The other North American national capital
I've taken off to Ottawa to visit family. Airfares to Canada has really jumped and I opted to use miles to fly on this trip. It has been awhile since I've been on Air Canada and found the experience enjoyable. The planes are outfitted with individual monitors (typical JetBlue planes) with USB and electric outlet ports. It was nice to power up the phones, laptops, and watch personalized movies.
I have to say that I always forget the international standards for passing through security since I tend to remember the American version most and get discombobulated when dealing with the security people. Since Ottawa isn't a typical destination city, I flew through Vancouver en route to Ottawa. The Maple Lounge at LAX was rather small but provided free internet. The Maple Lounge in Vancouver was nice and comfortable but internet was not free. Same provider, different prices. Even more ironic, the airport provides free wireless internet which makes the pay for use internet in the Maple Lounge silly. I do like both airports, both had a modern design to it and seemed rather effecient feeding, entertaining, or moving people along.
On my first day, I had lunch at Siam Bistro. I had the Pad Kee Mao and tasted the Laad Na and Panang Curry. The entrees were good for where I was since Ottawa isn't known for its culinary ethnic foods. Afterwards, dropped by 3 Tarts on 1320 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7 to grab a pecan pie to eat later.
On the last day in Ottawa, I cruised through Costco to buy some Canadian candy like Crunchies aka Violet Crumble. Tried the poutine from the food court, it was ok. I did notice that they had a caramel sundae which I hope will make it to the US versions someday....
Later, had some Indian food for lunch at Indian Express Food & Sweets. I have always found the general quality of indian food better in Canada than in the States, must be higher demand in Canada. :)
Flying back on Air Canada making a layover in Toronto. Toronto airport is always a madhouse, I was glad we were making connections as they had a special area for connections. People who weren't where in lines that snaked out for more than an hour, craziness. At least all the airports have free internet and you can pass the time in line that way....
I have to say that I always forget the international standards for passing through security since I tend to remember the American version most and get discombobulated when dealing with the security people. Since Ottawa isn't a typical destination city, I flew through Vancouver en route to Ottawa. The Maple Lounge at LAX was rather small but provided free internet. The Maple Lounge in Vancouver was nice and comfortable but internet was not free. Same provider, different prices. Even more ironic, the airport provides free wireless internet which makes the pay for use internet in the Maple Lounge silly. I do like both airports, both had a modern design to it and seemed rather effecient feeding, entertaining, or moving people along.
On my first day, I had lunch at Siam Bistro. I had the Pad Kee Mao and tasted the Laad Na and Panang Curry. The entrees were good for where I was since Ottawa isn't known for its culinary ethnic foods. Afterwards, dropped by 3 Tarts on 1320 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7 to grab a pecan pie to eat later.
On the last day in Ottawa, I cruised through Costco to buy some Canadian candy like Crunchies aka Violet Crumble. Tried the poutine from the food court, it was ok. I did notice that they had a caramel sundae which I hope will make it to the US versions someday....
Later, had some Indian food for lunch at Indian Express Food & Sweets. I have always found the general quality of indian food better in Canada than in the States, must be higher demand in Canada. :)
Flying back on Air Canada making a layover in Toronto. Toronto airport is always a madhouse, I was glad we were making connections as they had a special area for connections. People who weren't where in lines that snaked out for more than an hour, craziness. At least all the airports have free internet and you can pass the time in line that way....
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