Aim for the day was to catch a bus to the section of the Rideau Canal that is open to skaters. We found the Bus Office in a nearby shopping precinct, with a less than efficient attendant. Despite her vague instructions, we caught the correct bus with the appropriate ticket and headed into the suburbs. Away from the city centre we started to see the familiar two-storey homes of our previous city stops.
It was fun to see the skaters in the distance and to realise that the postcards were a true indicator.
Walking to a viewing point, we watched the family groups, teenagers, competent skaters doing their thing. Dad's skating and pulling children on toboggans behind them were cute. Satisfied with our find, Chris suggested that we catch another bus and find the ice-sculptures. Dows Lake is an obvious Ottawan playground. Large lake, paddle boats, probably skiing...but not now. Completely frozen. No sculptures either as we were a month early! Never mind, as we enjoyed the walk on the pristine snow and a peek at the preparations being made for toboggans and skaters.
The neighbourhood of Little Italy was nearby and a walk up the street led us to Simply Biscotti. Coffee and cake. We did not want to eat too much as we had a high-tea to go to at 2.30.
Another bus back to the city. Adjacent to our apt is a modern gallery featuring contemporary art. We decided to visit before our walk to the hotel. A beautifully designed gallery with a most appealing collection of art. Highlight was a special exhibition by a renowned industrial designer. His work ranged from chairs to cosmetic bottles to chess sets to shoes. All smooth lines. Very creative thinker.
Heather had researched before she had left Oz and had booked us into the Fairmont Hotel Laurier for High Tea. What a totally delightful way to spend our last afternoon.
Not needing a meal, Joey Rideau beckoned for one last drink. Heather wanted the recipe for the peach belini. At our table the two waitresses from earlier came over for a chat and asked whether we had made it to the canal, and of course we had. This was our 3rd visit to this lively bistro. Much to our absolute surprise, just as we were thinking of leaving, the waitresses presented us with a Farewell postcard featuring the canal, and a bottle of Maple Syrup. An incredibly lovely gesture.
Tomorrow we start the three-plane journey home.
Boston seems so long ago. A month of new experiences in a lovely, interesting part of the world.
We have had fun in beautiful snow, but also been able to move about everyday to seek out the sights. Rain was never a problem and ice only slowed us a little. We have ticked off our boxes.
Immense Thanks to Heather and Chris for joining me on this small adventure. It truly has been fun.
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| On the Rideau Canal |
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| Dows Lake, waiting for skaters. |
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| At Hotel Laurier |
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| Part of the genius of Karim Rashid. Rubbish bins! |
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| Part of the team at Joey Rideau. |
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| Just in the street. |
High tea looks delicious. The skating on the canal would be an experience,it was a lovely card from the bar staff.Have a good jouney home.
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