Having pickled my liver in Montreal I decided to make this a predominantly dry week. Therefore there was a lot of sightseeing to do! As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is where the Parliament buildings are situated. They are very grand, but also very reminiscent of some British structures (if you don't know why that is then your history knowledge is severly lacking!)

As the weather was so good all week (clear blue skies & about 15oC) I walked nearly the entire city! There is a very nice Canal & River that runs through the middle of the city, which is only enhanced by the fall colours (seeing is appreciating)...

I visited Rideau Hall, which is situated in a private park (about 15 acres) in the NW of the city. The park is open during the day, so I took full advantage. Located in the centre of the park is Rideau Hall itself, one of the Canadian PM's residences. As I was walking away from the building the PM (Steve Harper) arrived in his black Merc. Exciting, eh? ;-)

On the Thursday I got up at 6am & caught the Greyhound (& survived) to Wakefield - situated about 40km N of Ottawa. Wakefield is a small & quaint town located on the edge of a very large lake. It is very picturesque. I didn't go there just for the sightseeing though...I was on a thrillseeking mission...RIPRIDE!

For about 15/20 seconds I was SUPERMAN! Flying headfirst down 200ft into a water filled quarry. It was a very good buzz & not too expensive. They also offered a Bungee, but this was expensive - & something I have previously done. It did look cool though!

I visited the city's War museum (love that stuff). The highlights were the exhibits on WW1, the Civil wars, & they actually had one of Hitler's cars there...pretty cool

On my last night in the city I had a traditional snack...a "Beavertail Pastry." It is like a deep fried pancake, in the shape of a Beaver's tail, covered in Cinnamon sugar, lemon juice & maple syrup. A little too sweet for my liking!

I then left Ottawa for Kingston...home town of the Slaters. Jeremy's Mum & Dad, Mick & Lynn, took me to their new apartment for dinner (which was lovely) then out to the Brewery downtown for "Dragon's Breath" - a rather nice pale ale! That night I drank too much with the locals in the sports bar next to my Motel...good times :-)

The next day I walked around downtown Kingston (in the 20oC sunshine & blue skies). Kingston is a lovely town, about twice the size of Newbury. I met up with a load of Jez's friends that afternoon & evening - for more beers (disgraceful, eh?). I was treated to another fantastic meal at the Slater's residence (no wonder Jez loves his food - Lyn cooks better than he boasts!)

Having been utterly spoilt rotten by Jeremy's Family & Friends, it was time to move onto Toronto...

written by  johnnoble on October 13, 2008 from Ottawa, Canada
from the travel blog: John's year off...
Send a Compliment

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I thought Jeremy loved kraft (sp?) dinners? Have you tried one yet?

written by  Stuart Noble on October 14, 2008

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I think i like the picture of the leaves a little bit too much :-) very pleasing on the eye

written by  Erin on October 14, 2008

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try the creamed corn and the corn dogs on sticks - i know you will love them ;-) make suer you visit my aunts house - it is teh national heritage site - it is the only mud house left in canada and right near jeremy's!

written by  alison on October 22, 2008

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Is it cool to message on your own Blog? I dunno, but in answer to your Q's:
- Yes, it is Kraft Dinner, & no I haven't had it - because it is a dry packet of macaroni cheese...which I loath!
- The colours are amazing...I have plenty more photos like that, but I save the best for the Blog!
- Ali, you know that I am in Toronto now! So, you should have given me some PRIOR warning. I am not turning back now!

written by  John on October 22, 2008

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