during the day. And yes, good food, which always helps!
Sleep and husbands, two very good things:). Have a really fun trip.
Two of the very best!
Defo Montreal. We lived in Ottawa from 70-76 and loved it there. I worked at the National Arts Centre in its early years and when we returned to the UK we took a bus (2 hours!) to Montreal where we boarded a Polish ship sailing back down the St Lawrence to the UK. It was May and we were on the ice breaker (very exciting).
Must have been wonderful to work at the NAC in those beginning years.
I once traveled by boat from Montreal to England as well. No ice breaking — our drama apparently was arriving in Montreal on St. Jean Baptiste Day, end of June, very busy. I was just two, so not a good witness 😉
Hi Mater, have a lovely stay in Montreal. The weather is supposed to warm up a bit this week, so the rest of your stay in Ottawa should be very nice.
I'm guessing that you are meeting Sue at Nordstroms, so you can meet the famous Liz, her personal shopper. Am I right? :0) If you do go there, you must try the restaurant, Bazile, it's very nice.
Meeting Sue today, so we'll see where we end up. Any time free on Friday? You should email me (fsproutATgmailDOTcom) — perhaps we could grab coffee or a glass of wine. You're surely one of my first readers. . .
And you have given me another fine description of a city I'd like to visit. In return, and in response to your poor heels, I must tell you of something called Body Glide (I have no business or financial interest in this product; this recommendation is pure!), described as an anti-chafing, anti-blister balm. You get it in sports stores, and it really does prevent blisters when you just start to feel them starting. Sporty souls use this to prevent rubbing in all sorts of places, but I have restricted myself to using it on my heels, thereby rescuing a very expensive pair of lightweight sneakers from the trash after the blisters I developed from their first wearing went away and I took the chance of hiking in them.
Marsh, yes! Body Glide is fabulous! I use it for exactly this, although I originally bought it to spare underarms from chafing on long runs. Sadly, although I slathered it on, we sat for a few hours between the first 5K and the return 5K, and I suspect the shoes must have soaked it up. But like you, I recommend it every chance I get, and I'm glad you mention it here.
Glad you have had chance to recharge your batteries. Ottawa sounds like a very intriguing place to visit. I envy you your train journey. Enjoy. B x
It's a great city for walking, running, cycling, visiting the market, some very good museums and galleries, generally some good performances to see, and a good mix of places to eat. . . Temperature and weather conditions can be tricky, though. Like Moscow in the winter and Calcutta in the summer — I exaggerate, but not by much . . . 😉
All sounding and looking very good! How nice to just be for a bit.
Indeed it is, Elizabeth1
You both really need a good rest!
The food (and wine) looks great!
Even I was guessing Montreal :-)!
Hope you'll have a nice time!
Dottoressa
Thanks, D! It was a good visit.
So glad you are catching up on sleep and having lots of easy fun. Montreal has long been on my list of places I would love to visit. Look forward to reading about it!
I won't be writing much, I'm sorry to say, but I did take a few photos. You'd love the city, I'm sure — it's so vibrant and has such a vigorous and fascinating mix of people, a fluidity of culture. . .
It seems like you are having a lovely time. Ottawa is a place I'd like to visit sometime.
Oooh! Heel blisters are no fun atall. That nan bread looks so bubbly and delicious X