July 13/13

When entertaining out-of-town guests, it's important to wear good shoes.

This morning, we were up and at it early because we were meeting Sergio for brunch.  Sergio is a friend of Etienne's who is here in Canada for English classes.  He decided to pass through Ottawa, so we arranged to hang out and show him around.  This was tricky because Sergio's okay with doing pretty much anything.  If I knew someone was into art and history, I'd know what to plan.  Partying?  Yep.  Sports?  Yep.  Outdoor pursuits?  Here's a map f Gatieau Park, knock yourself out!  But if you are cool with just any old thing...well, then I worry that I'd be imposing my own interests on you.

After some back and forth, we got a plan together...sort of.  After brunch, we walked by the canal and through Major's Hill Park before crossing the river into Gatineau to see the Museum of Civilization in Hull.  I discussed a little about Canada's hostory and the lives and cultures of the Aboriginal groups in Canada while Etienne pushed any and all buttons available.  I swear, boys in museums are all the same!

After the Museum, we walked back into the Market for some cake, at which point I learned from Etienne that Sergio was constantly made fun of for ordering the girliest items on menus.  He ordered some kind of raspberry cream cake with a lemon lime Italian Soda, bypassing the more manly coffees and dark chocolate desserts.  As if to prove a point, we next went to the Black Thorn patio, where he ordered two very girlie drinks...something about a peach followed by a Pink Lemonade.  After that, we went for Mexican before coming back to our place to Etienne could show off the MLS, and more specifically, the Montreal Impact, while I took to hibernating in the air conditioned bedroom.  But it was still early when the game ended, so then what?

Back out into the streets once more, we headed to the Fox and Feather on Elgin to take drinks on the patio, but that wasn't especially exciting, so we went across the street to MacLaren's to play pool and have some laughs at our sad pool-playing skills.  And it was there that our night ended.

Now you see why I recommend good shoes!  In all, it was close to 12 hours of walking, eating and drinking, so needless to say, I'm quite tired, and ready for bed.

If you come rolling into town, we will do our best to show you a good time, with or without the girlie drinks and desserts!

Come on down...

...Wish you were here.