Ottawa

A leisurely breakfast and packing and we left the Montreal. Drove to Ottawa. Arrived a little before 13 :00h. From the hotel a bus took us into the By Ward Market Marché By area. As expected a market, but a huge one! Lots of cafés and restaurants with covered outside terraces. We found a large book shop where I found a couple of photography books I fancied ! Too heavy to lug around. It's very hot! I had a mocha, Ro a latte and we headed for the Parliament building, stopping for a rest on some seats! There are lots of seats in public places in Canada! It's great for that!

The Parliament building is on a hill flanked by two other old and intriguing buildings. One being restored. There is the well known Rideau Canal to the right with a good half dozen locks. We watched some beautiful boats from the side of a huge hotel that looked like a fairytale castle. Through a park behind the hotel and we came upon a modern building: National Gallery Of Canada. We only had a couple of hours of viewing time left and I more or less stuck to the contemporary art! I liked the evolution of Chris Cran's work, a Canadian artist. The building itself is huge and photogenic! Blip is a view of the Parliament buildings from in the museum. Outside there is a gigantic spider! 'Maman' created by Louise Bourgeois out of bronze, stainless steel and marble. Opposite is a beautiful cathedral of Notre Dame with silver towers. We went in to say a prayer. The ceiling is a wonderful blue with stars between the arches.

Tried a diner for once and I had an all day breakfast! Ro was delighted with the real coffee milk shakes ( He had two! ). Back at the hotel-King size bed!