As of yesterday, I've spent a solid one week in the grand(e) city of Ottawa. And, all while forcing myself to remember even half of what was uttered my way in French classes (elementary, high school and college), the time thus far has been outstanding. Occasionally, I find myself thinking of John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson's discussion of the differences between the U.S. and Europe:
"It's the little differences. A
lotta the same shit we got here,
they got there, but there they're a
little different..."
Actually, there really aren't that many differences, of course - except, maybe, that William Shante was born here and not in the states.
I was working on a list of my own entitled "Yes you Ca(nadia)n" highlighting some of things noteworthy about our brothers and sisters to the north. In an effort to keep the list as fresh as possible, I had to adjust my scope to include our beaver brother and sisters to the north. "Yes you Ca(nadia)n and we can see that you do from outerspace..." Funny that at the age of 34 I've finally opted to travel north of the upstate New York means that the majority of what I know, now, about Canada most everyone else has known for, forever.
One major- to-be-celebrated-give-them-a-hand-and-a-fresh-bottle-of-skinner-beer-achievement would be the amount of bicyclist all over the city. Being here without a bike is like chosing not to bring along my bladder - seriously. I may have to change that as there's an extended, weekend 185k ride set for June 5.
