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view from across the Rideau River
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Friends reacted with disbelief when i said that we will be in Ottawa and Montreal in December. These cities are notorious for temperatures dipping to minus 20 or more. Plus the wind chill blowing over from the poles, you'll better be adequately dressed.
Out came my thick down-filled parka, woolies, cashmere wrap, gloves and a newly purchased fur trimmed water proof boots to face the cold fury.
Like most people visiting a city for the first time, I consulted Tripadvisor on where to dine in Ottawa and found a list of coffee places and restaurants. Our hotel was situated in the business district on Albert Street, a Delta Hotel by the Marriot group.
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| Scone and blueberry Jam |
On the first day of arrival, I was feeling peckish and our driver recommended "Good Eats" which was right across our hotel. I entered the shack-like cafe, half ready to turn around and leave, when I saw the kitchen buzzing with workers preparing sandwiches: the healthy kind with rye, spelt and organic spread. This must be Ok , i remember thinking.. as I stared at a plate-sized chocolate chip cookie in the counter. I decided that a quick sugar boost would be timely. Worry about the healthy meals later.
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| Scone Witch on Elgin Street |
The other place I wanted to try was Scone Witch@Elgin Street, as this cafe was rated highly on Tripadvisor and I love a good scone. Alas, the coffee was okay but the scone sunk to pitiful depths of dryness and crumbly pastry. The blueberry jam isn't as great as people on Tripadvisor raved about. And that 2nd Cup hangout wasn't any better as the Cappuccino was diluted and apple muffin was floury with hardly any apple bits. With two disappointments, I concluded that one should not use Tripadvisor for restaurants as the reviewing public tend to be very tolerant on food standards and taste is such a personal matter.
Ditching my list, I was walking down Bank Street, when i stumbled on Bread and Sons Bakery. ( http://www.breadandsons.ca )The cafe had a relaxed atmosphere with some locals having breakfast. It looked like a friendly neighbourhood bakery, so I went in to order drip coffee ( means brewed coffee in Canada) and a crunchy chocolate and nut cookie. Delicious! Almost every street, has a Tim Horton. Time Horton is to Canada what Starbucks is to the USA. But what a difference in prices. Here you can get the cheapest coffee , donuts and baked items.
My seat mate on Air Canada had told me to try Baton Rouge on Albert street, praising the chain for its excellent ribs. My husband went there for lunch and came away disappointed. He said that Tony Roma's ribs are much better.
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| Totem Poles |
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| Carved Images by First People |
With all those calories, I decided to walk the city instead of taking public transport. I visited the must-see sights like the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Parliament Hill, CF Rideau Centre and Hudson Bay shopping store. The Canadian Museum of History (http://www.historymuseum.ca) is a must visit. You'll find the biggest collection of Totem poles and learn about Canada's interesting history and first people. The Contemporary Museum has also a nice collection of old paintings and a couple of Flemish masters. The building itself is a landmark with the eye catching giant spider sculpture.
Ottawa downtown is really small and walkable. I
n winter, do pay attention to the sign boards placed next to tall buildings which read " watch out for falling ice". At first i was puzzled, than i realised that it wasn't that the occupant may tip a flower pot over the ledge, but that the ice formed on the roofs can fall and do serious damage below.
I discovered very quickly that on cold days with sunny skies and blustery winds, you can't smile because the cold wind freezes the moisture in your mouth and your teeth gets all sensitive. We learn new things everyday. After Ottawa, we flew to Montreal and in the last few days, my French language skills slowly crept back.
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