Thursday, March 08, 2007

::day 3 (17 feb 07) - ottawa::
very early in the morning at about 6:30am, we made our way to ottawa via the greyhound coach! it was quite a comfortable ride so we were sleeping for most parts during the 5+hrs journey! i called back home at about 12 midnight singapore time - wanting to wish everyone a happy chinese new year - but i only managed to talk to mummy for about 5 mins - before the line got cut off, due to bad reception (we were travelling through the wilderness) :( i wouldnt wanna spend chinese new year away from home again:(

anyway we reached ottawa safely in the afternoon! dee (the owner of the hostel where we were stayed at) came to pick us up from the coach terminal in his car, that has a license plate bearing his name - DEE-1856! quite interesting. if only i could print my name on my car license plate. haha. after checking in, we went out to explore the city!

university of ottawa - the hostel where we stayed in was located in the university village!

one of the campus buildings of the university of ottawa

some random building that we passed by - always enjoy appreciating the historically rich architecture of buildings:)

the last day! we were here just in time for winterlude, a huge winter festival/carnival along the famous frozen rideau canel :)

the famous rideau canal, which transforms into a 10-km ice-skating rink in winter! i didnt feel like ice-skating though - coz it was inconvenient carrying my bag and all!

mich and i - posing with a guy, whom we thought looked quite interesting with his vaguely-like-an-elf get up!

an old-school welder who was very proud in declaring his commitment to following the traditional ways of welding, without the use of any machines! these are all the tools he uses - nothing else!!

in just 3 steps, he managed to weld a heart-shaped rod - and they could be linked too! good way to win a girl's heart?!

ice-cafe, which was really an exhibition of ice sculptures..

what is a winter festival without ice-sculptures?

there was even an international ice-sculpturing competition going on!

mich and i - in front of the award-winning work of a famous canadian ice-sculptor!

the entry from US - the characteristic eagle!

the entry from japan - i was really impressed by the fine intricate details that the japanese ice-sculptor could create! amazing!! i especially love the geisha figure at the far right!

nice old buildings lining the street - at the crossroad between elgin & wellington

one of the many random catholic churches along elgin - i realize that there are really a lot of churches in the city area alone!

the national war monument - which was originally designed to commemorate canadians who sacrificed their lives in ww1, now honors all canada's war dead. its bronze figures emerge from a great arch, symbolizing the sacrifices made in the journey from war to peace. this is also the place where the capital hosts the remembrance day ceremony.

the tomb of the unknown soldier - another monument to honour the sacrifices of canada's war dead.

i could sit in the city park all day - appreciating and immersing in ottawa's historically rich atmosphere!

the awe-inspiring parliament hill - where national decision-making takes place!

the house of commons chamber

the house of commons foyer - look at the elaborate details in the ceiling!

the senate chamber- looks so grand eh?
that's not the best part - look at its ceiling!

the peace tower - at the heart of parliament hill. this is another monument built in memory of the service and sacrifice of all who died serving the country

it is also an excellent place to enjoy the aerial view of the whole of downtown ottawa!

the memorial chamber - with beautiful stainglasses
the names of all those who sacrificed their lives during the wars, are recorded in a book which is sealed in this glass case and 'guarded' by 4 angels

my favourite part of parliament hill - the amazing library of parliament

imagine studying in here - wouldnt u be somewhat distracted by its grandeur and magnificence?!
the supreme court of canada - the sort of things that law students get excited about

this very frightening-looking statue that stands before the supreme court of canada - i have no idea what ivstitia means - but i vaguely remember seeing that word somewhere in the ubc law fac building..

me - trying to look stern. haha

the veterans memorial building - if u havent noticed, there are canadian flags EVERYWHERE in ottawa! coz most of the buildings in this area are directly related to parliament and to ottawa's role as seat of the federal government.

a figure/statue in front of a church - that made us stop in our tracks - "truly, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me" - matthew 25:40

we went back to winterlude!

the beautiful night scenery

people were still ice-skating on canal rideau!! mich and i just walked along the frozen canal..

the sign is too small - but canal rideau claims to be the world's largest skating rink (this has been officially recognized by the guinness world records)

the setting was perfect for a romantic walk under the stars - amidst the snow!

dinner at royal oak, an authentic canadian restaurant - dee's good recommendation:) we had garden salad and fish&chips! nice.

and drinks as well! cheers to a good day:)