trains, planes and automobiles.

written February 6, 2009

This morning we are chug-a-lugging our way from Ottawa to Kingston, and I am pretty excited to be completing my travel trifecta of trains, planes, and automobiles. In general this trip has been pretty exciting – not only have I been able to see a lot of Canada that I haven’t seen before, I have had the chance to visit friends across the country and meet almost all of Kyle’s extended family. It is like being on a really fun holiday, with several interspersed (slightly more stressful) interview days that may determine the rest of my predictable life.

When I posted last we were on our way to St. John’s, Newfoundland. We stayed in a hotel there with Trish and got a taste of life on ‘the Rock.” Highlights included standing on Cape Spear – the most eastern point of land in North America (and possibly the coldest/windiest place I have ever been), and our impromptu cab tour of a place called ‘the Battery’ led by our cab driver who looked like he had walked off a postcard, and spoke with such an accent that we only understood about every third word. They are a friendly, simple bunch over there – and we are definitely foreigners. The interview day was extremely long, but very friendly.

St. John’s lived up to its expectation of being the most exotic stop on the tour, and Ottawa lived up to its expectation of feeling the most “Canadian.” We stayed almost a full week with Kyle’s Auntie Brenda and Uncle John (who took very good care of us), and got to visit with Kyle’s cousin Justin and his fiancée Becky, Grandpa Merritt, and friends Jen and Shannon and Shannon’s family. Most Canadian moment goes to eating Beaver Tails while skating on the Rideau Canal, but I also got a kick out of sitting in on a session in the House of Commons, listening to part of the budget debate. The interview day was not as long nor friendly. So far it takes the prize for best organization, and best lunch.

And now we are en route to Kingston to stay with the Parsons-Sheldrakes and meet new baby Ewan. My interview day at Queen’s is on Tuesday.