Karen and I had a great time in Ottawa. Poor girl. The cold weather came and went with her. The coldest week week we've had in Ontario all winter, I've been told. It has warmed up quite a bit since she left on Thursday. Despite the cold, we managed to see a lot in Ottawa - the Parliament Buildings, the National Art Gallery, the Museum of Civilization, the Byward Market, the Rideau Canal and the Rideau Centre. I love Ottawa in the winter. Here are a few pics:
(You Tokyo dwellers recognize the spider? The National Gallery acquired it about 2 years ago. I've always loved the one in Roppongi and was pleased to see a reminder of 'home').
After Karen left for the airport early Thursday morning, I had the day to myself in Ottawa before catching the 4:30 bus to Belleville to join up with my parents and sister. I spent the day reading, drinking coffee and shopping. I even started reading about my destination for this time next year (get this) China, Mongolia and Russia (Oh I'm so excited). Hopefully it'll pan out. If not, there are plenty of other options (Chile, Argentina, Brazil...just off the top of my head).So on Thursday night I finally got to see my beautiful nieces. They're wonderful. On Saturday we managed to persuade my Mom to 'go to Ikea' - we just had to get her in the car in the direction of Toronto for her surprise 60th birthday weekend. She didn't clue in until we were parked in the driveway of the guest house (owned by my sister's in-laws). It was great - my Mom's first ever day at the spa - we treated her to a massage, a facial, and a manicure. It was great spending the day with my sisters, my nieces and my Mom. We had a delicious family dinner and breakfast the next morning.
As of Sunday night, I've been in Cornwall. I've been alternating between relaxing, watching TV (my guilty pleasure) and visiting my family and friends. I visited my Memere and Pepere in their new apartment, had coffee with my uncle. I got to see my beautiful friend Tracy today, with great news from her! I'm just so excited to meet the little one in 8 or so months! And tonight, finally, I get to have coffee with my girl Trish. It seems almost criminal that I haven't seen her and I've been in Canada for about a week and a half! My dream is to see everyone while I'm here but it's just so difficult! I can't believe I fly out in a week!
I've much more to chat about but it'll have to wait until later, I'm being picked up in exactly two minutes.
2 comments:
Finally!
I have a photo of the spider taken 7 years ago in London at the Tate Modern. It seems like every chimp and their mother has one.
Will let you know what the KFC in China is like in a month or so.
Oh... and Happy Birthday.
Come back to Tokyo - the coolest city on the planet misses you.
Oh, and there is a whole season of Torchwood waiting for you when you get back.
Someone told me you like something called "Terebi"...
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