O Canada!!

I know, I know, I’ve been gone forrreeevvaaa! But I swear I had a good reason. I was working in the land of maple syrup!

It was stressful for about two days, but then it was wonderful! Canada is so different from what I remember of my last visit (which was somewhere around 1989 I think). So much more multi-cultural and welcoming to everyone. Canadians were so kind and generous to me. I definitely feel like I could live in a country like that. It’s so civilised and progressive. And people talk about stuff that matters.

Plus, the doughnuts at Tim Hortons are to die for!

So without further ado—pictures!!

 

The view from my hotel room. Those clouds weren’t joking. It rained later that evening and was bitterly cold. I loved it. No sweating! Sleeping bundled up under the covers! The flight back from Canada, however, I could do without.

 

Looks like Christmas to me! This tree was in front of my hotel. A Trini like me can only think of decorating it!

 

I went on a visit to Seneca College as part of my official duties. Thought this tree as seen from the second floor was perfectly framed.

 

There was a lot of art around the college, some by students, others by established artists. This was one of the established artists’ pieces. So chilling.

 

They had a huge collection of vintage clothing from the 1800s to the present. Such things are impossible to preserve in my country. It was amazing to see all this up close.

 

My company’s offices in Ottawa. Yes, this is what an office building in Canada looks like!

 

I made a visit to the National Art Gallery. That’s me standing under the huge Maman sculpture. I think you can guess what it symbolizes. I’ve never seen priceless art on display in such numbers before. It was extremely moving beautiful and moving. There’s a lesser Monet there that’s my absolute favourite.

 

This is the amazing Catholic church across the street from the Art Gallery. Yeah, the weather stank all day, and it was cold, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. And someone got married!

 

And then it was on the road to my boss’s home in Smith Falls! Taken through the front windscreen.

 

This is what a truck stop in Canada looks like.

Yeah, I know. I hate them too :-). Okay, not really.

 

My boss’s amazing house.

 

One of three huge, loving dogs. Literally, they swarm you as soon as you arrive, looking to make friends.

 

Her front yard. This is why I say Canada is so amazingly beautiful. It was like 5 degrees out and sunny. I have never felt so at peace.

That’s Mr. Cat in the foreground, the best cat in the world. He has cured me of my dislike for felines. I’m always going to be a dog person, but now I know cats can be cool too. He knew me for twelve hours before he slept in my bed with me.

So that’s it! I’m off to get some rest now. Cricket is on tonight! West Indies vs India! I’m a Windies fan, of course, and must support my team against the mighty Indians.

Wish us luck!