As usual, it was ridiculously hot and humid on July 1. But unlike most years, we weren’t sweating on Parliament Hill, waving flags and attending Ottawa’s biggest summer party.

The city was dead quiet. Predictably, Canada Day celebrations had all gone virtual across the country.

I found it sad and pointless to celebrate from the living room, in front of the TV, so I treated it as a normal day. I worked, I didn’t wear red and I didn’t play with the firecrackers Feng bought—yes, I know, rebelling against a pandemic is very childish of me and I completely agree cancelling live events was the right move, anyway.

I was in a bad mood and sick of a long list of things last week, including the crazy queues in front of supermarkets—granted, the ones pictured below were mostly because of people stocking up before Canada Day, but still.

Queue at Loblaws a few days before Canada Day, Ottawa, July 2020
Queue at Loblaws a few days before Canada Day, Ottawa, July 2020
Queue at Walmart a few days before Canada Day, Ottawa, July 2020
Queue at Walmart a few days before Canada Day, Ottawa, July 2020

The three of us needed a change a scenery, a break from worrying about what we can’t control—work and money, back to school plans (or lack thereof), the state of the world.

Yes, it’s a pandemic, it’s not like we can run away from it, but we can still do stuff, right?

Travelling has always been the best medicine for me. Going away and living out of a bag for a few days or a few months is a great way to focus on the present and enjoy the moment, something I can never achieve at home—no, thank you, I’ll pass on the virtual meditation classes, really. When I travel, I pay attention to what I see, hear and feel, on what I need right away. I invariably realize the world is much friendlier than what the news report. It’s a back to the basic experience—find food, cool places and shelter, never mind tomorrow.

So, where could we go? Toronto was the obvious pick—no travel restrictions, a manageable five-hour drive, a big enough place.

“Everything will be closed.”

“Yep.”

Toronto only entered phase 2 of the reopening plan on June 24, almost two weeks after Ottawa.

“No restaurants…”

Takeout only, probably. Worst case scenario, supermarkets.”

“No movie theatres, queues everywhere, closed museums…”

“Same as in Ottawa. But new streets to walk on!”

“No public bathrooms.”

“I know, travelling on hard mode. Whatever.”

“Okay, let’s go. When do we leave? Tomorrow?”

“Day after? I have deadlines!”

And so we left on July 2, with a couple of tote bags and Mark who was very excited to go somewhere, anywhere.

Pit stop on HWY 401, July 2, 2020
Pit stop on HWY 401, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Arriving in Toronto, July 2, 2020
Visited 51 times, 1 visit(s) today

18 Comments

  1. Shandara July 6, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    OMG the “no toilet” thing… I think I’d die… lol.

    Reply
    1. Zhu July 8, 2020 at 1:51 am

      We managed, fortunately the malls were open. It’s a bit weird to me, I understand that bathrooms could potentially be a dirty place… but aren’t we supposed to wash our hands often and practice better hygiene in general?!

      Reply
      1. Shandara July 8, 2020 at 10:41 am

        Yes exactly, I have a hard time to understand that also but hey, not everyone is clean I guess!

        Reply
        1. Zhu July 11, 2020 at 4:49 am

          Bathrooms are slowly starting to reopen in Ottawa, phew.

          Reply
      2. I Say Oui July 9, 2020 at 2:37 pm

        Ooh, looking forward to once again living vicariously through your travels!

        I find it surprising that lines to supermarkets would be especially long before a holiday when that holiday is not being celebrated normally. I suppose that families still do their traditional celebrations even though there are less large gatherings going on.

        Reply
        1. Zhu July 11, 2020 at 4:50 am

          I don’t know if this is an Ottawa thing, but people go NUTS when there’s a bank holiday and, God forbids, shops are closed for a day.

          Reply
          1. I Say Oui July 13, 2020 at 5:26 pm

            Oh, that kind of makes sense!
            Rushes to the supermarket before holidays happen here too, but I always thought it was related to people having gatherings and perhaps to a lesser extent, sales on certain items. I never thought about the store being closed, which could cause an influx the day before. Also, I think sometimes stores here have open hours even on holidays.

          2. Zhu July 14, 2020 at 4:02 am

            I wonder if it’s an Ottawa thing… It could be. But it’s “normal”, not COVID-related 😀

  2. Cara July 7, 2020 at 8:09 am

    Good for you, I’m excited to hear about your adventures there 😉

    Reply
    1. Zhu July 8, 2020 at 1:51 am

      Will report soon!

      Reply
  3. Lexie July 7, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    Je comprends tout à fait ce besoin d’aller qq part, juste pour changer d’air tu sais…

    Reply
    1. Zhu July 8, 2020 at 1:52 am

      Ouf! J’entends pas mal de gens qui sont dans la position “on ne BOUGE PAS tant qu’il y a le virus”. I mean, good for them, but it ain’t gonna be over any time soon…

      Reply
  4. Martin Penwald July 7, 2020 at 9:24 pm

    Yeah ! The On Route rest area tour ! At least the restrooms are open there.

    Reply
    1. Zhu July 8, 2020 at 1:53 am

      Like Mark says, I’d give them a 10/10. Although since I slept for the first leg of the trip, I didn’t need to pee *that* badly. TMI.

      Reply
  5. Cynthia July 10, 2020 at 11:42 am

    This new normal sucks ! I need a change of scenery as well but everything is such a hassle !

    Reply
    1. Zhu July 11, 2020 at 4:50 am

      We’ll get there… I hope.

      Reply
  6. Helene au Canada July 15, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    I totally understand!
    I had a full on meltdown on the second and was this close to travelling to the Okanagan in search of some sun. It didn’t quite work out but it turned out to be a good thing: my car broke down ugh
    What a frustrating summer

    Reply
    1. Zhu July 16, 2020 at 1:37 am

      I’ve heard it’s quite rainy in BC as well, which probably affect your mood. Yep, weird summer and weird times…

      Reply

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *