Christmas with friends

Ok, back to blogging...
So, how did I spend Christmas ?

Saturday-Sunday Morning

I went to Ottawa invited by Caroline and Leo to spend Christmas with them and the in laws. (This was the second time I went there and the first time I got to see some of the city. since the last time I have been there, I spent the whole day in a basement of a church).
Memorable stops:

• Touring the city by car where I saw most of the important stuff, the parliament building, the Supreme Court, the National gallery, etc.
• Spending Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in a big house with a fireplace surrounded by wonderful people. What more can anyone ask?
• Taking a stroll to the bank of Ottawa river (which was not completely frozen) late at night singing Christmas songs. (If only it did not rain....)
• Waking up early (after having slept 4 hours) to attend Liturgy of Christmas at the Orthodox Cathedral.

Thank you guys for everything, especially the hospitality!!!

Sunday afternoon

• Driving back to Montreal
• Getting to Nazar's place (a common friend) who had invited us for dinner.

We really had a great time with Nazar, Nada (his sister) and their mother. The food was just exceptional. (If you haven't had home made tabouli, then you do not know what you are talking about!). Needless to mention the meat and all the stuffed things (onions, vine leaves etc.). Memorable stops:

• Me getting friendly with the family's pet. (Did I mention that I just love dogs?)
• Nazar sharing a funny story about him buying a matryushka (and not baboushka!!!) doll.

Monday

For the first time ever I participated in what I call "the boxing day madness". Although I have indulged myself too much by getting a desktop computer and a new digital camera last week, there were still some things I wanted to buy.
It is funny that although I knew in advance what I wanted to get, it took me 4 hours to buy a case/battery charger kit (for my camera) and a printer. I guess I spent a lot of money this year, but except from the camera, everything else was really needed...

For many reasons, this year's Christmas are a lot different. I am just glad they turned better than I thought....

I hope all of you guys had a truly blessed time...