Ottawa, Canada

Our flight to Ottawa was on the smallest of passenger jets, with not even enough headroom to stand up, but it was comfortable and quick. At the airport we were met by Bernadine (Exchange teacher 2010)

Ottawa is in Ontario, is the capital of Canada, and is situated on a river of the same name, which is the border with the neighbouring province of Quebec. During our time here we walked around the city, visiting such places as Parliament House, the Governor General’s residence and the wonderful Museum of Civilisation.  We also drove into the hills in Quebec to get a view from a lookoff (lookout) over the surrounding districts.

Of course we stopped for lunch and coffees at some pretty quaint places along the way.

During the evenings we spent time with Bernadine’s friends who were most welcoming and interesting. We learnt a lot about local issues and of the history of Eastern Canada from a slightly different perspective to that which we had previously heard during our time in Western Canada. Because Canada is so diverse it is clear that Canadians from all parts feel that the many issues that affect them have no easy solutions, but most Canadians take pride in their country, perhaps apart from a minority group wanting Quebec to be a separate country.

You may have heard that Ottawa had a severe thunderstorm pass through while we were there, blowing over the stage at a musical festival. We were a bit away from the main area and didn't notice it too much.

Photos are of our plane, lookoff in Quebec, the Parliamentary Library, Pizza with Bernadine and the owner of the famous and much awarded  Pasticceria Gelateria Italian (Pizza/pastries/ gelato/ coffee shop), Parliament House, the Parliament library and a scene in the museum.