Ottawa - Highland Dancer instead of Barbershop

I'm sitting here waiting for Mika to finish at the hairdresser's – so I'm using the time to write. But let’s start from the beginning:

This morning I was up early again and right by the lake. I wanted to take some photos and enjoy my morning coffee. Wonderful atmosphere – even yoga by the lake. Then I quickly went to the friendly gas station lady from yesterday – I almost feel at home here. Breakfast as usual, packing, and hitting the road – today we headed to Ottawa.

The route took us again along the beautiful road from yesterday, this time with more sun. Therefore, there are a few photos that actually belong to yesterday. The four-hour drive was as relaxing as driving in Germany would never be: one lake after another, small houses, everything green – and always speed limit 80. Once you stop wondering why you’re not driving faster, it actually becomes really enjoyable.

I started with an audiobook about breathing, and then Mika played some matching music – it was a lovely drive. And since our car demands a break every 15 minutes, we obliged and stopped at Tim Hortons. Apparently, that’s THE meeting point for retirees in the area – there was chatting, laughter, and coffee slurping. I found it delightful.

Upon arriving in Ottawa, we were pleased to find a nice hotel (with gym!) right in the city. Again, a total contrast: small-town feeling yesterday, today capital vibes. Ottawa has a million inhabitants but feels quite different from Toronto – more relaxed, colorful, somehow less 'busy' yet still lively.

We made our way to the hairdresser – and thanks to Google Maps ended up at the city hall. No hairdresser in sight, but there was a dance festival. Everywhere, girls were walking around in plaid skirts, plaid socks, and velvet jackets. At first, I thought it was a funny fashion – until we realized that everyone looked like that.

So we checked out what was going on: the Championship of Highland Dancers! All nations represented, great atmosphere, we just joined in and pretended to be fans and knowledgeable. 😉

We even attended the awards ceremony and looked out for dancing “jack-in-the-boxes” – it looked a bit strange, but definitely an experience. There was no hairdresser there, of course, but we learned something new: There are Highland Dancers. And they have championships.

In the end, we finally found the right hairdresser – Mika is thrilled. If it weren’t so far away, this would immediately be his favorite hairdresser.

I like Ottawa at first sight. The governmental district feels like a mix between a castle and a palace or Harry Potter. Unfortunately, no sunshine today, so no good photos, but the city still has charm: lively, colorful, somehow hard to describe – but beautiful.

Realization of the day (Part 1):

I’m slowly getting into vacation mode. This constant feeling of missing out (see Day 4) is fading. I don’t constantly think about what time it is in Germany – and it feels really good. Not a new realization, but once again palpable: Traveling makes me happy. And the exchange with other people – no matter where – is a real gift for me.

Realization of the day (Part 2):

What started as a little obligation has now become a lovely part of my day. Writing here helps me see the day in a different light – and I like the thought that somewhere someone is reading along. Sometimes you just get a little feedback – completely casually. And that’s what makes it special: this feeling that we’re not traveling alone. ♥️