Ottawa

6 June 2017

Ottawa

When we left Gatineau this morning is was pouring rain so, with umbrellas in hand, we headed out to explore the city around the Legislative building.

Our first view of the building shortly after we parked the car. Very impressive.

There were a lot of government related buildings, statues, memorials and terraces in the same area to explore.

Close to the Legislative building is the Notre Dame Basilica of Ottawa. A most impressive building with intricate wood work and stone carvings.

A beautiful pipe organ was being played as we spent time in the nave area.

A sample of the carvings around the wall in the chancel.

Many stunning stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ.

The wall at the back of one of the transepts.

After visiting the Basilica we walked along Sussex Drive to number 24. This is normally the residence of the Prime Minister. Currently it is undergoing extensive renovations so the PM lives elsewhere.

Yes he was along too.

A well secured property and with the house being almost totally obscured by the trees it was impossible to get a good picture.

Rideau Hall, the home of the Canadian Governor General. This mansion is situated in a park and the trees all over the property are ceremonial, having been planted by the likes of QE 2, Nelson Mandela, JFK and others. 

The front view of the Basilica. I couldn't wait until the bus left. Too wet, to cold and we were due to be at the Legislative Building for Question Period by 1pm.

Always near where the action is, you will find the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Ottawa. These Chateau's are the old CPR hotels. The president of Peru was currently at the hotel.

The Rideau Canal locks as seen from an overpass.

The full view of the Chateau Laurier.

The Memorial Flame in front of the Bell tower of the Legislative building.

Marley was not able to accompany us into the legislative building. Security saw him and I was asked to place him in the tray that went through the scanner. After that he was tagged and placed in a separate cupboard box along with a lot of our personal belongings to be picked up after we had completed our activities in the building.

First rotunda you see when you enter the legislative building. After this we went through another security screening process before we were allowed into the Question Period of Parliament. Saw the Prime Minister spending a lot of time texting on his cell phone. Probably Barak Obama since he is in town as well.

When we finished there we went back to the Rotunda where we were met by David MacLean who is our MP Ed Fast's Administrative Assistant.

David took us on a tour of the centre block. This showed us the entrance doors to Parliament, the Library and the Senate chamber. We sat in on a few minutes of the Senate proceedings.

A special thanks to Monica for arranging all of this for us as well as to Ed Fast who gave permission for all of this to take place. Thanks also to Brad Vis for facilitating the phone call with Ed.

The library. What a treat to see this very old, beautiful structure. The statue in the center is a two story marble statue of Queen Victoria.

After exiting the building we walked around the building to the back to have a look at some of the landscaping and the statues that are placed along the fence between the building and the St. Lawrence river. This picture is of the Library.

Looking down at the St. Lawrence river and across to Gatineau, Quebec on the other side.

Another closer picture of the Library from the rear of the building.

The bell tower which chimed with precision.

The two of us in the library.

Here we are in the Rotunda nearing the end of our stay.

Not sure why there are two pictures uploaded to this blog but I'm too tired to try and figure out how to delete it.

A picture of us with our host and guide, David MacLean. Thanks again.

Basically how we saw Ottawa today. Very wet and windy. The $10.00 umbrella survived and will see another day.

As we were heading back to our accommodations in Gatineau the sky cleared and the sun peeked through.

Had dinner at a Mexican Restaurant called the 129 Bistro Mexicana. It was just around the corner from where we are staying so we didn't need to walk far. The food was excellent and very flavourful. 

Are you done eating yet?  Ready to head back to a warm room and hopefully a good nights rest. Travelling to St. Catharines tomorrow. Good night.