closing time; you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here

So today was a Monday, a little to my knowledge is a day that most museums and attractions are closed in Ottawa! (bastards)

So first up on the agenda was a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts. CLOSED. But there was a cool statue of what I think is meant to be a spider out the front, so we amused ourselves with that as we planned our next venture. We walked along the Rideau Canals. which were so pretty and snowed over but apparently not icy enough to skate on...We strutted down to and around the University of Ottawa. It wasn't very happening for the first day back to school. No free chow or merch of anything, which was a severe disappointment. The campus was rather nice and whimsical. We then went on what I (and undoubted others) would rate as a Michelin five star scenic (and hearty) walk. It was 5 km of enjoyment. On the way we stopped at the old jail, which has since been converted into a hostel (which we tried to book, but was too sold out). We attempted to check out the Currency museum (which had an amazing greenhouse foyer with Giant Yap:

Believe it or not, this limestone was used as currency. Sadly the sign did not say how much the yap was worth (I would estimate from its size - a lot). Unfortunately this was where our experience with the Currency Museum ended - it too was closed.

We ventured on to the Supreme Court and the bibliotheque, where there was a suspicious bench which was very reminiscent (a.k.a exact copy) of one in Montreal.We crossed the boarder into Gatineau, Quebec. We tried to get into the Museum of Civilization but this too was closed. We crossed the river back to Ontario and enjoyed seeing Ottawa from a new angle. It was curious that some of the Ottawa was frozen solid, and some random patches were still flowing rapidly.Back in Ottawa we had some reviving bubble tea, and found that Sophie's shoes were wet, so had to stop our journeys and head home (with cider). I experienced a range of emotions in the hostel. Much laughter at the gimps and their yogurt eating contest, and then fear of crazy drug fueled Asians, angry at everything this world has to offer. If I could I would double lock my doors tonight!!