The sun was shining brightly from its perch above the high, clear blue sky. A few geese, in perfect V-formation, cut through the blue field that stretched above the bustling Canadian capital, Ottawa, which lay below the peaceful hilltop park where I was sitting. I was able to see the large open market in downtown Ottawa and the government towers. The market was full of people, who looked like little ants, running from store to store. He had explored the ByWard Market a few days before. It was a wonderful place, full of fresh fruits and vegetables, the smells of wonderful bistros, outdoor cafes, and endless eclectic shops.
I sighed. It was so peaceful here in the small town of Hull, a few miles across the Ottawa River from the beautiful capital, that I never wanted to leave. People were friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed, almost bohemian, and the region was clean and a sight to behold. Much different and much less crowded than New York City. America seemed like a totally different world. I miss this place, even though it was only about a hundred and fifty kilometers away.
It didn’t help that I was involved in a long-distance romance, and that I would leave my new found love to return to the madhouse, away from this peaceful and relaxing getaway.
“Wonderful day, huh?” an old man on the bench next to me said softly.
“Excusez moi?” Said. I always felt a bit embarrassed explaining that I was American and didn’t speak French. “I’m sorry, but I’m from the United States …”
“Ah …” the man nodded, with a twinkle in his eye, “Oui, this is not a problem. Most of us from Quebec have learned to speak English. We are the last bastion of French culture in the country. I said it’s a beautiful day. Don’t you agree? “
“Oh yes, of course. It is absolutely charming. Like a painting. I love the French culture in this area, it is very endearing and unique.”
“Well yes, but I, like many in Quebec, believe that we should be a separate nation. We should be able to celebrate and promote our heritage. Most of the rest of the country is dominated by the English language and English customs.” we have adapted so that we can communicate with everyone else in North America. “
“Except for the street signs.” Said.
“Yes,” he nodded, “they are still in French, and I hope they stay that way.”
“I also.” I agreed. “It’s not that difficult, even for an American like me, to get around, and everyone here seems so friendly and helpful.”
He chuckled and looked into the view. “Actually. It seems so. Most people are nice, but there are people in any culture who are bad apples.”
“Of course, and it seems like there are a lot of bad apples in the Big Apple. But there are also a lot of great people.”
“Oh, are you from New York?” he asked, apparently very interested.
“Yes!” I replied. He smiled approvingly.
“I love New York City. It’s where I met the love of my life.” He said with a distant look in his eyes.
“Oh?”
“Yes. I used to go to Syracuse, twice a year. A lot of people from this region do. It’s only 80 miles across the border, and the taxes there are much lower, we buy clothes and other goods in the outlets there. “
“Yes, there are excellent shops in Syracuse.”
“Once, in the early ’70s, I ventured to New York City. To see the sights. Visit Broadway and see a show. Take a vacation, you know.”
“The city lives up to its description. It never sleeps. Yet sometimes I wish it would take a nap.” Said. “But there is definitely always something to do. How did you meet your great love?”
“In a hot dog cart in Central Park, of all places.”
“Actually?”
“Yes. She was very beautiful and I was waiting behind her. When she left with her purchase, she dropped a $ 20 bill. I picked it up and gave it to her.”
“Wasn’t it so brave and unusual in New York? People are always very busy, coming and going.”
“That’s what he said. He joked that he had to be a foreigner. I told him I worked for the Canadian government and I was on vacation. He bought me a hot dog and we shared lunch in the park. Beautiful big park.”
“Yes, it is. But I love this little park.”
“Yes, me too. Now I come here every day, and I often think about that day.”
“I will miss this park, when I return in a few days. Honestly, I don’t want to go. I have met a great person who lives here, who I am staying with, and I think we are falling in love with love too.”
“Ah,” he nodded sadly, “that’s difficult. That explains the sadness in your eyes on such a magnificent day. Long-distance relationships, even when you’re only separated by a few hundred miles, is a difficult matter. You have different and completely distant lives. All you want is to see them and be with them. They force you to separate for long periods of time. You have to navigate family and business obligations to steal a few minutes together. “
“Yes …” I sighed, my body deflated. I didn’t want to think about that. “How did you manage?”
“Oh, I guess not very well. We took care of it for 2 long years. We met every two months in Syracuse. She came here a few times and I stayed with her on my vacation. Sometimes it was a nightmare. The patrol. The border patrol started teasing us and looking at us funny for coming and going so much. Their border patrol is very suspicious of everything. I spent several hours being questioned by them while they went through my things on more than a few occasions. It wasn’t pleasant, I can tell you. It got expensive , meeting and staying in hotels on weekends so often, traveling back and forth. However, emotionally it was the worst. Forget about money and wasted time, it became increasingly difficult to part with time and again. “
I could feel my throat tighten. In fact, I struggled to hold back tears as I thought of everything. This was a young, budding relationship that I was getting into, but I didn’t want it to end, it felt so good. I also didn’t want to go through the ordeal this gentle man had just described to me, and that kind of trouble was all that was offered to extend this romance. We could end it and be miserable, perhaps missing the greatest opportunity for happiness in our lives, or go on and fight the inevitable heartbreak associated with a long-distance adventure.
I contemplated the great and welcoming city. “How did your romance end?” I asked. “If it’s not too painful for you to share.” I added.
“No, not at all. Why don’t you ask me my love for you?” he smiled. “Here it comes now. You see, some things are worth fighting for.”
An elegant woman with a cheerful smile approached us. “Wonderful day, I love you.” she said as she kissed him on the cheek and they hugged. It’s another damn beautiful day.
She sat next to him and they held hands.
“It is a beautiful day indeed.” I agreed.
