Ontario

The Last Post 🎺🇨🇦

And so we finish our last day here in Canada. Our flight leaves at 10pm…taking us back, overnight, to the UK. 😊

An 11am check out of our Niagara Hotel and time in our pockets to visit the picture postcard Niagara on the Lake en route to Toronto Airport…

A prettier, more pristine town you’d be hard pushed to find! With a classical colonial feel, NOTL makes you want to buy a white painted rocking chair, write books and drink chilled lemonade on your front decking!

We made our way down to the shores of Lake Ontario for football… and a chill… most of our time was spent with an 82 year old lady and her husband… talking of travels.. jobs…the history of the country and our joint families early days in Canada at the turn of the previous century…

We had a lot in common and her passion for travelling was inspiring… she got me thinking of my next big adventure and I may just have persuaded her to press ‘buy’ on a visit they’ve been pondering to New Zealand. 😊 Once we’d said our goodbyes it was off for an ice cream…

The Main Street in the heritage centre of Niagara on the Lake is a sight to behold! A town in the most spectacular of triffid-like bloom! It’s as though the residents have gobbled up the entire Chelsea Flower Show and rearranged it to spectacular affect on their front gardens and shops! Some of the plants are so impressive that you half wonder if you could sit on a bench and within minutes be sucked into the display by a voracious vine!

Quaint shops, warm and inviting restaurants and luscious ice-cream on every corner!

All too soon it was time to return to the car for our final journey back to Toronto International Airport. We made good time and are now checked in, ready for boarding in a couple of hours…

This trip was a long held dream of mine – to give the boys (and Matthew) their first taste of this special country…to open their eyes to the oceans, islands, villages, wildlife, mountains, lakes and cities that are all so incredibly diverse…

I feel very grateful that I got the chance to make that dream a reality.

Boys – you were company (even if you did argue with each other!! 😂…) Callum, I’m grateful that you ‘stuck at it’ with your usual dry humour… I know the great outdoors is not really your thing. The city, on the other hand, certainly is! For a teenager being stuck with your parents 24/7 isn’t easy! Nor with your brothers!! You have been patient with my excitement and crazy mum moments and you’ve become more flexible and open to new experiences as the holiday went on. Like me, you value your own space… and seeing you chill, happy in your own company was great. Seeing you swimming at every opportunity was brilliant. You bring so much to this family and I love your humour! Even if sometimes it leads to carnage with your brothers!😂😂 ps… The Winner Takes it all! #cantbeatyourmumonaziowire

Jack, you have gobbled up every single opportunity. You’ve shared my excitement at the incredible wildlife… the majestic mountains and I’ve learnt a lot from your photography skills! You are the one person that will always share a sunrise or sunset with me. I love that! Our evening adventures have been amongst my favourite times! I know we were in a minority of two when it came to taking your paddle board in lieu of a big clothes selection but, I’m so happy you did! Always follow your passions Jack. Keep seeking the opportunities to explore and experience the world .. keep travelling. You suit it! #carpediem

Tom, the biggest change in these few weeks has been in you. You always melt my heart and make me laugh, but sharing countless queen size beds, bunks and your company in general has been awesome! I know sometimes you were scared… the bears… the loud noises in the crazy 4d experiences… but you never let it stop you doing anything. You impress me so much. I love that you too enjoyed the waters …I love your funny, gentle spirit and I’m grateful to have had these few weeks in your company. Don’t ever change! #mybestestgingerninga

As for me, I’ve loved Canada. Always have. As my good friends know, I’m never happier than when I’m on the road, bag packed, camera in hand and exploring. The more lost I am the better! But, I’m happy to be heading home. In the words of Ted Rogers, of telecoms and Blue Jays fame (not 3-2-1 😂).. the best is yet to come! Here’s to future adventures! Canada … keep a look out for me in 2020!

Flight ✈️ now calling for London Gatwick!

ps To those very special friends, back home and in Canada, that encouraged me to take this trip and met and messaged along the way – thank you! It’s been amazing to have you with me! Let’s plan some new adventures. ❤️

Unknown's avatar

Published by

Sacha Brakenbury

As mum to three sons (and auntie to ten!) Sacha is kept busy trying to keep the kids alive, safe, fed and watered. Having specialised in Child Psychology and Linguistics at the University of Reading, Sacha went on to complete her Postgraduate Certificate in Education before taking up her first teaching post as Head of Boys Sport and Year 6 teacher. After 6 years, Sacha was fortunate enough to awarded a travelling fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, enabling her to undertake an extensive research project overseas. Sacha has worked with some of the world's top professional sports and educational institutions across Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand - researching ways of engaging young people through the medium of sport and in particular how this can help to reduce drug use and gang membership. After returning to the UK Sacha became Education Director at Ipswich Town Football Club, leading in the government's 'Playing for Success' scheme. She went on to establish three highly respected Study Centres back in the East of England, each of which used sport as a means of motivating children and young people. After successfully completing her National Professional Qualification for Headship in Cambridge, Sacha went on to study for her Masters Degree in Education. With the arrival of her three sons, Sacha decided it was time to 'go it alone.' She set up her own business consultancy, supporting a range of charities and organisations across the UK. Securing funds in excess of £2 million pounds, Sacha was able to 'give wings' to a wide range of charitable causes close to her heart. She continues this today with work specifically for Child First Trust. It was her own kids that were the inspiration behind her establishing Learning Academies (www.learningacademies.co.uk) - a tutoring company that has the simple mission to motivate and encourage its students to become confident and assertive learners who are not afraid to 'take risks' and challenge themselves. As a passionate photographer, Sacha is never more at home than when she's travelling, camera in hand, boys in tow. As a qualified medic with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, she is able to combine her love the outdoors with her passion for wild animals.

Leave a comment