Tourist in Ontario

 So, my Darling wife Jennifer has been in London Ontario since Christmas Eve, looking after her Mother who is in hospital.  Needless to say, she's getting pretty burned out, and since there's no known end to her stay there, I flew out for a long weekend visit, to give her a change of pace.

 I flew through Toronto, and got this great view of the city as I was departing for London.

We did a bunch of sight-seeing, including a visit to the Catholic seminary, a place that while growing up in town, Jenn had seen from the street many times, but had never been closer than that.  We drove up to the parking lot, and met up with the caretaker, who told us that visitors were welcome inside - not ones to pass up that kind of opportunity, we waltzed in, and had a look around!

The chapel has a beautiful ceiling and stained glass windows!

 

The main entrance is very ornate, with a nice welcoming statue of a death scene.

The next day, walking around downtown, we stopped in at the Catholic Basilica - yeah, the Catholics really know how to build beautiful places! 

In a neighbourhood nearby are these very strange houses.  There are windows on only two sides, and not necessarily the sides facing the street.  They're rental buildings, near the university, and have 5 bedrooms each (which must be tiny!).  They are a result of a battle between a property developer and the city and neighbours.  The developer's original scheme of townhouses was rejected, and so, to try and salvage some of his investment, he put up these buildings, planning to add on to them when/if he got his original plan approved.

 

Not very neighbourly looking from this side!!
 

One day, we took a drive out of town, to nearby Stratford.  Along the way, we enjoyed the country scenery, including this inviting driveway over a stone bridge.

  I just had to send an edited version of this to my niece, with Justin Bieber substituted for the Ontario Pork Congress.

It's a lovely little town, with many touches of England and the rest of the U.K.

Inside Watson's Chelsea Bazaar, you'll find many pieces of china from Britain.

Back in London, we walked by this big old school in an old part of town.  We couldn't tell what (or if) it was used for now.

And, on my way back to the airport, I took a detour past our old home - we lived here (on the 2nd floor) for the first 5 years of our life together!

It was a good (though short) visit, and Jenn assures me that she is refreshed and ready to face more time at the hospital.  Her Mom continues to amaze the medical staff with her resilience, and entertain them with her good humour.  Quite a lady.