Ottawa

I love Ottawa. I love it, love it. It's a city that I always wished I could have worked in, in radio, of course. What bugs me is that I had three changes to go on-air there and I never pursued them. I remember the first time I was there, visiting a friend in radio, (1440 CFGO), seeing Super-Ex, the joggers on the path around the Rideau, the Byward Market, the Canal - it's a beautiful city.

Do I regret not pursuing one of those jobs? Ya. I will never know what might have been. Not that that my radio life has not been good, and perhaps had I moved to Ottawa it would not have gone as well as my imagination leads me to believe.

That's ok. Ottawa is only five hours away. I visit once a year and spend a few days listening to radio, riding the bike path, walking thru the market and relaxing.

This summer's visit was based around a friend's wedding and piggybacked with the usual bike rides, only this time Janice came with me.

My favourite ride is the loop from Hog's Back, along the Canal to the Rideau Centre and back. It's about 20km - I do it several times. Today Janice and I rode from the Parliament Buildings to Britannia Park, along the River. Great view, great weather!
Pinning down the best thing about Ottawa is impossible, but I will say this: the City of Ottawa takes care of it's sites. The grass is always green. In Barrie - blah! Along Kempenfelt Bay, it's all dry brown grass all summer. What doesn't the City of Barrie water the grass? It's not like there isn't any water nearby! Well, I still love living in Barrie - but it sure ain't Ottawa!

Just reflecting .... one time we had backstage passes to hangout with Rod Stewart. The record company rep took a group of us, including contest winner, to the green room before the show. Rod came into the room from the far side, where the buffet was. The 50 of us all quietly whispered - wow - there he is!" And my wife says, unfortunately a little too loudly, "oooh - he looks so old!" GASP! The record rep came over to tell us the meet-and-greet had been cancelled! Yikes!

Anyway...I have alot of Ottawa rock star stories.

Friday night we ended up at Parliament Hill just in time to see "Mosaika" - a sound and light show, projected across the front of the Parliament Buildings. It's a 30 minute imaginative story-telling spectacle of Canada's history and famous people. The free show happens every night all summer, after sunset. Bring a blanket, sit on the grass and enjoy. It's worth the drive to Ottawa, even if you don't bike on the Rideau! I'm telling you - go see it! AMAZING!

Ottawa - I love you!