Lori Dueck, Victoria, BC

I have travelled far enough to know that the best adventures are close to home. I have explored the United States, visited Mexico and journeyed through Italy. However I am now finally focusing on Canada.

My love for travel started early with family trips across British Columbia and Alberta. My next goal is much larger. I want to travel by train across Canada to explore my homeland especially to the East Coast where I have never been including Newfoundland where my ancestors settled.

Last year I went on a trip to Regina and Winnipeg which was my first time to either city. I celebrated my 55th birthday in Regina among friends. I was treated to a fun-filled day of a new hairdo, shopping and dinner. We then hopped into the car the next day and drove to Winnipeg for five days. It was filled with friends and family celebrations, barbecues and adorable baby Gordy. We went to the Forks Market several times to the stores and adjoining museums and such. On route to the Assiniboine Park Zoo I took several photos of the Bison on the Boulevard art display sculptures. However as the “nature is beauty girl” that I am, we raced over to find the polar bears! We were happily lost as we saw one of the zoo workers showing new employees how to spot the polar bears. We were invited to follow them as well as found out interesting facts. We saw a few of them from a distance or as they slept, as it was a hot day for them to rest in shaded areas. We left the tour at the cafeteria where we noticed one sleeping outside. I parked myself at a table with the best view with my cellphone camera ready for any opportunities for videos and photos. With time and patience I was not disappointed! I snapped multiple photos in the couple of moments that the bear was up before he settled back down for another nap. My experience last year was just the beginning of exploring my own country.

This year I accompanied my friend to Ottawa, another first. We travelled there for a memorial mass for my friend’s brother’s wife, Liz. It was beautiful to join the family and friends in memory of her. At one time there was 24 of us having meals together. It was especially special to see all 6 siblings together in the same province and Liz’s sister and family. The neighbours and community were extremely supportive.

After most of the family left for home, we explored Ottawa for a couple of days. We saw the beautiful cathedral where we lit candles for Liz (see Obit under the “Obit Tab”). We drove through the neighbourhood where a lot of the embassies are. I hadn’t realized how many there were! We saw a waterfall in the city, I posed in the Ottawa sign and we drove over the Quebec border for a quick glimpse of another province I hadn’t visited before.

The next day we went to the Ottawa art gallery. It was amazing. If I lived there I would definitely buy a year pass. I liked the chapel they have in there, the way they have the art set up in the gallery and the outside areas to explore.

I left Ottawa longing to return someday soon. It is also inspiring me to fulfill my dream of travelling by train across Canada. I am hoping to travel in the autumn to see all the breathtaking colours of the leaves I have often heard about from my friends.