We know so many people around the world

We always come back to the Ottawa area in September. It's definitely the best time of year here in our opinion. The kids are back in school, the weather is still nice, and the bugs are usually gone.

And sure enough, this year has been perfect in that regard. the kids are definitely back in school, the weather has been great, and we haven't seen a mosquito since we got here!

The other day, Ruth contacted some people who we met two years ago in Kazakhstan through a mutual friend. They had returned to live in Ottawa after their government posting over there had finished, and we decided to get together for lunch.

Ruth and I drove downtown early and went for a walk along the Rideau River in the Vanier region of Ottawa...

Beautiful blue sky day with a high of about 23C (73F).

That building is a nice seniors retirement home.

Great day for a walk.

This is the place we decided on for lunch!

You don't need to ask us twice when it comes to Mexican food. The reviews said it was very authentic food, and it turns out that the owners are from Guadalajara.

Authentic Mexican food... at authentic Canadian prices!

Add on 13% tax and whatever tip you decide.

Three tacos for $19.20 CAD ($13.85 USD) including tax and tip.

Despite the price, we enjoyed the food!

And lots of fun conversation and reminiscing about the "stan" countries with Danielle and Ron.

They had told us about a campervan they had rented in Kyrgyzstan and so we were talking about that. That is definitely on our list! In fact I think we've moved it up to next year. We really loved the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and would love to be able to explore for a couple of weeks (maybe a month?!) in a campervan.

Syd, one of the two cats we are looking after.

Yesterday, we went for a walk near the Rideau Canal Locks at Long Island...

The Rideau River near Manotick.

There are a lot of big mansions that have been put up alongside some of the older cottages.

Ruth and a big beautiful willow tree.

Nice gardens at these properties.

Funny tree face.

The Rideau River.

These canal locks are busy with boats during the summer.

We found a pathway that followed the river, but went behind some of the expensive homes. You almost felt like you were walking through their backyard, but it was an official public footpath that must have been grandfathered in when the homes were built. I'm sure some of them don't like the fact that its public access, but you could tell it's not used very much.

We felt like we were walking through their backyard.

Ruth with Enke.

Enke is the other cat we are looking after.

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Two Pack of Oversized Padded Camping Chairs.

And in Canada...

Good deal on this Acer ChromeBook Laptop.