Our trip to Ottawa began with a stop at David and Dayle’s water-access-only cottage before continuing east through Algonquin. After settling into our university residence, we explored Ottawa on foot, discovering protected cycling infrastructure, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, heritage architecture, and unexpectedly affordable student-area dining ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with MP Sonia Sidhu.
Monthly Archives: June 2026
Europe 2026 – Day 23 – Amsterdam to Toronto
An overnight train made up an hour’s delay arriving in Amsterdam on time. We spent our final day exploring the city before flying home. Highlights included cycling-friendly and clean streets, historic landmarks, and the Sex Museum. A rain shower sent us to the airport, where an uneventful journey home ended with a minor vehicle breakdown and a rescue by Cindy.
Europe 2026 – Day 22 – Berlin to Amsterdam
On our last day in Berlin we adjusted plans due to possible rain, exploring sites like the Urban Nation museum and New National Gallery, vibrant areas like Potsdamer Platz, Humboldt University, and the Futurium before encountering rain riding to Hauptbahnhof Station. Finally we boarded a sleeper train to Amsterdam, feeling cold and tired.
Europe 2026 – Day 21 – Berlin
Today, we explored Berlin’s iconic landmarks, including the Reichstag dome, Brandenburg Gate, and the East Side Gallery. Highlights included cycling through Olof-Palme-Platz, visiting Humboldt University, and experiencing the vibrant Holzmarkt. Exploring by bike is the perfect way to experience Berlin.
Europe 2026 – Day 20 – Berlin
From a budget-friendly Berlin guesthouse, we cycled to Teufelsberg, Charlottenburg Palace, Tiergarten, and Potsdamer Platz. A brutal hike-a-bike led us to Cold War ruins transformed into a vast street art gallery. Along the way, we explored Berlin’s cycling infrastructure, wartime history, memorials, and landmarks before returning after dark.
Europe 2026 – Day 19 – Wroclaw to Berlin
An early train to Berlin, included a surprise police ID check near the German border. After arriving, we rented bikes when bike-share apps failed, explored Berlin’s architecture, cycling infrastructure, and war memorials, learned about the city’s distinctive groundwater pipes, and ended the day with a costly lesson about ordering bottled water instead of tap water.
Europe 2026 – Day 18 – Wroclaw
A day of solo sightseeing in Wrocław revealed everything from Poland’s new household survival guide to UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, colourful housing, extensive cycling infrastructure, and riverfront scenery. Highlights included a university cable car, historic architecture, neon art, and complete streets before a final dinner with Alina ahead of Berlin.