Ottawa: Frozen Fingers & Questionable Poutine
okay, so ottawa. it’s…a thing. i wasn’t exactly planning on ottawa, honestly. it was a last-minute detour after a gig in montreal fell through. the numbers, 6152359 and 1124008510, keep popping into my head, don’t ask. probably just sleep deprivation. i’m a touring session drummer, which means my life is 90% gas station coffee and 10% questionable life choices.
let me tell you, it’s cold. like, really cold. i just checked and it’s…a solid sheet of regret out there right now, if you’re into that sort of thing. the weather report said -12.15 celsius, but it feels like -19.15. my fingers are currently staging a protest against existing. the pressure’s at 1028, which honestly just feels oppressive. humidity’s 67%, meaning everything is simultaneously freezing and damp. delightful.
so, what’s ottawa actually like? well, it’s…organized. aggressively so. everything is very neat and tidy, which is unsettling after weeks of living out of a van. the *canal is pretty, i guess, if you’re into frozen water. i overheard someone at a coffee shop (more on that later) complaining about the tourists on the ice. apparently, they’re “ruining the vibe.” honestly, the vibe was already pretty chill.
"apparently, the ByWard Market is where all the real action is. but watch your wallet, eh?"
that was old man gilles, the guy who runs the drum shop near elgin street. he also warned me about the poutine. “it’s…an experience,” he said, with a very knowing look. i tried it. he wasn’t wrong. it’s…a lot. i’ve seen less chaotic mosh pits. you can find some reviews on Yelp.
speaking of coffee, i found this amazing little place called Blackbird Baking Co. seriously, the lattes are life-changing. i’m a bit of a coffee snob, okay? it’s a coping mechanism. i heard from a barista that the owner used to be a professional jazz musician. explains the good taste. if you’re looking for more options, check out this TripAdvisor list.
my neighbors seem…polite. very polite. almost suspiciously so. if you get bored, kingston and montreal* are just a short drive away. i’m thinking of heading to montreal again, just to feel warm.
someone told me that the museums are actually really good, but i haven’t had time to check them out yet. i’m too busy trying to defrost my drumsticks. i also saw a post on a local Ottawa Reddit board about a haunted pub downtown. might have to investigate that. i’m always up for a good ghost story.
overall? ottawa is…fine. it’s a solid “fine.” it’s not going to blow your mind, but it won’t actively try to ruin your day. just pack a really, really warm coat. and maybe some extra poutine money. you’ll need it. you can find more info on the Ottawa Tourism website.
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- https://votoris.com/post/patna-alluvial-chaos-ancient-echoes