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Day 1. The Emirates Volvo Estate outside our flat ready for the ride to Dubai Airport. I had gotten back from an early morning run at 5:45am, had a quick shower and had just gotten dressed when the driver arrived at 6:05am and quite a bit earlier than the 6:30am time I had booked! Luckily I was ready to go though, and after a quick goodbye to Rianda and a last minute check that I had everything I was off to the airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2rG/0/O/01.jpg Following another Emirates Volvo down Sheik Zayed Road. The primary purpose of this trip was to attend a conference for work so I was fortunate to be flying business class today. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...PJ9/0/O/02.jpg And at the Business Class check-in area at Terminal 3. My flight to Toronto had only been booked three days prior and there unfortunately were no window seats available when I selected my seat online. I enquired about the faint possibily of a window seat at check-in but today's flight was 100% full and I was out of luck. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...ZTm/0/O/03.jpg My flights for this trip were on two different airlines, flying 4 segments: Day 1: Flying Emirates Airline (EK) from Dubai to Toronto (DXB-YYZ). Day 3: Flying Air Canada (AC) from Toronto to Québec City (YYZ-YQB). Day 11: Air Canada (AC) from Ottawa to Toronto (YOW-YYZ). Flying Emirates Airline (EK) from Toronto to Dubai (YYZ-DXB). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...7n3/0/O/04.gif |
For my trip to Canada I flew into Toronto (A) where I spent two nights before flying up to Québec City (B) for a four day conference. On the last day of the conference we had a bus trip up to Alma (C) to visit an aluminium smelter. After the conference I caught a train down to Montreal (D) where I spent two nights before catching another train to Ottawa (E). After a night in Ottawa I flew back to Toronto (A) before hiring a car and driving down to Niagara Falls (F), then across to Woodstock (G) and then back to Toronto Pearson International Airport for the flight back to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...M8F/0/O/05.jpg After passing through immigration and security I caught the train to Concourse A in Terminal 3 and then headed upstairs to the Emirates Business Class Lounge. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...8b2/0/O/06.jpg The lounge spans the entire floor of Concourse A and is supposedly the biggest business class lounge in the world. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Jtm/0/O/07.jpg Opened in 2013, Concourse A is the world's first A380 purpose built facility, with 20 air bridge gates for the world’s first multi-level boarding for first and business class passengers directly from the respective lounges. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qZr/0/O/08.jpg |
After a walk around the lounge, I grabbed some breakfast from one of the many food service areas. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jfj/0/O/09.jpg After watching some Netflix on my iPad, I went for another wander around the lounge. At the southern end of the lounge with the A380 for our flight to Toronto on the far left. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...s2J/0/O/10.jpg Looking out to our A380 on the airbridge. We boarded ~15 minutes behind schedule as the plane had arrived late on its inbound flight. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bSh/0/O/11.jpg Our A380 was one of two Emirates A380's that had new livery to promote awareness of the trade in illegal wildlife with colourful tigers, lions, gorillas, rhinos, bears and elephants on both sides of the fuselage. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...D9r/0/O/12.jpg 15G, my seat for the next ~13 hours. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...7XG/0/O/13.jpg |
Today's flight was 100% full with absolutely no spare seats. The Canadian government has placed heavy restrictions on the ME3 (Emirates, Etihad and Qatar) airlines flying to Canada, only allowing three flights a week for each airline and hence there is very high demand for the very few flights. For comparison, Emirates has 50+ flights to Australia per week versus only the restricted three to Canada. These heavy flight restrictions imposed by the Canadian government on UAE airlines have had ramifications for the relations between Canada and the UAE, with the UAE forcing the closure of Camp Mirage in Dubai, Canada's only military base in the Gulf region, successfully lobbying to thwart Canada's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council and for a time requiring expensive visa's for Canadians wishing to visit the UAE. The small (left) and large (right) IFE remotes. There was also a personal mini-bar with various drinks such as water, Perrier, Pepsi, OJ etc. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...fKd/0/O/14.jpg A glass of yellow label Veuve Clicquot champagne that was served soon after boarding. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9pv/0/O/15.jpg The men's amenity kit. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6Xx/0/O/16.jpg |
And the menu for today's flight to Toronto. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...vdb/0/O/17.jpg As we pushed back for take-off, I started watching the film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Although I can understand some of the criticisms that it got (humourless etc.), I thought it was still quite an enjoyable movie though. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2dr/0/O/18.jpg Breakfast was served soon after take-off. I chose the spinach and feta omelette with baked beans, roasted cherry tomatoes and potatoes with chives. Very tasty! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...pvb/0/O/19.jpg And a hit of caffeine from a freshly made cappuccino afterwards. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6K4/0/O/20.jpg Althought the cabin lights were dimmed soon after breakfast, as it was a day time flight taking off at 9:55am in Dubai and arriving 15:45pm local time in Toronto, I didn't feel like sleeping so checked out some music on the IFE. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...8gN/0/O/21.jpg After another movie, I went to check out the famous Emirates A380 bar, the first of its kind on a plane. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...LRG/0/O/22.jpg Some snacks and a screen with flight info by the galley. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kWK/0/O/23.jpg And a good chance to look out of the window after not being able to secure a window seat! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...WH5/0/O/24.jpg I then relaxed with some Australian red wine and nuts from the bar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...W3b/0/O/25.jpg |
After some more movie watching we were about to pass Greenland where I had just visited a month prior. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...NGR/0/O/26.jpg I was getting a little hungry so ordered one of the warm snacks on the menu, the steak sandwich with onion marmalade and emmental on toasted sourdough. Surprisingly tasty! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...GBS/0/O/27.jpg On my last trip I had watched half of the second season of the TV series Fargo. It wasn't available in Netflix in the UAE yet, so I took advantage of watching some more on the Emirates IFE. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...pW8/0/O/28.jpg A couple of hours out from Toronto the lunch service was started. Coke, water and nuts to start. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...vfb/0/O/29.jpg And for the starter I had the Arabic mezze with spinach bil zeit, labneh, houmous and stuffed vine leaves. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...xtN/0/O/30.jpg Followed by the main where I chose the roasted beef tenderloin, served with green pepper sauce, steamed french beans and potato cakes with truffle. My expectations are normally pretty low for steak on a plane, but it was surprisingly tender and delicious. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...DQM/0/O/31.jpg |
For dessert I had the very sweet and oh so tasty chocolate mango torte. Layered chocolate and mango mousse with dark chocolate ganache, served with raspberry compote. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...c6x/0/O/32.jpg And on approach to Toronto Pearson International Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...q2x/0/O/33.jpg My first time flying business class was a few years ago on an Emirates 777 with angled, seven across seating. The A380 experience was undoubtedly much better and I was really looking forward to experiencing it all again on the return flight back to Dubai. After my previous adventurous travel (Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia etc.) I was a bit nervous about immigration especially now that the US has tightened its entry policies, but luckily after a quick few questions on the reasons for my visit to Canada I was quickly stamped into my 99th country visited. I then grabbed my suitcase from the baggage belt and headed ground-side to find my ride. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qQ8/0/O/34.jpg And the Chevrolet Suburban ready to whisk me into Toronto city. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...cMW/0/O/35.jpg After managing to get into town through Friday peak hour traffic, we reached Guesthouse Taigh Ice in the neighbourhood of Cabbagetown. Cabbagetown is supposedly the "largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America". http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...VM2/0/O/36.jpg And my room for the next two nights. The guesthouse was $CA146 per night with a shared bathroom. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...LVv/0/O/37.jpg I then went for a bit of a walk to help shake off the jetlag. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...WKc/0/O/38.jpg |
Canada Post. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...7jq/0/O/39.jpg Tim Hortons. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...xL8/0/O/40.jpg After all the food on the plane, I just had a donut and hot drink before heading back to get some much needed sleep. I was quite surprised how cheap it was at less than $CA3 total, about a third of what it costs back in Dubai where it is priced similarly to Starbucks. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...GDD/0/O/41.jpg I headed back to the guesthouse at about 8pm. It was 4am back in Dubai and I was pretty knackered so I got some good sleep before exploring Toronto tomorrow. |
Day 2. After a morning run through Greektown I headed to the Sherbourne subway station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...B7f/0/O/42.jpg And on to the yellow line for the short ride to Union Station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...WNw/0/O/43.jpg Outside Union Station in downtown Toronto with the CN Tower puncturing the clouds above. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...fsS/0/O/44.jpg After walking through downtown I found a Starbucks and had a cheese and ham sandwich and some warm coffee for breakfast. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...hNg/0/O/45.jpg I then headed out again to explore the streets. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4Xr/0/O/46.jpg One. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...JRP/0/O/47.jpg |
I had just upgraded my 4.5 year old Canon 5D MKIII DSLR camera to the new MkIV version so it was great to try it out while wandering through a new city. My old 5D MkIII had accompanied me to 94 countries and was still soldiering on, but it was starting to show its age and had some issues starting to surface (freezing up in moist/damp conditions and buttons sticking due to wear). As well as being a brand new camera, the extra megapixels, dynamic range and reduced noise were also very welcome with my new MkIV. Shopper. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SRx/0/O/48.jpg Coffee. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XfJ/0/O/49.jpg Dark. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...ZD9/0/O/50.jpg Cake. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gXt/0/O/51.jpg Chinatown. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...g7K/0/O/52.jpg |
Movers. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XSp/0/O/53.jpg Ao dai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...CJt/0/O/54.jpg Kensington Market, a multicultural neighbourhood of Toronto that has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kFK/0/O/55.jpg Corner Shop. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SSj/0/O/56.jpg Payphone. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tZ4/0/O/57.jpg |
Grocer. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...B4j/0/O/58.jpg Soup of the day. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...p6M/0/O/59.jpg Jimmy. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...s8m/0/O/60.jpg Children's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...fGK/0/O/61.jpg Produce. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...mhp/0/O/62.jpg |
A mural of the late Rob Ford, the controversial former mayor of Toronto. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...JFd/0/O/63.jpg Both sides. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...j3K/0/O/64.jpg Sonic Boom Records. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jSr/0/O/65.jpg Back downtown Toronto with the CN Tower now fully engulfed in the clouds. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...TWW/0/O/66.jpg Canadian National on the side of an old locomotive outside the Toronto Railway Museum. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...73p/0/O/67.jpg The Hockey Hall of Fame. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...QpB/0/O/68.jpg |
Next on my list was to check out St. Lawrence Market. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...F84/0/O/69.jpg Fresh flowers on the lower level. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XdS/0/O/70.jpg The market was super busy with many Torontonians out enjoying their weekend. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...D8D/0/O/71.jpg Maple Syrup. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...3qW/0/O/72.jpg Brown Brothers Meats up on the upper level, Canada's oldest meat shop. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...HL3/0/O/73.jpg Carnicero's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zGc/0/O/74.jpg Lots of shops were offering free tasty samples to tempt you. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...LrB/0/O/75.jpg View out over the upper level. The building was first opened in 1902. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...RRw/0/O/76.jpg Donuts, croissants and muffins. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...T5w/0/O/77.jpg Fish and fine meat. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...63d/0/O/78.jpg A multitude of different mustards to taste. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...hhT/0/O/79.jpg Plenty of cheese to try too. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Vn9/0/O/80.jpg It was getting close to 1pm so for lunch at the market I grabbed a very tasty Italian veal sandwich for $CA10 from Uno Mustachio. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...NR4/0/O/81.jpg I then walked further east to the Distillery District. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6cx/0/O/82.jpg Old Dodge truck. The Distillery District is a National Historic Site and contains numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...hpK/0/O/83.jpg Miss Congeniality. The district has many Victorian-era buildings from the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6BF/0/O/84.jpg Love. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...pMC/0/O/85.jpg Stopping for afternoon tea at the Sweet Escape Pâtisserie. The district owners apparently refuse to lease any of the retail and restaurant space to chains or franchises. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...sPn/0/O/86.jpg And enjoying some very delicious pumpkin cheesecake. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...HW8/0/O/87.jpg I then began the 2 kilometre walk north back to Cabbagetown. Newly-weds. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...55v/0/O/88.jpg Jason Aldean. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...27T/0/O/89.jpg Elvis. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Jh2/0/O/90.jpg I arrived back at the guesthouse at about 4pm and crashed out after my walking tour of Toronto. After a good rest I headed out again. Back at the subway after buying some tokens. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...VK2/0/O/91.jpg Wellesley Station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dFV/0/O/92.jpg Louis Vuitton. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dG3/0/O/93.jpg And after two stops I arrived at Dundas Square. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kpJ/0/O/94.jpg Toronto is hosting the Invictus Games in 2017 so the Canadian Army was helping to promote it. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jwP/0/O/95.jpg Posing with a Leopard Main Battle Tank. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...CzM/0/O/96.jpg For dinner I went to a restaurant just off the Square, Asian Bowl, and had the 'Lamb On Fire', very tasty char grilled lamb chop with mango salad and vermicelli. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bn9/0/O/97.jpg And back at Dundas Subway Station to catch the train back to the guesthouse after a very interesting day in Toronto. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...522/0/O/98.jpg Day 3. My bodyclock was still a bit out of sync, so after waking up at 3:30am, I went for a run, packed my bags, and then walked downtown to Union Station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4sk/0/O/99.jpg And on the 6:30am Union Pearson Express. The UP Express was quite new and began operations in June 2015 with Japanese-built Nippon Sharyo rolling stock. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zj/0/O/100.jpg Checking in at the Air Canada D gates. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2L/0/O/101.jpg Grabbing a pita bread for breakfast air-side. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rd/0/O/102.jpg The Air Canada Embraer E190 at the gate for the 9am flight to Jean Lesage International Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...59/0/O/103.jpg We boarded on time and settled into our seats. Air Canada had recently implemented additional charges for checked luggage for economy tickets so the FA had to pack a few extra bags in the business class overheads. Fresh fruit, greek yoghurt and a croissant served on the ~90 minute flight. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Ss/0/O/104.jpg After landing in Québec City, I headed out to grab a taxi for the short ride into town. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...LB/0/O/105.jpg The price for the taxi ride into the city was a fixed $34.25, and I made a bit of cultural fubar by only giving him $35, only realising later that a 'voluntary' 15-25% tip is expected too. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...ZH/0/O/106.jpg Outside Hotel Palace Royal for my five night stay and the location of the aluminium conference I was attending. It was 11am and my room wasn't ready yet so I did the 'pre-check in', stored my bags and grabbed my camera for a walk around the city. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jt/0/O/107.jpg An alleyway in Old Québec with local art sale. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...CL/0/O/108.jpg With some very cool skateboard decks too. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...DH/0/O/109.jpg Tourists having some lunch at a beautiful hotel/restaurant in the autumn sun. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4t/0/O/110.jpg Walking along the promenade in front of the 19th Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the 'most photographed hotel in the world'. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...xS/0/O/111.jpg I then walked up the hill to Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine. Looking down on the Château Frontenac and the harbour with two cruise ships in dock. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jg/0/O/112.jpg Porte St. Louis, a gate in the city walls, the only remaining city walls in North America north of Mexico. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bk/0/O/113.jpg I then wandered to the Citadelle of Québec. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...L6/0/O/114.jpg The Citadelle was initally concieved by the French in the 17th century on strategic Cap Diamant before being completed by the British in the 19th century. It is also still a functioning military installation for the Canadian Forces, as well as an official residence of Canada's Governor General (photo courtesy of Corporal David Robert of Musée Royal 22e Régiment). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...w/0/O/114A.jpg By chance they were having an open day of the Governor General's residence so I lined up for a peek inside. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XF/0/O/115.jpg The dining room. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...xf/0/O/116.jpg The interior was quite an interesting mixture of classical and modern design. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...63/0/O/117.jpg A portrait on one of the walls of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kd/0/O/118.jpg Some Royal medals on display, They also were giving out some chocolate Citadelle coins and I couldn't resist grabbing a couple! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kT/0/O/119.jpg They were also giving free food for the open day including apples, cake, pudding and other stuff. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...vN/0/O/120.jpg The Maple Leaf or l'Unifolié flapping in the breeze. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dT/0/O/121.jpg Zone de salut. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...V3/0/O/122.jpg It was 2:30pm and I was getting hungry so I walked back into Old Québec and went to Resto La Buche for some fine cuisine québécoise du vieux Québec. Soupe à la tomate to start. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...mX/0/O/123.jpg And la fameuse tourtiére for the main. Filled with Québec venison and served with creamy salad and fruit ketchup. Delicious and really hit the spot. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...mx/0/O/124.jpg The restaurant also had a very interesting unisex toilet, complete with copious amounts of graffiti and a bathtub to wash your hands! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Nf/0/O/125.jpg After the late lunch I continued my walkabout through Old Québec. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dP/0/O/126.jpg Pub St. Patrick. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...3D/0/O/127.jpg I got back to the hotel just after 4pm and my room was finally ready. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...mR/0/O/128.jpg Quite nice for the next four nights. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9z/0/O/129.jpg The room was $CA257 per night including tax. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...5r/0/O/130.jpg Having been up since 3:30am I was slightly exhausted so crashed out for a couple of hours. Looking down at the pool in the hotel atrium. At 7pm I headed out to grab a bite to eat for dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Rh/0/O/131.jpg Some poulet poutine at Snack Bar Saint-Jean. My first time trying this famous Canadian Québec dish and it was definitely quite an experience! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...cH/0/O/132.jpg After the carb and fat overload I had an early night, ready for the start of the conference tomorrow. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Other/ACAF/.../0/O/Part2.png |
Day 4. The first day of the conference today so I was busy catching up with everyone, listening to key note speeches, presentations and general conference type stuff. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...np/0/O/133.jpg In the evening I went out for a walk in Old Québec in the evening. In dock was the majestic RMS Queen Mary 2. I had visited the original Queen Mary back in 1988 in California when I was just a kid so it was a bit of a thrill seeing her successor. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...H7/0/O/134.jpg Édifice Price, the tallest building in Old Québec and also home to the official residence of the Premier of Québec. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Mf/0/O/135.jpg The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec just across the square. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Zs/0/O/136.jpg Coors Light. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jS/0/O/137.jpg Capitole de Québec. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...DH/0/O/138.jpg |
Day 5. After an early morning run I had the tasty French raisin toast with maple syrup for breakfast at the hotel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...BZ/0/O/139.jpg My presentation was first up this morning. A photo my colleague Michel took, looking a bit like Moses trying to part the Red Sea! The presentation went really well and it was great to present our successful project to an outside audience. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zd/0/O/140.jpg After another day of conferencing, I went for a walk out into the city again. A very tricked out Harley. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tF/0/O/141.jpg At the Musée du Chocolat at Érico, one of the recommended sights of Québec. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Gh/0/O/142.jpg They also had a chocolate shop with the sweet, rich aroma of chocolate heavy in the air. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bR/0/O/143.jpg And which I couldn't resist buying few things to takeback to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2r/0/O/144.jpg I then went for a stroll through Old Québec. The Queen Mary 2 was still in port, and was great to watch the different colours and lights appear as dusk fell. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Tr/0/O/145.jpg Dinner was at Restaurant Le Grill Sainte-Anne, with the very tasty canard rôti (roast duck). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...RJ/0/O/146.jpg |
Day 6. Oeufs au choix with bacon and toast for breakfast this morning. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XJ/0/O/147.jpg I had to give another presentation today on behalf of a colleague who could not make it. I did reasonably well but choked a bit with questions afterwards as it was not really my field of expertise. In the evening was the conference gala dinner in the main ball room. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gP/0/O/148.jpg Complete with a three piece band. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...xs/0/O/149.jpg I sat at a table with a former colleague who had retired recently and was now living in Ottawa. We had a good chat about his new life in Canada after 20+ years working in Dubai and Bahrain. Surf n' turf served for the main. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...fj/0/O/150.jpg An interesting mix of people with some good conversation around the table, with myself (Kiwi), two Brazilians, a Colombian, a Canadian, an Indian and an Emirati! And some tasty crème brûlée for dessert. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...nP/0/O/151.jpg |
Day 7. Dawn on the St. Charles river while on my morning jog. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9W/0/O/152.jpg A very tasty breakfast to fuel up after the run with the Palace Parfait with a Greek yoghurt martini with berries, melon and poundcake. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6Z/0/O/153.jpg On the last day of the conference there was an excursion organised to Alma Aluminium Smelter. The autumn colours on full display as we drove along on the highway north. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...45/0/O/154.jpg On the way we took a slight diversion and stopped to check out Arvida bridge. Completed in 1950, it was the world's first aluminium bridge. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kB/0/O/155.jpg Boarding back onto our 'Rockstar' black bus to continue the ride to Alma. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...ch/0/O/156.jpg We finally arrived at the smelter at about 12:30pm and were welcomed onsite by the Plant Manager. The smelter was relatively new, built as a greenfield site in 2000 with AP30 technology (photo courtesy of Rio Tinto Alcan). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...RC/0/O/157.jpg Some of the Plant KPI's on display. Their operating strategy was quite interesting with some efficiency traded in exchange for higher production (and presumably greater profit). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...mg/0/O/158.jpg |
The Plant manager giving us a short presentation on the smelter and necessary safety precautions before our tour. A very healthy lunch of tuna wraps and fresh vegetables too! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...d8/0/O/159.jpg We were then split into three groups, with the Potroom manager taking our group for our tour of the Plant. Unfortunately no photo's were allowed on the Plant tour but we got to see quite abit, as well as have a good chat with our guide on the workings of the Carbon, Potrooms and Casthouse. After a very interesting day we got back to the hotel in Québec City just before 6pm. I had to change rooms on my last night as I had booked an extra night on a separate booking. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...57/0/O/160.jpg And complete with a bust of Beethoven! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...fD/0/O/161.jpg I then went out for a last final evening stroll through Old Québec. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rt/0/O/162.jpg Not before getting some Tim's and a sprinkle covered donut though. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Pc/0/O/163.jpg Down the steps to La Basse-Ville (Lower Town). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gF/0/O/164.jpg It was great to simply stroll along the beautiful streets and alleys. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...wn/0/O/165.jpg |
The MS Zuiderdam in port this evening. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rc/0/O/166.jpg Pumpkins out for Halloween. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Rd/0/O/167.jpg For dinner at stopped at Le Lapin Saute, a top rated restaurant in Québec. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Gh/0/O/168.jpg After browsing the menu I quickly settled on the very tasty Cassoulet de lapin braisé et saucisee de canard (braised rabbit cassoulet and duck sausage). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...HW/0/O/169.jpg And I managed to make room for the delicious moelleux au chocolate, caramel et shooter de Boréale noire (chocolate mousse with caramel and black Boréale shooter) for dessert. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Dz/0/O/170.jpg Enjoying a last stroll through La Basse-Ville. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...pt/0/O/171.jpg And back up the stairs after a pleasant last evening in Québec City. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rX/0/O/172.jpg |
Day 8. Pancake and maple syrup for breakfast before checking out of the hotel on the morning of day 8. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...QG/0/O/173.jpg After a short walk I was outside Gare du Palais for the 8:05am train to Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9r/0/O/174.jpg And inside the train station, built in 1915. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...wD/0/O/175.jpg We had to queue up to have our tickets checked before being allowed onto the platform to board the train (which was a bit unusual and unlike trains I had caught in Europe and elsewhere) for the journey south. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...X6/0/O/176.jpg In the second class seats, which were actually quite roomy wth plenty of leg room. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Vp/0/O/177.jpg Departing on time in the morning fog. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...HH/0/O/178.jpg |
And travelling through the forest with the beautiful autumn colours out on display. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...VS/0/O/179.jpg Some cheese, crackers, fruit and nuts to quell the hunger from the food and drink cart. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...BZ/0/O/180.jpg Blue skies now visible as we got closer to Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qf/0/O/181.jpg And arriving on time at Montreal Central Station at 11:20 am. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Xp/0/O/182.jpg After a short walk from the station I arrived at La Conciergerie guesthouse for my two night stay in Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...H3/0/O/183.jpg I was warmly greeted by Luc the manager and shown to my very homely and beautiful room. He said he had saved me the best room in the guesthouse and I was certainly impressed! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dc/0/O/184.jpg |
And just outside my own personal outdoor area to relax and chill out in. At $CA177 a night it was a very nice place in a great location for my two nights in Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...76/0/O/185.jpg I then went out to explore some of Montreal. Hospital. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...7R/0/O/186.jpg Chinatown. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XK/0/O/187.jpg By now it was lunchtime so I stopped for a bite to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant, Cristal No 41. Shrimp spring rolls to start. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rF/0/O/188.jpg Followed by some tasty beef Phở. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Pq/0/O/189.jpg Triumph. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...V6/0/O/190.jpg |
My Lonelyplanet guidebook had an architectural walking tour which I decided to follow. First stop was Place d'Armes, with the art deco Aldred Building looking out on to the square. Just to the left is also the New York Life building, Montreal's first skyscraper. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Dh/0/O/191.jpg And just across was the very majestic Notre-Dame Basilica. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jC/0/O/192.jpg It is apparently possible to get married here just as Céline Dion did, but there is a two year waiting list though! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9v/0/O/193.jpg Looking up at the silver dome of Marché Bonsecours. It was closed in 1963 as a farmer's central market and is now an upscale mall. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...F6/0/O/194.jpg Place Jacques-Cartier. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9q/0/O/195.jpg |
The square was full of people out enjoying the October sun. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...KM/0/O/196.jpg Montreal City Hall and the balcony where Charles de Gaulle shouted out his controversial Vive le Québec libre!. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Dj/0/O/197.jpg Serenity. There was a busker just off to the right and the lady had her eye's closed, silently mouthing the words to the music. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...P3/0/O/198.jpg French Poodle. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...FS/0/O/199.jpg Converse. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Cx/0/O/200.jpg |
Le coq. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...hx/0/O/201.jpg Baristas. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...xr/0/O/202.jpg And a mid-afternoon caffeine fix. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gG/0/O/203.jpg Facebook. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...sw/0/O/204.jpg Place de la dauversière. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...C7/0/O/205.jpg |
I then walked back to the guesthouse and relaxed on the terrace. The forecast for tomorrow was rain so I headed out again to make the most of the clear evening weather. L'étreinte. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...M2/0/O/206.jpg Drogué. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Qd/0/O/207.jpg Bell. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kr/0/O/208.jpg Shopper. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6F/0/O/209.jpg Juggler. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dt/0/O/210.jpg |
Le repos. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rJ/0/O/211.jpg Deux. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...GD/0/O/212.jpg Échecs. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zR/0/O/213.jpg Animé. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...QS/0/O/214.jpg Fine dining. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tg/0/O/215.jpg Trois. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9L/0/O/216.jpg Suit. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dB/0/O/217.jpg |
L'Barouf. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...vp/0/O/218.jpg Hirsute. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bg/0/O/219.jpg Square Saint-Louis. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Gz/0/O/220.jpg For dinner I went to Frite Alors on Rue St. Denis and had the Le Gros Machin, a double patty beef burger with Swiss cheese, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes and with a side of poutine. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Hm/0/O/221.jpg I then retired back to the guesthouse and enjoyed the last of the evening on the terrace. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...8C/0/O/222.jpg Day 9. After a morning run around the nearby La Fontaine Park, I had decent breakfast in the guesthouse dining room. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...JW/0/O/223.jpg It was gently pouring with rain this morning, so after borrowing an umbrella from the guesthouse I went for a walk back into the city. Just before 10:30am I then met up for an Old Montreal food tour starting at Brit and Chips on Rue McGill. There was about 12 of us on the tour today, and Matt, our guide, got us to introduce ourselves. Most of the group were Canadians although there were a couple of Americans visiting from New Hampshire. Matt himself was born and bred in Québec City to German parents, and had spent four years living and working in Berlin. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...QR/0/O/224.jpg We then started our first tasting with some fish n'chips. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Wf/0/O/225.jpg The cod was perfectly cooked and the chips were delightfully crispy. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...cS/0/O/226.jpg And the chef. Brit & Chips is amongst the most highly rated restaurants in Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2L/0/O/227.jpg We then headed outside for the start of our walking tour. Matt gave us a bit of the history of Montreal, and how it used to be quite divided between the Anglophone and Francophone sides, with the two communities separated geographically by Saint Laurent Boulevard. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tp/0/O/228.jpg Our next stop was Cantinho de Lisboa, a Portugese eat-in and take-out market and café. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Lj/0/O/229.jpg And where we had some Portuguese soup, Caldo Verde, made with potatoes, kale, olive oil, garlic, onions and salt. The soup was also accompanied by the cod garbanzo (chickpea) salad. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...sc/0/O/230.jpg We then continued our walk with Matt telling us about the unique history and culture of Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bp/0/O/231.jpg Next stop was Crew Collective & Café. The place was recently setup as an office for a tech start-up and a cafe for freelance workers by local architect Henri Cleinge, and was located in the city's old Royal Bank, built in 1926 on Rue St-Jacques. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...cp/0/O/232.jpg And our PLT open sandwiches lined up on top of an old bank deposit table! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Zr/0/O/233.jpg The PLT stood for prosciutto, lettuce & tomato. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...3q/0/O/234.jpg We then carried on to Cookie Stéfanie, a pastry shop specialising in gluten-free food. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Nx/0/O/235.jpg And where we got to try the tasty carrot and pineapple cake with cream frosting. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6X/0/O/236.jpg After a short walk, we arrived at Le Petit Dépanneur. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...m4/0/O/237.jpg A dépanneur or dep is a convenience store in Quebec and other French-speaking parts of Canada. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Pd/0/O/238.jpg Le Petit Dépanneur was a gourmet version however with lots of tasty food and treats for sale. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tX/0/O/239.jpg Here we enjoyed an apple and peach soft serve cone. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...WJ/0/O/240.jpg We then walked along the waterfront. In the distance is the old and now disused grain silo's from when Montreal used to be a bustling trade hub. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...3z/0/O/241.jpg Our penultimate stop of the day was at Les Soeurs Grises, a brewpub named after Montreal's historic Grey Nuns. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jf/0/O/242.jpg Pouring their craft-brewed marguerite beer, described as blonde, crispy and awakened with aromas of flowers & peanut butter. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...t9/0/O/243.jpg And which went well with some local cheese and cranberries. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Ff/0/O/244.jpg At our final stop for the day, Soupe soup. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...6x/0/O/245.jpg And instead of soup, we got to experience a Québécois classic, Pouding chômeur. Pouding chômeur, or poor man's pudding, is a dessert that was created by female factory workers during the Great Depression. The pudding is made from a basic cake batter with hot maple poured over before baking. Super sweet and a great way to finish our culinary tour of Old Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...9k/0/O/246.jpg After thanking Matt for the excellent tour and bidding farewell to the rest of the group, I walked back through the rainy streets. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Hv/0/O/247.jpg 500 Place D'Armes, completed in 1968 for Banque Canadienne Nationale. The bank's safe was built above ground to thwart any tunnel-digging safe robbers! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...w6/0/O/248.jpg Stopping at a souvenir shop to grab some stuff to take home back to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Gj/0/O/249.jpg I then retreated from the rain again into a nearby Starbucks for a hot coffee fix. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...ds/0/O/250.jpg I then headed back to the guesthouse just before 4pm for the rest of the afternoon. Outside Berri-UQAM Subway Station to catch the train to Le Plateau-Mont-Royal in the evening. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...FQ/0/O/251.jpg $CA5 for unlimited evening stops/trips. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gB/0/O/252.jpg Purple. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...xb/0/O/253.jpg And the rain finally stopping with blue skies overhead in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gc/0/O/254.jpg Rianda had wanted some Canadian maple syrup so I went to a local supermarket and got a decent-sized bottle to take home. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...VV/0/O/255.jpg For dinner I headed to Tomato la boîte à pizza and had some authentic thin crusted Italian pizza with salami de genoa, mushrooms, green peppers and mozzarella cheese. I think my eyes were far too big for my stomach though, and after the all the food I had eaten today I barely managed to finish half of it! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Vc/0/O/256.jpg And catching the subway back after a great second and final day in Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...C8/0/O/257.jpg http://www.dsw-photo.com/Other/16WA/.../0/O/Part3.png |
Day 10. After another early morning run around La Fontaine Park, I settled my bill at La Conciergerie and then started the walk back to Central Station. Stopping on the way to check out the beautiful coloured windows at Palais des congrès de Montréal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qW/0/O/258.jpg Outside Central Station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gZ/0/O/259.jpg And inside, ready to catch the 8:40am train to the Capital city of Ottawa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jP/0/O/260.jpg Down on the undergound platform for boarding. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Gx/0/O/261.jpg And departing on time for the journey west to Ottawa. The train carriage was much more modern than the one I took to Montreal, but with much less leg room. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kk/0/O/262.jpg Some Pringles and a Clif bar from the food cart for breakfast. A guy sitting across from me, wearing a fedora, leather jacket and a beard ordered a coffee, but then said he had no money when he realised he had to pay for it. The server handled it graciously though, wished him a happy Thanksgiving and let him keep it! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...TK/0/O/263.jpg We arrived in Ottawa on time at 10:45am, 2 hours after leaving Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...N9/0/O/264.jpg Unlike Quèbec city and Montreal, Ottawa train station was not in the city centre. I contemplated walking or taking a taxi for the ~4.5 kilometres into the city, but after a bit investigation, managed to catch the right bus for $CA3.60. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4X/0/O/265.jpg After checking in and dropping off my bags at the hostel, I went for a walk into the city. Ottawa was quite a bit cooler than Montreal, with a maximum predicted temperature of 12°C today. English mother, French father. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...92/0/O/266.jpg Rideau Canal, opened in 1832 and was built to provide a secure supply route between Montreal and Kingston in case of invasion by the United States. In winter the canal in Ottawa freezes over and becomes the world's second largest skating rink. On the left is also the East block of the Canadian Parliament. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gD/0/O/267.jpg Centennial Flame just in front of Parliament. Built in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s 100th anniversary as a Confederation. The natural gas bubbling through the water didn't seem to fully ignite, as there was a heavy foul smell of gas odourant in the air. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kf/0/O/268.jpg The Canadian Parliament, containing the House of Commons and Senate chambers. The original building was built in 1866, but was rebuilt again in 1923 after it was completely destroyed by fire. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...sQ/0/O/269.jpg Maple Leaf. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kS/0/O/270.jpg Getting another fix of Tim's just after 12. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zm/0/O/271.jpg I then walked to the Canadian War Museum. The building, completed in 2005, with textured concrete walls and grass covered roof resembled a fortified and camouflaged bunker. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...KX/0/O/272.jpg The displays were set out chronologically, starting with the history of war on Canadian soil, including the indigenous people who allied with the French to fight the English during the French and Indian War. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Cg/0/O/273.jpg Next was the South African and First World Wars, when Canada supported the British in South Africa and Europe. A haunting gas mask from World War I. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Dk/0/O/274.jpg The LeBreton Gallery, with a CF-101 Voodoo jet up above some the tanks on display. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...58/0/O/275.jpg In the Cold War section, with a nuclear rocket on the far left, and the nose cone of a Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow bottom middle. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bs/0/O/276.jpg The fourteen flags of Canada and its province and territories flying outside the museum. I had spent almost three hours in the museum and it was a great and very interesting place to learn about Canada's wars and history and definitely exceeded my expectations. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...89/0/O/277.jpg After the visit to the museum I walked back into the city. It was just before 4pm so I stopped at a hotdog stall to fill the gap until dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...7b/0/O/278.jpg I grew up with hotdogs which were deep fried, covered in batter and not a bun in sight, so it was great to enjoy the much tastier North-American version with ketchup, mustard and everything else! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SJ/0/O/279.jpg And outside my hostel for my one night stay in Ottawa, the old gaol! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dK/0/O/280.jpg Climbing up the original stairs. The Nicholas Street Gaol was the main jail of Ottawa for over one hundred years. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...M6/0/O/281.jpg And my 1 x 3 meter cell/room on level 6. After closing in 1972, the jail was soon converted to a hostel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...M9/0/O/282.jpg I chilled out for a bit in my cell and it was surprisingly quite peaceful despite the very small space. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...X2/0/O/283.jpg And the hostel common room in the basement which was not so claustrophobic. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Jx/0/O/284.jpg For dinner I headed out to a local Mexican place, Burrito Borracho. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...cs/0/O/285.jpg And had three very tasty soft corn tortilla taco's with grilled chicken, steak and pulled pork. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...GC/0/O/286.jpg I had a early start tomorrow to catch my flight back to Toronto, so after I packed my bags I set my alarm for 4am and settled in for the night in my 1 x 3 metre jail cell! |
Day 11. After a surprisingly good nights sleep, I walked the short distance to the nearby Novotel and caught a taxi to the airport. At Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport for my 6:30am flight to Toronto. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4F/0/O/287.jpg I had plenty of time until my flight so grabbed a Bagel B.E.L.T (bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato) at Tim Hortons. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zp/0/O/288.jpg Looking out over the wing to another Air Canada Airbus after boarding the A319-100 for the short hop to YYZ. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...FR/0/O/289.jpg Complimentary coffee and biscuit soon after take-off. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qw/0/O/290.jpg Looking east to the sun rising over downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qX/0/O/291.jpg After collecting my suitcase after landing, I headed through to collect my car for the day, an all-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SF/0/O/292.jpg The plan for today was to head south-east from Toronto on Queen Elizabeth Way and then take a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. Then head west to the city of Woodstock to catch up with friends, Gerald and Esther, before returning to Toronto Airport to catch my flight back to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...sN/0/O/293.jpg After taking a few wrong turns, my GPS put me back on the right road and I was off to Niagara Falls. Although it was a Monday, it was Thanksgiving morning so the roads were relatively empty leaving Toronto. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...PP/0/O/294.jpg Stopping at a gas station half-way to Niagara. The Hyundai had a 3.8 litre V8 outputting 232 kW and was a nice pleasant ride on Queen Elizabeth Way. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...m9/0/O/295.jpg I arrived at Niagara Helicopters just after 10am. I didn't have a booking but they were fine with walk-ups. After paying the $CA130 I lined up outside to take the helicopter ride over the Falls. An Airbus EC130 coming in to land and another just to the left refuelling. The company had four helicopters shuttling passengers for the short ride/tour over the falls. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rD/0/O/296.jpg It was soon time to board. I was the last on and managed to get a right-side window seat. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...S3/0/O/297.jpg Shortly after lift-off. The weather was almost perfect with great views out the window. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...N5/0/O/298.jpg Heading south along the Canadian side of the Niagara River with the watery mist from the falls in the distance. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tz/0/O/299.jpg The Niagara River delineates the border between the USA (left) and Canada (right). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Vt/0/O/300.jpg Looking down at the Sheraton and Hilton on the Canadian side of the river. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...nV/0/O/301.jpg And across to the famous Horseshoe / Canadian Falls where ~90% of the water from the Niagara river flows over. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...BM/0/O/302.jpg The intake point of the Niagara Tunnel Project, a 12.7 metre diameter, 10.2 kilometre long tunnel completed in 2013 to supply additional water to the Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric generation complex. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zG/0/O/303.jpg Beginning our journey back. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kx/0/O/304.jpg Goat Island (and USA soil) to the right and the Canadian city of Niagara Falls on the left. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...R5/0/O/305.jpg A colourful rainbow in the mist just above Horseshoe / Canadian Falls. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tG/0/O/306.jpg The bridge to the top left connecting Canada (left) and the USA (right), and with a direct line of sight of the Falls, it is appropriately called Rainbow Bridge. Just below it is the smaller American and Bridal Veil Falls. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bJ/0/O/307.jpg Looking down at the very beautiful Horseshoe / Canadian Falls. I had briefly considered getting a boat ride up the river to the Falls, but was glad I opted for the helicopter ride instead. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XC/0/O/308.jpg And one last look before heading back to base. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...p6/0/O/309.jpg An awesome experience and definitely recommended! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...NX/0/O/310.jpg After landing I hit the road again just after 11am for the 151 kilometres to Woodstock. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Bx/0/O/311.jpg Stopping about 50 kilometres out for a quick break. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qz/0/O/312.jpg Cruising down the 403. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tz/0/O/313.jpg I got to Woodstock just before 1pm and made it to Gerald and Esther's place. They had just arrived home late the previously night after a three week trip to Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Gerald soon fired up the BBQ and cooked up some tasty half-pound burgers for lunch. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...n3/0/O/314.jpg It was great catching up, talking about recent travels and their exciting adventure in South America. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Fm/0/O/315.jpg Gerald then took me for a drive around Woodstock and the surrounding countryside. Quite a beautiful and idyllic town, although I struggled to imagine it being covered in snow when it reaches 10°C below in the winter, and when Gerald bikes the 5 kilometres to work! At about 5:30pm I then said farewell to Esther and Gerald and hit the road for the 121 kilometre drive back to Toronto Pearson International Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SD/0/O/316.jpg And back at Enterprise to drop off the Hyundai. Despite my best endeavours I couldn't find a gas station to fill back up close to the airport and hence the car only had half a tank left when I returned it. The Enterprise lady said it would be fine though, and said she wouldn't charge extra for the fuel (maybe because I had paid extra for insurance and had only had the car for half a day?). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...q6/0/O/317.jpg After sorting out the car, I headed to Terminal 1 to check-in for my flight back to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...pp/0/O/318.jpg In the tiny and packed American Express lounge air-side. The lounge attendant apologised for the sorry state of the lounge though and offered food vouchers to eat elsewhere in the airport. I wasn't too hungry though so just opted for the medicore lounge food. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...km/0/O/319.jpg Our Airbus A380 at the gate being prepped for the return to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gn/0/O/320.jpg There were some 27 people in wheelchairs lined up for boarding at the gate, and with a full flight with all 76 business class seats taken, it took a while to board. Boarding started on time though and we were soon walking down the jetway. It would unfortunately be a while until I get to fly upstairs on the A380 again though! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2h/0/O/321.jpg I had originally booked seat 15G, an inner aisle seat and the same I had had on the DXB-YYZ leg. Luckily 16K, a window seat, had opened up when I went to check-in online 48 hours prior though. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SS/0/O/322.jpg The window seat definitely felt more private and secluded, and also had access to storage bins under the window. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...wB/0/O/323.jpg And a glass of yellow label Veuve Clicquot champagne for my choice of pre-departure beverage. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...k9/0/O/324.jpg After getting the men's amenity kit on the DXB-YYZ leg, I asked for a ladies one this time to give to Rianda. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4F/0/O/325.jpg The menu for the flight from Toronto to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...mB/0/O/326.jpg Watching the film, Star Trek Beyond as we taxied for take-off. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...v9/0/O/327.jpg The lights of Toronto below as we banked right. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Dm/0/O/328.jpg Dinner was started soon after, with pre-dinner drink of tomato juice and some nuts to start. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Ph/0/O/329.jpg Next was the appetiser, where I had the tuna niçoise which consisted of succulent grilled tuna loin with green beans, fingerling potatoes, capers and olives. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...8F/0/O/330.jpg For the main I enjoyed the tasty Kori gashi. Spicy Mangalorean chicken curry with coconut, served with ghee rice and curried lentils with vegetables. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kn/0/O/331.jpg And for dessert I had the delicious raspberry tart with pistachios and whipped cream. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Wm/0/O/332.jpg I then reclined the seat fully to get some much needed sleep. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4j/0/O/333.jpg Day 12. After a surprisingly good 5 hour sleep, I woke up refreshed somewhere over Poland. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...ZL/0/O/334.jpg Getting a drink and a snack from the bar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...TM/0/O/335.jpg Actor Wes Bentley in zero-gravity in the film, Interstellar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kp/0/O/336.jpg As we got closer to Dubai breakfast was served. I chose the Continental cold plate with sliced smoked turkey, air-dried beef, goat's cheese, feta and Monterey Jack. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...KB/0/O/337.jpg After breakfast was cleared, we prepared for the descent into Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2w/0/O/338.jpg Looking out over to the sun setting as we flew over the Gulf. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...t7/0/O/339.jpg Fast track cards handed out for priority at DXB immigration. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rx/0/O/340.jpg And pulling into the gate with an EK A330 just across from us. 4 weeks later the last A330 and A340 planes were retired from the Emirates fleet. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...5s/0/O/341.jpg Waiting for my suitcase to come off the belt in the arrivals area amongst the multitude of white pillars in Terminal 3. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Hm/0/O/342.jpg And about to catch an EK limo home after a great trip to Canada! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Pw/0/O/343.jpg |
DanielW - what a fantastic Trip Report. Your detail and photos really made one feel they were along on your journey! Food looked tremendous (except for the rabbit:(). Emirates business was impressive - my experiences on other airlines were far less grand!
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Canadian War Museum charges quite a steep admission. These national-level museums should be free like in other countries!
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DanielW, thank you for another fabulous report, great pics and narrative.
It was nice to see a visitor's perspective of my old home town of Montréal. |
What a wonderful report. Your photographs are outstanding... I very much appreciated seeing my home through new eyes. Thank you!
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This was great - I really enjoy reading other people's trip reports of areas that I frequent day to day. Sorry to hear about the gas / petrol situation near the airport for the rental car. They are nearby but it's not at all intuitive how to get to them since it's pretty much direct highway right into the terminals.
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As a big fan of your TRs and a transplanted Canadian from Ottawa who's spent ample time in all four cities, I absolutely LOVED this one. Despite the short trip duration, I think you captured the essence of this region beautifully. If you ever plan to spend a bit more time in Ottawa and would like some restaurant recommendations, hit me up!
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DanielW - congratulations on your first trip to Canada. Despite a short trip, you certainly got in the most of what eastern Canada has to offer. I ate at Le Lapin Saute on my last visit to Quebec City in 2001 and I'm happy to see that it's still running.
I also have to commend you for getting these trip reports up in one shot - it takes me weeks to get my act together!! Thanks for sharing. If you ever make it to Western Canada (Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Mountain Range) you'll find it quite a bit different than Eastern Canada. |
Your travel reports are always amazing!
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