We didn’t have much time in Ottawa.
Technically, it was barely two nights, a quick stopover enroute to Europe.
Plus, Kevin’s still not walking too far while his broken ankle heals, so we couldn’t cover much ground.
Luckily, our hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, was only a couple of blocks from the funky neighbourhood of the Byward Market and right next door to the Parliament Buildings.
Besides this wasn’t our first visit to Ottawa. I was last here in 2015 when Hanna started her music degree at the University of Ottawa and Kevin and I were here at the start of her year in 2016 as well.
This visit was particularly short because we were only here to watch Hanna’s final violin recital as she graduates with her bachelor of music degree in performance.
When I was last here with Hanna, we played Smart Ladies, a game invented by my friend Mary Ediger and later perfected by many retellings by myself and our dearly departed friend Kathleen, Hanna’s mother.
Kathleen would have been so proud to see her beautiful daughter’s on-fire performance. Then again, I think Kathleen was very likely with her on that stage.
Hanna’s father, Frank, and her older brother Nico, were there too. Frank was the guy in the front row, the man who looked ready to burst with pride.
Afterward, we gathered at Hanna’s apartment, along with her roommate Anna and an eclectic collection of friends and family from near and far; all of us connected by our love of Kathleen and Hanna.
If you know anything about Italians, you know that Frank would declare no party complete without pounds of almost-transparent slices of prosciutto and porchetta to be heaped upon perfect chunks of crusty baguette.
As well, there must be mixed olives and a cheese board.
And, of course, flaky French pastry desserts…and Prosecco to toast the musical star.
But what was most prevalent in that gorgeous old apartment was love.
Love made manifest by the effort of all those who came to listen and honour Hanna and then gather to share food and stories.
We all agreed.
It was a privilege to watch that beautiful young woman take the stage and to hear the result of all her hard work and focus.
Yesterday afternoon, in that high-ceilinged room, our beautiful Ms. Hanna O’Hara-Crudele, embodied the ultimate Smart Lady.
When you go:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier – there’s no better place to bring out your Smart Lady. Own your Inner Diva. Remember to sashay a little.
The French Baker – Amazing pastries. Please don’t judge…I think I might have eaten quite a few. But don’t just take my word on how flaky they are…The NYTimes says so too.
La Bottega – a microcosm of all that is Italian- a splendid foodie resource in the heart of the Byward Market. Ask for piles of prosciutto and porchetta.
Equator Coffee NAC – the National Arts Centre is a gorgeous space and Equator Coffee makes espresso that makes me believe in espresso heaven. Delicious.
Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro – Flights of wine served up with live local jazz. Sublime.
Galleries St – Laurent + Hill – Hanna and I discovered this wonderful little gallery in 2015. It’s still as cool as I’d remembered, with a diverse mix of artists and price points.
Happy, sad, and very proud. What a lovely way to spend a couple of days.
AnneLise, that’s it…so many mixed emotions. Beautiful and terribly bittersweet.