On the Way to Ottawa
Food, family, future plans
We left the country during Fourth of July weekend. A couple weeks prior, my intuition was telling me it would be a good time to explore Canada. Low on funds but high on hopes, I leaned into the idea of us taking a road trip as a family. In my practice of living less logically, I’m able to feel out what’s best for me and my family. I’m a fan of taking calculated risks so this simply fell into that category for me. When I really want to do something, I’m committed, no, I’m devoted to the idea in such a way that the only option is to see it come to life. And so at 3am that Thursday morning, I woke up, packed, booked a hotel and we hit the road.
I grew up enjoying road trips. My mom would drive my younger brother and I anywhere on her own. Up to New York to see family, down to Disney World in Florida, there were no limits it seemed. I apply that same thought process to many areas in my life now. So what’s an 11 hour drive really?
Our toddler loves sleeping in his car seat and being a backseat driver so he was rather unbothered. While I did do most of the driving, my husband would take the wheel sometimes too for stretches. We stopped in safe cities like Harrisburg, PA and Syracuse, NY along the way before crossing the border to get to Ottawa. Maybe it was the excitement of seeing something new that kept us going but I don’t know, the drive wasn’t bad at all.
We live in Virginia and she’s beautiful. I’ve always felt called to travel the world but things kept delaying that dream. I’m okay with that because now I see I was meant to travel the world with my family. It was both my husband and son’s first time out of the country and I’m happy to share that memory with them!
Ottawa reminded us of home but with key differences. The positive differences were the calm energy of the people, cleanliness of everything, how massive the parks were and seeing so much diversity in the people. The costs of being there weren’t higher than where we’re from and everything was so accessible. If I wanted to ever give up my countryside living for a city, it would be for Ottawa. Only “negative” differences were the metric system and the French ahaha.
The best part was the food and family friendly activities. Highlights include the butterfly exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Nature, walking by the river to watch the sunset and swinging at the playground. Lunch at Pure Kitchen made me wish we had one back home. Treats from Little Jo Berry’s made me think I could open my bakery up there. And the food at Astoria Bistro blew our minds that I wish I spoke French so I could work there one day. Our hotel stay was also really comforting to retreat to with full bellies.
The main reason for this trip wasn’t just to have a family vacation, it was for research. Back in December 2024, I was about to log out of Instagram before my annual fast for January. I HATE ADS. But one caught my eye between stories for a Plant-Based Culinary Arts Diploma Program at Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa. I always dreamed of culinary school! And now there’s vegan programs popping up everywhere. It felt like fate to see it. So I applied immediately.
I was accepted early January and cried. I’m not a crying person exactly, but I had to. Finally, a chance to go to culinary school, do it while vegan and in a different country? A win! So I’ve been keeping it a secret only shared with my inner circle all year. Protecting my dream. Trying to figure out how we were going to pull off me going to school again (I graduated from UVA in 2018). And honestly, there’s just a loose plan but I’m going for it.
I say loose because I can’t say “oh I totally have every detail perfectly planned.” I’m unsure if I’ll have the funds for tuition or housing. But I’m working harder than ever to sell as many baked goods through my micro-bakery to make it happen. My husband and son are coming with me thankfully so I feel responsible for their comfort in a new place too. They are excited for the new adventure so I’m confident we all will get a lot out of this experience.
So that’s the big news y’all! While we were touring the city, I went to visit the school and fell in love even harder. I do believe this is meant to be. I appreciate all of you for your support because it’s kept me and my family afloat!
Here are some ways you can help us in this new phase of life:
Share my newsletter and/or posts on social media (@withcarrington)
Order something from the bakery!
Refer me to folks
Donate to me to help pay for tuition (venmo @withcarrington)
If you know anyone with a rental property in Ottawa we can stay in for 3 months, let me know asap!
Thanks for reading and please come visit!
With an immense amount of love,
Carrington
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If you have any questions for me, feel welcomed to comment, message or email me at withcarrington@gmail.com whenever you like :)
Ayeee! Congratulations! I love reading good news on here.
Congratulations and how awesome!!!!