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It's around 3 o'clock in the morning here and I'm so totally awake. No, it's not because of jet lag or the fact that my housemates were totally having a grand old time with a little pot earlier this evening (though that might account for some of the more bizarre dreams I was having). No, it's just because I slept all afternoon. Good news is I made it to class and the program people are very understanding about my situation. They might be able to move me to a closer residence, which would be ever so helpful. If not, well, we'll see how classes go, today, I guess, and if I crash immediately afterwards, again. Waiting and watching.

Also, you know what? You all are the greatest. All of your support made me cry, in a good way. You guys rock and don't let anyone ever tell you any different.

And now, because I'm awake and it's way past due, I am going to talk about my trip to Ottawa. Man, that was almost two weeks ago, now. Time really does fly.

Before I say anything else, I want you to know that I loved Ottawa. Absolutely adored it. I loved it more than I love Toronto, which is saying a lot. And, no, I'm not just saying that because I think I might know people from there, I'm saying it because I actually mean it. I'm partial to more moderately sized cities. Plus, Ottawa is absolutely gorgeous.

Though if I did move there I'm pretty sure I'd make myself learn French. Otherwise I'd feel more than a little bit out of the loop.

Some high points of the trip:

* Got to know some really great people in the study abroad program. We all went out for drinks at the pub one night and, man, did I get the gossipy goods on other study abroad participants. And learned more than I ever wanted to know about Doctor Who fanboy's sexual kinks. He was cute and all, but, wow, drunken TMI much.

* That was also the night when one of the guys caught a couple fucking in the men's room. For some reason that made me think of fanfiction, which was an amusing moment.

* The Canadian Parliament is an absolutely gorgeous building. I took I don't know how many pictures of it, inside and out. We went on a tour and we saw the House of Commons on its last day in session. The Quebecois were quite rambunctious, it was fun.

* Though I will happily admit that I loved the Library of Parliament the best. We didn't get to take any pictures inside but, *happy sigh* the smell of books and the way they lined the walls ... I wanted to stay in there forever and ever.

* I, sadly, did not get the chance to try any poutine, but we did all go to a french restaurant where I ate veal and sweetbreads (ahem, brains, in other words). It was interesting, to say the least.

* We went on a boat tour on the river on an absolutely gorgeous Saturday morning. It was so gorgeous that I couldn't bring myself to write angsty fic on the way back because I didn't want to spoil the view. And you all know how much I love my angsty fic.

* I went to the Museum of Civilization. There weren't any zubir, unfortunately, but as it was Aboriginal Day there was some fantastic dancing going on on the stage. The Museum was phenomenal. I could've spent days just wandering around the exhibits. I definitely have to go back because by the time I was finishing up the Canadian History stuff I was kind of on auto-pilot. There's a lot of stuff there that I want to give a second, or third or fourth, look.

All in all, Ottawa was definitely the highlight of the Toronto portion of my trip. Toronto was great and I was thrilled to be able to get to spend so much time just knocking around the city, but Ottawa was really very special. I'd love to go back and spend some more time in both cities. Hopefully, someday.

( I've Got Yer Pictures Right Here )