The capital of Canada lies on the south bank of the Ottawa River. There is Samuel Champlain the father of “new France” (he was the founder of Quebec City) standing and gazing over the Ottawa river. 1857 in a symbolic and political gesture Queen Victoria selected the location for the permanent capital of the Province of Canada. Bytown, located approximately midway between Toronto and Quebec City was chosen and became Ottawa.
Parliament Hill with the impressive Centre Block with the Peace Tower on the large lawn surrounding the buildings not only tourists strolling around taking pictures, you seemingly can also find your peace here.
Oh yeah, and there was the „Poutine Festival“! :-)
You might ask: What the xxxx is Poutine?
It’s a Canadian fast-food dish, originating in the province of Quebec, made with french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. Seems to be the favourite for old and young!
The tale is that the name comes from Fernand Lachance of Le Café Ideal, who is said to have exclaimed, „ça va faire une maudite poutine“ when asked to put curds on some french fries.
And if you say you don’t‘ like poutine or gravy on your fries you’ll be put in prison…..
Yes, the Ottawa youth hostel was once a jail. Now you can book your cell online and determine the release date yourself. And: No “lights out by 10”, you also get a key to go out whenever you like.
That reminds me of the late Michel Galabru as Commissaire Gesberg in “Subway“) eating his sandwich and announce to the “rolleur“: „Police, menottes, prison!„
A perfect place to be thinking of a new career!
Sleep well and sweet dreams!
