Driving through the Crow's Nest in BC. Spectacular views in every direction.

In Alberta about to enter BC, lush fields with a gorgeous backdrop

Eastern Ontario past Wawa...maple trees are changing colour

A Hollyhock at the Botanical Gardens in Montreal

Sunset at the cottage 

My beautiful niece Kya, so good to see you in Waterloo honey! 

Rachel and Tomek at the Niagara Escarpment 

A very brief overview...

So, where to start? This past month has been JAMMED full of stuff. Just making plans and saying goodbye to everyone was a full time job. I managed to experience some culture and travel across Canada by bus, but I'm getting ahead of myself so let's start at the beginning...

Right after finishing work and moving out of Perth, I drove down to Kitchener-Waterloo for the weekend. Tomek and I celebrated his birthday together (old man Korzeniowski!) and spent a glorious day hiking the Niagara Escarpment.

Then it was off to Toronto to visit my brother Chris and his girlfriend Elise. I also spent some time with my music therapy buddy, Jen, and my future roommate in Taiwan, April. Saying goodbye to everyone was difficult but I'm confident that this adventure will fly by and I'll be home very soon!

After getting my wisdom teeth out (not a bad experience, especially with the gas), mom and I headed to the cottage for a relaxing weekend. On the following Monday I headed to Montreal! Oh man I love that city. So much energy and life. Hords of people spilling into the streets, music from every window, bright vivid colours that catch the eye, and friendly individuals looking for a good time. I took in the archeological museum, musee des beaux arts, the contemporary art museum, and les jardins botaniques. Speaking French came naturally after hearing it on the streets. Thanks to Ali and Kylah for the hospitality and an awesome time!

The rest of my time in Ottawa was spent saying goodbye to Dad, Penny, Mom, Joe, Leela, Genn, Jess, Neale, Alix, and Lucille. I am so grateful to everyone for their thoughtful cards, good wishes, generous gifts, and hospitality. Dad and Penny: that dinner at Flipper's was delicious, give Boots a pet for me. Mom and Joe: our last dinner was perfect, I'm still thinking about the chocolate cake..ummmmmmmm

So there I was, sitting on a bus and traveling across Canada from Ottawa to Nelson, BC. Sadness was mixed with a feeling of excitement and adventure. I turned on the Amelie soundtrack and watched the familiar exits on the 417 Westbound fly by. I looked forward to seeing my brother Cam in BC and meeting his partner Kathy. When, at the same time, I thought about all of the wonderful and loving people I had just left behind...

Time has flown by....

Can't believe that it's already been a month since I finished working and living in Perth Ontario. Much has happened since, and I'll try to be as concise as possible (when I finally get around to composing some entries!).

I'd like to thank Jill Walters for the title of this blog, in full she suggested, "A Broad's Adventure: Rachel's adventure abroad". Lovin' it.

This site has two purposes: 1) to update everyone on my big adventure, and 2) to keep in touch! You can post messages on this site, or send emails my way at: Rachelringland AT hotmail DOT com. Same address as always.

Check this site occasionally and I'll be sure to send out mass emails reminding everyone of the link from time to time.

Take Care!

love Rachel