Ottawa Sights

Hey! Our first full day in Ottawa yesterday and it was fabulous. It was almost the perfect day. I know some out there will find that surprising when I describe it, but others (ie mothers) will appreciate it, I am sure.

I did seven loads of laundry at the local laundromat and cleaned a week's worth of clothing, sheets, towels and kitchen cloths. Note to others..when doing seven loads at the same time, choose washers near each other. For me it was a bit like playing that card game where you have to remember where the cards are to make a match...and you know my sense of direction is not so good. I had to try to check on the machines that were mine and not filled with others' clothing. Anyway...came home and cleaned the trailer which also felt SOOOOO good.

About 3 pm we headed into Ottawa..we being the four of us, Jim, Therese, their youngest daughter Caroline, and Therese's nephew Matthieu. We did the whole touristy thing in the rain (although it did let up and was just grey...but a very warm grey). Ottawa is humid and they have bugs. In Victoria when it is grey like that it means cool or even cold, but not here, apparently.

So, Ottawa is a compact city and most of the "touristy" things are in walking distance. It was quite surreal seeing all those things that we have only seen in on TV and in photos. In fact, the whole time I felt quite choked up...seeing the Parliament Buildings and Parliament Hill, the National War Monument, and the statue of the five women who lobbied to get women the vote. I hope to get some photos up today.

We also saw boats coming through Colonel By locks, allowing boats up the Ottawa River to the Rideau Canal. Jim and Therese are great hosts, and navigated us around so we could see all the sights.

On the way home (about 7 pm), we passed by the RCMP Stables where the Musical Ride happens, and, it was just starting. So, out we hopped and, got to see that too! The Musical Ride is one of my all time favourite things, and seeing it in Ottawa is amazing. There were even pipes and drums. Then we came home for a late dinner and fell into bed.

So, again for those who are from Ontario, this will seem like a nobrainer...but the most fascinating thing for me so far is how quickly and easily people switch from French to English, in the same conversation. I am just thinking how great my understanding is, when I realize I am hearing English...the signage is way more prominently French than in BC, and it all seems SO much more bilingual. I feel like a bit of a moron...perhaps I should just say a couple of "Zut alors!"

Today, Sunday, is the girls' perfect day. We are here in the sun and the girls have been in the pool for hours...something they have been dreaming about for months. It is a great down day...and just what they deserve after so many long days in the car...