We spent a couple days in Cold Lake. And it was really nice to relax and hang out. Most of what happened during this couple day period was that we played on the computer, walked around, worked out, eat some delicious homemade food, watched TV, watched HOCKEY PLAYOFFS, and enjoyed meeting part of Joel's family. Some of the best parts were:
Going to the high school where we played in the gym for a couple hours. This meant a pickup basketball game, three against three. Then a game called skittles, which involves using dodge balls to knock bowling pins over. And an awesome game of dodgeball which Joel's uncle made up! That was pretty awesome. We had lots of fun and I can't lie I was pretty sore the next day from all the jumping and dodging. But it was tons of fun!
We also headed to the actual Lake for a cookout. This was tons of fun and a definite call back to my childhood. We had hot dogs, which we roasted over an open fire. Then I put mine in a bun, with cheese, ketchup, and chips! It was pretty awesome. And finally we ended the dinner with marshmallows Naturally we roasted them as well and they were yummy and gooey and warm! After the dinner, par for the course in my family too, we headed for a walk around the lake. It was really beautiful and since the lake was frozen any breeze coming from that side would be COLD, even though it was shorts weather otherwise. It was a really weird, but cool feeling. We also went to a marshy area where there were lots of frogs making noises, something I thought sounded like an engine or machine, but was frogs! It was pretty cool to see the vibrations on the lake when they made the noises. We walked around some more and then headed home to watch hockey!
We also spent an evening playing soccer in the backyard. It was pretty intense and really fun! Lots of running around and chasing each other. Once again it was three on three and we were all sweaty and tired after about two hours playing in the backyard. But it was nice to hang out and do some of the things I would have done with my family 8 years ago.
We also got a nice tour of the area. Including the schools, some of the stores, and of course the Airbase there. Apparently it is the largest airbase in Canada. Although we didn't see any planes taking off we did see lots of the planes just sitting there. And of course we walked around the display planes which was fun to see as well!
All in all Cold Lake was really fun, relaxing, and something we really needed after so many days on the road. Hanging out, eating, and playing was pretty awesome. And now we are heading to Calgary to visit MY aunt! Lots of family time!
Saturday 11 May 2013
Day 73: On the Way to Cold Lake
So we woke up this morning and headed into Regina. We had two stops planned before we headed to Moose Jaw where we were going to go in the Hot Springs. Our first stop was the Prairie Museum. Unfortunately this was in the process of being moved to another location, therefore it was closed. So we headed to the second museum which was the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. That was really awesome.
This museum is by donation and is totally worth whatever you decide to pay because it was very interesting! Although it was mostly geared towards younger kids (I think) it was really fun and had some interesting facts and displays. Lot of information. We could have spent a couple hours just walking around their three different areas. We did probably spend about two hours there and learned a lot. Mostly about the dinosaurs and the land as well as the Native people who used to live in Saskatchewan. It was a museum (clearly) all about Saskatchewan!
After the museum we headed to Moose Jaw. This is a city which was apparently headquarters to Al Capo at one time. Although this is just a rumor it is possible, as there are lots of underground tunnels heading not only through the city, but also into America. So we parked the car and walked around. The original plan was to go to a spa which had mineral water specialized from this area. But we decided it wouldn't be worth it and instead drove around town for a bit. It was cool to see all the different buildings and tourist attractions. Although all-in-all Moose Jaw is pretty small and there was not too much there, still it was fun to walk around.
After Moose Jaw we headed North to Saskatoon. This was a fairly long drive with really not too much happening. So when we finally got to Saskatoon at around 4 we decided to keep going to Cold Lake that night. It was only a couple more hours and we both decided there was not much we wanted to do in Saskatoon. Although I am sure it is quiet lovely.
So we stopped for some Timmies and gas and kept driving. This drive was really nice! After a lot of flat land, we finally got lots of trees and some hills. Northern Saskatchewan was very pretty and not too busy. One part of the drive we saw A LOT more deer than other cars. We stopped once in a small town to get some gas (And I mean tiny town!). Then we kept driving. Finally we crossed into Alberta, listening to Alberta Bound by Paul Brandt. And we kept seeing deer, seriously I have never seen so many of them. Everywhere we looked it was more. On both sides of the road, crossing the road, in the distance, everywhere!
We got to Cold Lake fairly late, but drove to Joel's aunt and uncle's house and met everyone. We got there and Joel's aunt made us grilled cheese for dinner as well as tea. It was pretty nice! We then brought us stuff in and got nice and warm in a real bed again! And we get this bed for the next couple nights! Lucky us :)
This museum is by donation and is totally worth whatever you decide to pay because it was very interesting! Although it was mostly geared towards younger kids (I think) it was really fun and had some interesting facts and displays. Lot of information. We could have spent a couple hours just walking around their three different areas. We did probably spend about two hours there and learned a lot. Mostly about the dinosaurs and the land as well as the Native people who used to live in Saskatchewan. It was a museum (clearly) all about Saskatchewan!
After the museum we headed to Moose Jaw. This is a city which was apparently headquarters to Al Capo at one time. Although this is just a rumor it is possible, as there are lots of underground tunnels heading not only through the city, but also into America. So we parked the car and walked around. The original plan was to go to a spa which had mineral water specialized from this area. But we decided it wouldn't be worth it and instead drove around town for a bit. It was cool to see all the different buildings and tourist attractions. Although all-in-all Moose Jaw is pretty small and there was not too much there, still it was fun to walk around.
After Moose Jaw we headed North to Saskatoon. This was a fairly long drive with really not too much happening. So when we finally got to Saskatoon at around 4 we decided to keep going to Cold Lake that night. It was only a couple more hours and we both decided there was not much we wanted to do in Saskatoon. Although I am sure it is quiet lovely.
So we stopped for some Timmies and gas and kept driving. This drive was really nice! After a lot of flat land, we finally got lots of trees and some hills. Northern Saskatchewan was very pretty and not too busy. One part of the drive we saw A LOT more deer than other cars. We stopped once in a small town to get some gas (And I mean tiny town!). Then we kept driving. Finally we crossed into Alberta, listening to Alberta Bound by Paul Brandt. And we kept seeing deer, seriously I have never seen so many of them. Everywhere we looked it was more. On both sides of the road, crossing the road, in the distance, everywhere!
We got to Cold Lake fairly late, but drove to Joel's aunt and uncle's house and met everyone. We got there and Joel's aunt made us grilled cheese for dinner as well as tea. It was pretty nice! We then brought us stuff in and got nice and warm in a real bed again! And we get this bed for the next couple nights! Lucky us :)
Thursday 2 May 2013
Day 72: Snow and Flat Roads
We awoke last night a couple times. Joel because it was so cold and me because I swear that there was a drug deal going on outside our car. I lay awake for 45 minutes and during that time 10 or 15 cars came and went, each time people would get out of their car and then 5 min later get back in and zoom off! Who does that at Walmart at 4 30 in the morning?
But luckily when we woke up there was no signs of anything except snow and normal people doing their groceries. Wonder what it was all about? But the weather was still cold and cloudy with some snow still falling! So Joel and I quickly got dressed ( jeans were very cold!) and headed to the couple places in Winnipeg I wanted to see. We later learned that it was minus 5 when we woke up! I wonder how cold it was all night?! And on the first of May!
Our first stop was the grave of Louis Riel a métis revolutionary. He was a part French and part Indigenous leader who helped form the province of Manitoba as we know it today. He was born and buried near what is Winnipeg although his big stand was made North of Saskatoon. Maybe we will go see that too!
After the grave which was in a very nice part of Winnipeg with a very nice church we looked around the area. We also saw the grave of the first white family that settled out West. Then we went as saw an old fur trade fort. We walked around for a bit, but the snow and the wind quickly convinced us to head back to the car.
After discovering the east side of the river we cross the Red River, which was very much flooded, and went to discover forks. The area where the real fur trading fort used to stand. It is the place where the Assiniboine and Red River meet or where they fork into two, thus the area if known as forks. We walked around outside for a bit looking around, but once again with the cold we went inside quickly. There was a lovely market there and we wondered for a while.
Seems we have spent lots of time at markets and this one was nice. Lots of food options and some really cool crafts too! I almost bought another painting and Joel almost bought a buffalo!
When we finished up in Winnipeg we headed to Saskatchewan! And as we drove the weather got nicer and the snow less. Although there were no wild flowers like the guidebook promised there would be in May! Maybe still too early?
We finally did get to Regina and found a nice Walmart outside the city. We had already decided that we were going to grab a nice meal and watch the NHL playoffs so we headed off to find an Earls. We got there around 6 only to learn it was really 5! We didn't realize we had gained another hour!! Oh well, we sat an watched and talked for a couple hours an it was delicious, burger, steak, fries, and chocolate cake! We deserved a nice meal!
After watching the game we headed back to the Walmart which at this time already had 4 campers parked there! And then later that night it would become something like 6 and 2 trucks! It was a overnight party here. Probably the most cars we have seen at a Walmart! Well tomorrow we head to explore Regina and discover Moss Jaw!
But luckily when we woke up there was no signs of anything except snow and normal people doing their groceries. Wonder what it was all about? But the weather was still cold and cloudy with some snow still falling! So Joel and I quickly got dressed ( jeans were very cold!) and headed to the couple places in Winnipeg I wanted to see. We later learned that it was minus 5 when we woke up! I wonder how cold it was all night?! And on the first of May!
Our first stop was the grave of Louis Riel a métis revolutionary. He was a part French and part Indigenous leader who helped form the province of Manitoba as we know it today. He was born and buried near what is Winnipeg although his big stand was made North of Saskatoon. Maybe we will go see that too!
After the grave which was in a very nice part of Winnipeg with a very nice church we looked around the area. We also saw the grave of the first white family that settled out West. Then we went as saw an old fur trade fort. We walked around for a bit, but the snow and the wind quickly convinced us to head back to the car.
After discovering the east side of the river we cross the Red River, which was very much flooded, and went to discover forks. The area where the real fur trading fort used to stand. It is the place where the Assiniboine and Red River meet or where they fork into two, thus the area if known as forks. We walked around outside for a bit looking around, but once again with the cold we went inside quickly. There was a lovely market there and we wondered for a while.
Seems we have spent lots of time at markets and this one was nice. Lots of food options and some really cool crafts too! I almost bought another painting and Joel almost bought a buffalo!
When we finished up in Winnipeg we headed to Saskatchewan! And as we drove the weather got nicer and the snow less. Although there were no wild flowers like the guidebook promised there would be in May! Maybe still too early?
We finally did get to Regina and found a nice Walmart outside the city. We had already decided that we were going to grab a nice meal and watch the NHL playoffs so we headed off to find an Earls. We got there around 6 only to learn it was really 5! We didn't realize we had gained another hour!! Oh well, we sat an watched and talked for a couple hours an it was delicious, burger, steak, fries, and chocolate cake! We deserved a nice meal!
After watching the game we headed back to the Walmart which at this time already had 4 campers parked there! And then later that night it would become something like 6 and 2 trucks! It was a overnight party here. Probably the most cars we have seen at a Walmart! Well tomorrow we head to explore Regina and discover Moss Jaw!
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Day 71: Keep on Trecking
Joel and I woke up at Walmart again, safe and warm. I was not willing to get out of bed so we snoozed till about 9. It is nice to have days like that! I love sleeping in (although I never thought I would consider 9 sleeping in!) Nevertheless it was very nice!
We started our day by heading to the terry Fox Memorial, which is set up to honor a Canadian hero! He was a 23 year old who ran across Canada to raise money for Cancer Research. He did his run with only one leg, having lost his other in his own battle with cancer. And it was here in Thunder Bay that we lost his battle and had to stop his run. So naturally we needed to go see this monument. And it was really pretty. And inspiring to read about.
After seeing the monument we decided to head to Kenora. This was the game plan for the day. So through the fog and rain we started to drive. It was really a lousy day out! But no matter we were warm and dry in our car!
The drive was nice, but the amount of cop cars we saw was amazing! They were out in force all day long! Two cars right in front of us got pulled over and we saw three or four others. So Joel made sure to drive a couple kms under the speed limit because it was really crazy.
We drove and we drove and we drove. Around 4 ish we made it to Kenora but decided to keep going. This way we would make it to Winnipeg by tonight. It was a long drive and the rocks an tree of Ontario slowly turned to rolling hills and plains. And the rain that started the day turned to snow. As we arrived in Winnipeg the snow started to really come down. Wet and heavy flakes. And man oh man it was cold. But we found a Walmart and buckled down for a cold night. After watching part of a movie and talking for a while we fell asleep both hoping we wouldn't wake up as Popsicles!
Joel and I are both at the point where we are ready to be home. The road trip was been amazing but it is going to be nice to sleep in a bed again and not have to move all the time, not have to budget as much, and even to work out! But in a couple days we will be in Cold Lake and then Calgary and then before we know it Vancouver! Part of me can't believe how fast this has all gone! Anyway tomorrow we do Winnipeg and head to Regina!
We started our day by heading to the terry Fox Memorial, which is set up to honor a Canadian hero! He was a 23 year old who ran across Canada to raise money for Cancer Research. He did his run with only one leg, having lost his other in his own battle with cancer. And it was here in Thunder Bay that we lost his battle and had to stop his run. So naturally we needed to go see this monument. And it was really pretty. And inspiring to read about.
After seeing the monument we decided to head to Kenora. This was the game plan for the day. So through the fog and rain we started to drive. It was really a lousy day out! But no matter we were warm and dry in our car!
The drive was nice, but the amount of cop cars we saw was amazing! They were out in force all day long! Two cars right in front of us got pulled over and we saw three or four others. So Joel made sure to drive a couple kms under the speed limit because it was really crazy.
We drove and we drove and we drove. Around 4 ish we made it to Kenora but decided to keep going. This way we would make it to Winnipeg by tonight. It was a long drive and the rocks an tree of Ontario slowly turned to rolling hills and plains. And the rain that started the day turned to snow. As we arrived in Winnipeg the snow started to really come down. Wet and heavy flakes. And man oh man it was cold. But we found a Walmart and buckled down for a cold night. After watching part of a movie and talking for a while we fell asleep both hoping we wouldn't wake up as Popsicles!
Joel and I are both at the point where we are ready to be home. The road trip was been amazing but it is going to be nice to sleep in a bed again and not have to move all the time, not have to budget as much, and even to work out! But in a couple days we will be in Cold Lake and then Calgary and then before we know it Vancouver! Part of me can't believe how fast this has all gone! Anyway tomorrow we do Winnipeg and head to Regina!
Day 70: Sunshine and Frozen Lakes
It was a dreary day when we woke up this morning. Lots of fog and low hanging clouds. But we headed down the open road optimistic that this would be a nice day and hopefully a nice drive. After all we were leaving what many consider human Ontario and heading into the Wilderness.
And it was beautiful! Although there was still a lot of snow! And lots of the lakes we drove by were still mostly if not completely frozen over. This is not what I had been expecting. I thought that spring was here! After our day in Niagara Falls I thought the warm weather had arrived. But I was wrong. Here along the waters of the Lake Superior it was still clearly early spring, with snow and cloudy weather!
The drive was very nice, although we didn't stop anywhere major we did see lots of beautiful waterfalls and a couple small towns. This was a road where there were not many humans but lots of wilderness! It was pretty awesome. We stopped in a small town, Marathon, to grab gas and lunch. There was really not too much there!
After lunch we continued our drive to Thunder Bay. At around 4 we stopped at a very nice overlook. The sun had come out and I sat basking in the sun looking out on the frozen lake. It was really pretty amazing. After about an hour we decided to keep going and ended up getting to Thunder Bay around 6 30.
We headed to Subway for dinner and then found a Walmart where we parked and it ready for another cozy night. Before you know it we will be sleeping in real beds again and no longer in our nice cozy car!
And it was beautiful! Although there was still a lot of snow! And lots of the lakes we drove by were still mostly if not completely frozen over. This is not what I had been expecting. I thought that spring was here! After our day in Niagara Falls I thought the warm weather had arrived. But I was wrong. Here along the waters of the Lake Superior it was still clearly early spring, with snow and cloudy weather!
The drive was very nice, although we didn't stop anywhere major we did see lots of beautiful waterfalls and a couple small towns. This was a road where there were not many humans but lots of wilderness! It was pretty awesome. We stopped in a small town, Marathon, to grab gas and lunch. There was really not too much there!
After lunch we continued our drive to Thunder Bay. At around 4 we stopped at a very nice overlook. The sun had come out and I sat basking in the sun looking out on the frozen lake. It was really pretty amazing. After about an hour we decided to keep going and ended up getting to Thunder Bay around 6 30.
We headed to Subway for dinner and then found a Walmart where we parked and it ready for another cozy night. Before you know it we will be sleeping in real beds again and no longer in our nice cozy car!
Day 69: Heading out West
Once again we had a very slow morning. We were setting out towards Thunder Bay today but we had no major plans about what to do or where to go. We were just going to head out and then stop when it got dark! A whole new relaxed way to do this, until now I had been so worried about finding a place every night and now I felt safe at Walmart and since most towns had them we were Ok.
So we headed out West, our final destination being Thunder Bay. We knew we would have to stop before then but we weren't sure where yet! After driving through the Toronto suburbs and outskirts it was nice to get on the highway and back into the Wilderness again. The drive was very pretty with lots of trees and rocks. Different from what we had been used to up till this point. Quebec had been fairly flat and the maritimes had a focus on the sea, but now we were in the Canadian Shield.
We drove trough Sudbury and continued on to Sault Ste Marie. This was the plan for the half way point. We had started driving at 12 that morning and we got there at about 8 or 9 at night. With only one or two stops for bathroom and food. It was definitely a long day!
We stopped at a Walmart where there were several other overnights and got ready for a nice night! And tomorrow another long day of driving! We are hoping to make it to Thunder Bay.
So we headed out West, our final destination being Thunder Bay. We knew we would have to stop before then but we weren't sure where yet! After driving through the Toronto suburbs and outskirts it was nice to get on the highway and back into the Wilderness again. The drive was very pretty with lots of trees and rocks. Different from what we had been used to up till this point. Quebec had been fairly flat and the maritimes had a focus on the sea, but now we were in the Canadian Shield.
We drove trough Sudbury and continued on to Sault Ste Marie. This was the plan for the half way point. We had started driving at 12 that morning and we got there at about 8 or 9 at night. With only one or two stops for bathroom and food. It was definitely a long day!
We stopped at a Walmart where there were several other overnights and got ready for a nice night! And tomorrow another long day of driving! We are hoping to make it to Thunder Bay.
Day 68: That's A Lot of Water!
Again we had a late morning today! And it was amazing! So nice to wake up late and shower and relax! We had another delicious meal, eggs and bacon, and sausages and mango! With orange juice!
At about noon we hoped in the car for our day trip. It was to Niagara Falls! The drive took us a little longer than anticipates. We stopped in the small town of Niagara-on-the-water. There we got some delicious Tim Hortons and then kept going. We moved from the highway to a road along the river which was really nice. Although there was a lot of construction and potholes so that made the driving a little bit harder!
But finally we got to Niagara Falls and found free parking just about 10 min walk away from the falls! It was awesome! I didn't think we were going to be able to find the parking, especially not for free.
We walked to the falls and admired them! For a while. There is so much water there! I can't believe how much water goes over those falls! Seriously it was so much. And it is pretty cool that there is almost constantly a rainbow because the mist and the sun. And the birds! It must have been mating season or something because they were everywhere! The rocks were covered in them, it was crazy!
After enjoying the falls for a while we headed to dinner at the Pinnacle. A restaurant on top of a tower overlooking the falls. We had found a groupon for it and thought it would be nice to have a yummy and special dinner. So we went for it. And it was nice, I had duck and Joel had snapper. We also got calamari and I had a glass of Niagara white wine while Joel enjoyed a cocktail. All overlooking the majestic falls. It was really pretty awesome.
After dinner we hopped back into the car ( which had been valet parked) and headed back to Toronto for the last night there. On the drive home we sang along to some very soulful music like Andrei Bochelli and Josh Groban. Then it was back to a warm bed for the last night before setting off again! Tomorrow we start the long trek to the other side of Ontario!
At about noon we hoped in the car for our day trip. It was to Niagara Falls! The drive took us a little longer than anticipates. We stopped in the small town of Niagara-on-the-water. There we got some delicious Tim Hortons and then kept going. We moved from the highway to a road along the river which was really nice. Although there was a lot of construction and potholes so that made the driving a little bit harder!
But finally we got to Niagara Falls and found free parking just about 10 min walk away from the falls! It was awesome! I didn't think we were going to be able to find the parking, especially not for free.
We walked to the falls and admired them! For a while. There is so much water there! I can't believe how much water goes over those falls! Seriously it was so much. And it is pretty cool that there is almost constantly a rainbow because the mist and the sun. And the birds! It must have been mating season or something because they were everywhere! The rocks were covered in them, it was crazy!
After enjoying the falls for a while we headed to dinner at the Pinnacle. A restaurant on top of a tower overlooking the falls. We had found a groupon for it and thought it would be nice to have a yummy and special dinner. So we went for it. And it was nice, I had duck and Joel had snapper. We also got calamari and I had a glass of Niagara white wine while Joel enjoyed a cocktail. All overlooking the majestic falls. It was really pretty awesome.
After dinner we hopped back into the car ( which had been valet parked) and headed back to Toronto for the last night there. On the drive home we sang along to some very soulful music like Andrei Bochelli and Josh Groban. Then it was back to a warm bed for the last night before setting off again! Tomorrow we start the long trek to the other side of Ontario!
Saturday 27 April 2013
Day 67: Toronto!
Waking up in a bed again was amazing. A nice bed, with warm sheets and the sun warming you. It was amazing. I snoozed in bed for a couple hours, waking up and falling back asleep. The sun, as I mentioned, was up and warm. I could feel it on my face before I would open my eyes. It felt like a lazy summer day. Unfortunately the weather outside was not as warm as I expected and hoped.
I eventually got out of bed and made myself some breakfast. Delicious cereal with milk (I miss drinking Milk, it is something we really should do more on this trip. But we don't really have a means to refrigeration). And then fresh blueberries! Yummy, healthy and delicious! And fruit another thing we should have more of on this trip!
After breakfast we took a little while getting ready, having a shower, and hanging out a little before we headed out into downtown Toronto. Our first stop of the day was a cupcake place I had found, I was really craving them lately and so I had looked up good one's near by. This one was called Prairie Girl Cupcake and was not too bad. I had a chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing and Joel had a lemon cupcake. Mine was a nice cupcake, really soft and moist, but the icing had a little too much salt in it. It needed to be a little sweeter, but all in all it was yummy. Although not sure it was worth the 3.25! Cupcakes are expensive!
After the cupcake we headed to the St. Lawrence Market where we wondered around for a while, looking at all the food and shops. It was really cool, they had everything from wine to fresh fish, cupcakes, and sushi. They also had tourist stores, florists, and lots of jewelry. I am really starting to like hanging out in markets and definitely plan on finding one near my home when I get back. It is really fun to go see and smell all the things and people watch!
After the market we cut across downtown and headed towards the CN Tower. But before we got there we stopped at a Native American Art Gallery. Which we spent about 30 min looking around and appreciating all the art. It was really cool and I definitely wanted to buy lots of it, unfortunately most of it is out of my price range. Luckily I found a nice print for about 20 dollars, and although I wanted something a little more east coast, it was in fact West Coast Art. When talking to the lady at the front about it, she told me lots of people do this and most of their West Coast Art ends up getting shipped back to the West Coast! Guess people like what is around them!
On we went to the CN Tower where we admired the huge building from the bottom. We thought about going to the top but that costs a whopping 35 dollars per person and we decided that was not worth it! So we wandered onward towards the waterfront. Stopping to admire an old train station and then stopping and entering the Steam Whistle Brewery. I wanted to explore this becasuse I had had their beer the night before! Funny that we just stumbled onto their brewery.
We eventually did make it to the waterfront where we walked around looking out on the giant lake. There were lots of people out and the sun was shining so it was fun to walk around. And then we found a nice park to sit in for a little and bask in the sun and admire the swans swimming around. It was really nice to just hang out in the sun, although the wind was a little cold.
When we had finished our walking tour of Toronto we grabbed the car and headed a little farther away to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. This is where one of my baby brothers is buried. So Joel and I stopped to look at his grave and bring him flowers. It was the first time I had been there and it was sad to see so many babies buried, especially one that was directly related to me.
After an emotional time there we headed back to our house for the night. There we were welcomed with tea and then homemade wine which Tante Sue had made. It was quite delicious. After spending some time talking we eventually got to dinner which was a HUGE steak and salad and asparagus and some potatoes. Tante Sue and I whipped up and very quick and last minute herb butter for the steak which turned out to be quite nice! I am definitely going to make that again with some advanced planning. And then after dinner we were treated to a delicious dessert of blueberry pie and frozen yogurt! We are definitely getting spoiled here! Now we are off to bed and tomorrow we head to Niagara Falls! Can't wait to see them again!
I eventually got out of bed and made myself some breakfast. Delicious cereal with milk (I miss drinking Milk, it is something we really should do more on this trip. But we don't really have a means to refrigeration). And then fresh blueberries! Yummy, healthy and delicious! And fruit another thing we should have more of on this trip!
After breakfast we took a little while getting ready, having a shower, and hanging out a little before we headed out into downtown Toronto. Our first stop of the day was a cupcake place I had found, I was really craving them lately and so I had looked up good one's near by. This one was called Prairie Girl Cupcake and was not too bad. I had a chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing and Joel had a lemon cupcake. Mine was a nice cupcake, really soft and moist, but the icing had a little too much salt in it. It needed to be a little sweeter, but all in all it was yummy. Although not sure it was worth the 3.25! Cupcakes are expensive!
After the cupcake we headed to the St. Lawrence Market where we wondered around for a while, looking at all the food and shops. It was really cool, they had everything from wine to fresh fish, cupcakes, and sushi. They also had tourist stores, florists, and lots of jewelry. I am really starting to like hanging out in markets and definitely plan on finding one near my home when I get back. It is really fun to go see and smell all the things and people watch!
After the market we cut across downtown and headed towards the CN Tower. But before we got there we stopped at a Native American Art Gallery. Which we spent about 30 min looking around and appreciating all the art. It was really cool and I definitely wanted to buy lots of it, unfortunately most of it is out of my price range. Luckily I found a nice print for about 20 dollars, and although I wanted something a little more east coast, it was in fact West Coast Art. When talking to the lady at the front about it, she told me lots of people do this and most of their West Coast Art ends up getting shipped back to the West Coast! Guess people like what is around them!
On we went to the CN Tower where we admired the huge building from the bottom. We thought about going to the top but that costs a whopping 35 dollars per person and we decided that was not worth it! So we wandered onward towards the waterfront. Stopping to admire an old train station and then stopping and entering the Steam Whistle Brewery. I wanted to explore this becasuse I had had their beer the night before! Funny that we just stumbled onto their brewery.
We eventually did make it to the waterfront where we walked around looking out on the giant lake. There were lots of people out and the sun was shining so it was fun to walk around. And then we found a nice park to sit in for a little and bask in the sun and admire the swans swimming around. It was really nice to just hang out in the sun, although the wind was a little cold.
When we had finished our walking tour of Toronto we grabbed the car and headed a little farther away to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. This is where one of my baby brothers is buried. So Joel and I stopped to look at his grave and bring him flowers. It was the first time I had been there and it was sad to see so many babies buried, especially one that was directly related to me.
After an emotional time there we headed back to our house for the night. There we were welcomed with tea and then homemade wine which Tante Sue had made. It was quite delicious. After spending some time talking we eventually got to dinner which was a HUGE steak and salad and asparagus and some potatoes. Tante Sue and I whipped up and very quick and last minute herb butter for the steak which turned out to be quite nice! I am definitely going to make that again with some advanced planning. And then after dinner we were treated to a delicious dessert of blueberry pie and frozen yogurt! We are definitely getting spoiled here! Now we are off to bed and tomorrow we head to Niagara Falls! Can't wait to see them again!
Friday 26 April 2013
Day 66: A Long Drive Ending at the Beginning (of Mieke)
Once again Joel and I awoke early this morning. We, once again, needed to be out of the house before the couch surfer headed of to work. So we (read me) dragged ourselves out of bed last minute (read Joel got up early and had a shower, I did not). After a quick farewell to our new friend in Ottawa, we hopped in the car for the 5 hour drive to Toronto! All in all it was a rather uneventful drive. We drove, stopped for gas, drove some more, and then before you knew it, voila! we were in Toronto.
Our first (and truly only) stop for the day was Chipotle! This was a must and after finding some parking somewhere in the city, which was rather hard and expensive, we headed to the best place in the world to eat food, Chipotle. And it was worth it! Their burritos are amazing and I even made up a dance named the Chipotle Dance to honor them.
After lunch we got lost trying to find the residence that belonged to my old next door neighbors But after driving around for a ten or twenty minutes we did find it! And it was nice, right on the lake, which looks kinda like the ocean! Those Great Lakes are big!
We met up with our hosts for the next couple of day, Tante Sue and Oom Allan, who are not really my aunt and uncle, but have literally known me since I was born. This is because they (as I mentioned) lived in the condo next to where I first spent my time as a person. My first year was spent in the rooms right next to where I am writing this blog! For some people that is totally normal, having lived most of their life in one place, but for me that is pretty cool!
So we were brought up to our new house and showed the door which would lead into my former life and the first thing we did was laundry! Since the last time we did laundry was in Richmond, it was LONG overdue, we seriously needed some clean clothes.
So we were brought to the laundry room and before you knew it we had clean and nice smelly clothes. And then when we got back to the apartment we were in for a treat because we got fed a delicious and healthy meal! Chicken with Quinoa and salad with mushrooms and nuts. Yummy!
And then we finished the day with a delicious dessert. Apple pie and ice cream, what more could you want? Perfect end to the day, and tomorrow we head into Toronto to explore!
Our first (and truly only) stop for the day was Chipotle! This was a must and after finding some parking somewhere in the city, which was rather hard and expensive, we headed to the best place in the world to eat food, Chipotle. And it was worth it! Their burritos are amazing and I even made up a dance named the Chipotle Dance to honor them.
After lunch we got lost trying to find the residence that belonged to my old next door neighbors But after driving around for a ten or twenty minutes we did find it! And it was nice, right on the lake, which looks kinda like the ocean! Those Great Lakes are big!
We met up with our hosts for the next couple of day, Tante Sue and Oom Allan, who are not really my aunt and uncle, but have literally known me since I was born. This is because they (as I mentioned) lived in the condo next to where I first spent my time as a person. My first year was spent in the rooms right next to where I am writing this blog! For some people that is totally normal, having lived most of their life in one place, but for me that is pretty cool!
So we were brought up to our new house and showed the door which would lead into my former life and the first thing we did was laundry! Since the last time we did laundry was in Richmond, it was LONG overdue, we seriously needed some clean clothes.
So we were brought to the laundry room and before you knew it we had clean and nice smelly clothes. And then when we got back to the apartment we were in for a treat because we got fed a delicious and healthy meal! Chicken with Quinoa and salad with mushrooms and nuts. Yummy!
And then we finished the day with a delicious dessert. Apple pie and ice cream, what more could you want? Perfect end to the day, and tomorrow we head into Toronto to explore!
Thursday 25 April 2013
Day 65: Question Period
This morning we woke up early. Our couch surfer was heading to school/work at 8 so we needed to head out around the same time! No problem, we can do that! Although, getting out of a warm sleeping bag to a dreary day can definitely be hard... But still we succeeded and at about 7 30 we were out the door and headed to our first stop for the day: Chez Cora.
This is a delicious breakfast place that satisfies not only your hunger, but also your desire for fruit and color! My mother took me here once when I was younger and the bright colors were very happy, for lack of a better word. (Also when you read young, read 18). Anyway I convinced Joel we needed to go here and neither of us regretted it! It was amazingly yummy. I had a wrap with a pile of fruit next to it and Joel had a HUGE waffles loaded with strawberries, custard, and whipped cream. It was so massive that even he didn't eat it all! (This is saying quiet a lot!)
After breakfast we headed back to the Capital city for round two. We were told yesterday that Question Period, something I was very interested in seeing was in the morning, therefore we missed it on Tuesday. I made sure we were there at 9:30 bright and early so we would be sure to see it. However, when we got there they told us it wasn't until 2! Which is what I had thought the day before, turns out I was right! So instead we went on a tour of the Parliament building, which was fun. Our guide was knowledgeable and although she said um and uh a lot it was still an entertaining tour. After that we headed to the top of the tower.
From here you can see a beautiful view of the city, which was pretty cool. And you can see Quebec, which is right across the water. The elevator you take up to this is the first slanted elevator in Canada, which was also neat to learn. From there we headed to the Remembrance Hall, where we were at 11 o'clock for the turning of the pages. Apparently in this room there are 7 books with everyone who has died in service for Canada. And at 11 o'clock each day they turn the pages of the books so that each name can be read and remembered. Pretty neat.
After a nice lunch and some down time, we headed back to Parliament for Question Period. Like I mentioned early I was very excited for this, mainly because of my interest in politics, more specifically Canadian politics. So we go there early and waited in line for a while. But it was worth it!
When we headed into the House of Commons and sat down we could watch all the proceedings. Although entertaining to watch, I also knew that this 45 min period is more a show than anything else. It is not where the real politics happens, and when we watched this was quiet clear. Lots of clapping and jeering and lots of people repeating answers. But what struck me the most, was that after watching Obama for so long, Harper seemed very pale in comparison Not at all a strong leader, more a soft spoken professor. Definitely not someone who spurs passion in people via his speeches. But it was still fun to watch nonetheless.
After Question Period we headed back to our couch surfer were we talked and hung out. The further along this trip gets the more tired we seem at the end of the day and a night of relaxing seemed exactly what I needed and what I got. I think I went to bed at about 9? Glorious! And tomorrow we head to Toronto and the place that I was born.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Day 64: Capital of Canada
We woke up this morning safe and sound, even though the parking lot had been a little sketchy. We headed to Tim Hortons for a ice cap! Which was delicious, the sun was out and we were tanning inside Timmies (the wind was still too cold to sit outside). So we pulled out our computers and figured out where we would stay for the night. We found a nice place 15 min out of the city.
When we had figured it all out we headed to the Royal Mountain Police Musical Ride Training. Since we got there before it opened, we snuck (there was no one around so we just walked in) and watched the morning practice. It was really fun to watch the horses ride and it made me hope that I could ride again soon.
After watching the morning ride we headed to the Mountie museum where we could get a guided tour of the stables. It was really cool to see what goes on behind the scenes. We got to learn about what it takes to be a rider and a horse in this program! We also got to see the riders and talk to some of them, as well as meet some of the horses, such as Altivo and Shadow. Very nice horses, and people too!
After the horses we headed downtown to see some of the sights. Our first stop was the Australian High Commission where we got some information. Then we headed to the Parliament building. We really ( read me) wanted to see Question Period. Unfortunately we didn't make it on time, so we need to head back tomorrow. So instead we went to the Supreme Court. We walked around for a bit and gave ourself a self guided tour. Pretty cool!
Then we headed to lunch! After some re-energizing we headed back to the car and then to Rideau Hall. This is where the Governor General lives. Unfortunately the inside was not get open to tours, but we were more than welcome to walk the grounds. So we did, there was lots of cool stuff to see there, including a totem pole, an inukshuk, and lots of trees planted by dignitaries from all over the world.
A after walking around for a while we spent some time int he car, listening to Harry Potter and Joel even took a nap in the sun! Then we headed to our home for the night. There we were met by a friendly couch surfer who let us in, showered us, gave us drinks, and headed off for the night.
We spent the night watching movies, eating, and relaxing. It was very nice. Relaxing and just not doing anything. So nice! We also heard the good news that we both have jobs in the Rockies this summer! As wranglers! I can't wait!!!! Horses for the summer again!
When we had figured it all out we headed to the Royal Mountain Police Musical Ride Training. Since we got there before it opened, we snuck (there was no one around so we just walked in) and watched the morning practice. It was really fun to watch the horses ride and it made me hope that I could ride again soon.
After watching the morning ride we headed to the Mountie museum where we could get a guided tour of the stables. It was really cool to see what goes on behind the scenes. We got to learn about what it takes to be a rider and a horse in this program! We also got to see the riders and talk to some of them, as well as meet some of the horses, such as Altivo and Shadow. Very nice horses, and people too!
After the horses we headed downtown to see some of the sights. Our first stop was the Australian High Commission where we got some information. Then we headed to the Parliament building. We really ( read me) wanted to see Question Period. Unfortunately we didn't make it on time, so we need to head back tomorrow. So instead we went to the Supreme Court. We walked around for a bit and gave ourself a self guided tour. Pretty cool!
Then we headed to lunch! After some re-energizing we headed back to the car and then to Rideau Hall. This is where the Governor General lives. Unfortunately the inside was not get open to tours, but we were more than welcome to walk the grounds. So we did, there was lots of cool stuff to see there, including a totem pole, an inukshuk, and lots of trees planted by dignitaries from all over the world.
A after walking around for a while we spent some time int he car, listening to Harry Potter and Joel even took a nap in the sun! Then we headed to our home for the night. There we were met by a friendly couch surfer who let us in, showered us, gave us drinks, and headed off for the night.
We spent the night watching movies, eating, and relaxing. It was very nice. Relaxing and just not doing anything. So nice! We also heard the good news that we both have jobs in the Rockies this summer! As wranglers! I can't wait!!!! Horses for the summer again!
Day 63: The Sugar Shack
Today Joel and I woke up outside Montreal. The original plan was to spend another day in Montreal, but we decided we had had enough of the big cities and wanted to head back into the country. Meaning today was the day we were hitting up the Sugar Shack! I was so excited. We had learned in Quebec City that Quebec makes 80-85% of the world's Maple Syrup and we were going to head to one of these Maple Syrup Farms to take a look as well as enjoy a delicious meal (all-you-can-eat!)
So we headed North of Montreal where many of these places could be found. Our first stop was the Villa du Sucre. But after poking around for a bit we were convinced it was closed, either for the season or for the day we didn't know, but definitely closed. And after a brief encounter with what we can only assume was the owner, we decided we didn't want to come back the next day when it would be open! So we headed down the road to try the next one. There were like 5 in the same area, we were hoping at least one would be open! And success, this second one was indeed open! This one was called: Cabane a sucre Constantin. So we got there around 9:30. When I walked in to talk to the manager, in French, he informed me they would open their breakfast service at about 11. So we sat in the car for a little warming in the sun and then headed down the trail to explore the farm. There were lots of maple trees, and lots of connecting tubes that helped collect the syrup. It is no longer the days of using a metal bucket to collect this.
As we walked through the forest we noticed that the syrup looked a lot like water. Which we learned is the case, it isn't till later that it aquires its golden look. When the trees first pump it out it looks a lot like sugar water! After walking around for a while, we headed back to the main house where lunch/breakfast was being served! And how delicious was it!
We started with bread and butter as well as patte for the bread. After having some of that they brought us each pea soup. After the soup we got the main meal which was omelletes, which pork rinds, ham, potato, sausages, cole slaw, and beans. All of it involved some level of maple syrup! And it was all you can eat! I was so full before we even really finished any of it!! Although I did have some more helpings of the sausages covered in maple syrup! That was very delicious.
Then came my favorite part: dessert. There were four choices, and we each picked all four! It was bread pudding, crepes, ice cream, and my absolute favourite (as well as Joel's) was the maple pie. It had this amazing maple inside that was like a spread and we put ice cream on top and it was to die for! So delicious! I wanted a second piece but couldn't manage it, Joel wanted one and I tried to order it, but it got lost in translation and we ended up with another bread pudding. That was good too, but not as good. Guess I still have some work to do on my French! Although overall I am pretty happy about how well it was going!
After lunch we headed back to the car to let the food digest for a bit, because we still had my favourite part coming up. Something I had done as a child not only at school, but in Girl Guide Camps. Tire sur la neige! It is when the heat up maple syrup and poor it over snow, then you take a Popsicle stick and roll up the maple syrup making a sort of lollipop! It is awesome! So when our food was digested we headed over to the station that did this and started doing it! I must have had 5 or 6, if not more! So good and delicious, Joel had less (clearly he is not Canadian!)
After the sugar shack we headed to Ottawa, were we are spending a couple days (I can not wait!) We didn't have big plans for today, but went to the mall to spend some time relaxing and using the internet. We also stopped to buy a build-a-bear (a.k.a. Joel bought one for me)! She is cute and lovely, a beautiful dog with hearts all over her, I named her Love-a-Dove :) After that we headed to a Walmart to sleep. Our first Walmart was a no-go. Signs everywhere said no overnight parking. We seem to only find these in Canada! But our second one was good, albeit a little sketchy, but what else were we going to do? I sent out some couch surfing requests so hopefully tomorrow we have a safe and nice bed, and not a kinda sketchy Walmart! (spoiler alert: we survive the sketchy Walmart without a problem and get couchsurfing for the next night! For all you who are worried about our safety!) Tomorrow is Parliament Hill and I can not wait!!!!
So we headed North of Montreal where many of these places could be found. Our first stop was the Villa du Sucre. But after poking around for a bit we were convinced it was closed, either for the season or for the day we didn't know, but definitely closed. And after a brief encounter with what we can only assume was the owner, we decided we didn't want to come back the next day when it would be open! So we headed down the road to try the next one. There were like 5 in the same area, we were hoping at least one would be open! And success, this second one was indeed open! This one was called: Cabane a sucre Constantin. So we got there around 9:30. When I walked in to talk to the manager, in French, he informed me they would open their breakfast service at about 11. So we sat in the car for a little warming in the sun and then headed down the trail to explore the farm. There were lots of maple trees, and lots of connecting tubes that helped collect the syrup. It is no longer the days of using a metal bucket to collect this.
As we walked through the forest we noticed that the syrup looked a lot like water. Which we learned is the case, it isn't till later that it aquires its golden look. When the trees first pump it out it looks a lot like sugar water! After walking around for a while, we headed back to the main house where lunch/breakfast was being served! And how delicious was it!
We started with bread and butter as well as patte for the bread. After having some of that they brought us each pea soup. After the soup we got the main meal which was omelletes, which pork rinds, ham, potato, sausages, cole slaw, and beans. All of it involved some level of maple syrup! And it was all you can eat! I was so full before we even really finished any of it!! Although I did have some more helpings of the sausages covered in maple syrup! That was very delicious.
Then came my favorite part: dessert. There were four choices, and we each picked all four! It was bread pudding, crepes, ice cream, and my absolute favourite (as well as Joel's) was the maple pie. It had this amazing maple inside that was like a spread and we put ice cream on top and it was to die for! So delicious! I wanted a second piece but couldn't manage it, Joel wanted one and I tried to order it, but it got lost in translation and we ended up with another bread pudding. That was good too, but not as good. Guess I still have some work to do on my French! Although overall I am pretty happy about how well it was going!
After lunch we headed back to the car to let the food digest for a bit, because we still had my favourite part coming up. Something I had done as a child not only at school, but in Girl Guide Camps. Tire sur la neige! It is when the heat up maple syrup and poor it over snow, then you take a Popsicle stick and roll up the maple syrup making a sort of lollipop! It is awesome! So when our food was digested we headed over to the station that did this and started doing it! I must have had 5 or 6, if not more! So good and delicious, Joel had less (clearly he is not Canadian!)
After the sugar shack we headed to Ottawa, were we are spending a couple days (I can not wait!) We didn't have big plans for today, but went to the mall to spend some time relaxing and using the internet. We also stopped to buy a build-a-bear (a.k.a. Joel bought one for me)! She is cute and lovely, a beautiful dog with hearts all over her, I named her Love-a-Dove :) After that we headed to a Walmart to sleep. Our first Walmart was a no-go. Signs everywhere said no overnight parking. We seem to only find these in Canada! But our second one was good, albeit a little sketchy, but what else were we going to do? I sent out some couch surfing requests so hopefully tomorrow we have a safe and nice bed, and not a kinda sketchy Walmart! (spoiler alert: we survive the sketchy Walmart without a problem and get couchsurfing for the next night! For all you who are worried about our safety!) Tomorrow is Parliament Hill and I can not wait!!!!
Monday 22 April 2013
Day 62: Montreal!
Joel and I woke up late again this morning. Since we hadn't gone to bed till one or later in the morning, sleeping in was quite nice! We got up eventually, to a very sunny day, and had showers.
We finally packed and headed out. Saying goodbye to our couch surfer was our last major event in Quebec City. From there we drove all the way to Montreal. It was a nice drive, not too long, fairly flat.
When we got to Montreal our first stop was the Olympic building. We took a look and drove around it. It was a really cool building, architecturally. After seeing this we headed to downtown Montreal, near the university. We got there and it was packed with people, walking and driving all over the place.
Eventually we found parking and headed to Mount Royal. We walked all the way to the top of mountain. There is a gorgeous view of the entire city. We then hiked back down the hill, past the university and towards old Montreal.
We walked all the way to old Montreal and then wandered the streets for a while. There were plenty of very nice buildings, including several very old churches. After wondering the streets for a while we headed to a restaurant I had found in the guidebook. To get there we walked through Chinatown. It was cool seeing all the different stores and restaurants.
We finally got to the restaurant I wanted to be at, a nice Vietnamese place. Unfortunately it was not open, and we have no idea why! But we decided to walk back to our car and hopefully find something along the way.
We stopped at a place called the 3 Brasserie. It was an old brewery that had special French pizzas. So we sat down for a nice dinner. I had a French pizza which was delicious. But Joel had pork shank which was not all that great. So kinda split on how we feel about this restaurant.
We then got to our car and drove to Laval where we had found a Walmart to sleep at. When we got there, there was another big RV which made us feel good about it! And then tomorrow we are heading to a sugar shack! I can't wait!
We finally packed and headed out. Saying goodbye to our couch surfer was our last major event in Quebec City. From there we drove all the way to Montreal. It was a nice drive, not too long, fairly flat.
When we got to Montreal our first stop was the Olympic building. We took a look and drove around it. It was a really cool building, architecturally. After seeing this we headed to downtown Montreal, near the university. We got there and it was packed with people, walking and driving all over the place.
Eventually we found parking and headed to Mount Royal. We walked all the way to the top of mountain. There is a gorgeous view of the entire city. We then hiked back down the hill, past the university and towards old Montreal.
We walked all the way to old Montreal and then wandered the streets for a while. There were plenty of very nice buildings, including several very old churches. After wondering the streets for a while we headed to a restaurant I had found in the guidebook. To get there we walked through Chinatown. It was cool seeing all the different stores and restaurants.
We finally got to the restaurant I wanted to be at, a nice Vietnamese place. Unfortunately it was not open, and we have no idea why! But we decided to walk back to our car and hopefully find something along the way.
We stopped at a place called the 3 Brasserie. It was an old brewery that had special French pizzas. So we sat down for a nice dinner. I had a French pizza which was delicious. But Joel had pork shank which was not all that great. So kinda split on how we feel about this restaurant.
We then got to our car and drove to Laval where we had found a Walmart to sleep at. When we got there, there was another big RV which made us feel good about it! And then tomorrow we are heading to a sugar shack! I can't wait!
Day 61: Vieux Quebec
We woke up a little late this morning as we were out a little but later than usual last night. After showering we got dressed and headed out to meet our new friend for poutine. We parked near her apartment and headed to the Snackbar. Before we got there though we stopped at the oldest grocery store still in operation in North America. It was really fun to walk through, lots of cool meats and cheeses. There was rows upon rows of herbs and olive oil. It was fun to poke around in this area. But after a couple minutes we started to get hungry. So we kept walking towards the Snackbar. This is one of the best poutine restaurants in Quebec City, where apparently it was first created! It was delicious and greasy. We ate with gusto and before we knew it there was no more food left.
We then headed down the street and walked into old Quebe. It was very winding and old. It reminded both Joel and I of Europe. Lots of winding streets with little shops and cafes. It was really fun to walk around. After walking all the way down to the water we headed back up the hill. Walking along the Governors Promenade we made it to the top. There we walked along the citadel, a huge fortress that was built to protect the city.
After leaving the citadel we headed to the Plains of Abraham. This is a famous battlefield where the French lost Quebec City. It was here that Wolfe and Montcalm meet in a fierce battle, where both the generals would meet their end. Now it is a park, quiet nice, albeit a little windy. Lots of people walking around in the area, bikers and runners as well. After all this walking we headed to our friends apartment for some tea. We needed something warm to defrost our limbs!
After saying goodbye to new friend we headed to McDonald for some Internet. And then we headed back to our couch surfer's house. There we took a quick nap before heading out for another night on the town.
Our first stop was a house party, filled with circus people. The house had a giant pole in the middle that people used to practice their circus moves. It was really fun to watch this! And the people were very friendly and fun to talk to. After spending some time there we headed to our next stop. This was a little bar in the wall. Really fun, with one guy singing on the guitar. It was crazy! Everyone knew the words to all these famous French songs. It was really fun to just take it all in! What a great atmosphere :)
After some time there, we headed back to our bed for the night. It was much later than what we were used to. So we fell asleep almost instantly! And tomorrow we head to Montreal!
We then headed down the street and walked into old Quebe. It was very winding and old. It reminded both Joel and I of Europe. Lots of winding streets with little shops and cafes. It was really fun to walk around. After walking all the way down to the water we headed back up the hill. Walking along the Governors Promenade we made it to the top. There we walked along the citadel, a huge fortress that was built to protect the city.
After leaving the citadel we headed to the Plains of Abraham. This is a famous battlefield where the French lost Quebec City. It was here that Wolfe and Montcalm meet in a fierce battle, where both the generals would meet their end. Now it is a park, quiet nice, albeit a little windy. Lots of people walking around in the area, bikers and runners as well. After all this walking we headed to our friends apartment for some tea. We needed something warm to defrost our limbs!
After saying goodbye to new friend we headed to McDonald for some Internet. And then we headed back to our couch surfer's house. There we took a quick nap before heading out for another night on the town.
Our first stop was a house party, filled with circus people. The house had a giant pole in the middle that people used to practice their circus moves. It was really fun to watch this! And the people were very friendly and fun to talk to. After spending some time there we headed to our next stop. This was a little bar in the wall. Really fun, with one guy singing on the guitar. It was crazy! Everyone knew the words to all these famous French songs. It was really fun to just take it all in! What a great atmosphere :)
After some time there, we headed back to our bed for the night. It was much later than what we were used to. So we fell asleep almost instantly! And tomorrow we head to Montreal!
Saturday 20 April 2013
Day 60: Bienvenue a Quebec
Joel and I woke up this morning in Quebec! We made it to the French speaking province! And today we are heading to Quebec City, a very small, but quaint, French dominantly speaking city. Luckily we had found a couch surfer to stay which at least for the first night and possibly for more (spoiler: he let us stay two nights!) So we headed towards another shower (so soon after the last one!) and another city!
Before we went into Quebec proper we headed to Wendake which has a recreation of a Huron Village. This area of Quebec is still where a large population of Huron people live today. They were moved several times during the wars between the French and British which left this particular Indigenous group devastated Between the wars, the Iroquois, and disease, many Hurons where wiped out. But we headed to a place where we could learn about their culture.
We entered the park, for lack of a better word, and were informed that unfortunately all their tours were in French, but we were more than welcome to walk around and explore ourselves with a free guidebook in English. We took this option! It was a really cool recreation of a village, including a long-house, a shaman house, canoes, and areas for smoking fish. There were also displays about the hunting and fishing that the Huron did as well as the current economic and social status of the peoples. There were also some displays from other Canadian groups such as the Inukshuk and a tipi. Neither of which were originally used by the Huron, but cool nonetheless.
We also spent time looking at the way the Huron used to heard deer into a small enclosure where the hunters would be waiting. Interestingly enough the Plains people of what is now Alberta did that same thing with the Buffalo. Interesting how there are some very similar aspects between the two groups even with the little interaction that they had.
After the village we headed into Quebec proper to look at a chocolate museum We spent some time looking around this small one room museum and learning all about the production of chocolate. We then explored a little, but not too much because we were doing that tomorrow! We headed back to the car only to find that we had a parking ticket!!! Unfortunately we had parked right in front of a fire hydrant. Which was not clearly marked and had no sign in front of it saying no parking in this area. But apparently here it is simply common knowledge and you need to look around for them. So we headed to the police station to pay off our 46 dollar ticket ..Oh well, it was bound to happen at least once on this trip! And hopefully it will be the only one!
After the police station we headed to Subway for dinner, where I ordered in French, all those years of class are finally paying off! I can order Subway :) But it was pretty cool to walk around all day and be able to communicate with people in French. I missed a couple things, but all-in-all I knew what was going on!
We then headed to meet our couch surfer for the night. He was very welcoming and friendly and made us some tea and taught Joel and re-taught me to play Cribbage. A really fun game I learned at camp one summer. He then invited us to come along bowling with his friends. We gladly agreed and headed to the bowling lane.
After three hours of bowling and drinks, a really fun combination in some peoples case, we headed back home. We had made plans with one of our surfers friends to meet up for poutine tomorrow. I can't wait! It is one of the things I am most excited for in Quebec! And we made more new friends, never anything wrong with that! We also stayed up past midnight, for the first time in forever! Practically party animals again! Tomorrow is poutine, new friends, and old Quebec, I can't wait!
Before we went into Quebec proper we headed to Wendake which has a recreation of a Huron Village. This area of Quebec is still where a large population of Huron people live today. They were moved several times during the wars between the French and British which left this particular Indigenous group devastated Between the wars, the Iroquois, and disease, many Hurons where wiped out. But we headed to a place where we could learn about their culture.
We entered the park, for lack of a better word, and were informed that unfortunately all their tours were in French, but we were more than welcome to walk around and explore ourselves with a free guidebook in English. We took this option! It was a really cool recreation of a village, including a long-house, a shaman house, canoes, and areas for smoking fish. There were also displays about the hunting and fishing that the Huron did as well as the current economic and social status of the peoples. There were also some displays from other Canadian groups such as the Inukshuk and a tipi. Neither of which were originally used by the Huron, but cool nonetheless.
We also spent time looking at the way the Huron used to heard deer into a small enclosure where the hunters would be waiting. Interestingly enough the Plains people of what is now Alberta did that same thing with the Buffalo. Interesting how there are some very similar aspects between the two groups even with the little interaction that they had.
After the village we headed into Quebec proper to look at a chocolate museum We spent some time looking around this small one room museum and learning all about the production of chocolate. We then explored a little, but not too much because we were doing that tomorrow! We headed back to the car only to find that we had a parking ticket!!! Unfortunately we had parked right in front of a fire hydrant. Which was not clearly marked and had no sign in front of it saying no parking in this area. But apparently here it is simply common knowledge and you need to look around for them. So we headed to the police station to pay off our 46 dollar ticket ..Oh well, it was bound to happen at least once on this trip! And hopefully it will be the only one!
After the police station we headed to Subway for dinner, where I ordered in French, all those years of class are finally paying off! I can order Subway :) But it was pretty cool to walk around all day and be able to communicate with people in French. I missed a couple things, but all-in-all I knew what was going on!
We then headed to meet our couch surfer for the night. He was very welcoming and friendly and made us some tea and taught Joel and re-taught me to play Cribbage. A really fun game I learned at camp one summer. He then invited us to come along bowling with his friends. We gladly agreed and headed to the bowling lane.
After three hours of bowling and drinks, a really fun combination in some peoples case, we headed back home. We had made plans with one of our surfers friends to meet up for poutine tomorrow. I can't wait! It is one of the things I am most excited for in Quebec! And we made more new friends, never anything wrong with that! We also stayed up past midnight, for the first time in forever! Practically party animals again! Tomorrow is poutine, new friends, and old Quebec, I can't wait!
Friday 19 April 2013
Day 59: New Brunswick
We woke up in Moncton this morning ready to spend the day exploring New Brunswick. Our first stop was to see the tides at the Bay of Fundy and explore the Hopewell Rocks. These rocks are really cool formations which are also known as the flower pots.
We got to the park and it was closed but it said you may enter at your own risk. So we did. We walked through the empty parking lot, past the closed visitor center and down to the lookouts. There were several nice places to see the low tide. We finally got got to the lookout for the flower pots and it was really cool! We climbs down the steps and jumped a fence to get onto the sea floor. We walked around in the shore, which would in a couple hours be under 10 meters of water, and took some pictures. Joel wen exploring while I sat in the sun and enjoyed! It was pretty cool and we were the only ones there! Pretty nice for a top tourist spot.
After the flower pots we headed to Fredericton the capital of New Brunswick. We didn't stop here but we took a look at the Loyalist Burial ground. Loyalists being Americans who fled the US after the American Revolution. They are called Loyalist because they were still loyal to the British throne. Anyway they had quite an influence in the area of New Brunswick because they were predominantly English speaking! It was pretty neat to see the burial ground which held some of these people. We also drove by a barracks and a parade square from the 1800's. cool old buildings!
After Fredericton we headed to Kings Landing which is a replication city from the 1800's, but after poking around for a bit we discovered it to be closed. So we kept heading to Quebec.
Our last stop for the day was in Hartland which has the worlds longest covered bridge. After driving through the bridge, which was pretty cool, we headed back to the highway and on to a place to sleep for the night. That makes the amount of covered bridges we have see to three, one if California, one in Georgia, and one here! Pretty cool.
We eventually crossed over into Quebec and for the first time in our trip turned our clocks back an hour. Guess we are really heading home! Can't believe we are on the last leg of our journey! Anyway we stayed in a town called Rivière-du-Loup. Found a Walmart, parked outside and settled in for the night. I worked on my Spanish, which is going Ok. Then off to bed and to tomorrow we discover more of Quebec and put my French to the test!
We got to the park and it was closed but it said you may enter at your own risk. So we did. We walked through the empty parking lot, past the closed visitor center and down to the lookouts. There were several nice places to see the low tide. We finally got got to the lookout for the flower pots and it was really cool! We climbs down the steps and jumped a fence to get onto the sea floor. We walked around in the shore, which would in a couple hours be under 10 meters of water, and took some pictures. Joel wen exploring while I sat in the sun and enjoyed! It was pretty cool and we were the only ones there! Pretty nice for a top tourist spot.
After the flower pots we headed to Fredericton the capital of New Brunswick. We didn't stop here but we took a look at the Loyalist Burial ground. Loyalists being Americans who fled the US after the American Revolution. They are called Loyalist because they were still loyal to the British throne. Anyway they had quite an influence in the area of New Brunswick because they were predominantly English speaking! It was pretty neat to see the burial ground which held some of these people. We also drove by a barracks and a parade square from the 1800's. cool old buildings!
After Fredericton we headed to Kings Landing which is a replication city from the 1800's, but after poking around for a bit we discovered it to be closed. So we kept heading to Quebec.
Our last stop for the day was in Hartland which has the worlds longest covered bridge. After driving through the bridge, which was pretty cool, we headed back to the highway and on to a place to sleep for the night. That makes the amount of covered bridges we have see to three, one if California, one in Georgia, and one here! Pretty cool.
We eventually crossed over into Quebec and for the first time in our trip turned our clocks back an hour. Guess we are really heading home! Can't believe we are on the last leg of our journey! Anyway we stayed in a town called Rivière-du-Loup. Found a Walmart, parked outside and settled in for the night. I worked on my Spanish, which is going Ok. Then off to bed and to tomorrow we discover more of Quebec and put my French to the test!
Thursday 18 April 2013
Day 58: The Last Day in Nova Scotia
We woke up this morning nice and cozy in a bed. It was nice to wake up sprawled out and not squished in the back of a smelly but lovely car. We got to laze about most of the morning as we wanted to get to our next destination at a very specific time.
I went an grabbed hot chocolate with my friend at a cute coffee shop named Tall and Small on the Main Street. It was a really nice cute shop with lots of students studying. The walls were covered with lots of paintings from local artists for sale. I always appreciate little restaurants and cafes that do that.
After coffee I headed back to my friends house where her roommate had made Joel and I waffles. It was definitely a nice treat. So thoughtful of him! Even though he was in the middle of finals!
When we finally left and headed to Truro where we could see the Tidal Bore. It happened at about 6 30 at night. We got to Truro at about 3 o'clock and sat in a McDonalds to use Internet. We hung around and played games on our iPod till 6 o'clock. Then we headed to the location to watch the Tidal Bore. It came out and was less than impressive. We though and expected some thing large, a rushing tide, but no it was a trickle of water that came in. An island of sand slowly got engulfed by the tide that was coming back in.
After the tide we headed to Moncton for dinner. It was going to be a late dinner, but there was a brewery I wanted to try there so it conveniently worked. We got to the Pumphouse at about 8 30 and sat down for dinner. I got a BBQ chicken pizza and Joel a burger. But the real reason for our visit was that I had a beer tasting tray. It had 10 different beers. Everything form stout to ale and my favorite which was blueberry beer. It was fun to taste them all, although I didn't know anything about the differences. It all tasted like beer to me!
After all that deliciousness we headed to Walmart to sleep! Tomorrow we head to the Bay of Fundy and North New Brunswick.
I went an grabbed hot chocolate with my friend at a cute coffee shop named Tall and Small on the Main Street. It was a really nice cute shop with lots of students studying. The walls were covered with lots of paintings from local artists for sale. I always appreciate little restaurants and cafes that do that.
After coffee I headed back to my friends house where her roommate had made Joel and I waffles. It was definitely a nice treat. So thoughtful of him! Even though he was in the middle of finals!
When we finally left and headed to Truro where we could see the Tidal Bore. It happened at about 6 30 at night. We got to Truro at about 3 o'clock and sat in a McDonalds to use Internet. We hung around and played games on our iPod till 6 o'clock. Then we headed to the location to watch the Tidal Bore. It came out and was less than impressive. We though and expected some thing large, a rushing tide, but no it was a trickle of water that came in. An island of sand slowly got engulfed by the tide that was coming back in.
After the tide we headed to Moncton for dinner. It was going to be a late dinner, but there was a brewery I wanted to try there so it conveniently worked. We got to the Pumphouse at about 8 30 and sat down for dinner. I got a BBQ chicken pizza and Joel a burger. But the real reason for our visit was that I had a beer tasting tray. It had 10 different beers. Everything form stout to ale and my favorite which was blueberry beer. It was fun to taste them all, although I didn't know anything about the differences. It all tasted like beer to me!
After all that deliciousness we headed to Walmart to sleep! Tomorrow we head to the Bay of Fundy and North New Brunswick.
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Day 57: Friends and Relaxation
We woke up this morning it Antigonish, but since we were not meeting with my friends till later that day we had a very relaxed morning. After spending an hour or so snoozing in the back in the car we headed to McDonald's for some Internet. We spent a couple hours there, even watched part of a movie, before we headed to my friends house.
When we got to the house, it was a typical university house. Lots of bottles and not too clean! They are in the middle of finals so I totally related. It was not too long ago that I was like that too! So my friend let us enter her house and then headed of to the library to study. We enjoyed a nice afternoon hanging out and talking to he roommate who was really cool. At about 6 o'clock we headed to a dinner place to meet up with my friend. It was a really nice place where we had souvlaki wraps. After a great dinner we headed back to my friends apartment to spend the night.
When we got to the house, it was a typical university house. Lots of bottles and not too clean! They are in the middle of finals so I totally related. It was not too long ago that I was like that too! So my friend let us enter her house and then headed of to the library to study. We enjoyed a nice afternoon hanging out and talking to he roommate who was really cool. At about 6 o'clock we headed to a dinner place to meet up with my friend. It was a really nice place where we had souvlaki wraps. After a great dinner we headed back to my friends apartment to spend the night.
Monday 15 April 2013
Day 56: Highland Fling
We woke up this morning to people ordering the coffee at the local Tim Hortons. We had parked near the drive through and Joel said he had woken up at around 6 when it opened! Luckily I am a deeper sleeper and didn't get up till around 8. Sluggishly I pulled myself out of bed and headed to the timmies for a nutritious breakfast of hot chocolate and donuts.
Then Joel and I headed down the road to enter into the Cape Breton National Park. We tried to buy an entry pass, but everything was boarded up so we just drove through! And what. drive it was. It was gorgeously majestic. And every turn opened to another view of the snow capped trees or ice infused ocean. After one lucky turn we even saw a moose running across the road. It was, for me, one of the best drives we have done. We drove through a couple little fishing towns, but as the trend held most things were closed.
After driving all the way through the park we headed east to Sydney and Louisborg. We drove through Sydney, we would be back there later and headed to the tip of Nova Scotia to visit a French fortress which switched hands between the French and the British multiple times. It was a fortress that had taken years to build and only days to fall. I was very excited to visit this piece of Canadian history!
But just like everything else, most of it was closed. Although we could walk through the area and although it was eerily empty the entire atmosphere of a historical town was missing. However it was very cool to walk around the deserted town and old ruins and imagine what it would have been like to live there. How cold it would have been, we were cold and it was April! I can only imagine what it must have felt like in January! And without the heating and clothing technology we have today. No wonder it took so long for the Europeans to finally settle in this area.
After Louisborg we headed back to Sydney where we were planning to stay the night. Unfortunately we couldn't find a good place so after some subway we headed back south to Antigunish where we are hoping to meet a friend tomorrow . We drove down Cape Breton just as the sun was setting and it was beautiful. The contrast between the orange of the sun, the pink of the sky, the blue of the icy water, and the green of the trees was something right out of a painting. Really fun to drive along. And then back to Tim Hortons for some hot chocolate to warm us up! And soon it is off to bed and tomorrow we get showers to the first time since Washington!
Then Joel and I headed down the road to enter into the Cape Breton National Park. We tried to buy an entry pass, but everything was boarded up so we just drove through! And what. drive it was. It was gorgeously majestic. And every turn opened to another view of the snow capped trees or ice infused ocean. After one lucky turn we even saw a moose running across the road. It was, for me, one of the best drives we have done. We drove through a couple little fishing towns, but as the trend held most things were closed.
After driving all the way through the park we headed east to Sydney and Louisborg. We drove through Sydney, we would be back there later and headed to the tip of Nova Scotia to visit a French fortress which switched hands between the French and the British multiple times. It was a fortress that had taken years to build and only days to fall. I was very excited to visit this piece of Canadian history!
But just like everything else, most of it was closed. Although we could walk through the area and although it was eerily empty the entire atmosphere of a historical town was missing. However it was very cool to walk around the deserted town and old ruins and imagine what it would have been like to live there. How cold it would have been, we were cold and it was April! I can only imagine what it must have felt like in January! And without the heating and clothing technology we have today. No wonder it took so long for the Europeans to finally settle in this area.
After Louisborg we headed back to Sydney where we were planning to stay the night. Unfortunately we couldn't find a good place so after some subway we headed back south to Antigunish where we are hoping to meet a friend tomorrow . We drove down Cape Breton just as the sun was setting and it was beautiful. The contrast between the orange of the sun, the pink of the sky, the blue of the icy water, and the green of the trees was something right out of a painting. Really fun to drive along. And then back to Tim Hortons for some hot chocolate to warm us up! And soon it is off to bed and tomorrow we get showers to the first time since Washington!
Day 55: Snow Flurries and Mini Icebergs
Joel and I woke up this morning to more snow falling. It seems as if spring is not yet ready to come to this part of the world yet. And from what I hear, not ready for most of the world. Although I now longingly think to only 5 days ago in Washington and Philadelphia where it was too hot to wear jeans! Not anymore, not here! We are layering up with wool socks and winter jackets! Gotta keep nice and warm!
Anyway we headed up to the Ceilidh trail and the Cabot trail up on Cape Breton. This part of Canada is deeply influenced by Scottish and French as well as Acadian roots. During the summer months there are lots of festivals and music. Unfortunately for us it was not summer and most things were closed. This, however, coupled with the snow/rain that fell all day gave the whole area an old fishing town look.
We set down the Ceilidh trail which would eventually become the Cabot Trail. It was a nice drive with lots of little houses and some small towns. We stopped a couple times to take some walks. We could see the ocean from where we drove and there was still plenty of ice floating around in it. As the day wore on we only saw more snow and ice.
Eventually we made it to the Cabot Trail. This would lead us to where we planned on staying for the night. At around 3 o'clock we arrived in Cheticamp. This is a small town on the ocean which has a deep French influence. Also the only Tim Hortons for a long time. We stopped for some hot chocolate, it was still too early for dinner. We then took a nap in the back of the car. We woke up around 5 30 ( we hadn't actually meant to fall asleep) and headed to the All Aboard for dinner. It was a small restaurant which was only open till 7! Lots of locals, especially at this time of the year! I had fish and chips and Joel had a delicious shrimp pasta. We shared both the meals and they were very yummy.
When leaving we asked our waitress if there was anywhere that there would be music, for this area is famous for it. Unfortunately she informed us that there was nothing, it was the off season and a Sunday night after all! But she then told us about a variety show that was being out on at the Acadien Centre, so we headed over. It was a two hour show, that involved much of the community. It was everything from music, to bands, to comedians, skits, and even cross-dressers. I spent much of it laughing. There was a skit about making rumcake and one about fixing fishing traps. There was music from a high school band as well as a fiddle and a group of high school boys who sang Call Me maybe and Gangman Style.
After the show we headed back to the Tim Hortons where we arranged the car for sleep. After watching part of a movie we fell asleep in our warm sleeping bags. And tomorrow we head into the national park!
Anyway we headed up to the Ceilidh trail and the Cabot trail up on Cape Breton. This part of Canada is deeply influenced by Scottish and French as well as Acadian roots. During the summer months there are lots of festivals and music. Unfortunately for us it was not summer and most things were closed. This, however, coupled with the snow/rain that fell all day gave the whole area an old fishing town look.
We set down the Ceilidh trail which would eventually become the Cabot Trail. It was a nice drive with lots of little houses and some small towns. We stopped a couple times to take some walks. We could see the ocean from where we drove and there was still plenty of ice floating around in it. As the day wore on we only saw more snow and ice.
Eventually we made it to the Cabot Trail. This would lead us to where we planned on staying for the night. At around 3 o'clock we arrived in Cheticamp. This is a small town on the ocean which has a deep French influence. Also the only Tim Hortons for a long time. We stopped for some hot chocolate, it was still too early for dinner. We then took a nap in the back of the car. We woke up around 5 30 ( we hadn't actually meant to fall asleep) and headed to the All Aboard for dinner. It was a small restaurant which was only open till 7! Lots of locals, especially at this time of the year! I had fish and chips and Joel had a delicious shrimp pasta. We shared both the meals and they were very yummy.
When leaving we asked our waitress if there was anywhere that there would be music, for this area is famous for it. Unfortunately she informed us that there was nothing, it was the off season and a Sunday night after all! But she then told us about a variety show that was being out on at the Acadien Centre, so we headed over. It was a two hour show, that involved much of the community. It was everything from music, to bands, to comedians, skits, and even cross-dressers. I spent much of it laughing. There was a skit about making rumcake and one about fixing fishing traps. There was music from a high school band as well as a fiddle and a group of high school boys who sang Call Me maybe and Gangman Style.
After the show we headed back to the Tim Hortons where we arranged the car for sleep. After watching part of a movie we fell asleep in our warm sleeping bags. And tomorrow we head into the national park!
Sunday 14 April 2013
Day 54: Halifax in the Rain
Joel and I woke up early this morning because I was dead set on going to the farmers market in Halifax. So we got up early, and luckily since the snow had turned to rain during the night the roads were snow free! Off we went through the cold rain to downtown Halifax! The city was nice, at least what we could see of it!
We parked the car in a free spot and headed to the brewery where the farmers market was supposed to be. When we got there though it was three vendors and a man playing the fiddle, no exactly what I was expecting! So disappointedly we headed back to the car. We consulted the guide and read that the farmers market had opened a second location not too far from the first. So Joel convinced me we should try it!
And what a success! Apparently this is the oldest farmers market in Canada and it was such fun! We walked around looking at all the food and crafts. I bought a new necklace and then Joel and I shared a pork bun and some sushi. We wondered for about an hour! Then we both grabbed some tea, I had Nova Scotia blueberry and Joel and oh so mango. And then we sat and listened to music ( a harp and then a fiddle) and people watched. We did this for another hour. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! I could do that every weekend!
After the farmers market we headed to the hill in the middle of the city. This hill has a giant citadel on it, which apparently is one of the most visited historic sights in Canada. When we went it was wet and almost completely deserted. It was really nice to wonder around and look at all the old cannons and imagine what it would have been like in the 1800s. At noon the cannon went off! Which shocked me! I was not ready for it, but apparently Joel knew cause he read about it!
After wondering around some more we headed back to car and back to the Walmart. There was not much more too do with no money in the rain. So we spent the afternoon in the car reading and listening to music.
For dinner though I convinced Joel to go to Montana's one of my favourite restaurants as a child. It is really cool an you can draw on the table cloth with crayon. It was awesome and fun! Then we headed back to the car to snuggle and sleep nice and warm in our sleeping bags! Tomorrow we head north on the Cabot Trail and I can't wait!
We parked the car in a free spot and headed to the brewery where the farmers market was supposed to be. When we got there though it was three vendors and a man playing the fiddle, no exactly what I was expecting! So disappointedly we headed back to the car. We consulted the guide and read that the farmers market had opened a second location not too far from the first. So Joel convinced me we should try it!
And what a success! Apparently this is the oldest farmers market in Canada and it was such fun! We walked around looking at all the food and crafts. I bought a new necklace and then Joel and I shared a pork bun and some sushi. We wondered for about an hour! Then we both grabbed some tea, I had Nova Scotia blueberry and Joel and oh so mango. And then we sat and listened to music ( a harp and then a fiddle) and people watched. We did this for another hour. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! I could do that every weekend!
After the farmers market we headed to the hill in the middle of the city. This hill has a giant citadel on it, which apparently is one of the most visited historic sights in Canada. When we went it was wet and almost completely deserted. It was really nice to wonder around and look at all the old cannons and imagine what it would have been like in the 1800s. At noon the cannon went off! Which shocked me! I was not ready for it, but apparently Joel knew cause he read about it!
After wondering around some more we headed back to car and back to the Walmart. There was not much more too do with no money in the rain. So we spent the afternoon in the car reading and listening to music.
For dinner though I convinced Joel to go to Montana's one of my favourite restaurants as a child. It is really cool an you can draw on the table cloth with crayon. It was awesome and fun! Then we headed back to the car to snuggle and sleep nice and warm in our sleeping bags! Tomorrow we head north on the Cabot Trail and I can't wait!
Saturday 13 April 2013
Day 53: First Day Back in Canada
We woke up this morning to a rather cold chill in the air. Thankfully there was no snow on the ground (yet). We got dressed quickly (jeans are definitely cold when putting them on in the morning)! We headed into Walmart this morning for some last minute cheap food and to do some bathroom things. Then we hopped in the car and headed up North.
All in all today was a rather boring day. We spent much of the time in the car and stopped to eat. We decided to drive all the way to Halifax and spend more time in New Brunswick on the way back. So it was a pretty much straight shoot. We did stop three times for food: Tim Hortons (if was nice to be in Canadian Tim Hortons again!), Wendy's, and DQ for blizzards. Our first town was the first town across the border. It was called Woodstock, a cute little town with lots of friendly people. We spent some time at the post sending letters (or in Joel's case his taxes).
From there we headed down a toll road (I did not know this was a thing in Canada as well as America) and drove through a time zone (we have passed through a lot now!). In the end we got to Halifax at about 4 30. We were hoping to spend some time with friends but never heard back from then. So instead we wondered around and looked at some stores. Then we settled in at a cozy Walmart for the night.
As 10 o'clock rolled around we started to notice that it was snowing! And luckily it was not too cold, and as the night wore on the snow turned to rain, but it still snowed! In April! It was nice to see again, although I would rather have snow when living inside. And tomorrow we are heading into Halifax! Hopefully there is no snow on the roads!!
All in all today was a rather boring day. We spent much of the time in the car and stopped to eat. We decided to drive all the way to Halifax and spend more time in New Brunswick on the way back. So it was a pretty much straight shoot. We did stop three times for food: Tim Hortons (if was nice to be in Canadian Tim Hortons again!), Wendy's, and DQ for blizzards. Our first town was the first town across the border. It was called Woodstock, a cute little town with lots of friendly people. We spent some time at the post sending letters (or in Joel's case his taxes).
From there we headed down a toll road (I did not know this was a thing in Canada as well as America) and drove through a time zone (we have passed through a lot now!). In the end we got to Halifax at about 4 30. We were hoping to spend some time with friends but never heard back from then. So instead we wondered around and looked at some stores. Then we settled in at a cozy Walmart for the night.
As 10 o'clock rolled around we started to notice that it was snowing! And luckily it was not too cold, and as the night wore on the snow turned to rain, but it still snowed! In April! It was nice to see again, although I would rather have snow when living inside. And tomorrow we are heading into Halifax! Hopefully there is no snow on the roads!!
Friday 12 April 2013
Day 52: Last Day in America
Joel and I woke up in the car again for the first time in forever. Although there had been lots of noise and light I sleep beautifully. We got the car ready to leave and headed into the casino for some teeth brushing and bathroom time.
Our first stop for the day was in Providence. We drove over to benefit street and appreciated the old houses. Apparently it is the street with the highest concentration of historical houses in America. We took some pictures and drove around for a bit appreciating it. The houses were old and very nice indeed.
After Providence we headed to Boston. Our plan there was to go and take a look at the USS Constitution. A very old ship from the American navy. So we drove around Boston for a while Nd found a parking spot. When we hopped out of the car we headed to the museum. It was a free museum that was actually quite nice. Lots of information on the navy and very famIly friendly. The upstairs floor was all about joining the navy. So Joel and I went through the process of joining the navy and looking at the food you would eat as well as a quick rest in the hammock.
After spending some time in the museum we headed to the USS Constitution for a free guided tour. Our tour guide was a young man from the navy who had been serving for six years. We saw three different levels, each had about a 10 min explanation about what it was used for as well as some history of the ship. It was really a fun tour.
After Boston we kept heading north to Maine. The rest of the day was driving, and as we didn't want to drive down toll roads we headed along more country streets. It was nice to see all the old and small towns that littered the coast. Eventually we found our first Tim Hortons of the trip! And it was delicious!! I was so excited for the best ice cap ever!
After the ice cap we decided to head for dinner at chipotle, possible the last one on the trip. And that was amazing as well! So yummy! Can't wait to have another one! Maybe in Vancouver?
We headed down the road again to a Walmart in Bangor in Maine. There was an area set aside for trucks and cars with surveillance. So we hunkered down and fell asleep! And man it was cold! Someone even told us it was supposed to snow tomorrow, hopefully not! But tomorrow is Canada and I can't wait!
Our first stop for the day was in Providence. We drove over to benefit street and appreciated the old houses. Apparently it is the street with the highest concentration of historical houses in America. We took some pictures and drove around for a bit appreciating it. The houses were old and very nice indeed.
After Providence we headed to Boston. Our plan there was to go and take a look at the USS Constitution. A very old ship from the American navy. So we drove around Boston for a while Nd found a parking spot. When we hopped out of the car we headed to the museum. It was a free museum that was actually quite nice. Lots of information on the navy and very famIly friendly. The upstairs floor was all about joining the navy. So Joel and I went through the process of joining the navy and looking at the food you would eat as well as a quick rest in the hammock.
After spending some time in the museum we headed to the USS Constitution for a free guided tour. Our tour guide was a young man from the navy who had been serving for six years. We saw three different levels, each had about a 10 min explanation about what it was used for as well as some history of the ship. It was really a fun tour.
After Boston we kept heading north to Maine. The rest of the day was driving, and as we didn't want to drive down toll roads we headed along more country streets. It was nice to see all the old and small towns that littered the coast. Eventually we found our first Tim Hortons of the trip! And it was delicious!! I was so excited for the best ice cap ever!
After the ice cap we decided to head for dinner at chipotle, possible the last one on the trip. And that was amazing as well! So yummy! Can't wait to have another one! Maybe in Vancouver?
We headed down the road again to a Walmart in Bangor in Maine. There was an area set aside for trucks and cars with surveillance. So we hunkered down and fell asleep! And man it was cold! Someone even told us it was supposed to snow tomorrow, hopefully not! But tomorrow is Canada and I can't wait!
Day 51: Back on The Road
Joel and I woke up early this morning in an attempt to leave early. Unfortunately we got distracted by packing and having a delicious breakfast. So after an hour or so later than we though we headed out. We were given sandwiches, grapes, drinks, cookies, bananas, and chips for our journey! My mothers friend we stays with was so generous!
We drove to Baltimore as our first stop. Although we didn't stop anywhere we did drive around. We drove past the church where Edgar Allen Poe is buried and then we kept driving. We saw some very neat neighborhoods and enjoyed driving around the area.
After Baltimore we headed to Philadelphia for some cheesesteaks. We stopped at Pat's King of Steaks the original place for the Philadelphia cheesesteak. It was a very old building apparently the same building that this restaurant opened in during the 1920s. After the cheesesteak we went and got some Italian Ice. It was very hot! And the watermelon and lemonade Italian ice helped cool me down!
After all the food we headed to downtown Philadelphia to see the liberty bell. After wondering around all the old buildings and admiring the liberty bell we headed back to the car.
From there we kept heading north, using toll roads and toll bridges to New York. It cost us about 24 dollars! As Joel commented it was highway robbery! But we made it to New York and kept driving, we didn't want to get stuck in manhattan during rush hour! So on we drove towards Connecticut where we were sleeping that night.
We finally arrived at our bed for the night which happened to be a Casino. Foxwoods Casino is an enormous casino in the middle of nowhere! By the time we got there a lightning storm was over us. But we headed into the casino to look around. It was a really. cool area, lots of restaurants and stores. But it was getting late and so we decided to head back to the car and go to sleep! It was nice to sleep in the car again, weird but nice!
We drove to Baltimore as our first stop. Although we didn't stop anywhere we did drive around. We drove past the church where Edgar Allen Poe is buried and then we kept driving. We saw some very neat neighborhoods and enjoyed driving around the area.
After Baltimore we headed to Philadelphia for some cheesesteaks. We stopped at Pat's King of Steaks the original place for the Philadelphia cheesesteak. It was a very old building apparently the same building that this restaurant opened in during the 1920s. After the cheesesteak we went and got some Italian Ice. It was very hot! And the watermelon and lemonade Italian ice helped cool me down!
After all the food we headed to downtown Philadelphia to see the liberty bell. After wondering around all the old buildings and admiring the liberty bell we headed back to the car.
From there we kept heading north, using toll roads and toll bridges to New York. It cost us about 24 dollars! As Joel commented it was highway robbery! But we made it to New York and kept driving, we didn't want to get stuck in manhattan during rush hour! So on we drove towards Connecticut where we were sleeping that night.
We finally arrived at our bed for the night which happened to be a Casino. Foxwoods Casino is an enormous casino in the middle of nowhere! By the time we got there a lightning storm was over us. But we headed into the casino to look around. It was a really. cool area, lots of restaurants and stores. But it was getting late and so we decided to head back to the car and go to sleep! It was nice to sleep in the car again, weird but nice!
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Day 50: The Blossoms are Out!
We woke up this morning nice and late. I was still somewhat suffering from allergies and Joel was getting over a little bit of a stomach issue, but we decided to brave the world and head into Washington. Before we went however we ensured that we would have enough strength for the day, and we did this by eating cake. That is right cake for breakfast and I regret nothing! It was delicious and very chocolaty.
With a parking pass from our hosts, we drove into the District along the National Mall and parked right on Constitution Avenue. For Free! What a great deal, or rather what amazing hosts! It was such a nice thing to be able to do, I think in all the years I have lived in this area, not once did I park in D.C. The cost is much to high and the parking spots are much too hard to find.
After leaving our car, we headed to the Smithsonian building. We ended up going to two Smithsonian museums today including our first stop at the Museum of American History. It has some really cool exhibits about food in America and how it has shaped society. Another cool one had the slippers that Dorthy wore in the Wizard of Oz.
After this museum we headed down the Mall to the Tidal Basin where the Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing. The blossoms were everywhere and so were the tourists! Joel and I decided it would be fun to rent one of the peddle boats and head into the basin. So we did, and it was amazing. We spent an hour just floating around (well I did, Joel ended up doing a lot of the peddling!) But we soaked up the sun, probably the hottest day we have had yet! And enjoyed the good times.
After returning the boat, we headed to our second museum, the American Indian Museum. Joel was feeling a little tired so he rested while I explored the museum. It was a really cool one, and once of the exhibits I saw was all about Native Americans in society today. Really neat and informative.
After this we headed back into Virginia and stopped at the Lebanese Taverna to pick up some of the most amazing garlic sauce ever! And then to 7-11 for some chips (for the sauce, although it really doesn't need it, I could eat it with a spoon!) and a major Slurpee! After such a hot day that was necessary!
We then went back to our home for the night and settled in for a last night in a nice place for probably the rest of the road trip! But soon we will be back in Canada and I can not wait for some nice Tim Hortons!
With a parking pass from our hosts, we drove into the District along the National Mall and parked right on Constitution Avenue. For Free! What a great deal, or rather what amazing hosts! It was such a nice thing to be able to do, I think in all the years I have lived in this area, not once did I park in D.C. The cost is much to high and the parking spots are much too hard to find.
After leaving our car, we headed to the Smithsonian building. We ended up going to two Smithsonian museums today including our first stop at the Museum of American History. It has some really cool exhibits about food in America and how it has shaped society. Another cool one had the slippers that Dorthy wore in the Wizard of Oz.
After this museum we headed down the Mall to the Tidal Basin where the Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing. The blossoms were everywhere and so were the tourists! Joel and I decided it would be fun to rent one of the peddle boats and head into the basin. So we did, and it was amazing. We spent an hour just floating around (well I did, Joel ended up doing a lot of the peddling!) But we soaked up the sun, probably the hottest day we have had yet! And enjoyed the good times.
After returning the boat, we headed to our second museum, the American Indian Museum. Joel was feeling a little tired so he rested while I explored the museum. It was a really cool one, and once of the exhibits I saw was all about Native Americans in society today. Really neat and informative.
After this we headed back into Virginia and stopped at the Lebanese Taverna to pick up some of the most amazing garlic sauce ever! And then to 7-11 for some chips (for the sauce, although it really doesn't need it, I could eat it with a spoon!) and a major Slurpee! After such a hot day that was necessary!
We then went back to our home for the night and settled in for a last night in a nice place for probably the rest of the road trip! But soon we will be back in Canada and I can not wait for some nice Tim Hortons!
Day 49: Welcome Back to Washington
Today we set off from Richmond and the beautiful apartment that my brother was living at and headed up North the the capital of America. Washington D.C. Home sweet home. The drive up was not too bad, we hit a little traffic but nothing major, it was nice to drive around the same places that I knew and loved. When we first got to Arlington (not really DC today, but same area) we headed to the Courthouse. I needed to get some background checks from the Work Visa that I will be applying for. After about twenty minutes there, and of course we parked the car near the courthouse which was conveniently in front of my old house, we headed to the best burger place in the area.
Ray's Hell Burgers is amazing! They have a new restaurant called Ray's to the Third. And it was everything I remember and better. I had a peppercorn burger with guacamole and cheese. It was juicy and spicy and delicious. If you are every in the area, go to eat the best burger you will ever eat....Even president Obama apparently eats these burgers!
After all the delicious food we headed to the Arlington Cemetery for a couple hours. This was something I had never done yet even though I had lived in the area for three years. We walked around and looked at what must have been a thousand if not thousands of graves. It was humbling to see how many there were. Lots of white crosses, rows upon rows. We also got to see the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier, and there were actually three funerals going on while we were there that day. It was bizarre to think that each day more and more people get added to this cemetery.
After that somber occasion, we headed to my old school. There I showed Joel around all the old places where I had spent my high school. We looked in at the gym, where the boys were practicing, the auditorium, where play practice was in session, and we poked around in some of my old classrooms. It was weird to think that it had been 4 years since I graduated from there, time really does fly. The seniors this year were kids I had never met, bizarre.
After a blast from the past we headed to my mother's friends house who lives in the area. She welcomed us with open arms, food, and showers. It was awesome. The house they have is georgeous, truly stunning. And they were so nice about everything. They also informed us that the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom and we really needed to see it, so after deciding to stay another night, we headed to the table for dinner. We had dinner outside! That is how nice it was, and the dinner was once again delicious.
After dinner Joel and I joined our hosts to watch the final college basketball game. Michigan versus Louisville. Joel ended up going to bed early, but I watched the whole game. And what a great game it was! Freshman playing amazingly, three back-to-back threes to help tie the game, and both teams played hard till the end! We also got to watch the game while eating chocolate cake. An amazing piece (or two) of chocolate cake and tea. What a great night! And tomorrow we are heading into D.C., can't wait to see it again!
Ray's Hell Burgers is amazing! They have a new restaurant called Ray's to the Third. And it was everything I remember and better. I had a peppercorn burger with guacamole and cheese. It was juicy and spicy and delicious. If you are every in the area, go to eat the best burger you will ever eat....Even president Obama apparently eats these burgers!
After all the delicious food we headed to the Arlington Cemetery for a couple hours. This was something I had never done yet even though I had lived in the area for three years. We walked around and looked at what must have been a thousand if not thousands of graves. It was humbling to see how many there were. Lots of white crosses, rows upon rows. We also got to see the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier, and there were actually three funerals going on while we were there that day. It was bizarre to think that each day more and more people get added to this cemetery.
After that somber occasion, we headed to my old school. There I showed Joel around all the old places where I had spent my high school. We looked in at the gym, where the boys were practicing, the auditorium, where play practice was in session, and we poked around in some of my old classrooms. It was weird to think that it had been 4 years since I graduated from there, time really does fly. The seniors this year were kids I had never met, bizarre.
After a blast from the past we headed to my mother's friends house who lives in the area. She welcomed us with open arms, food, and showers. It was awesome. The house they have is georgeous, truly stunning. And they were so nice about everything. They also informed us that the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom and we really needed to see it, so after deciding to stay another night, we headed to the table for dinner. We had dinner outside! That is how nice it was, and the dinner was once again delicious.
After dinner Joel and I joined our hosts to watch the final college basketball game. Michigan versus Louisville. Joel ended up going to bed early, but I watched the whole game. And what a great game it was! Freshman playing amazingly, three back-to-back threes to help tie the game, and both teams played hard till the end! We also got to watch the game while eating chocolate cake. An amazing piece (or two) of chocolate cake and tea. What a great night! And tomorrow we are heading into D.C., can't wait to see it again!
Monday 8 April 2013
Day 48: Final Day in Richmond
Today was a very relaxed day. We started off with a trip to a farmer's market where Lucas purchased a plethora of yummy and healthy foods. The plan was that he would make a delicious dinner for us tonight as well as a delicious breakfast. After spending about two hours at two separate stores, the second was a world market that had lots of yummy Dutch foods and a great wine selection, we got back to Lucas' place to make breakfast. While he was cooking I headed to another store to buy the ingredients for my famous Whoopie Pies.
We came home to a delicious breakfast of eggs, with ham, cheese, mayo and cillantro on some of the leftover biscuits from the night before. It was super yummy! What a great breakfast, if only all our meals looked and tasted like this one! I am very excited for the dinner tonight!
After some food, I headed back to the gym! I was not going to miss the oppertunity to use this as much as I could! I spent about an hour there, and then Joel came and joined me and we worked out some more. My muscles were definitely feeling it after so much time off! And since I have seriously gained some weight, I know once I get home I will need to be doing a lot more of this!
After the gym I went back to Lucas' room to make the Whoopie Pies. And after pouring myself a glass of white wine, I started to bake. Although the batter turned out a lot thicker than I remember, and although I may have broker Lucas' hand held mixer, the Whoopie Pies turned out amazing! They were chocolaty with the right amount of sweetness in the middle. Lots of sugar and marshmellow fluff! And once again they were a hit with everyone.
After I finished baking Lucas practiced a full physical exam on both Joel and I. He had a test coming up on that soon in Med School and he needed some practice dummies, turns out he had two staying with him! All the while his pork chops were marinating in the fridge. So once he finished with the working he set to work on the cooking. And what a dinner he made us! Pork chops, with possibly the best mashed potatoes ever, and then aspargus! I ate that meal so fast! He is truly a great chef!
After dinner we decided to break out the hookah and play scrabble. It was once again a really nice evening of talking and playing games. And although Lucas and Leslie did win against Joel and I, we played a great game and Joel turned out to be really good....who knew? I came up with words such as beer and cat. Not as impressive. But I had fun nonetheless, and tomorrow we head to Washington and Arlington, home sweet home.....or rather it was....
We came home to a delicious breakfast of eggs, with ham, cheese, mayo and cillantro on some of the leftover biscuits from the night before. It was super yummy! What a great breakfast, if only all our meals looked and tasted like this one! I am very excited for the dinner tonight!
After some food, I headed back to the gym! I was not going to miss the oppertunity to use this as much as I could! I spent about an hour there, and then Joel came and joined me and we worked out some more. My muscles were definitely feeling it after so much time off! And since I have seriously gained some weight, I know once I get home I will need to be doing a lot more of this!
After the gym I went back to Lucas' room to make the Whoopie Pies. And after pouring myself a glass of white wine, I started to bake. Although the batter turned out a lot thicker than I remember, and although I may have broker Lucas' hand held mixer, the Whoopie Pies turned out amazing! They were chocolaty with the right amount of sweetness in the middle. Lots of sugar and marshmellow fluff! And once again they were a hit with everyone.
After I finished baking Lucas practiced a full physical exam on both Joel and I. He had a test coming up on that soon in Med School and he needed some practice dummies, turns out he had two staying with him! All the while his pork chops were marinating in the fridge. So once he finished with the working he set to work on the cooking. And what a dinner he made us! Pork chops, with possibly the best mashed potatoes ever, and then aspargus! I ate that meal so fast! He is truly a great chef!
After dinner we decided to break out the hookah and play scrabble. It was once again a really nice evening of talking and playing games. And although Lucas and Leslie did win against Joel and I, we played a great game and Joel turned out to be really good....who knew? I came up with words such as beer and cat. Not as impressive. But I had fun nonetheless, and tomorrow we head to Washington and Arlington, home sweet home.....or rather it was....
Sunday 7 April 2013
Day 47: Beer, Basketball, and Fried Chicken
We got up later this morning after the late night we spent last night talking. I was up around 10-ish, earlier than everyone else so I played some Red Dead Redemption. A really awesome Cowboy game on Lucas' xbox 360. You pretty much just get to run around on horseback and kill bad guys in the Wild West. What is there not to like about this? Cowboys, Western, Horses, and shooting bad guys. Everything you could want!
When everyone finally got up though, I decided to head to the gym for the first time in forever! It was really nice to work out again. And after the workout, in the very nice free facility that Lucas has here, Joel and I went to the working lounge. There was free hot chocolate there....free! We had some while we were trying to apply for summer jobs. If anyone knows a ranch in Canada looking for Wranglers give us an e-mail.
After spending a couple hours sending e-mails, we headed back to Lucas' room. We decided that that night we would eat fried chicken and biscuits from Lee's Chicken. Apparently an amazing chicken place that Lucas has been raving about since he first ate there. So Joel and I went to pick up the food and left Lucas to study. When we got back with a dozen biscuits and 16 pieces of chicken we settled in to watch the Final Four basketball games for March Madness.
It was a great night of beer, chicken, and basketball. The games were entertaining to watch and the food was delicious, probably the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. And the biscuits were so soft and buttery, it was amazing! After both games had finished, at around 11 o'clock we headed to bed. Satisfied with all the yummy food I had an amazing night sleep!
When everyone finally got up though, I decided to head to the gym for the first time in forever! It was really nice to work out again. And after the workout, in the very nice free facility that Lucas has here, Joel and I went to the working lounge. There was free hot chocolate there....free! We had some while we were trying to apply for summer jobs. If anyone knows a ranch in Canada looking for Wranglers give us an e-mail.
After spending a couple hours sending e-mails, we headed back to Lucas' room. We decided that that night we would eat fried chicken and biscuits from Lee's Chicken. Apparently an amazing chicken place that Lucas has been raving about since he first ate there. So Joel and I went to pick up the food and left Lucas to study. When we got back with a dozen biscuits and 16 pieces of chicken we settled in to watch the Final Four basketball games for March Madness.
It was a great night of beer, chicken, and basketball. The games were entertaining to watch and the food was delicious, probably the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. And the biscuits were so soft and buttery, it was amazing! After both games had finished, at around 11 o'clock we headed to bed. Satisfied with all the yummy food I had an amazing night sleep!
Day 46: Welcome to Med School
This morning I woke up early so that I could make it to an early morning class with Lucas. It was lots of fun! I learned all about the histology of the male reproductive organ. I also learned lots about colons and other fun things. Although a lot of the class passed over my head, as I did not know the terminology that the professor was using, it was definietly interesting to experience a lesson in Med School. After all everyone else in my family has done it!
I decided to only stay for one class and headed back to Lucas' house and Joel who decided to miss the early morning class. We did some organizing and I watched a movie as we waited for Lucas to come back from class. When he did get back we got some advice on what to do. Joel and I decided that the best decision was to head to Maymount Park for the day and have a picnic.
We got in the car and headed to the grocery store to pick up strawberries, bourseign, and fresh bread. Then we headed to the park. We ate lunch next to a big lake with lots of ducks and geese. And of course some children feeding them with pieces of bread. It was nice to sit in the sun and enjoy the weather. After lunch we headed into the park which is also a little bit of a wildlife enclosure. While walking around we saw bison, horses, black bears, and several types of owls and falcons. We also saw two bald eagles, a fox, and lots of turtles. It was really nice to walk around and appreciate all the different types of wildlife. And the best park about this was that the park is free! What a great deal.
After appreciating the wildlife we headed to the area of the park which encompasses the gardens. The first garden is Japanese Garden which had waterfalls and bridges as well as many different trees. Unfortunately most of the trees where not yet in blossom. This, of course, is the best time to visit a Japanese garden. The second Garden we went to was a Italian Garden. The focus here was much more on the architecture and the fountains that were made. As well as the sundial in the center of the garden.
After spending a couple hours not only walking around in the park, but also reading in the grass, and in Joel and my case talking a nap, we headed back to Lucas' house for dinner. Lucas made a delicious Italian dinner, with garlic bread, a salad, all the while listening to nice Italian music and enjoying wine. It was great. An amazing end to a great day! We spent a couple hours over dinner talking and laughing. Exactly how a Friday night should go!
I decided to only stay for one class and headed back to Lucas' house and Joel who decided to miss the early morning class. We did some organizing and I watched a movie as we waited for Lucas to come back from class. When he did get back we got some advice on what to do. Joel and I decided that the best decision was to head to Maymount Park for the day and have a picnic.
We got in the car and headed to the grocery store to pick up strawberries, bourseign, and fresh bread. Then we headed to the park. We ate lunch next to a big lake with lots of ducks and geese. And of course some children feeding them with pieces of bread. It was nice to sit in the sun and enjoy the weather. After lunch we headed into the park which is also a little bit of a wildlife enclosure. While walking around we saw bison, horses, black bears, and several types of owls and falcons. We also saw two bald eagles, a fox, and lots of turtles. It was really nice to walk around and appreciate all the different types of wildlife. And the best park about this was that the park is free! What a great deal.
After appreciating the wildlife we headed to the area of the park which encompasses the gardens. The first garden is Japanese Garden which had waterfalls and bridges as well as many different trees. Unfortunately most of the trees where not yet in blossom. This, of course, is the best time to visit a Japanese garden. The second Garden we went to was a Italian Garden. The focus here was much more on the architecture and the fountains that were made. As well as the sundial in the center of the garden.
After spending a couple hours not only walking around in the park, but also reading in the grass, and in Joel and my case talking a nap, we headed back to Lucas' house for dinner. Lucas made a delicious Italian dinner, with garlic bread, a salad, all the while listening to nice Italian music and enjoying wine. It was great. An amazing end to a great day! We spent a couple hours over dinner talking and laughing. Exactly how a Friday night should go!
Friday 5 April 2013
Day 45: Lucas time!
Joel and I woke up somewhat early this morning, although definitely not as early as the day before! We needed to make sure that we headed out before Gretchen left for California. So around 9 a.m we were packed and ready to go. Everything was in the car and we headed to Richmond, via Virginia Beach.
Our first stop was the beach. I was sincerely hoping that we would have a nice day relaxing in the sun, maybe even get some sun tanning? But nope, not even close. The weather was cold and windy. The sun wasn't out and the wind was really chilly! So we parked the car and walked over to the beach, after poking around the Boardwalk and looking in a couple tourist stores we headed back to the car. The beach was nice, and we both agreed that it would have been an even better stop sometime in the summer.
After Virginia Beach we hoped in the car and headed North to Richmond, and for the first time in the trip we headed West. We stopped a couple times on the way, the first time was in Williamsburg. The town of Williamsburg is very quaint and a very collegiate looking area. I remember spending some time there when I was considering the University of William and Mary. And so going there was going back to a familiar area, it seems I am on home turf again! We drove through it and headed to the Welcome Center as well as the start to Colonial Willamsburg. And although we didn't actually go to Colonial Willamsburg (it is 40 dollars for a day and I have already been a couple times) it was fun to look around the Welcome Center.
After the Welcome Center, we headed to Jamestown. This is the sight of the first settlement in America. It was a couple miles from the Welcome Center and the drive was very beautiful, I can only imagine what it would have looked like when the first people came from Europe. We drove around the area for a while and stopped to look at some of the museum we didn't do too much in depth because of the costs. But it was neat to just be there and imagine what it would have been like. It reminded me a lot of the experience we had at the start of the trip at the Louis and Clark Center. Just being in areas that have so much history is fascinating!
After Jamestown we headed to Richmond, with a quick stop for food along the way. We went to TGI Friday which has a deal right now that you can get an entree and an appetizer for 10 dollars! We got so much food and for not too much money! I had a Jack Daniels Burger, which was covered with a really sweet sauce and was absolutely delicious.
After lunch we finally headed to Lucas' house. Where I got to scare him by plastering my face against his window until he looked over and jumped! I laughed quiet hard. It was nice to catch up with Lucas again and we spent a lot of time talking and chilling. We made dinner and enjoyed Bourcole (I don't know the spelling of this but it a traditional Dutch meal with potato, kale, and sausages). It was amazing and is one of my favorite meals! After dinner Lucas and I played some video games and I got to meet his girlfriend! She is very nice and I was glad I finally got to meet her. We then spent some more time relaxing and drinking wine and whiskey. All in all not a bad day. And tonight we get to sleep on an air mattress, it is going to be hard to get used to sleeping in the car again after all this time with family and friends!
Our first stop was the beach. I was sincerely hoping that we would have a nice day relaxing in the sun, maybe even get some sun tanning? But nope, not even close. The weather was cold and windy. The sun wasn't out and the wind was really chilly! So we parked the car and walked over to the beach, after poking around the Boardwalk and looking in a couple tourist stores we headed back to the car. The beach was nice, and we both agreed that it would have been an even better stop sometime in the summer.
After Virginia Beach we hoped in the car and headed North to Richmond, and for the first time in the trip we headed West. We stopped a couple times on the way, the first time was in Williamsburg. The town of Williamsburg is very quaint and a very collegiate looking area. I remember spending some time there when I was considering the University of William and Mary. And so going there was going back to a familiar area, it seems I am on home turf again! We drove through it and headed to the Welcome Center as well as the start to Colonial Willamsburg. And although we didn't actually go to Colonial Willamsburg (it is 40 dollars for a day and I have already been a couple times) it was fun to look around the Welcome Center.
After the Welcome Center, we headed to Jamestown. This is the sight of the first settlement in America. It was a couple miles from the Welcome Center and the drive was very beautiful, I can only imagine what it would have looked like when the first people came from Europe. We drove around the area for a while and stopped to look at some of the museum we didn't do too much in depth because of the costs. But it was neat to just be there and imagine what it would have been like. It reminded me a lot of the experience we had at the start of the trip at the Louis and Clark Center. Just being in areas that have so much history is fascinating!
After Jamestown we headed to Richmond, with a quick stop for food along the way. We went to TGI Friday which has a deal right now that you can get an entree and an appetizer for 10 dollars! We got so much food and for not too much money! I had a Jack Daniels Burger, which was covered with a really sweet sauce and was absolutely delicious.
After lunch we finally headed to Lucas' house. Where I got to scare him by plastering my face against his window until he looked over and jumped! I laughed quiet hard. It was nice to catch up with Lucas again and we spent a lot of time talking and chilling. We made dinner and enjoyed Bourcole (I don't know the spelling of this but it a traditional Dutch meal with potato, kale, and sausages). It was amazing and is one of my favorite meals! After dinner Lucas and I played some video games and I got to meet his girlfriend! She is very nice and I was glad I finally got to meet her. We then spent some more time relaxing and drinking wine and whiskey. All in all not a bad day. And tonight we get to sleep on an air mattress, it is going to be hard to get used to sleeping in the car again after all this time with family and friends!
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Day 44: Early Morning Sunrise!
Gretchen and I spent some time talking before we went to bed. That meant that when 4:30 came around this morning I was tired! I dragged myself out of bed and bundled up! Apparently it was meant to be right around freezing this morning. Well that meant wool socks and sweatpants as well as a ski jacket. Gretchen and I headed to the car, while Joel decided to keep sleeping. Apparently it was too early for him, and after the ten hours he drove the day before yesterday I can't blame him!
So Gretchen and I headed to the boat house. It was a brand-new picturesque building. The program was started in 2008 and everything there was amazing. As it was still dark out everything was black. After the rowers put on the lights and brought there boats into the water, I joined the coach on his motor boat and sat down to enjoy the show. We spent about two hours in the water and it was really fun! At the start, it was really peaceful to just sit back and relax and then it was fun to watch the rowers in the water, and the coach was very willing to tell me all about the sport, and finally we got to watch the sunrise on the water.
After this we headed back to Gretchen's house and I took a cat nap. Gretchen went on to work. At about 10: 45, Joel and I met back up with her and went to the Trapeze class that Gretchen is the TA. It was really cool to sit around and watch all the students learning to do some really cool things. We then headed back to the house and made lunch. After lunch we joined Gretchen on a tour of campus. She is a tour guide and Joel and I, and her roommate, tagged along. It was really nice to look around campus and see all the young students who are considering ODU. It definitely made me miss the university, especially my first year in the dorms. I can't believe that I am already done, and that my official graduation is soon, and my unofficial graduation is over! How did those four years go by so fast? I still remember when my mom and I were doing tours of the university!
After a lovely tour we headed back to the grocery for cookie cake and chips. And then we settled down on the couch and watched movies. Gretchen took a nap or two, and I worked on this blog. More talking, lots of laughing, and of course food! All in all a great night, and tomorrow I get to see my brother again! I am going to miss all this time seeing family and friends, after this it is not much till Calgary! And that is way down the road!
After this we headed back to Gretchen's house and I took a cat nap. Gretchen went on to work. At about 10: 45, Joel and I met back up with her and went to the Trapeze class that Gretchen is the TA. It was really cool to sit around and watch all the students learning to do some really cool things. We then headed back to the house and made lunch. After lunch we joined Gretchen on a tour of campus. She is a tour guide and Joel and I, and her roommate, tagged along. It was really nice to look around campus and see all the young students who are considering ODU. It definitely made me miss the university, especially my first year in the dorms. I can't believe that I am already done, and that my official graduation is soon, and my unofficial graduation is over! How did those four years go by so fast? I still remember when my mom and I were doing tours of the university!
After a lovely tour we headed back to the grocery for cookie cake and chips. And then we settled down on the couch and watched movies. Gretchen took a nap or two, and I worked on this blog. More talking, lots of laughing, and of course food! All in all a great night, and tomorrow I get to see my brother again! I am going to miss all this time seeing family and friends, after this it is not much till Calgary! And that is way down the road!
Day 43: Gretchen!!!
We woke up at about 7 or 8, luckily we are still alive. And doubly luckily we were parked near a Sonic. After a delicious milkshake for breakfast we headed to Norfolk and more importantly Gretchen. After stopping at McDonald's for internet (we didn't actually have her address) we headed to the Mall. Gretchen was still in German class so we needed to kill some time before we could head over there. Joel and I spent about an hour in the toy store looking at all the different -opolies and games and toys! Who knew there were so many?!
At about 1-ish we headed to Gretchen's apartment to see my bestie! It was awesome to see her again! We spent the afternoon talking and watching movies. Lots of catching up and hanging out. It was nice to just be hanging out again. We also headed to the grocery store and actually cooked dinner! I have not done that since Vegas!
We went to bed fairly early because tomorrow morning I am getting up with Gretchen to watch her rowing practice. And when I mean early, I mean 4 30 am. So that is seriously early!
At about 1-ish we headed to Gretchen's apartment to see my bestie! It was awesome to see her again! We spent the afternoon talking and watching movies. Lots of catching up and hanging out. It was nice to just be hanging out again. We also headed to the grocery store and actually cooked dinner! I have not done that since Vegas!
We went to bed fairly early because tomorrow morning I am getting up with Gretchen to watch her rowing practice. And when I mean early, I mean 4 30 am. So that is seriously early!
Day 42: Seriously the longest day ever!
We left Atlanta early in the morning, waking up even earlier so that we could have a quick shower and head off down the road. We had a lot of plans for today, turns out we had a lot more that we thought ahead of us! Our first stop was going to be in Maken a town in Georgia, but once we got there we decided to drive through it to make it to Savannah in time so we could spend more time there. After about three hours of driving we made it to the Visitor Center where we parked the car (for a small fee of course). We talked to the guide at the center and he advised us to walk down Bull Street which is one of the main streets there.
The street was very nice, in fact the entire town was very nice. It was beautifully built with lots of cute southern houses and very many town squares. Every couple blocks there would be a town square with a fountain or a statue and lots of grass. The weather was also very sunny and it was nice to wonder down the streets looking at ivy-covered buildings. We eventually made it to a large fountain and a large park where we soaked in the sun for a while. Then we headed back down Bull Street all the way to the water. The street next to the water was amazing, it was charming. One the one hand you had water and river boats and on the other side the street was made of little shops and restaurants in old restored warehouses. We walked up and down the street for while until we finally stopped at the Shrimp Factory for lunch. I had shrimp and grits with bacon and deliciouness. It was so great! I could eat that every day, or at least once a week. We then headed to the candy store to sample free pralines and free saltwater taffy. We also ended up buying some candy for the car trip.
After Savannah we headed up the coast to South Carolina and Charleston. That was another 2 hours. We got there just in time for dinner. Which we decided to have a Diners, Drive-in, and Dive. Once again the recommendation was great. After spending about 10 min looking around for parking we finally found on right in front of the restaurant! Score. Joel and I both had Jerk Chicken Sandwiches with fried pineapple And although it was very good, the pineapple was a little overwhelming in the sandwich in my opinion. However once I took it out, the jerk spice was really able to shine and it was yummy!
After dinner we kept heading up to a campsite we had chosen 2 hours from Charelston. Since it was already getting dark we decided that we better start hustling. When we finally got to the dirt road before the camp site we decided that 9 miles on a dirt road in the dark was not what we wanted to do. So we kept driving north. I knew there was another campsite in North Carolina we could try. So after grabbing that address we headed there. We went through Myrtle Beach and kept going. At about 1:30 a.m we got there. After driving around for a bit and only finding a parking lot and two empty trucks, we decided that this wasn't where we wanted to be and kept going.
We know we needed to be in Norfolk the next day so we just kept driving that way. However we were running short of gas and nothing seemed to be open at 2 am? Go figure. Our plan of attack was (at 3 am) to find a gas station and if it wasn't open to sleep there for a couple hours till it opened. We did find one (by chance) and it was next to a Wal-mart so, exhaustedly, we parked the car and fell asleep almost instantly. We decided to wake up early the next morning just in case!
The street was very nice, in fact the entire town was very nice. It was beautifully built with lots of cute southern houses and very many town squares. Every couple blocks there would be a town square with a fountain or a statue and lots of grass. The weather was also very sunny and it was nice to wonder down the streets looking at ivy-covered buildings. We eventually made it to a large fountain and a large park where we soaked in the sun for a while. Then we headed back down Bull Street all the way to the water. The street next to the water was amazing, it was charming. One the one hand you had water and river boats and on the other side the street was made of little shops and restaurants in old restored warehouses. We walked up and down the street for while until we finally stopped at the Shrimp Factory for lunch. I had shrimp and grits with bacon and deliciouness. It was so great! I could eat that every day, or at least once a week. We then headed to the candy store to sample free pralines and free saltwater taffy. We also ended up buying some candy for the car trip.
After Savannah we headed up the coast to South Carolina and Charleston. That was another 2 hours. We got there just in time for dinner. Which we decided to have a Diners, Drive-in, and Dive. Once again the recommendation was great. After spending about 10 min looking around for parking we finally found on right in front of the restaurant! Score. Joel and I both had Jerk Chicken Sandwiches with fried pineapple And although it was very good, the pineapple was a little overwhelming in the sandwich in my opinion. However once I took it out, the jerk spice was really able to shine and it was yummy!
After dinner we kept heading up to a campsite we had chosen 2 hours from Charelston. Since it was already getting dark we decided that we better start hustling. When we finally got to the dirt road before the camp site we decided that 9 miles on a dirt road in the dark was not what we wanted to do. So we kept driving north. I knew there was another campsite in North Carolina we could try. So after grabbing that address we headed there. We went through Myrtle Beach and kept going. At about 1:30 a.m we got there. After driving around for a bit and only finding a parking lot and two empty trucks, we decided that this wasn't where we wanted to be and kept going.
We know we needed to be in Norfolk the next day so we just kept driving that way. However we were running short of gas and nothing seemed to be open at 2 am? Go figure. Our plan of attack was (at 3 am) to find a gas station and if it wasn't open to sleep there for a couple hours till it opened. We did find one (by chance) and it was next to a Wal-mart so, exhaustedly, we parked the car and fell asleep almost instantly. We decided to wake up early the next morning just in case!
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Day 36-41: Atlanta
We spent a week in Atlanta with my
family! It was very nice to shower,
shave, and do laundry. We spent the
first couple days lazing about, watching TV and spending time on the
computer. It was really nice to have a set
life again for the first time since Vegas.
Wednesday was my 22nd birthday so we went to Target, got some
junk food and plopped ourselves in front of the TV to watch movies and hang
out. My aunt made me a delicious cake,
which was great, and we made brownies. Other than that the week passed very
relaxed until Friday.
On Friday we headed out to Covington and
Conyers to explore the surrounding area.
We started the day off by heading to a gun range in Covington. Joel and I shot three different types of
guns, a .22 semi automatic, then a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum, and finally
Ruger .357 Magnum. (None of that means
anything to me, I shot guns, that’s all I know!) But it was really fun and a very different
experience. Very Southern! My favourite was the first one because it was
fairly light and had very little recoil.
After the shooting range we went into
downtown Covington to look at different houses and admire the town. Lots of movies have been filmed there,
including Remember the Titans and the Vampire Diaries. So we walked around in the beautiful
weather. Then we headed to the Blue
Whale Inn which was a very nice old southern house turned restaurant. We sat in the rocking chairs for a while and
soaked in the Georgia sun. After that we
headed to the Lake that my uncle sails in and walked around in the bushes for a
while. Lots of fun hiking around. We ended up at a military memorial. A very quiet and peaceful one, which was
really cool! It had a list of all the
foreign conflicts America had partaken in since 1900. There was a lot. There was also an old helicopter from
Vietnam. Joel liked that!
After that we headed to a covered bridge
which reminded us of Knights Ferry in California. They also had one of these old bridges. Very nice.
The next day Joel and I decided to head
into Atlanta. We started the day by
driving around, we saw the Aquarium (biggest in the world apparently),
Coca-Cola World, the State Capitol Building, and the Georgia Dome (where the
final 4 is going to be played this coming weekend). Finally we headed to Piedmont Park where we
spent a couple hours wondering about and admiring the beautiful view of the city. It reminded me a lot of Central Park in New
York. Lots of pretty trees in the middle
of a city. While we were in Piedmont
Park there was a man who jumped into a lake and apparently was acting
crazy. So something like 4 cop cars, 2
ambulances, and 3 fire trucks came. We
sat around for a bit watching the scene and eventually they got him out of the
water, but the shear amount of people seemed a little bit of overkill!
After Atlanta we decided to do another
round and the Tournament of Kings, which they had in Atlanta. And since it was close to my birthday I got
in free! Which is kinda why we did
it. This was one lots of fun, even more
fun than the one in Vegas we decided.
The focus of this show was the horses so there were lots of tricks using
Spanish Horses. Very nice! And of course the jousting, fighting, and
food was fun too! I had to convince Joel
not to buy a souvenir sword!
Our last day in Atlanta was Easter
Sunday. So we headed to mass with our
family. After mass we decided to paint
eggs outside on the porch. It was nice
to spend some time hanging out with my cousins!
I don’t see them enough. After a
hour or so of that, my aunt had made dinner.
We needed to eat early because my cousin was heading back to uni that
night. So we sat down for a dinner of
ham, asparagus, sweet potato, bean casserole, and warm bread rolls. It was delicious! So amazing. And we finished the meal with apple pie or pecan
pie, or both! Was topped with whipped cream!
We spent the last night watching lots of
TV, showering in the morning, and eating food.
Tomorrow we are heading back on the road and towards Charleston,
SC. It will be weird to get out on the
road again, but I am excited to go back to the trip!
Tuesday 26 March 2013
Day 35: Jack Daniels
Joel and I woke up early this morning as we had a long drive to Atlanta and there was a time difference that would make us lose an hour. Joel also wanted to make a stop at the Jack Daniel's Distillery This would bring our total driving time to 6 hours. Whew! What a long day! So we headed out of Nashville around 8 a.m. and took the freeway south. When we started driving it had started to snow! We were definitely not expecting that!! The snow continued for most of the day, although it was not very hard or very big flakes. It did mean that we were quiet chilly in the car however.
After an hour or so we detoured off and headed towards Lynchburg where the Distillery was. We eventually got to this very small town which consisted of a couple buildings and a giant distillery. One of the ironies that we learned when we were here was that the county that this town is in is a dry county. Meaning that the sale of liquor is officially illegal. Jack Daniel's gets around this by selling bottles, that are conveniently filled with whiskey. But officially people are paying for the bottle and not the alcohol.
When we got to the Distillery we headed inside to the Visitor Center. There was some interesting information inside the center and you could sign up for a tour. So we decided to talk the hour and a half free tour that was provided. There was also a tasting tour, but you needed to be 21 for that and unfortunately Joel is not quiet there yet. Luckily I am not a big fan of Jack Daniels so I was not so upset. The tour itself was very interesting and we learned all about the process and history of Jack Daniels. We also learned that every single drop of it is made in this particular distillery. That is a lot of Jack Daniels! Our tour guide was a very Southern American and very entertaining. he regaled us with stories of his work in the area and even his travels abroad to promote Jacks.
After about an hour and half we headed back to the car (after some free lemonade) and bundled up. Most of the tour had been outside and it was still quiet cold! I grabbed a blanket and woolen socks and got comfy. We still had a couple hours of driving.
After we finally crossed the border we decided to stop for some food. We eventually food a sonic, although I was really no longer in the mood for fast food! We had so much of it already... But I got a hot fudge shake and that was delicious. So we ate our food and headed on down the road again. Eventually we did get to Atlanta and we had to drive through it during rush hour to make it to my aunt's house which is about 30 min south. There was quiet a bit of traffic and lots of cars leaving the city. It was quiet hectic.
We got to my aunts house at about 6 and luckily she was already making dinner! After getting shown around we unpacked and settled into our new house for the week. It was nice to be in a set place again. We have a bed and a shower and food for the next week. It will be nice to be able to rest and use the internet and a TV for the first time since Vegas!
After an hour or so we detoured off and headed towards Lynchburg where the Distillery was. We eventually got to this very small town which consisted of a couple buildings and a giant distillery. One of the ironies that we learned when we were here was that the county that this town is in is a dry county. Meaning that the sale of liquor is officially illegal. Jack Daniel's gets around this by selling bottles, that are conveniently filled with whiskey. But officially people are paying for the bottle and not the alcohol.
When we got to the Distillery we headed inside to the Visitor Center. There was some interesting information inside the center and you could sign up for a tour. So we decided to talk the hour and a half free tour that was provided. There was also a tasting tour, but you needed to be 21 for that and unfortunately Joel is not quiet there yet. Luckily I am not a big fan of Jack Daniels so I was not so upset. The tour itself was very interesting and we learned all about the process and history of Jack Daniels. We also learned that every single drop of it is made in this particular distillery. That is a lot of Jack Daniels! Our tour guide was a very Southern American and very entertaining. he regaled us with stories of his work in the area and even his travels abroad to promote Jacks.
After about an hour and half we headed back to the car (after some free lemonade) and bundled up. Most of the tour had been outside and it was still quiet cold! I grabbed a blanket and woolen socks and got comfy. We still had a couple hours of driving.
After we finally crossed the border we decided to stop for some food. We eventually food a sonic, although I was really no longer in the mood for fast food! We had so much of it already... But I got a hot fudge shake and that was delicious. So we ate our food and headed on down the road again. Eventually we did get to Atlanta and we had to drive through it during rush hour to make it to my aunt's house which is about 30 min south. There was quiet a bit of traffic and lots of cars leaving the city. It was quiet hectic.
We got to my aunts house at about 6 and luckily she was already making dinner! After getting shown around we unpacked and settled into our new house for the week. It was nice to be in a set place again. We have a bed and a shower and food for the next week. It will be nice to be able to rest and use the internet and a TV for the first time since Vegas!
Day 34: Country Music
We woke up this morning and decided to head to downtown Nashville for the day. Before we went there though we thought it would be nice to see the Parthenon. There is a complete replica of the Parthenon in Nashville, which was closed on Sundays, but still nice to take a look at. Our first stop however was a Taco Bell to use the bathroom and get Churros. Which was delicious, covered in sugar and cinnamon.
After the Parthenon we headed to downtown Nashville. Our main dilemma was finding somewhere to park without spending tons of money. We were driving around trying to find a parking garage when we stumbled upon an open street parking. And since it was Sunday it was free parking! Definitely a lucky break.
We headed first to the Tennessee State Capital, which once again was closed, but very pretty on the outside. From there we headed to the World War One Memorial which was right next door. There was some sort of photo shoot there but we pocked around for a bit. This building was very nice, with huge columns and a definite influence from Greek Architecture. Something that seems common in many American buildings.
From there we went to the Museum which (as the theme for the day was) was not open. So we headed to downtown to the tourist area! Our first stop was the visitor center, which was next to the areaa. We quickly checked if there was a Predator (Hockey) game tonight so we could see it, but alas Maroon 5 was playing. So now we are not doing that tonight! We walked around looking at all the tourist stores and poking our heads inside some of the bars. We also took lots of pictures and considered buying some new cowboy boots. However since we didn't have a couple hundred dollars to spare we decided against it....
After walking around downtown for a while it was starting to rain and we were starting to get hungry, so we headed to Honkey Tonk Central. We pulled up two seats at the bar and ordered some burgers and drinks. We sat down and listened to the live country band that was playing. We spent the next three hours, eating, drinking, and listening. As well as watching the basketball game that was playing. This was exactly what I had wanted out of Nashville. Just some chilling and listening to good country music. The band played some of their own music as well as some cover songs, definitely a nice combination. After the game ended (and the rain) we headed back outside and towards our home for the night. We did make a pit stop at Dick's Last Resort for a brownie. Having never been there we didn't know what to expect. But in the end we were not overly impressed with it. Apparently the point of the restaurant is that the servers are obnoxious. And rude. How very American. We ate our brownie and left pretty quickly after that...
We got back to our hosts house and spent the night watching Arrested Development and talking. He had invited some friends over so it became a party of about 6 or 7. Very fun and entertaining. Overall a nice evening, but we are ready to head to Atlanta tomorrow and have a nice break while we stay at my aunt's house for a week!
After the Parthenon we headed to downtown Nashville. Our main dilemma was finding somewhere to park without spending tons of money. We were driving around trying to find a parking garage when we stumbled upon an open street parking. And since it was Sunday it was free parking! Definitely a lucky break.
We headed first to the Tennessee State Capital, which once again was closed, but very pretty on the outside. From there we headed to the World War One Memorial which was right next door. There was some sort of photo shoot there but we pocked around for a bit. This building was very nice, with huge columns and a definite influence from Greek Architecture. Something that seems common in many American buildings.
From there we went to the Museum which (as the theme for the day was) was not open. So we headed to downtown to the tourist area! Our first stop was the visitor center, which was next to the areaa. We quickly checked if there was a Predator (Hockey) game tonight so we could see it, but alas Maroon 5 was playing. So now we are not doing that tonight! We walked around looking at all the tourist stores and poking our heads inside some of the bars. We also took lots of pictures and considered buying some new cowboy boots. However since we didn't have a couple hundred dollars to spare we decided against it....
After walking around downtown for a while it was starting to rain and we were starting to get hungry, so we headed to Honkey Tonk Central. We pulled up two seats at the bar and ordered some burgers and drinks. We sat down and listened to the live country band that was playing. We spent the next three hours, eating, drinking, and listening. As well as watching the basketball game that was playing. This was exactly what I had wanted out of Nashville. Just some chilling and listening to good country music. The band played some of their own music as well as some cover songs, definitely a nice combination. After the game ended (and the rain) we headed back outside and towards our home for the night. We did make a pit stop at Dick's Last Resort for a brownie. Having never been there we didn't know what to expect. But in the end we were not overly impressed with it. Apparently the point of the restaurant is that the servers are obnoxious. And rude. How very American. We ate our brownie and left pretty quickly after that...
We got back to our hosts house and spent the night watching Arrested Development and talking. He had invited some friends over so it became a party of about 6 or 7. Very fun and entertaining. Overall a nice evening, but we are ready to head to Atlanta tomorrow and have a nice break while we stay at my aunt's house for a week!
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