Today we went to the visit Canada’s Capital. Probably our first real “educational” excursion on this trip…other than the Hockey Hall of Fame, of course.
A mere drive across the bridge over the Ottawa River from Gatineau, Quebec, and we were in Ottawa, Ontario.
We watched some boats move through the Rideau Canal. A waterway constructed in 1832 as a precaution in case of war with the United States, is now used for recreational boats. The locks are still operated by hand cranks.
Outside the Parliament buildings we conveyed secrets at the “whispering wall” – a curved pedestal under the monument of Baldwin and Lafontaine, two key architects of the Canadian Government. We viewed and posed on many other statues representing Canadian Historical Greats (such as Queen Victoria and Sir Robert Borden (8th Prime Minister)).
We also met a real life RCMP (actually mounted), made wishes at the Centennial Flame (ignited January 1, 1967) and paused for a quick lunch of “Street Meat” – sausages and hotdogs.
After lunch we had a tour of some of the rooms of the Centre Block building, including the House of Commons, where the Members of Parliament debate; the Library of Parliament (no photos allowed); and the Senate.
Before we headed home for the day, we indulged in a Canadian delicacy – Beavertails –of course. Yum!
We had another fabulous meal at my brother’s and the kids settled down for their last night here, while I stayed up with my brothers and sister-in-law to squeeze in one last moment of the visit.
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