Tulips in the Capital

Tuesday 5th May 2009

During our day of visit, we were fortunate to be in the midst of the Canadian Tulip Festival. I think we were very excited because tulips are the prettiest flowers I know of. And the thought of a million tulips was reason to be super happy. Things almost did not turn that way because the taxi took so long to come. Finally it arrived and the long drive with clear sight of the serence Rideau Canal.

The story goes that in WW2, the Dutch royal family took refuge in Canada. Princess Juliana gave birth to Princess Margriet right here in Ottawa. The Canada government temporarily declared the ward as extraterritorial so that she would derive only Dutch citizenship. Annually since 1945, the Netherland presents 10 000 tulips to Canada.

The parliament building and the cluster of buildings bordering the Centennial Flame has a strong Gothic Revival architecture. The doorwoman mentioned Stephen Harper was in that day. The tour guide was so bubbly as she explained the importance of the House of Commons and also the Senate. Both were in session that afternoon so we had the chance to listen to the debates about Canadian expenses in academic research. Senate was much less busy by the time we came around with only few members remaining. Maybe if we were earlier, we could have seen the PM. We went in and out of the Library of Parliament. I tried to count Canadian flags from the top of the 92 metre high Peace Tower. And beneathe it was the Memorial Chamber with the Book of Remembrance that lists those who died in war. I like the building interior because it is a reflection of history of the Canadian Confederation from its origin with 4 provinces Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

I accompanied the future lawyer to the Supreme Court of Canada. On the left and right are the statues Veritas(left) and Justitia (right). The Supreme Court Judges don Santa suits. No kidding, the bright scarlet robes are fluffy and has white mink trimmings.

We walked down the road towards Byward Market and bypassed this colossus statue of the National War Memorial at Confederation Square. At the top arch are peace and freedom and below the arch are Canadian servicemen from various branches. Not looking too happy and with good reason because of WW1. There is also a Tomb of the Unknown soldier but only its corner is visible in the picture.

Byward Market where we bought our yummy snacks. Oh there was this white sweety crumbly snack that I tried and liked but I can't remember the name. Also, strawbrees and blackbrees.

Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. It was really beautiful and we ate right there on the floor at Majors Hill Park. After walking around, we found another site on higher ground with proper benches in full view of the hill. Ottawa looks clean but we were told not to wander the park area below Parliament Hill at nightfall.

Other points of interest pictured from left to right are the National Gallery of Canada Spider in front of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Peacekeeping monument, Provincial and territorial flags infront of the Chateau Laurier and also the Rideau Canal. By now, I'm not so confident of identifying all the flags.