Canada Trip: Facts & Stories

So for those of you in the dark, Chris and I went up to Ottawa, Ontario in Canada this past weekend. It was our first time out of the country (well, except a cruise I went on in high school) and we had such a great experience. The car ride up was filled with beautiful trees and deep spiritual conversation. Then we crossed the border and had the excitement of seeing new road signs and landmarks we had never seen before. Around 8pm we parked at the St. Paul’s church where we were meeting everyone, across from the beautiful Gasthaus Switzerland that we were graciously given a room for the night by our hosts, HEAT Worship House.

Within minutes a very excited Rachelle came out to greet us and help us into our room. We then spent the night with Rachelle and Tyler setting up for the weekend and getting a tour of downtown Ottawa. Within the first hour in Ottawa I fell in love with the city. It’s clean and beautiful and unlike the city I know (NYC) it’s not crowded and doesn’t smell bad. I love the bilingual aspect even though I don’t speak a word of French and the architecture is amazing. The people are friendly and filled with life and seem really artistic and passionate.

It was a really fun night is quite the understatement, but is the only thing that seems to come to mind at the moment.

Due to some alcohol loving young b&b neighbors, we didn’t get much sleep.  So Saturday was a LOOONG day. It started with a wonderful homemade breakfast at the inn and the best coffee I’ve ever had. It then continued with lunch at a cute healthy Cora’s Restaurant and then a visit to the Christian Book Store that James works at. We spent a while hanging out and looking at things around the store. We talked about the things of God and the irony of a gay book store being across the street. But eventually James had to get back to work and Rachelle had to get some things done so Chris and I were left with the afternoon to wander around the city.

Ottawa is the best of both worlds. It’s a beautiful city with lots of things to do and look at…museums and shopping, food and coffee…but within the city is grass and paths to ride bikes. Tunnels to walk under while looking at art and buildings to tour around. Sidewalks of houses and people walking dogs right next to boutique stores and farmers markets. And just minutes away are suburbs and parks…Canadian nature as they call it It really makes me reconsider my “I hate cities” mentality. Maybe I just hate New York City lol. And I’m not insanely thrilled with Philly either (sorry all you PA kids!).

Anyway, Saturday night was the “rave” – Psalm 119. It was a great time of dancing, art, God and worship. It’s hard to explain what it was like so look for the pictures and videos coming soon in another post! The rave ended at 2:30am and by the time we were done cleaning up and back at Tyler’s, it was 5am. We got to hang out with their core group eating ribs and rice and talking about God and books and their vision for HEAT. Although we were beyond tired, it’s definitely a day that I will never forget.

Sunday we woke up (after 4 hours of sleep) and had brunch at a Vietnamese Restaurant. We had Pho soup for the first time and mmmmm we need to find some closer to home! We then went to Rachelle’s to pick up her dogs and go to a park in Quebec. Although only there for a short time, it was a very enjoyable outing. I was amazed how quickly the signs changed from English/French to only English!

So around 3:30pm Chris and I said our goodbyes and headed back to NY. Although exhausted, our trip home was as great as the one there. It’s so wonderful being married to your best friend. Not only can we joke around and listen to music, but we have some of the best conversations I’ve ever had.

And about those Canadians…guys…you blessed us tremendously.  In the next few days I’m going to blog about the deeper spiritual aspects of our trip but for now I’ll just say: I can’t believe we only just met you all. I’m not used to having such immediate, deep connections with people…it was a real treat. We can’t wait to see you all again and hope you keep in touch!