Blogs from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, North America - page 5

Every modern nation needs a place to keep important artifacts and documents so they will be available for research and the enlightenment of future generations. In 1905 the Canadian government decided to construct an impressive building for that purpose in Ottawa, about a mile south of Parliament Hill. To this end they imported 300 stone masons from Scotland to build a Tudor Revival edifice with crenellated turret that they named the Victoria Memorial Building in honour of the late Queen. It had cost the immense (for the time) sum of $1.25 million by the time it opened in 1912. The "castle", as it is affectionately known, was surmounted by a massive stone turret which soon proved to be too heavy for the foundation; in 1915 it was removed, no doubt much to the chagrin of the ... read more

Osgoode (est. 1827)is a Village within Canada's National Capital Region about 12 miles south of downtown Ottawa. For the past eight years it has held a Mediaeval Festival every mid-July. I had heard of such events in large cities and had often thought about attending one, but when I first heard the news I frankly wondered how good it could possibly be in such a small village, and with no admission fee. I needn’t have wondered – the whole village had caught the spirit, and it was great! Although the Festival began quite simply and humbly, it has grown each year, and now attracts hordes of visitors. In addition to the expected static displays of clothing, weapons and armor, dozens of local re-enactors dress up as typical mediaeval English folk – from the King and nobles ... read more

If you're like me you can remember when summers were all the more enjoyable because of the many varieties of butterflies that used to frequent our gardens and pathways. You probably lament the fact that you don't see many of them anymore, and wish it were possible once again to enjoy their gentle beauty. In Ottawa you have the opportunity to see a great variety of them at Carleton University's annual butterfly show (free!) for 10 days in October. When you walk into the greenhouse among 1,300 butterflies representing 41 species from around the world you are struck by the awesome variety of colours and shapes. There are even a few (mostly nocturnal) moths! No wonder the show attracts about 10,000 visitors every year. It is fun and challenging to follow the butterflies flitting from flower ... read more

This morning marks the first chapter in Tabitha and I's novel. I am very fortunate to have shared the past chapters with our family, friends and co-workers. We have our bags packed, car loaded and ready to hit the road. Next stop is Quebec City, QC!... read more

Le temps etait a l'orage lorsque je quittais mes amis Gabriel et Mary. L'objectif du jour: Atteindre la voie express a l'ouest d'Ottawa, la ou elle passe de 4 a 2 voies afin de rester en accord avec la loi... Des parts de pizza et du fromage dans mes sacoches, de l'avoine dans le ventre, j'etais pres a affronter un ouragan s'il se presentait. Le debut, d'un long voyage venait de sonner et c'est au milieu des terres agricoles de la province d'ottawa que je m'elancais. Je suis maintenant seul a entreprendre ce projet desire depuis longtemps. Je n’ai pas d’eau, ni de carte de la region. Les seules cartes que je possede commencent dans les montagnes rocheuses. On ne peut pas penser a tout et puis ici les routes sont tracees comme les cases d'un ... read more