Air North Food Review + Ottawa

I recently went on an incredible trip to the nation's capital... Ottawa!

I was there for a conference regarding nutrition and supplement use from the perspective of Orthomolecular Medicine. It was incredible, fascinating, life-changing. My whole perspective on what to eat, research, and supplements to take - it's going to improve my own personal life and my practice for the better! I am excited to learn more!

Speaking of which... being the dietary mess that I am, I was prepared to make myself a meal and snacks for the long flight to Ottawa. Then I saw this on Facebook:

Whaaaat?!?

I mean, have you ever seen such delicious and FRESH looking airline food? ME NEITHER!

So, I had to investigate...

Humor and customer service. I like this.

Private message sent, with details of my egg/dairy/gluten issues... and reply:

I was looking forward to what they would put together for my flight. I had my doubts, with previous experiences of less than... delectable ... airline fare. I packed some Vega bars and protein powder in preparation for less than delicious food.

But, I was wrong. Pleasantly wrong.

Juicy grapes.

Robust and delicious berries.

Chopped salad with balsamic vinaigrette. 

Chicken curry with veggies and rice.

Sweet Buddah, it was delicious. Best airline food EVER.


Needless to say...

I pretty much inhaled it. So good.


- Interlude: Photo Montage of Ottawa -

Parliament Hill from Gatineau, Quebec

Parliament Hill

Canadian Museum of Civilization

A replica of the Wildcat Cafe. If you're from YK - you'd also be amused!

NWT!!

Delicious, fresh fruit in the Byward Market.

Tour of Parliament Hill ... who's that dapper fella in yellow?

Geeking out at the nature museum.

Haunted ghost tour.... OoooOOOooooo!

- end interlude -

On the flight back home, another special meal was waiting for me.

Unwrapped:

The fruit salad was ok, mostly because it had pineapple, which I really dislike (it alters the flavor of EVERYTHING). Good salad with organic balsamic vinaigrette. The rice was very sticky, reminiscent of rice I had in South East Asia. I really liked the chickpea meal... I wish there was more of that and less rice. I was full, so I didn't try the bun.

I would have to say the first in-flight meal was significantly more impressive, but the second was still much better than other meals I've had with other airlines.

I will defiantly be taking Air North with future flights to Ottawa or other Northern destinations. Not only was the food delicious, but I was impressed with the customer service. I was able to bring my brand-new bike back home for only $28!

And, as much fun as it was to see my nation's capital, I couldn't wait to go home.

*Love* the North.

Courage.

So, what makes me boast such a bold title? Living with courage and without regret? It's a strong stance to stand behind, and it has very significant meaning to me.

A little about myself first. I am a 28-year old woman living in the far North of Canada. I am a Nurs, aiding those seeing non-biased, non-judgmental, friendly, feminist, and compassionate health care services. But, this blog isn't about my professional career, but is regarding my own personal health journey as a young woman with a chronic illness.

My guilty pleasure is traveling, I have been to Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scotland, England, the USA, Costa Rica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. In most of these instances, I backpacked solo, which I find to be a trek that builds independence and character. While I was in Italy I took cooking lessons (again, solo) and fell in love with the fulfilling task of preparing simple, delicious meals and appreciating the beauty of food and it's flavors.

I really like sharks, reptiles, and dinosaurs. Whenever an exhibit arises with any of these options, I am there getting elbows-deep. Two of my lifetime goals is to see a great white shark in it's natural habitat and to dig for fossils. I admit, these interests may seen a bit odd, but I revel in the unique aspects of these interests. They make me happy.

I could happily live without television (my present television is only on when I have company or I'm sick). I could read a great novel for hours. Painting is my most fulfilling and tranquil hobby. As much as I try, I am a terrible athlete, but a good sport. However, I consider myself to be somewhat of a cycling aficionado - riding my bicycle is my biggest source of joy. I even bundle up, throw on some studded tires, and bike during the winter months.

I think the most important things in life is health, love, happiness and adventure. Which brings me back to the title.

I have had a chronic illness since I was 11 years old: ulcerative colitis. It is a gastrointestinal disorder that impacts the large intestine, which debilitating effects. This disease has caused me a great deal of pain, exhaustion, loneliness and unhappiness. I spend years without remission, which plagued my quality of life. I have had years of weight loss, medication side effects, severe pain, and colonoscopies. It seemed that my only end would be surgery, of which I was terrified.

On December 24th, 2010 - I was given my first IV therapy infusion. Although a potent medication, it had given me what I desperately longed for for so long: Remission. 

I was given a new appreciation and respect for my own health and wellness, which has been evolving since. I've used traditional medicine, holistic nutrition, physical activity, acupuncture, medication, preventative medicine, juicing,  and sleep hygiene to assist in managing my condition. I still get excited that I can consume a complete meal, or eat a salad, or have a glass of wine... without feeling severe pain or nausea. Being able to ride my bike for hours without agony and exhaustion is bliss. 

I am certain that this journey is far from complete, in fact, I feel as though I am presently in a force of transition. I am curious as to who I will be when this transition has completed, and excited to the adventures yet to come.