Hi all!

I am writing this while sat on the bus to Toronto.

What a great few days I have spent in Ottawa with a fantastic host J

On Sunday afternoon we went to the (ice) hockey and I, surprisingly, REALLY enjoyed it! So much more entertaining than the rugby in Edinburgh. There was such a great vibe in the place and they constantly had stuff going on between periods to keep the audience involved. There were even cheerleaders which I found highly entertaining because you don't get that at the rugby or football at home! I reckon it could be a new career path for me if the law thing doesn't work out. It didn't look like too much work! After the game we went to a burger place (a bit like Ketchup for you weegies who know the place, except they served drinks in measuring jugs not milk bottles) where I dared try a peanut butter and bacon cheeseburger. It was actually delicious! I may even cook it for the family next week when I am home. We spent the evening eating Ben and Jerry's (banana split flavour! J) and drinking beer and I introduced Kevin to the British comedy genius that is Gavin and Stacey!

Yesterday, Kevin took the day off work to come and see the sights with me, so I had my own personal tour guide! We didn't have much luck though. The museums are all closed on a Monday and Green Peace had broken into Parliament to protest so they weren't letting visitors in all day. Instead, we went for some Obama cookies (yes you read that right!!) and we wandered down to the Governor General and Queen's house, Rideau Hall and looked at the trees planted by the Queen and the Kennedys etc… on their visits to Ottawa. This is actually where Kevin works so we had to be careful he didn't get spotted after phoning in sick.

Seen as everywhere was closed, I managed to drag Kevin to the cinema to see New Moon. I finished the book over a week ago now and been waiting to have someone to go to the cinema with. I still don't see the appeal with Edward Cullen and Jacob is just so young! The film was ok I guess… Slightly better than Twilight, nowhere near as good as the books. The evening was spent watching more Gavin and Stacey (turns out Kevin likes it) and eating a delicious dinner.

I was supposed to go to Toronto this morning and be there by lunchtime but I decided I wanted to see more of Ottawa in the morning. I woke up to see a beautiful sunrise coming up over Ottawa (Kevin's flat is on the 11th floor so has amazing views over the city). I went to the Supreme Court of Canada this morning to watch the first half of a case. It was interesting, for me anyway, and I geekily enjoyed it although I find the whole provincial vs. federal law thing confusing! I then went to Parliament and up the Peace Tower to get some nice views of the city covered in snow. I tried to get into the House of Commons but I was told I'd need permission from my own Parliament or something equally ridiculous. My own Parliament don't even know I exist, let alone that I am in Canada! Maybe I looked like I could be important (in my bright green jacket!!!)

In conclusion, Ottawa has been great! The place has grown on me and is nowhere near as intimidating as the other big cities in Canada with all their tall and scary skyscrapers! I also had some amazing weather while there, both snow and sunshine - beautiful. Still frikkin' freezing over here though… it always seems to be in the minuses!

A very weird thing happened while I was in Ottawa though. I received a Facebook email from someone who I didn't recognise at first saying they thought they'd seen me in Ottawa while waiting to catch a bus. Turns out it's a friend I used to work with in SNO!zone a few years back, before I went to Italy. Not only did he manage to spot me in Ottawa, he was actually only in Ottawa visiting that day and lives in Toronto! Small small world! So now I have two potential drinking buddies for Toronto J

Only 2 days left now until I fly home. Sad but also exciting. My money's running quite low now anyway so don't think I could afford food for much longer!

See you all soon,

Elodie

XxX