Wednesday, September 02, 2009

After planning for weeks, the trip pushed through. We went to Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa for approximately 2000 km. It was fun trip but tiring, but Matt does most of the driving.

We went to Gananoque first for Matt's paintball tourney. We left TO at around 430 am. It was raining the whole morning. Quite scary for a 3-hour long drive on a strong rainshower. Thank God, nothing bad happened after a few skidding. After waiting for Matt to finish his paintball tournament at Gananoque, we head to Montreal. It is a 2 hour drive from Gananoque. The rain quieted down and stopped. Thank God.

We dined at a very famous French restaurant Au Pied de Cochon. We had a good meal, can't say the best. I got high expectation on this because of all the raves and reviews of the restaurant. I guess my taste is more of an Asian cuisine than French. But it was a fun experience eating foie gras for the first time. We had cromequis de foie gras (quite good), poutine au foie gras (quite salty for me, but good nonetheless), accras de morue (very good), and the most popular duck in a can (the best. juicy duck meat, appealing herb and spices). This is my most expensive dinner I ever had.

The next day, we went to Biodome and the Botanical Garden. We were there for the whole day. Ate lunch with bagel and tzaziki we bought in the morning. When newly cooked and hot, the bagel is so yummy, expecially dipping it with cold tzaziki. Wow. Glorious.

Our day went from great to good when it rained in the afternoon when we're at the Botanical garden. Last time I went to Montreal, It was also raining. Sigh. Good thing now, I don't have wet feet. Haha.

After Botanical Garden, we went to St. Laurent for the famous Schwart's smoked meat. Quite expensive but it was a great meal. We had Sandwich, coke and fries. Smoke meat tasted great especially with mustard. After tasting the smoked meat, I wanted to take some home. So coming back from Quebec city, we searched for walmart or store for a cooler. Spend around 1 hour for just cooler and finally brought one at Walmart, together with ice. Bought 3 pound for ourselves and 1 pound for Matt's friend April in Ottawa.

Arriving at Ottawa, we dined at Blue Cactus. The food is good. I ordered Fetucinni Alfredo. After eating, we walked around the Parliament Hill to watch the light and sounds show and take some pictures and retire for the night.

Next day, we visited the parliament hill again and went inside. It has a beautiful architecture. The stone walls are made from limestones, where you can also see traces of some fossils. The stone is cold and beautiful. Afterwards, we rode up the Peace Tower and took some pictures. Lunchtime, we ate at Koreana. It was a nice meal. I was so full. Afterwards, we head back to Toronto for a 5 hour drive, due to traffic. It should be around 4 hours only.

Overall, we had fun with this trip. I just wish my whole family or friends are with me too to tour around. It would definitely be more memorable and fun.