October 12, 2002
Ottawa, ON
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We arrived this morning and
berthed in Montreal. We then boarded a buss and will spend the
day (and night) in Ottawa. Tomorrow morning, we reboard
the buss and travel to our next destination Montebello.
Our activities today
included, the Ward Market in Ottawa, the Canadian
Civilization Museum, an interruption to watch the Queen (ya babee),
and a personal tour around Parliament hill. |
The Civilization Museum from across
the river illustrates the "curvatious" design of the
building. The Architect, a native north American has a tribal
tradition that states spirits hide in the corners. Thus,
no corners ! Many looked at the roof, some saw a
"whale", while others saw an "upside down
canoe".
The Canadian wing, on the third
floor was exceptional with a walk through series of life size dioramas
portraying life in Canada. They even had a complete (authentic)
chapel.
The courtyard had many photogenic
spots - noticed by the wedding photographers as well. In the 15
minutes we were out there, 2 different bridal parties had pictures
taken and a student movie team started production of an amateur short.
We were in Ottawa on Canadian
Thanksgiving Week-end and there were celebrations being set up all over
because the Queen was in town. As our tour buss progressed to the
hotel in the afternoon, we were stopped and asked to wait.
Yes, This is the Queen - see her hat !!!
Our hotel (in the middle above) reminds me of the
Magic Kingdom.
This night, while walking around on
Parliament hill, we got to see and hear a complete dress rehearsal
for the program to he held here the next day for the Queen. We were
happy that we would be departed and long gone before the program really
started.
When morning broke, the sun was out,
and the clouds were gone. What a beautiful day for the Queen and our
drive to Montebello.
We didn't get to visit this cathedral because it
was booked for weddings all day. Since it was just behind our
hotel, I walked by and was able to get these two pictures. I
just love the twin towers with the red, gold and green leaves.
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