Day 36: Second day in Ottawa

Miles driven to-date: 9,212
States visited to-date: 26
Canadian provinces visited to-date: 2

Today was one of the most relaxing of our whole trip! I won’t even say how late we slept, for fear of alienating all of you working folk who have to rise at a decent hour. My Mom, Aunt Nanno, Steve and I had the most leisurely breakfast – complete with really good Canadian tea – and lounged around, enjoying the chance to catch up. Then Uncle Pete took us on a driving tour of Ottawa’s beautiful sights. There were so many lovely flowers lining the canal, and we liked seeing the Parliament buildings as well as the Prime Minister’s house. Compared to the blockades and intense security around the White House, the area surrounding the Prime Minister’s residence felt like a regular neighborhood.

Ottawa’s Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.

We then explored the Market area of the city which Steve liked because of the numerous pubs.

Aunt Nanno, Mom, and Uncle Pete relaxed over a pint at one of said pubs:

Later in the evening after Glen and Karen had gotten home from their jobs (notice who is doing all of the working in our family!), the whole group headed to dinner at the Canal Ritz, a great restaurant right on the water. Thanks to Mom for treating us!

After dinner, we went to see the nightly illumination of the Parliament buildings. Our plans were thwarted, however, because the ceremony was cancelled due to the threat of a thunderstorm. We still had a good time walking around.

The buildings and grounds looked really pretty after dark. Below: Steve, Mom and Nan examine the details on the fountain surrounding the Eternal Flame.

We had a wonderful time with the Judges and were glad to be able to spend some time with them today!