Delicious days

DAY 11 AND 12 -

Ottawa is oft given a bad wrap as a disappointment but I am here to rubbish these fibs for the Capital of Canada, enchants me. From my 4 day acquaintance with it, it was nothing short of a complete pleasure to be in the company of this treasure of a town. I myself even underestimated its allure and so wanted to express my infinite liking for it. 

My initial 24 hours were spent in relaxation as this pint-sized one was still worn out from her Toronto-ing. Elizabeth was working in the hospital for a long residency shift, so I'd written down exact walking directions from Google Maps to get there and back - to the places I wanted to see. Surprisingly, me being me - I did not get lost when I ventured out of the apartment as Google Maps got it spot on! 

A SWEET LITTLE STROLL - The cooler air today at only 1 single degree was actually invigorating. As planned, I followed the Rideau river along and it was rather pretty as the sun was beaming down upon it. Elizabeth lives so close by, I couldn't pass up on a lovely, little Sunday afternoon promenade; particularly on a day when the sky was terrifically blue. 

As I edged closer to the Rideau Falls, I could hear the spouting water from a distance and was sprayed lightly before I even saw them. After witnessing Niagara, these were not an amazement to behold but marvellous all the same at a mere 9 metres high. The refraction of the sun against the water had it sparkling like thousands of diamonds. *This* is what they call contentment and would you believe this was in November?!

On the route back, a dog jumped up at me and another bumped forcibly into my leg. After 2 incidents with as many dogs being walked, I visibly flinched and tremored when a third raced towards me; fearing it would knock 7 shades out of me. It bypassed me completely when I'd pictured another near-miss incident; for both of the aforementioned, I received no apologies for the frivolities of their flea bags!! 

THE PINNACLE OF PARLIAMENT - Elizabeth and myself, took a free guided tour of the Neo Gothic, centrepiece of Ottawa which was originally a military base in the 18th and 19th Century. I know that sounds gripping(!) but we had a fabbo tour guide chica who thought of really funny anecdotes to share. For example: DYK #1 There is a spelling error on the French word 'Quelqu'un' as someone made a mishap with the word for someone on the stained glass tile of the Senate Foyer ceiling. DYK #2 Owls embellish the decor because the collective term for owls is a Parliament. DYK #3 A painting of Queen Victoria has not survived just 1/2/3 but 4 fires!! 

The majesty within 'The Hill', as it is known colloquially is boundless; regardless of the one BILLION dollar restoration it is currently undergoing. I may have a very deep and genetic disliking for the whiny pinheads who love the money and make up my Parliament back home (yes, I am angry and resentful towards them) but Justin Trudeau seems like a man of the people.

Inside the House of Commons, you can just imagine all the members sitting there debately NICELY while ours kick, scream and annihilate. This is one of the main features of the tour which attracts approx 3 million visitors annually to the Hill. Interestingly, 184 seats of the 338 are held by the Liberal Party with the official opposition - Conservatives making up just under half of the 184 the Liberals have. It is a big irk to me that this is quite the opposite in the UK. N.B - The Green Party have one solitary seat. 

DISNEY DOESN'T LIE TO LITTLE GIRLS - For The Senate has a Beauty and the Beast-like library, boasting a collection of 600,000 items and a staff of 300. My mouth gaped as I stood in awe of the romance of the room with its marble busts of royal figures. This facility is restricted to those attending on Parliamentary business unless you take a guided tour. It was this reading room that brought me the most joy by far our congressional visit. 

Up The Peace Tower (aka Tower of Victory of Peace) to take in the 360 degree views of Gatineau and the Rideau Locks from above. The original burned down in 1916 and it is a Canadian icon on the 20 dollar bill. It stands 92.2 metres in all its gargoyled height and I was moved to learn that it is dedicated to over 65,000 soldiers who lost their lives in World War One. 

Holy Bon Jovi, I may have to marry the owner(s) of CACAO 70! A very foodie day was begun when my friend and I shared their Triple chocolate fondue, made up of - milk, dark and white choco swirled together with brownie, waffle pieces, strawberries and pineapple chunks to dunk. The blissful union of brownie and strawberry is like SUPER fondue! Mm, I'd know that smell in my sleep. 

A WELL FED WOMAN IS A HAPPY WOMAN - After knocking back a Raspberry chocolate milkshake there also I thought to myself 'so this is where the happy milkshakes are' :) Reminding my mouth just how much I love the raspberry/choc combo means that I'm in danger of being called the 3 letter 'F' word.. This place is pleasing to the universe and to your palate. It is *the* cafe to come to in order to get chocolate wasted but be warned - it will take sometime to come down from your sugar high! 

The Maman spider with its sac of 26 eggs, is a bronze, stainless steel and marble work of art by Louise Bourgeois. It may be one of the world's largest depictions of a spider and a symbolism of the nurturing protection of a mother but to most arachnophobics, it is basically the stuff of nightmares! All tourists are physically incapable of just passing it by without photographing the creepy sight! We were blessed with an orange sunset of spectacular proportions for our turn but sadly it wasn't captured well. 

You can not leave me alone in Purdy's chocolates with their insane amounts of goodies! I was a good girl to only obtain cocoa nibs and 3 truffles - gingerbread, a mini hedgehog and chocolate cherry caramel. Cocoa nibs were a really, really stupid purchase as I thought I'd be a tad healthy, only to find they are TOO strong in earthiness. They sounded delicious in theory so how do they not utterly repulse everyone who puts them in their mouth?

IF IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE PRES OF THE USA - We made a quick stop at Le Moulin de Provence; the bakery at Byward Market where Obama once ate a sugar cookie in 2009 when he came to Ottawa. Understandably, they've cashed in on this, naming him after the kind he took a liking to. Elizabeth and I each bought a cookie with the portrait of the PM, Justin Trudea on which looked so good it was almost a shame to eat them!! 

Back at E's apartment, we talked the house down and ordered a Lebanese takeaway from Shawarma's. It was TOOOOOOOOO much after all we'd already eaten with their crazy-size portions of Shawarma chicken, salad, pitta, hummus, aioli sauce, rice, pickled turnip and chillis. The hamster is off the treadmill and she's finally, really, TRULY going to POP after getting her teeth into too many glorious delicacies today :) Little did I know, the biggest treat was to come the next day as snow was in the air. 

Good night, my angel faces xxx

Many memories were made and hijinks happened here

DAY 9 AND 10 - 

I'd been adoring my time in Toronto aside from not being able to find the star for Michael Buble on Canada's Walk of Fame. That may be as he had only been newly inducted 2 weeks before I searched in vain. Rats! Ah well, I did lay my hands upon the sidewalk, maple-leaf shaped stars for Shania Twain, Ryan Reynolds and Jim Carrey. 

THERE CAN NEVER BE ENOUGH CRONUTS -  Since receiving my first taster of the donut and croissant lovechild here in Ontario, my love for the geniosity of chocolate cronuts is immeasurable. As I'm an avid believer that there are no accidents in life and I wasn't looking for it; this meet cute between us was unmitigated and fated. 

In anticipation of our China trip coming up in April for Jamie's wedding, I thought it would be wise to prepare my taste buds in anticipation. This happened at China Town's Celebrity Hotpot, where I was literally the only person in the entire restaurant - which is NEVER  a reassuring indicator of quality food. 

I didn't understand the process and so I slurped up the tasteless broth before it even boiled on the hob before me, until the waitress put a stop to my stupidity!! More and more ingredients were continually added to the mixture which made it splash over the brim. As instructed, I obtained bottles of soy sauce, sesame oil and a spicy chilli to add some taste for dipping my meat and noodles into. It was all-you-can-eat and so it didn't take long for me to be stuffed full; it was time to put a stop to the madness when I started to feel sick. So I lugged myself and my hot pot baby back to the Backpackers, to pack and chillax. 

A LOVELY EVENING WAS SPENT TOGETHER - Lots of giggles were also shared with Lilla at Fresh (on Bloor). It's a hipster dive, vegan chain where all the awesome ones eat. I was still rather satiated from my lunch before but because it all smelt so amazing, I had to tuck into something substantial again. I had the small energy fresh bowl on rice which consisted of - marinated tofu chunks, rich coconut curry sauce, chickpea and vegetable stew, cucumber, tomato, red onion, sunflower sprouts and tahini sauce. Undoubtedly, this spicy, ricey, nicey meal will turn me into a chubster of the highest order! Why did I like it so much? Cos everything about it was so gorgeous! 

It was great to catch up with Lilla after all these years and she very kindly paid for our dinners. Considering how we'd last seen each other 8 or so years ago and only knew each other when I was a temp worker with her for a few weeks, we didn't run out of conversation once! We moved on to Second Cup, an alternative coffee chain to Starbucks and I treated us this time. My vanilla bean hot chocolate was startlingly sweet but a dreamy cuppa. I'm so thankful to Lilla for acquiescing to meet up with me; it was a nice way to spend my final night in Toronto in such good company. 

Grudgingly, the time came to check out and my back was strained in the process of dragging my case and hefty hand luggage, down the rickety stairs to the basement. As I was approaching Graffiti Alley, thus far I wasn't impressed with the psychedelic spray art but continuing on further I got to the best bits. Every wall became weirder but also more wonderful. 

UP TO MY CHIN IN CHRISTMAS - The cute stalls and elves and festive seasons greetings lights all encapsulated the merry magic at the historic Distillery District's Christmas Market. Who stands underneath the 14ft steel heart, 'Under the Mistletoe' sculpture on their lonesome? Awkward. That would be one such as I, for I hadn't had a winter fling in which to revel in this romantic tradition. Still, at least the 52ft imposing Norway Spruce, Christmas tree was extra pretty with all its trimmings, despite the heavens having opened. I've always been a cheeseball for Christmas so it was a must to attend especially since this is ranked as one of the top 10 Holiday markets world-wide. 

The Candy Cane Carollers infused me with the Christmas spirit as they sang cheery, acapella renditions of beloved carols a la Pentatonix, in the rain. I did feel for them that not many were feeling them a whole bunch, not stopping to watch because of the worsening weather conditions. And so I clapped to the utmost - alas, it was not audible as we all wore gloves/mittens muffling our appreciation. I had to sit on a carrier bag, with my fur hood up looking like such a dork in order to enjoy their musical interlude as the chairs were soaked through. 

Goodness gracious, solo dining makes me look like the lamest lady in the land, but needs must. I give my Gabby's luncheon a C minus for the tastiness of my grilled chicken ciabatta with salad and fries and also for the snail-slow service. 

IT'S BEEN QUITE THE WHIRLWIND OF A WEEK - It did my heart well to spend these days in the T Dot so it was sad to leave the city behind. I want every man, woman and frog to know how outrageously terrific this multi-cultural city is. My shiny, happy Toronto bubble has now burst *sobs*; I've loved it here so it was difficult to heave myself away. Thank you Toronto, you have certainly put the icing back on my slightly smooshed cupcake of life. 

Elizabeth picked me up from the bus station when I arrived in Ottawa, six hours and 45 minutes later. It was so wonderful to be reunited with her after the best part of 8 years since our college days. In a series of amazing nights, another excellent one was enjoyed catching up with her and reminiscing of all our BYU-I nostalgia.

My big, fat 30th in ALL its craziness :D

DAY 8 

BOOYAH! It's my birthday, Imma spend my money!!! Pathetically, I'd been dreading turning the ripe, old age of 30 and wasn't feeling too gleeful about it coming round whatsoever. I guess how I celebrated didn't matter as the entire trip was for my big, fat 30th and I'm YOLO-ing each and every day :D Congratulations to me! Thanks f & f for waking me with tons of merry bday messages, early Canadian time due to the 5 hour time difference. I was feeling the love across the ocean and Lake Ontario very much <3 

WHAT I WISH FOR THE YEAR AHEAD - To be flirty and thriving, to grow up (as I'm more 30 going on 13!) and to go forth and make better decisions in all aspects of life. I don't exactly look better than a monthful of Sundays; when I'd envisioned I'd be a glam sophisticate at this age. 

The birthday antics began by going to my happy place of brunching at Cafe Crepe avec Sophie. I lack the adjectives to adequately express just how mindblowingly delicious my Nutella hot chocolate was. But given that I'm a cochon, Icould get through a trough of that stuff! My fairytale crepe of nutella, strawberries, cinnamon, coconut and whipped cream made magic happen on my plate. They'll do it for you too when you have a chronic case of the munchies. As we all know calories don't count according to birthday gospel, right? Right on! Shoulda played the birthday card to score a freebie! 

Shopping til I'm droppin' is one of the areas I fail as a lady but I gave it a good go at The Eaton Centre. Normally, I find it a huge, dumb waste of time as I prefer to do so online in my PJ's from the comfort of my own home. I picked up 3 bargains at Aeropostale: 2x sparkly snug snits and a navy, floral lace dress. It became too hot in the mall so I had to peruse garments without my hefty coat. Getting new clothes is lovely.. no one's disputing that but I can't put up with my own indecision all day long. 

CABBAGE TOWN IS PONGY! - When I could participate in the circus of purchase no longer, I hi-tailed it up to Riverdale, sitting in the park to catch a breather whilst inhaling the 'fragrant' scents of manure. The man who instructed me to sniff out the farm was not kidding one little bit! Riverdale Farm is a historic, working farm beside the park with free admission which is always a bonus. Could the tranquillity within the 7,5 scenic acres be any more wonderful?  

All the animals are so furry and soft and cuuuuuute in particular the sheep, donkeys and horses which were lovable as hell. Old MacDonald would be in his element embracing each and every creature  EE I EE I O!!! These chickens in the poultry barn, got swag! Babe charges at Porky like a pig possessed, presumably squabbling over food in piggy speak "OI. OINK. Just let me eat this disgusting slop and swill!" <------ These silly thoughts in my head are what make me S.O.L (snort out loud) quite like the cerdos. 

Just for a lark I had the novelty snapshot at Nathan Phillips Square with the polychromatic Toronto sign. 

MY FATNESS PERSISTS - Sophie accompanied me to dine at Fusaro's as I had a craving for pasta. My chicken parmigiana with pomodoro pasta and salad was neither exceptional nor hell. For it to merit a 10/10 it would simply have to be cooked by an authentic Italian but there was still enjoyment to be had within my belly nonetheless. 

Judith, Sophie and two other 18 year old Germans obliged me in birthday celebrating. How sweet that they're so young and happy but came to hang out with the old spinster!! I'd been itching to go to Chill Ice House; supposedly the world's largest (it didn't seem too big inside) permanent ice house at a nippy -5 degree Celsius. All hail the birthday Eskimo Ice Princess in her regal cape and gloves to bear the sub-zero temps; PULLING... IT .. OFF in her throne of glacier. 

It is the *coolest* night out and I loved it TOO much!! Every intricate detail including even the curtains and the bar itself was made of ice so everything is a tad chilly when you and your crew come to chill at Chill. I'm told that the room took 3 weeks to carve and that every block of the ice wall needs 2.5 days to freeze and weighs in at 250lbs!! Painstakingly, precise ice sculptures of The CN Tower and The Statue of Liberty etc. beautify the bar. At one point my jeans froze to the ice sofa in the private alcove! 

THE HOT BARTENDER IN THE FROZEN WONDERLAND - Why couldn't he, with his perfect little face and Mcdreamized head of hair, be giftwrapped to me as a birthday present? Gosh darn, all the girls were in agreement that he's a smokin' BABE! So it wasn't a wonder that the non-alcoholic berry shot he presented me in an ice glass began to melt so rapidly, in the presence of his hotness. The speakeasy through the ice house was so warm to thaw out in. My only regret is not getting the babe to bring me sugar with chocolate fondue and other dunkable yummies. 

Since the group joined me out of the kindness of their heart and I was grateful not to be a loner; I paid for us all to have a table at Spin, the ping pong bar. We played around the world style - where you hit and run to the next place on the table; as there were 5 of us and one too many for a doubles match. Admittedly, I was atrociously awful and kept missing most shots as I whacked the ball too aggressively. It was possibly the worst/best game of table tennis everrrr played, what with me whalloping a random lad on his head, Janis in the face and returning a shot which landed on another table altogether but they continued the play. Such fun and I took home one of the ping pongs as a birthday memento. 

PHILOSOPHICAL MUSINGS - My twenties are no more and I'm now over 1/3 of the way through my life (most likely); I begin a new, glitzy, joyous chapter (here's hoping!!) to embark on this momentous step forward into more 'mature' adulthood. Pleeeeeease may I not be single this entire year and find myself a pretty love?  xx