Time to chill AND be amazed
Trip Start
Jun 29, 2010
1
36
103
Trip End
Oct 24, 2010
Where I stayed
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Thursday, August 5, 2010
My first day in Ottawa, I slept in and did NOTHING! Seriously....na da!
After a day of rest I was eager to take on Ottawa! I only had to walk about 10 blocks and there I was - right in the thick of it. First I saw the impressive Fairmont Chateau Laurier and then The Parliament Buildings - WOW! And what do I see nestled between the two? Why, the Rideau Canal... who knew?!
I got my ticket for the open bus tour and to my dismay, the bus departing was an enclosed tour bus. hmmm....where's my OPEN bus? I know it's stupidly hot but the whole point is to sit on top with the 360 degree view and get hit by low branches...haha. The next bus, an hour later, would be open so I used the time to check out Confederation Square.
The square has statues of 14 Canadian heroes including Laura Secord and Isaak Brock (remember the town Brockville and Queenston Heights?). The square is also the home of The National War Memorial (also known as The Response).
This granite cenotaph was originally built to commemorate WWI and since rededicated to include WWII and the Korean War. The statue has depictions of 22 Canadian service-men, from all branches of the forces engaged in the First World War move towards the call of duty. The figures at the top are peace and freedom.
In 2000, the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added to the memorial site and symbolizes the sacrifice made by every Canadian for their country. They picked a grave from the Vimy Ridge area and moved it here.
Time for the open bus tour! Don't know why but I sure like these..haha. I posted some of the pics, there are lot more random ones but put descriptions on the major sites. The bus was full and for a while had a nice lady from New Foundland sitting next to me. Later in the tour got talking to the lady behind me. She is from Ottawa but was doing the tour with a friend visiting from out of town. I said I was from Kelowna, BC.....Guess where her friend is from....yup! Kelowna! Such a small world. Super nice ladies, they invited me for dinner at Don Cherry's Restaurant - the one on Rideau. That's one block from my hotel! It was meant to be.
After the tour, I checked out the canal then mosied home. I've save the Parliament pics for my next post. I know you're upset.
Went back to hotel to shower and refresh. Met up with Laurie & Terri and friends for dinner and I'm very glad I went - Super nice people. Nothing better than laughs and good conversation. I've been using the hand spray and love the magnets!
My first day out in Ottawa was great!
Comments
Looks like a nice city... certainly some of the pics are cool. Was hoping you'd get a chance to see the Nat'l War Memorial. Had always envisioned the Rideau Canal to be wider... Very nice of the ladies to welcome you so graciously. All part of the adventure... Thanks for sharing! Slainte!
Tried twice to post a comment on your library pic, didn't take. We were in the library when it went into LOCK DOWN due to a riot, we had to exit thru the underground tunnel (whick was all marble). Of course Bob had to go right back to take pics of the riot.
Did you get my email with four contacts in ONT and one in Nova Scotia? Take care, you are soooo brave to be doing this on your own. BIG HUGS