we came in doing cartwheels

Today we explored the streets of Ottawa in the extreme snow flurries and wind chill.

We set off from our hostel, leaving our bizzare Asian room mates who mostly seem to loll around in bed and venture out for short intervals at random times. We checked out the Chateau Laurier, wandered around the foyer of the 5 star hotel, and generally pretended to be guests. They had a Christmas tree expo on. The Tim Horton's tree was my winner:We did a lap of Parliament and took in the many statues in its surrounds. The funniest statue was one commemorating women getting the vote; "women are persons". Top stuff, they really are! We then went inside Parliament house, despite the confusion of many at the door. They thought it was closed, but I pushed through the doubtful masses and opened the door to be greeted by tour guide explaining there would be a tour in a matter of minutes. Parliament was so pretty covered in snow on the outside, and covered in lights and Christmas festivities on the inside. We went up the peace tower (with bells), where you could see all of Ottawa, from only about 10 stories height. The Rideau River looked gorgeous all iced over and covered in snow. There were also many gargoyles and flying buttresses to mums delight. We heard the bells chime at quarter to 12 and quarter past 12, but not at 12 curiously enough!

We had luncheon at the By Ward Markets and then ticked off many sights on the Ottawa visitors guide. We enjoyed the Peacekeeping Monument, most of the Nepean point, the exciting self proclaimed Cathedral AND Basilica of Notre Dame, the outside of the Royal Canadian Mint (we couldn't work out how to get in for free), the Prime Minister's house (where I yelled "Hi Steve" in the hope that he was in) and the Rideau Falls. We came back into town for Beavertails (a pastry covered in sugary treats served hot, in the rough shape of a beaver's tail) and coffee in a bowl. After being warmed and nourished, we walked down the Sparks Street Mall and enjoyed Ottawa by dusk. The city still had all its pretty Christmas lights up, and Parliament was all lit up!

We bought some Canadian brewed cider, and cooked a hearty stir-fry for tea. We then chilled out in our hostel with many a gimp.