Thursday, August 23, 2018

With stretches of road construction, an accident and a painting truck revitalizing the lines between lanes, it was a long drive. The weather, however, was great. After a couple of stops to stretch our legs and enjoy a quick bite, we arrived at our destination.

Downtown Ottawa is plagued with one-way streets and if you miss your destination by one meter, off around the block you go… LOL. Our hotel – Best Western Plus Ottawa Downtown Suites – was a lovely surprise, with 3 rooms: a living room with kitchen corner, a bedroom and a bathroom. Coffee and… feet up!

Note to travellers: Conveniently located (corner of O’Connor and Gladstone, just across the Canadian Museum of Nature), the hotel is welcoming, with very clean and roomy suites. A good choice if you are staying several days.

For dinner… Italian it is! A short walk took us to Mamma Teresa Ristorante (www.mammateresa.com). Lovely meal on the terrace, relaxed and friendly. Mmmm!

The evening ended with a Sound and Light Show at Parliament Hill: Northern Lights. The show is offered on Parliament Hill every evening (9:30 pm in August), free of charge! It is a visual extravaganza projected on the Centre Block façade, telling the story of Canada and proclaiming its values as a country and as a people. I cannot tell you how amazing it was! My sensitive patriotic chord was particularly moved when all spectators stood up as one as the national anthem started playing. So proud to be Canadian!

Walking back to the hotel, and almost reaching my 10,000 steps… :))))

Bonne nuit!

Anna