Brant's bust

I happened to find this bust of Joseph Brant when we visited Ottawa this past summer. It was sort of funny because once I had been to his former home, it seemed like he was popping up everywhere! He looks pretty strong and proud here.

War memorial part II

There is another memorial to Canadian forces just as you come up form the canals to the square where the benches are. One side is in English and the other in French, I choose to photograph the French side. It's a quote from Virgil's Aeneid, No day will ever erase you from the memory of time. A beautiful sentiment and perfect for a black and white shot.

The great one

Here's a look at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. If you sat at the flagged benches I showed a few days ago, you'd have a very nice view of this memorial. It honours fallen soldiers from both WWI and WWII.

I think the soldiers deserve a closer look. The expressions on their faces are something to see. I could have spent even more time discovering this work. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also located here. Altogether, it's a very moving monument.

Green grass at last

Ottawa was a nice change from the hot, dry conditions in Toronto. Even the lawn in front of Parliament Hill was green! What a lovely contrast those bright colors make against the old, stone building. 

Hope you've got some good plans for the weekend ahead. It's a long one for us Ontarians. To see more skies, take a look at Skywatch!

Flagged benches

You can sit under the flag of your favourite province or territory at this square in Ottawa! From here you also have a nice view of the Rideau canals and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

August theme day: Numbers

Ottawa has more than historical buildings to offer, they also have a lovely open air market right in the heart of downtown. I saw lots of appetizing and interesting things, like these purple and yellow cauliflowers. I also think the price tag of $1.50 per head is not too outrageous. 

Unfortunately, it appears the CDP portal is down again. Until it is fixed, you can visit the temporary theme day site here. And you can always see more signs at Signs, Signs.

Hot hats

You don't have to go all the way to London to see the changing of the guard, you can get a great look at the traditional ceremony right in Ottawa! The guard is only ceremonial here in Canada, but it was fun to see the spectacle and hear the marching band. I bet their heads get hot in those fur hats though, especially as we've been having a very hot and dry summer. For more red, take a look at Ruby Tuesday.

Welcome!

I loved Ottawa! The people there were certainly welcoming and I had a great time there. More looks at the city to come. Until then, you can see more murals at Mural Mondays.

Confidential to my husband: it's been a great five years. Hope we have many more!!!

Notre Dame d'Ottawa

My MiL flew back to Germany today. I'll miss her company, but it was great having her here. We spent a few days in Canada's capitol city, Ottawa. It's a great place to visit with lots to see and do, including Notre Dame basilica. I've got plenty of shots coming up soon of all the things we did together, both in Toronto and Ottawa, so stay tuned!