But if you're going to spend eight hours on an airplane, flying with Air Canada Rouge is not the best option if you have long legs like I do. Yes, we always weigh the cost factor, but it really wasn't a very comfortable eight hours for me with my knees jammed into the seat in front of me.
We arrived in Toronto a couple of minutes early at 10:50am. There was no line up at customs and immigration and we were quickly welcomed back to Canada.
Our scheduled return to Ottawa had a really stupid flight routing. From Toronto, we were supposed to fly all the way to Quebec City before connecting there for return flight to Ottawa. It didn't make any sense, but that the way we booked it and if that's what we had to do then so be it.
Toronto to Quebec City and then back to Ottawa??
I found the Air Canada customer service desk and there was nobody in line. Toronto airport was amazingly quiet.
I explained that we were headed to Ottawa, but routed through Quebec City. She said "huh?" because obviously it doesn't make any sense. Especially when there are regular Toronto to Ottawa flights every hour or so.
She asked for our boarding passes and quickly made the changes. She handed us the new ones and says "the flight is boarding now, so you better get going!"
And the next thing you know, we are on the short 40 minute flight to Ottawa.
Nice to see some common sense and logic from that particular Air Canada employee!
So, we arrived in Ottawa six hours earlier than expected. I had a car rental booked for 7:00pm, but they had lots of cars available and there was no problem getting it earlier. No extra cost, although we are paying for it with Visa travel points anyhow.
With six extra hours, we contacted my younger sister and went out there for a visit. Then, we arranged to meet our son afterwards for walk.
Good thing our visit to Ottawa is so short! It's getting chilly here and you can tell that winter is just around the corner.
The Rideau Canal as seen from the new pedestrian bridge in the Glebe.
(They have lowered the water level in preparation for the winter skating season.)
The Cattle Castle at Landsdowne Park.
It's an impressive old fairgrounds building in Ottawa.
Felt great to get in a brisk 5 km (3 mile) walk with our son, especially after all the sitting we had done the past 24 hours.
From there, we went and picked up my mom and took her for dinner. We stayed at her apartment overnight.
Today, we will go up and see Ruth's dad for a quick visit, and then to our daughter's to see her and the grandkids for a couple of hours. Then back to my mom's place for a quick sleep before getting up at silly o'clock for our 6am flight to Philadelphia, connecting to Austin, Texas!
Whew... a bit of a whirlwind travel schedule we put ourselves through sometimes.
And then we will be back in the motorhome... really looking forward to that!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nice price drop on Coleman's popular Folding Aluminum Camp Table. Don't forget to click the extra dollar off coupon showing on the product page.
And in Canada...
Yes it's nice when you can change your flight at the airport desk. Since I traveled a lot for my job, I always checked with front desk for any changes i.e. delayed flight, cancelled flight, etc. They usually can put me on another flight. I'm also looking forward to your return to your mobile home. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice that the lady at the Air Canada desk was able to change our flight, it gave us a few more hours to spend with family. :-)
DeleteWow, that's cool that they re-routed you!
ReplyDeleteYes, we were very happy about that. :-)
DeleteNice that you were able to get re-routed. You never know unless you ask!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, that is something that Kevin always says! :-)
DeleteSherman awaits!
ReplyDeleteWe are looking forward to seeing him again! It sure has been awhile.
DeleteWe enjoyed you trip to Peru. Will be watching your Mexican trip next. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe are glad that you enjoyed following along on our adventures in Peru and we can guarantee you that there will be some fun adventures in Mexico this winter. We certainly hope you are enjoying first winter in Mexico. :-)
DeleteLove that picture of the Rideau Canal. I hope I get a chance to visit Ottawa again and explore it beyond the government buildings. It looks like a pretty city.
ReplyDeleteThat picture of the Rideau Canal would have been even prettier if the canal had been full of water but at this time of year they drain it and start getting it ready for the winter skating season. Ottawa is a beautiful city and really does deserve a good visit, it has some great museums and lots of nice scenery in and all around the city itself.
Delete