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STRATFORD: A HOME AWAY FROM HOME WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN ‘You’ve gotta see this,’ I exclaim as I poke
called the Celebrations Room,’ she tells me.
my head into Cai's room. ‘There’s a vintage
‘The website says it’s perfect for lovers,’ she
punching bag hanging in my room.’ Cai –
adds with a chuckle. I laugh too. After all, it’s
unloading her Filson overnight bag – looks
not lost on either of us that over the past few
up. ‘And a fuzzball coffee table,’ I add. I can
years we’ve likely spent more time together
tell I’ve piqued her interest. ‘I’ll have to check
in romantic milieus than either of us have
it out,’ she says, ‘but how about a drink first
with our respective life partners. All in a day’s
– so we can plan our evening agenda?’ What
work.
a great idea, I think to myself, and plop down on the rich brown leather sofa beside the room’s king-size bed. After all, the punching bag can wait.
Cai’s room certainly has the aesthetics of a lovers’ cocoon. There’s the mammoth bed. A free-standing couple’s soaker tub. The century-old soft wood floors, exposed brick
Cai collects two glasses and pulls a bright
walls, and elegant chandelier. Bright window
orange Jobsite Brewing growler from the
with a river view. The website even lists
room’s mini fridge. While she pours us each a
chocolates and... err... adult toys to be found
sudsy glass of the brewery’s ‘Wiped Out’ white
in the nightside table. Not that we bother to
IPA – a juicy blend of hefeweizen and hazy
check. The wonderful Jobsite brew is all the
New England-style brews – I scan her digs. ‘It’s
fun we are after – and a romp around town.
