I know one day I will be able to get back out into this world and travel. But tonight, it has been a night of looking back at where I’ve gone, what I’ve done and what I miss the most. As a single mom, I was able to take my kids, each alone, on some pretty awesome trips. And of course, my travels on my own. I wanted to share some of my favourite memories from over the years.
My daughter and I had a special memory of going to New York City in 2008. It was one of the first places on my bucket list and was so excited to go!My son and I did a road trip down to Nashville and some of the southern States in 2009. I love Nashville!I moved to Calgary in 2011 and one of the highlights in my 3 years there was to go snowshoeing in Banff. Truly amazing views!CalgaryMy daughter and I headed to Italy in April of 2014, this is Florence.In 2014, I made a huge move and headed to Prague to get my certificate to teach English. My absolute favourite city in the entire world!! (so far anyway….)Zizkov, the area that I lived in PragueAfter 2 years in Prague, I headed to Changchun China to teach English for a year. While I was not particularly fond of China, these kids took my heart.The Ice and Snow Festival (biggest in the world) in Harbin, ChinaShenyang, ChinaBefore I headed back to Canada from China, I made a 7 week stop in Chile, starting in SantiagoFrom Santiago, I headed to the ocean, to Valparaiso and Vina del MarI headed north to La Serena, and then to AntofagastaI could not visit Chile without heading to the Atacama desert. Pukara de Quitor, just outside of San PedroI ended my 7 week adventure in Arica, Chile, on the southern border of Peru. What a perfect place to end my trip to Chile!In January 2019, after a year and a half of working, I decided I needed a three week vacation and headed to Spain, Morocco and Portugal on a Trafalgar bus tour. Amazing Seville!Castle in SpainMy travelling buddy Trip came with me to visit the sites in SpainCosta del SolThe last trip I went on was to Canada’s Capital city – Ottawa.
I do miss travelling but I know that, soon, I will be heading out for another adventure. I am hoping to get to Turkey and Greece for a few weeks in the next year. These boots have gone through China and Chile – they will be coming with me wherever I head to next!
Seeing this picture, the song “a Horse with No Name” runs through my head – that was the song that they played on our way back to San Pedro after our tour of Valle de la Luna.
Ottawa is Canada’s National Capital. It’s a beautiful, incredibly clean city located on the Rideau Canal. I finally made it last week to this beautiful city. It’s a great walking city and has amazing museums to visit. Here are some of my favourite pictures I wanted to share.
The eternal flame burning in front of the Parliament buildings
Looking across the canal to the Parliament buildingsNational War MonumentThe sun setting over the canalThe beautiful Canadian tulips made in and sent from the Netherlands in honour of our 150th anniversary
I finally had a chance to travel to Canada’s capital – Ottawa, Ontario. I had the pleasure of trying different restaurants while there and enjoyed everything I tried! Here are my favourite places that I went to.
You can’t go to Ottawa without having a beavertail – it’s a Canadian tradition. A beavertail is basically a sweet dough that is pulled and fried and topped with different things, including nutella, peanuts, and the basic cinnamon and sugar. This one is my favourite! Sweet, warm and chewy – and oh so delicious!
This is a beavertail -yum!
Nate’s Deli is a tradition in Ottawa, located on Sparks Street right in the heart of the legislative buildings and business. It opens early and serves a wide variety of breakfasts, as well as lunches and dinners. I tried the spinach and goat cheese omelette with the crispiest hash browns and it was absolutely delicious. If you love goat cheese, this is the omelette to try!
Nate’s Deli – spinach and goat cheese omelette
Another tradition in Ottawa is the King Eddy. It’s a cool restaurant with lots of 50’s memorabilia and traditional diner foods. I tried the King Eddy burger with their secret sauce – just enough of a spice to give it a bit of a kick! Definitely give it a try!
Delicious burger and the best fries I’ve ever had!
Of course, it wouldn’t be right if I travelled and didn’t try a dessert or two. I indulged on my last night and headed to the Byward Cafe and had a delicious triple chocolate cake. Just look at it – it tasted just as good as it looks!
Triple chocolate decadence…
But my favourite place in Ottawa was Zak’s Cantina – they are famous for their margaritas apparently but as someone who doesn’t drink very much, I stuck with the food. The chicken burrito was so filling I couldn’t even finish it all!
Delicious!!!
There was so much to see and do in Ottawa, and definitely the food scene is one of the best I’ve seen in Canada. I will be going back just to indulge in more food!
Louise's Loves - Travel, Cooking, Photography, Thoughts 