Travel Stories | Expat Life
Mike spent some time growing up here in an awesome house with an awesome backyard (so I hear). He speaks so fondly of the place that we decided to make a little stop.
It’s a small place for sure… but the mill is nice.
xo, jill
PS We also stopped by the Big Apple, but I’m glad we didn’t take the time to eat. The reviews are hilarious.
After spending our evening on Parliament Hill, Mike and I headed back there in the morning. There was something he wanted to show me that we couldn’t see at night. Earlier in our trip he joked with me that Ottawa had a “cat zoo.” Of course, I assumed he was just teasing and attempted to tease him back by pretending to believe him.
Well. He wasn’t joking!!
There’s a little cat hotel for the stray cats who live near Parliament. The cats have been living there since the 1970s. They are all fixed, fed, and friendly. Unfortunately, there was loud construction work happening near by so all the cats here in hiding. Fortunately, you can see the cats via youtube.
Seeing a real live Mountie was also exciting!
Later that evening we headed to the parliament building to watch the Mosaika laser light show. It was a very comfortable evening relaxing on the lawn, eating dinner, and learning about Canada. Thanks to Riley for suggesting it!
After the light show we walked around the grounds before heading back for the evening. I was a little nervous that a ghost or two might appear in the night, but I think the live music (until 2am) next door kept them at bay.
xo, jill
Today’s photo from the hip comes from Montreal, Canada. We met up with Abu Dhabi friends at the amazing Jean Talon Market for some shopping and snacks. I’m never sure how vendors will react to having their wares photographed, so I either refrain or get sneaky. I really liked these tomatoes…just pretend they’re in focus or embrace the dreamy quality.
xo, jill
From the Hip Friday features photos taken without the use of a viewfinder. If you have a photograph that was taken from the hip you’d like to share here, please contact me!
While in Canada I was finally able to meet Mike’s parents… and their 54 cows! (I think I got the count right.)
Mike and I drove about two hours outside of Toronto to his family’s farm. I had heard so much about it over the years that I was excited to finally check it out. Plus, I did have a phase in my youth when I wanted to be a farmer… and a different phase when I was obsessed with cows… soo…
We spent our time out in the pasture with the cows (and donkeys), exploring the land on a four wheeler, and sitting down to a few delicious meals with his parents. We also attended a production of Queen Marie (about Marie Dressler) by the Fourth Line Theatre.
The next day we were back on the road headed to Ottawa.
xo, jill
Visiting Toronto didn’t quite go as planned. We spent the morning walking through High Park with two of Mike’s friends and their adorable baby. It was a pleasant walk but the weather was a bit too hot and humid. I was so uncomfortable I was secretly hoping it would hurry up and rain to clear the air.
Well… it did. After saying goodbye to Mike’s friends and taking a bus farther into the city, we noticed that the sky was quickly turning black. A few minutes later the rain was dumping. Luckily, we were only a few meters away from Second Cup so we ducked in to wait it out.
Eventually, we decided to just spend the afternoon at the cinema watching a movie set in Toronto. So at least I was able to see the city via Take This Waltz.
Here are a few other shots I took while in the city.
I think I might need to take another trip to Toronto one day.
xo, jill
