by Katie Graham

It’s been a few weeks since landing in Ottawa, and I’ve experienced so much. There have been university hangouts, winter festivals, and other fun activities. Adjusting to the new university has had some challenges but I’ve settled in and met so many amazing people.  We had the international students hang out, the big Carleton vs. Ottawa basketball game (which we won!!!), and the Winterlude festival which was amazing. There were ice sculptures, hot beaver-tails, free hot apple cider (super good btw), performances from the indigenous community (Indigenous pow-wow dancers, Throat singers, Métis Jiggers), and many colourful lights).

There’s not been much snow since the last blog, but it’s still pretty cold. Morning and evening runs along the canal are the best as the snow looks so pretty.

A few days ago I managed to go skating along the Rideau Canal, which was super fun! (I’m super lucky as it hasn’t been open for 2 years.) It absolutely destroyed my ankles, but it was worth it.

On the ice they have food shops, so I had to go for the full Canadian experience and have hot apple cider, poutine, and a beaver tail. It was the best meal of my life!

It was such an amazing experience.