A Parallel Existence, II

In Westport, Ontario, Canada 

My original plan was to be in Canada for July and August, but finding affordable places to stay along the St. Lawrence River or the Rideau Lakes region  was difficult.  I simply wanted a short drive from the 1000 Islands, NY, and a quiet place to enjoy summer near water to ride, write, read and relax.  When an Airbnb host offered me pricing flexibility in Westport, I was thrilled to book a month. 

Native American artifacts have been found on the site of the Westport Spring, but early mills and businesses weren't built before the early 1800s. It is a lovely little village of nearly 700 residents, though it's anyone's guess what the summer population is with seasonal cottages and weekenders.

For me, it was too close to the border (less than 2 hours) as at least 20% of the visitors were from the States. In fact, it felt too much like the USA. The cycling was disappointing as most roads are without paved shoulders, many are narrow with blind corners, and all have  high-speed drivers.

However, once out of their cars, people are friendly and chatty.  With the exception of my host (see The Psych Ward), I enjoyed the company of many Canadians for hours here and there when spending time by the lakes. 

A real shock was the cost of living versus my last visit to Canada in 2022. Even with the 25-30% exchange rate, fuel ($6.40 CAD) and food ($11 CAD for Cheerios) are outrageously priced. I did not have conversations regarding the economy, though it appeared that people have money to spend on boats, restaurants, SUVs, and more.   

So, this was definitely not the trip I had imagined (do read on) but every day continues to be a unique experience.   

On the Psych Ward 

​When I arrived to Tim's house 3-4 minutes early on Day One, he instantly looked at his watch, gave me a stern look, and was obviously rattled.  Yet, my room and bath were ready, and he was relaxed moments later. 

His profile says "people tell me I exercise too much". At breakfast the very next morning, my SpEd teacher training kicked in as I observed a man who cannot sit and focus for any length of time. He fills his days as much as possible with yardwork, side-jobs and sports, but he does Airbnb as much for the time with people as for the money. 

I lasted 16 days before I questioned his opinion on e-bike batteries vs. the research (God forbid!). He lost it, jumped up, started pacing and said, "you have a bad attitude" at least three times. Actually, I had had enough of managing this lost, angry child.

It took a few days of playing outdoors, with evenings spent in my space, before Airbnb sent a refund and I found a campsite. During this time, Tim demanded I "report my comings and goings while at his house" via messaging.  Control issues.

Having left without a word, he posted a scathing review of me, yet somehow talked Airbnb into removing the review I wrote warning other women. Hm. 

He's a sad man with no one who will be honest with him. Too bad he's not a sad, kind man, though.