Now that I have been gone from Ottawa about 6 or 7 weeks, I have had some time and space to think about the impression the city left on me.
Top 5 things I will not miss about Ottawa
#5 - Federal government politics (with both a big and a little "p") - While I am glad I had the chance to learn about parliamentary processes (wait, am I actually really glad to have learned about parliamentary processes? Not sure), the business of government, public service and the important role government can play in people's lives, I am so not going to miss having to wade through Ottawa's politics.
Some of my colleagues squeal with delight over the shenanigans on the Hill. As a spectator sport it can be juicy and fun. But actually trying to get meaningful work done can be a different matter. It's probably a really good thing that Canadians generally don't get what happens in our capital city. Then again, if more Canadians really cared and understood what happens on Hill, we might find ourselves in different circumstances.
#4 - Freezing rain - I just don't get it. If Ottawa is one of the world's coldest capital cities, why is there so much bloody freezing rain. I was not born in Canada. I didn't grow up with skates on my feet. So, I will never find it amusing that I can can skate on lakes, rivers, neighbourhood park rinks and sidewalks. Nope, don't get that. Why didn't I discover yaktrax earlier?
#3 - The Chaudiere Bridge in winter - Perhaps the crappiest bridge in the city lay between my home and my office. Somewhat interesting (and thankfully short) during the summer, this bridge was the absolute pits during the winter. It never drained properly so there were always salty snowy puddles or icy patches along it's "pit"iful footpath. Not being at home on slippery surfaces, the walk to work had the affect of making me arrive frustrated, angry and experiencing back pain, something one might expect more at the end of the day.
#2 - Terraces de la chaudiere (or Shoddy Air) - Now, the home of Canadian Heritage, Environment, Indian and Norther Affairs and the CRTC is perhaps no more toxic than the other government buildings in the city. The number of people with chronic headaches, runny noses, fatigue and depression cooped up in these towers is probably no greater than other architectural misadventures of the 1970s. But my old office building has the name that sums it all up.
#1 - 38 degrees C below zero - Again, fully admitting that I wasn't born in Canada, though I have spent two thirds of my life here. But how it is natural that anyone wakes up in the morning and upon hearing the temperatures says to themselves, without skipping a step or a beat, "okay, I know how to dress for that." Really, I ask you!
Funny, how the winter figures heavily in my top 5 list. If Ottawa were either more closely situation to Toronto (and therefore warmer) or somewhere tropical (therefore warmer still), I might still be there.
Top 5 things I will miss about Ottawa
#5 - Byward and Parkdale Markets - Farmers' market rule! Wouldn't you prefer to buy your fruit and veg from local farmers? When I worked in the Byward market during the summer months I loved being able to pop out at lunch and pick up my fruit, veg and salad for the day.
#4 - My first real estate purchase - stacked townhouse with big windows, hardwood floors and a gas stove, only steps from the Ottawa rivers and within a short walk of my friends.
#3 - Ottawa River bike paths - Ottawa is blessed with miles and miles of bike paths and a ton of them run along two rivers (Ottawa and Rideau), the Rideau Canal and Dow's Lake. I need to live near water. Preferably a large body of water. Enjoying the rivers and the canal on the bike kept me sane.
#2 - Gatineau Park - My Toronto friends understood the significance of having a HUGE park replete with lakes, skiing and hiking a mere half an hour from the centre of town. I suspect many Ottawans recognize how lucky they are. Beats the 2-4 hour drive to cottage country for Torontonians.
#1 - My awesome friends - I arrived in Ottawa knowing no-one and left with a group of wonderful friends who I hope will be in my life for a long time to come. That group is growing larger as two have given birth recently and two more additions are on the way.
Now that I have done a top 5 list for Ottawa, I guess I will have to do one for Toronto.
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