Asad and I moved to Ottawa exactly a year ago today. I remember it was a decision that we made with great difficulty. You see I hate moving. When I moved from Pakistan to Canada I hated it. When I moved from my apartment to a new home in Mississauga I hated it. I hate moving. I didn’t think moving to Ottawa from Toronto would make me feel any differently, but boy was I wrong. I haven’t loved any city as much as I love Ottawa. Ottawa is one of the most sincere cities I have lived in. The sincerity and genuineness reflects in its people. I have made friends here in the past year whom I cherish. I have had the pleasure of being a part of their special day and then carry on being their friends. We have watched movies together, driven around Aylmer singing eighties songs and stared at the naked blue guy for three hours straight (Jawad and Bushra know what I’m talking about). Yes, it truly has been a memorable year. As I reach this hallmark in my life I can’t help but think of all those things I’ve learned and all those things I have lost. Ottawa, here’s to you:

Thank you Ottawa for making me see through my self
Thank you Ottawa for introducing me to me
Thank you Ottawa for giving me freedom

I love you Ottawa! Happy Anniversary.