I had a wonderful last minute surprise visit from my German friends, Nayla and Philipp! They were here for my birthday and, here just before my trip to Egypt. They arrived Friday night, August 15, in Toronto. Saturday, they rented a car and drove to my place. They arrived just in time for my birthday diner-party at my friend’s place, Eric. I was so excited when they arrived! I think all of Rockland heard me. The evening was nice, minus the mosquitoes. They discovered quickly how ferocious mosquitoes were! On Sunday, Émilie, Sebastien, Nayla, Philipp and I went to La Ronde, in Montreal. We introduced our foreigners to Tim Hortons and St-Hubert that day... and skunks!! We had a blast!! They also found our turtle signs by the road very funny.
Monday, I had to work unfortunately. But Nayla and Philipp had filled up their day quite good by going for a hike in Gatineau Park, shopping in Rideau Center, a movie, bar-hopping with another friend in the evening and, they came back home.
Tuesday, we drove to Ottawa, in time to see the Changing of the Guards on Parliament Hill. We had a stroll in Ottawa to get a glimpse at the most popular places (Parliament Buildings, Alexandria Bridge, Rideau Canal, Château Laurier, Sparks Street, view points, etc.). We met with my Mom, Carole, for lunch. We went to Japanese Village on Laurier. Awesome! Whatever your meal was, the cook cooks it in front of you. Eventually, I had to back to work. Nayla and Philipp went to the Museum of Civilization and saw an IMAX film before getting back home for diner. When I returned from work, we had a wonderful BBQ diner, Nayla, Philipp, my parents (Carole and Paul), my brother (Alexandre) and his girlfriend (Sarah), my aunt Gin (Ginette) and I. My Dad got to show them the Sugar Shack and how the maple syrup is made. At midnight that evening, Nayla and Philipp were the first ones to wish me happy birthday!
Wednesday, we left early to visit Montreal. We stopped at Golf Town for Philipp. It was like watching a kid in a toy store. He tried a few irons and clubs on the virtual screen. Awesome swing!! It wouldn’t take much for him to be Pro!! He does play a lot in Germany. Once in Montreal, we walked up Mount Royal to get a view of the city. Then we walked around randomly in the city. We walked on St-Catherine, Maisonneuve and Sherbrooke Street mostly. We saw the Uni Campus, the Basilica, Cathedral of Notre-Dame, churches, City Hall, etc. Eventually, we stopped for a bite to eat in Old Montreal. We walked around the Old Port, almost one end to another. Then we had a hot chocolate at Juliette et Chocolat. Then came the time when I had to go back home and let them go on with their trip. I was sad leaving them but I was also excited for them. They stayed with a friend in Montreal. Then, they continued to visit Quebec City, l’Île d’Orléans, Gaspé, Prince-Edward Island, Nova Scotia and, finishing with Toronto.
They said they very much enjoyed their stay in Canada. I hope we convinced them enough to come back during winter. My folks really enjoyed having them over. Friends and family, everyone, thought they were wonderful and charming people! They are!! They are welcome any time. And, we are welcomed to Germany as much.
Lots of love to both of you!! And hope to see you soon!
xoxo
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