I am on the border of Quebec near Gatineau, on the banks of the Rideau Canal and at the steps of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Ontario – the capital of Canada! My journey continues as we uncover more and more of our beautiful country, but this time in the political hub.
I spent most of the day in the downtown core on foot. There were many of statues willing to have there picture with me. (Main Blog Photo) . A bike would of been better, as parking is a cash cow here and street parking – there is none. It is all parkades mostly.
But on foot you do get a closer look at people. And if ever before, there is one thing I noticed on many people. It seemed the people in the downtown core all had one accessory I do not have but once had and do not miss one single bit. Many were wearing a security identification card around their neck or from their hip. Might as well of stamped tourist on my forehead as I did not have one.. LOL.
Ottawa is definitely a city that is made for heritage walking tours. Many of the streets are home to some of Canada’s oldest and most powerful institutions. Many close to each other like the Supreme Court of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, Bank of Canada, Rideau Hall, Archives Canada, National Art Gallery of Canada and of course Parliament Hill. Each building was built from stone dating back many years, some to the early 1800s.
Changing of the Guard
Nothing was more grand than the Parliament Buildings. On my visit to the Parliament Buildings I scored big time without even planning to score. After I found some expensive parking I started my way to the hill to check out the capital.
Because I was up early and on the road before morning rush hour, I just happen to time my visit with the “Changing of the Guard”. Me and about 1000 other people. But I was there by fluke.
Within minutes of my arrival, police cars started to clear the streets for the marching guards. Within seconds I could see a sea of red marching down the main street of the capital.
They were stoic. All marching in time. All grunting in unison. All looked straight ahead. Not one cracked a smile or broke their stare. There must of been 50 of them. All robot like.
The group of guards then proceeded to the front lawns of the parliament, drums beating, horns popping from the band. The Big Boss Guard screaming out instructions for his troops. Formations were set. Marches and rituals performed. It was a photo moment. Something to paste in my memory photo album.
I continued snooping around the parliament buildings taking pictures of the many statues of royalty and past Canadian leaders. I was wearing a backpack, Adventure Addict shirt and a baseball cap. I stood out as usual. And, there were many police, cop cars and , even a van with black windows. Hmmm.. I spy with my little eye? There must of been 7 police cars in front of the parliament. I bet Big Brother was watching my style on the surveillance camaras. So I smiled for them.
I am doing all the posing with guard at Unkown Soldier Monument
I wandered back through town down Queen Street . Eventually I made my way to the locks of the Rideau Canal. Nothing moving, boat wise, on this visit though.
Just across the street from the canal was the famous statue of the Unkown Soldier. It is very impressive. And did you know that the city posts two guards at the station. They stand perfectly still and never talk to you. But they will stand with you for a picture, but never acknowledge you.
So, I sauntered up and said to him he looked good in red and smile.. but nothing going on there.
About 5 minutes later I got payback. For the first time in weeks it started to rain. It rained huge. It felt good. I was prepared as I had my waterproff jacket but I can not say the same for others who were just getting soaked. It was good to have some rain. It felt good to and I am sure nature was thirsty too. It has been so dry. The rain cut my day short.. but it was an awesome day of firsts.