Uptown, downtown in Bytown (original name of #Ottawa) enjoying a sarsaparilla float
Had voted for a "come what may" day which translates to sleep and wake up when you want to and then progress the day without a schedule. It meant we didn't saunter to the lifts until 11 am - but we did present nicely - had washed hair and ironed clothes. Lookin' good.
Leisurely start - doing it right - lookin' good
Our place - here - downtown - where it's at
I had a case of foot and mouth though. Had my big cheery smile and a couple of questions for the #Concierge. Like to make sure we have the accommodation's business card (for contact details) and wanted to understand how the public transport works so that we can "hop a something" if we need to.
Somewhere in all of that I managed to whisper conspiratorially "I don't mean to insult #Ottawa, but where is Uptown, like the CBD?"
I knew we were in "downtown #Ottawa" but in my head I thought there must have been somewhere more central, that was upbeat, bustling and busy like #Montreal. You know what I mean .. "uptown "
This had the #Conceirge totally flummoxed (and @Mac had a big frown as well and was shaking his head.) Poor girl even #Googled a map for us and swung around the monitor. "You are downtown, right here. If you walk two blocks up, you are still downtown, but you will be in old #ByTown and up the hill, uptown, which is still downtown. So again, in downtown, you are right there - here. You'll see what I mean when you go up the hill."
It was a simple question in my mind, so like #Jack and Jill we went up the hill and to be truthful, did see what she meant. We were two city blocks from #Parliament Hill, which is the centre of the universe here, two blocks from #Rideau Canal and two blocks from #ByWard Markets. And on every corner there was one of these copper 3D rendering of the map that emphasised that we were uptown in downtown.
Yep, up the hill .. downtown - love these plaques in relief
And now, all we had to do was "think #Canberra." Because that is what we are enjoying here in #Ottawa. Magnificent mix of old and new - yes #Parliament (going inside tomorrow), #Rideau Canal and its locks (saw it all the action for one little canoe with two paddlers - two hours to get them through the 8 locks of the lower section); #Notre Dame Basilica (lots of churches actually); the embassies (we did not see all 128); #Major's Hill Park; #Confederate Park; the #Mint (Canada's currency is not made here); #National Arts Museum; #City Hall and the #National Gallery.
No shortage of places to visit and read about
Lots to see and investigate - signage and information boards (bilingual of course) everywhere. This uptown downtown had plenty to keep us interested.
In time for the changing of the guard - very formal - at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arrived right on time to see the changing of the guard at the #Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and coincidentally were at the head of the #Rideau Canal when the locks where put into play for the canoeists.
Only one boat down the canal today - and we were there to witness the action - takes TWO hours to traverse, we only stayed for two of the lock openings
Unfortunately, not quite as lucky when we tried to get ourselves a seat on the #Aquaduck - they were sold out for today's rides. When we inquired for tomorrow - he shook his head and informed us he was booked out everyday this week. Oops. Missed this watery alternate to the #Hop on Hop Off Bus. We rejected the bus, because everything on the loop is within the precinct of the "hill." Decided, that other than the river, over our two days we can actually walk it.
We had the route from the Hop on Hop off - and just cruised our way around the highlights
Headed to #ByWard Markets which is a collection of permanent and market stalls surrounded by dozens of choices for eating and also hosts (one of .. ) the #Ottawa sign. Were not tempted by any of the bargains or to have our irises done (@Anthony and @Bekah), but did pull up an outside patio seat (read here, restaurant full so we will seat you at a table on the footpath.) Food was fair, drinks were grand and didn't mind being outside - a beautiful day.
Now that #Aquaduck was crossed off the list, we were on a schedule to clamber back to the pier to meet up with the #Ottawa River Cruise. So many steps here - getting yourself up and down the bill (now wishing it was more downtown than uptown), but after huffing and puffing, we did make it for the 75 minute view of #Ottawa and #Gatineu (Quebec) from the #Ottawa River.
That's our boat down there - up the stairs from the market, across the canal and down the stairs on the dock side
Marvelled at the guide - this was a commentary in English and French. Fascinating at how the translators slip from one language to the next. Loved tuning into the info she shared and definitely lots to see from this angle. Sort of a little fun to tune into the French bit, to see hiw many words you can pick up.
A little float in a boat - what a day for it
Laughed at our very dry visit to the #Rideau Falls - we got close to the "mighty 11 metre" Falls- no ponchos on board for this one.
No ponchos needed
We were on the upper deck with about 60 other guests. Unfortunately, there were also two families travelling together who had six children. Three of the children were running amok. The families were perched right in the front rows under the elbow of the poor lady giving the commentary. She had to stop at various stages to ask them to sit down, chase their children, remove props from them, ask them to stop screaming. It was endless. The #Captain came out of the wheelhouse to speak with them and give them stern looks. This wasn't cute kiddie behaviour- this was chaos. And stuck on a boat, on an out and back journey - what were the choices- throw them overboard? Tempting.
Ottawa, the city of a 1000 steps UP - needed to take a break
Anyhoooo - we were definitely glad to get out of that confined space. Made one last haul up the seemingly never ending staircase and @Mac found us an "along the canal" flat route back to our downtown #Cooper Street home.
Surprise, surprise we had arrived home to more of the banking saga. Still struggling with our #Montreal accommodation. After getting a work around to actually pay the account, now the request is for a $300 security deposit. Same old .. need verification code sent to Aussie phone number. The thing that irks, is that the security deposits are actually "charged" and then they are refunded in 7 to 10 days. Your 'nil' charge for us of course, incurs international bank charges. At this stage, with no solution in sight, I might be testing the comfort of @Mac's lap if we are sleeping rough in #Montreal in a couple of days. Note to self, don't choose a park bench with slats in it! 🤣😜
Stayed in after our big lunch and smashed the fruit in the fridge and there was no shortage of special drinks and chocolate here. All cleaned up while watching and cheering for @Mindy's New York Giants in the NFL. It was a massacre.
PS: Noted all the flags flying at half mast today - didn't know if perhaps sign of respect for #Morocco - or perhaps approaching anniversary for near neighbours for 9/11. Turned out it was in recognition of the service amd sacrifice of Canada's firefighters.
Meanwhile in Europe 🇪🇺 with @M&I
Doing the islands crawl in the #Mediterranean. Jumped on the ferry to get to #Santorini. Not a bad view, nice bed, nice pool. And no disappointment with the sunset here.
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