It's hard to believe that we are now doing in reverse what we did at home 12 months ago.
At least there are less decisions to make, as we don't need to find somewhere to live, choose a school and keep some things in suspension while we are away.
Here we have been busy selling our few possessions off - the car was sold to a kind and trusting family before we had our holiday in the Maritimes, the bikes went to new owners and what little furniture we had here is either going to the new tenant who happens to be our neighbour or has been sold through an online site called Kijiji.
It was surprising how little we needed - we all brought things/clothes which weren't used or worn, and thanks to a kind landlady who left some furniture in the house, lots of scouring of op shops and a few things picked up cheaply at Ikea/Walmart etc, we didn't miss much at all. So out it all goes to new owners, and the cycle continues.
The big mystery is whether our stuff will fit into our luggage. We've acquired an extra suitcase or two, but until it's all been packed I really have no idea whether we will need more cases and an excess luggage charge. You know those people you see at airports with a mountain of luggage and you wonder why one earth they travel with so much stuff? Well that will be us! (Perhaps I shouldn't be so quick to judge ...) We brought too many clothes, most of which went unworn, if only we had the benefit of hindsight before we left!
I am having a few pangs at some little things I can't take home.
- Our old china tea cups, picked up at an op shop, which apparently no one wants any more - it's all giant novelty mugs, and travel beakers. I can picture them sitting in among the dross in the Salvation Army store, unwanted and unappreciated.
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- this tray, picked up for a song at the local porch sale which has hosted many a nice cup of tea and g & t. However, it's going to my friend Patty with strict instructions that it is to be used on her porch (along with the gin I've also given her!):
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- my fabric and craft supplies that I had such plans for (although a select few will be migrating to Aust with us!)
Mostly, it's the friends we're leaving behind, and the bits of Ottawa we didn't get to know.
We had a little farewell afternoon tea party here on Sunday for friends. (The menu included mini lamingtons, Tim Tams, Anzac biscuits and a sparkling shiraz.) Our spot on the river is perfect for things like that, and we will really miss it too.
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There are also parts of Canada that I would have loved to visit, especially the north, but that's inevitable with any holiday. Ottawa feels different because it was home, and although we tried hard to see and do as much as we could, it's impossible to tackle a place like a tourist for every day that you're there. I've been wondering lately why I didn't explore this or that area more, but I realised that everyday life takes over and we needed to spend time at home just being "home". It would be quite exhausting to spend every day of a year launching yourself out at a city intent on ticking off every place of interest.
The Ottawa we lived in was very like it's public image. Family-friendly, sporty, picturesque, conservative. The Ottawa I'd like to get to know is there, but harder to find. If we were to be here any longer I'd make more of an effort to seek out the vibrant and lively places and people.
No complains though, or regrets either.
Looking forward to coming home.![]()
At least there are less decisions to make, as we don't need to find somewhere to live, choose a school and keep some things in suspension while we are away.
Here we have been busy selling our few possessions off - the car was sold to a kind and trusting family before we had our holiday in the Maritimes, the bikes went to new owners and what little furniture we had here is either going to the new tenant who happens to be our neighbour or has been sold through an online site called Kijiji.
It was surprising how little we needed - we all brought things/clothes which weren't used or worn, and thanks to a kind landlady who left some furniture in the house, lots of scouring of op shops and a few things picked up cheaply at Ikea/Walmart etc, we didn't miss much at all. So out it all goes to new owners, and the cycle continues.
The big mystery is whether our stuff will fit into our luggage. We've acquired an extra suitcase or two, but until it's all been packed I really have no idea whether we will need more cases and an excess luggage charge. You know those people you see at airports with a mountain of luggage and you wonder why one earth they travel with so much stuff? Well that will be us! (Perhaps I shouldn't be so quick to judge ...) We brought too many clothes, most of which went unworn, if only we had the benefit of hindsight before we left!
I am having a few pangs at some little things I can't take home.
- Our old china tea cups, picked up at an op shop, which apparently no one wants any more - it's all giant novelty mugs, and travel beakers. I can picture them sitting in among the dross in the Salvation Army store, unwanted and unappreciated.
- this tray, picked up for a song at the local porch sale which has hosted many a nice cup of tea and g & t. However, it's going to my friend Patty with strict instructions that it is to be used on her porch (along with the gin I've also given her!):
- my fabric and craft supplies that I had such plans for (although a select few will be migrating to Aust with us!)
Mostly, it's the friends we're leaving behind, and the bits of Ottawa we didn't get to know.
We had a little farewell afternoon tea party here on Sunday for friends. (The menu included mini lamingtons, Tim Tams, Anzac biscuits and a sparkling shiraz.) Our spot on the river is perfect for things like that, and we will really miss it too.
There are also parts of Canada that I would have loved to visit, especially the north, but that's inevitable with any holiday. Ottawa feels different because it was home, and although we tried hard to see and do as much as we could, it's impossible to tackle a place like a tourist for every day that you're there. I've been wondering lately why I didn't explore this or that area more, but I realised that everyday life takes over and we needed to spend time at home just being "home". It would be quite exhausting to spend every day of a year launching yourself out at a city intent on ticking off every place of interest.
The Ottawa we lived in was very like it's public image. Family-friendly, sporty, picturesque, conservative. The Ottawa I'd like to get to know is there, but harder to find. If we were to be here any longer I'd make more of an effort to seek out the vibrant and lively places and people.
No complains though, or regrets either.
Looking forward to coming home.
