Ottawa is oft given a bad wrap as a disappointment but I am here to rubbish these fibs for the Capital of Canada, enchants me. From my 4 day acquaintance with it, it was nothing short of a complete pleasure to be in the company of this treasure of a town. I myself even underestimated its allure and so wanted to express my infinite liking for it.
My initial 24 hours were spent in relaxation as this pint-sized one was still worn out from her Toronto-ing. Elizabeth was working in the hospital for a long residency shift, so I'd written down exact walking directions from Google Maps to get there and back - to the places I wanted to see. Surprisingly, me being me - I did not get lost when I ventured out of the apartment as Google Maps got it spot on!
A SWEET LITTLE STROLL - The cooler air today at only 1 single degree was actually invigorating. As planned, I followed the Rideau river along and it was rather pretty as the sun was beaming down upon it. Elizabeth lives so close by, I couldn't pass up on a lovely, little Sunday afternoon promenade; particularly on a day when the sky was terrifically blue.
My initial 24 hours were spent in relaxation as this pint-sized one was still worn out from her Toronto-ing. Elizabeth was working in the hospital for a long residency shift, so I'd written down exact walking directions from Google Maps to get there and back - to the places I wanted to see. Surprisingly, me being me - I did not get lost when I ventured out of the apartment as Google Maps got it spot on!
A SWEET LITTLE STROLL - The cooler air today at only 1 single degree was actually invigorating. As planned, I followed the Rideau river along and it was rather pretty as the sun was beaming down upon it. Elizabeth lives so close by, I couldn't pass up on a lovely, little Sunday afternoon promenade; particularly on a day when the sky was terrifically blue.
On the route back, a dog jumped up at me and another bumped forcibly into my leg. After 2 incidents with as many dogs being walked, I visibly flinched and tremored when a third raced towards me; fearing it would knock 7 shades out of me. It bypassed me completely when I'd pictured another near-miss incident; for both of the aforementioned, I received no apologies for the frivolities of their flea bags!!
THE PINNACLE OF PARLIAMENT - Elizabeth and myself, took a free guided tour of the Neo Gothic, centrepiece of Ottawa which was originally a military base in the 18th and 19th Century. I know that sounds gripping(!) but we had a fabbo tour guide chica who thought of really funny anecdotes to share. For example: DYK #1 There is a spelling error on the French word 'Quelqu'un' as someone made a mishap with the word for someone on the stained glass tile of the Senate Foyer ceiling. DYK #2 Owls embellish the decor because the collective term for owls is a Parliament. DYK #3 A painting of Queen Victoria has not survived just 1/2/3 but 4 fires!!
The majesty within 'The Hill', as it is known colloquially is boundless; regardless of the one BILLION dollar restoration it is currently undergoing. I may have a very deep and genetic disliking for the whiny pinheads who love the money and make up my Parliament back home (yes, I am angry and resentful towards them) but Justin Trudeau seems like a man of the people.
Inside the House of Commons, you can just imagine all the members sitting there debately NICELY while ours kick, scream and annihilate. This is one of the main features of the tour which attracts approx 3 million visitors annually to the Hill. Interestingly, 184 seats of the 338 are held by the Liberal Party with the official opposition - Conservatives making up just under half of the 184 the Liberals have. It is a big irk to me that this is quite the opposite in the UK. N.B - The Green Party have one solitary seat.
DISNEY DOESN'T LIE TO LITTLE GIRLS - For The Senate has a Beauty and the Beast-like library, boasting a collection of 600,000 items and a staff of 300. My mouth gaped as I stood in awe of the romance of the room with its marble busts of royal figures. This facility is restricted to those attending on Parliamentary business unless you take a guided tour. It was this reading room that brought me the most joy by far our congressional visit.
Up The Peace Tower (aka Tower of Victory of Peace) to take in the 360 degree views of Gatineau and the Rideau Locks from above. The original burned down in 1916 and it is a Canadian icon on the 20 dollar bill. It stands 92.2 metres in all its gargoyled height and I was moved to learn that it is dedicated to over 65,000 soldiers who lost their lives in World War One.
Holy Bon Jovi, I may have to marry the owner(s) of CACAO 70! A very foodie day was begun when my friend and I shared their Triple chocolate fondue, made up of - milk, dark and white choco swirled together with brownie, waffle pieces, strawberries and pineapple chunks to dunk. The blissful union of brownie and strawberry is like SUPER fondue! Mm, I'd know that smell in my sleep.
A WELL FED WOMAN IS A HAPPY WOMAN - After knocking back a Raspberry chocolate milkshake there also I thought to myself 'so this is where the happy milkshakes are' :) Reminding my mouth just how much I love the raspberry/choc combo means that I'm in danger of being called the 3 letter 'F' word.. This place is pleasing to the universe and to your palate. It is *the* cafe to come to in order to get chocolate wasted but be warned - it will take sometime to come down from your sugar high!
The Maman spider with its sac of 26 eggs, is a bronze, stainless steel and marble work of art by Louise Bourgeois. It may be one of the world's largest depictions of a spider and a symbolism of the nurturing protection of a mother but to most arachnophobics, it is basically the stuff of nightmares! All tourists are physically incapable of just passing it by without photographing the creepy sight! We were blessed with an orange sunset of spectacular proportions for our turn but sadly it wasn't captured well.
You can not leave me alone in Purdy's chocolates with their insane amounts of goodies! I was a good girl to only obtain cocoa nibs and 3 truffles - gingerbread, a mini hedgehog and chocolate cherry caramel. Cocoa nibs were a really, really stupid purchase as I thought I'd be a tad healthy, only to find they are TOO strong in earthiness. They sounded delicious in theory so how do they not utterly repulse everyone who puts them in their mouth?
The majesty within 'The Hill', as it is known colloquially is boundless; regardless of the one BILLION dollar restoration it is currently undergoing. I may have a very deep and genetic disliking for the whiny pinheads who love the money and make up my Parliament back home (yes, I am angry and resentful towards them) but Justin Trudeau seems like a man of the people.
DISNEY DOESN'T LIE TO LITTLE GIRLS - For The Senate has a Beauty and the Beast-like library, boasting a collection of 600,000 items and a staff of 300. My mouth gaped as I stood in awe of the romance of the room with its marble busts of royal figures. This facility is restricted to those attending on Parliamentary business unless you take a guided tour. It was this reading room that brought me the most joy by far our congressional visit.
Holy Bon Jovi, I may have to marry the owner(s) of CACAO 70! A very foodie day was begun when my friend and I shared their Triple chocolate fondue, made up of - milk, dark and white choco swirled together with brownie, waffle pieces, strawberries and pineapple chunks to dunk. The blissful union of brownie and strawberry is like SUPER fondue! Mm, I'd know that smell in my sleep.
The Maman spider with its sac of 26 eggs, is a bronze, stainless steel and marble work of art by Louise Bourgeois. It may be one of the world's largest depictions of a spider and a symbolism of the nurturing protection of a mother but to most arachnophobics, it is basically the stuff of nightmares! All tourists are physically incapable of just passing it by without photographing the creepy sight! We were blessed with an orange sunset of spectacular proportions for our turn but sadly it wasn't captured well.
You can not leave me alone in Purdy's chocolates with their insane amounts of goodies! I was a good girl to only obtain cocoa nibs and 3 truffles - gingerbread, a mini hedgehog and chocolate cherry caramel. Cocoa nibs were a really, really stupid purchase as I thought I'd be a tad healthy, only to find they are TOO strong in earthiness. They sounded delicious in theory so how do they not utterly repulse everyone who puts them in their mouth?
Back at E's apartment, we talked the house down and ordered a Lebanese takeaway from Shawarma's. It was TOOOOOOOOO much after all we'd already eaten with their crazy-size portions of Shawarma chicken, salad, pitta, hummus, aioli sauce, rice, pickled turnip and chillis. The hamster is off the treadmill and she's finally, really, TRULY going to POP after getting her teeth into too many glorious delicacies today :) Little did I know, the biggest treat was to come the next day as snow was in the air.
Good night, my angel faces xxx
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