Memories of Ottawa - Part 1: All of these things are special like the other

In a few short days I will be with my family on a plane headed towards Belfast. This trip will mark the near beginning of the end for me and my time with Ottawa. I have spent 13 amazing months here so far and will only return for a few short days after Ireland to wrap up my work, say goodbyes, pack my belogings and be off to
school. There's a lot that I've given Ottawa but there's even more this beautiful city has given me. I'd like to highlight these things in two insallments. I feel as though I owe it to just about everything that has happened to me in the past while to do the memories justice. Part 1 (aka. what you are reading) will focus on the places that I will miss. Part 2 will be about all the people I've met and the times I've shared with them. I will write Part 2 after I return from Ireland as I feel I need adequate time for the love I've recieved to marinate. For now, here are the places in Ottawa (in no particular order) that I have come to know. I suggest visiting them if you can.

• Bytowne theater - I've seen many a great film here from the obscure to the hillarious. Highlights include "Paris je t'aime" and "The Host"


• Nate's - a great Jewish deli introduced to me by my parents. Even as a vegetarian I found a few things to eat here.


• The Tea Store - this was the first familiar place for me in Ottawa. Calm, soothing, friendly. I met some great people here (Mark, Rio) and saw some great music at the after hours open mikes. Many good memories started with a nice cup of tea.


• Zaphod's - the place you will most likely find me in Ottawa. I saw some of the best concerts here. Danced some of the best dances, and hung out with a really good crowd of strangers and then friends.


• Barrymore's - another great concert venue and club. The 80s on Sundays, the 90s on Fridays are not to be missed. This place always guranteed a good time.


• The many, many parks of Ottawa. Here there are friendly people practicing unicycling, juggling, and just plane hanging out. Ottawa is a vibrant and athletic city and the parks are a great place to observe this
• The Canal - it really is impressive to live in a city with not one, but two water ways that go directly through the downtown core. The canal is great for jogging, walking, and making out. Romantic, beautiful, something that I enjoyed looking at everyday
• The Byward Market - the BWM just adds a much more personal feel to Ottawa. Little shops, great food, and always a tone of people. I recommend the sandwhiches at the Byward Cafe, the chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate, or any of the cool things at the variety of shops.
• Sugar Mountain- open late and a saviour to my candy cravings. Sugar Mountain is not only a fun place to go, but also a source of sugar-fueled energy at work, study time, or when you want to sneak a wider selection of candy into the movie theater.
• The Works - some of the best burgers in my life. From your choice of patty (I go veggie) to over 60 topping combination and a unique atmopsphere this is not to be missed. I am having works withdrawl as I speak.

Well those are the places that stick out in my mind. Please add any of your own Ottawa favorites. Read about my trip to Ireland (I leave in a few days!!) and look forward to Part 2 of my nostalgia.