Bonjour Canada! - Solo travels (Day 2)

I woke up at about 7:15 in the morning, and got ready to go for the 1-day workshop that we signed up for, which will start at 9 am.

I made my way down to the hotel restaurant Cafe de Laurier at 8:05 am, blissfully unaware that free breakfast is not included in the hotel fees! Nevertheless, as i was running late for the workshop, i decide to eat at the restaurant. They served buffet spread, as well as Ala Carte items on the menu. I looked at the menu, and "Cinnammon French toast with maple syrup" caught my eye.



Although it cost me CAD$11 in the end, i paid for it ungrudgingly as it was really good! The thought of it makes me feel hungry again. I could probably try to make it at home myself, but i doubt i can replicate the nice cinammon flavor that is blended into the french toast.

Our lunch break was at 11:30am. We made our way to the "foodcourt", which is located on the 1st floor of the Point du Centre where our conference is held (the conference level is called Palais du Congres). There're many stalls, or rather small shops here selling Italian food, American food, Japanese food and Beijing food. The only familiar name i see is "Subway". Apparently Subway is also very popular here, as i always see queues at any Subway place that i see in Canada. There're also Marche-style shops here that sells salads, sandwiches and drinks. I had caesar salad which cost me about CAD$9 (drink incl). The meals here are roughly this price, and it was only later that i realize that a substantial portion of my money is spent on food when im in Canada.

As i realize it was not sufficient to have only one cardigan to last me for 8-9 days here, i got myself a black cardigan which reaches my knee. This is the first time i realize that GST (and possibly some other taxes, which amount to about 7%) are only included in the final payment, so the retail price you see will not be the final price that you pay. I had to be cautious with my spending here.

The conference ended at 4:30 pm. Earlier on, i had read about walking routes along the "Confederation Boulevard", which links sections of five major streets in the Capital core: sections of Wellington and Elgin streets, MacKenzie Avenue, Sussex Drive in Ottawa, and a section of Laurier Street in Gatineau (where my hotel is located along), and also links the provinces of Ontario and Quebec by Portage Bridge and Alexandra Bridge.

Why is this "Confederation Boulevard" of importance to Ottawa, or even Canada? Since the late 19th century, the governor generals of Canada, as well as foreign dignitaries on state visits, would take this ceremonial route to get from Parliament Hill to Rideau Hall, the governor general's usual residence. National institutions such as the Supreme Court and foreign offices like US' Embassy have also been established along this route, thus making it a key thoroughfare in the Capital.

This looks like one great way to explore the Capital, and for the next 3 days or so, i followed these routes after the conference is over to explore the city. The first route i took for today was "From Shore to Shore", which starts from the Canadian Museum of Civilisation on Gatineau, and ends at the National Gallery of Canada on Ottawa, just right at the other end of the Alexandra Bridge which spans across Ottawa River.

The Canadian Museum of Civilisation showcases the history of the peoples of Canada, aborigines as well as the new immigrants (Europeans, and later people from other countries). As it was close to closing time, i did not enter to visit, but continued on the journey. The Canadian Museum of Civilisation is located on the banks of Ottawa River, and the Voyaguers' trail is also right behind it, and along the river (i'll be taking this route on the 5th day).



Next was the statue of Maurice Richard and Jacques-Cartier Park.


Picture of Maurice Richards Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Maurice "the Rocket" Richard, Hockey Legend, played for the Montreal Canadians (National Hockey League) for 18 years. This monument (entitled "Never Give Up") plays tribute to this man who inspired thousands of Canadians, and represents the national interest in this sport.

Jacques-Cartier Park was a large industrial site for almost a hundred years before being radically transformed into a large urban park, where people gather each year to celebrate Canada Day and participate in Winterlude activities.



Maison Charron (located in the middle of Jacques-Cartier Park) is also part of the trail, but i decide to skip it as it was getting late.

Next, i walked towards Alexandra Bridge and the Ottawa River. The Ottawa River traces the dividing border between the Ontario and Quebec regions, and is a vital element in Ontario region's social and economic development. Its history is also an important milestone in Canada's cultural and industrial heritage, and forms part of the heritage behind the Rideau Canal (which was built to link Kingston and Ottawa).

Alexandra Bridge spans across Ottawa River, and is one important link between Ontario and Quebec regions. It dates back to 1901, and is one of the six bridges constructed to end the separation imposed by nature and to unite the two sides of the Ottawa river.







I also had a glimpse of Parliament Hill from the bridge. This is a key landmark and most recognized symbol of Canada's capital. Canadians from all over the country are likely to have seen images of the Peace tower (the tall building that peaks above) during traditional fireworks display on Canada Day or other national events.



It was at this point while i was admiring the Parliament Hill from the bridge when i saw snowflakes falling down, and being lightly blown onto my face by the winds. I was so excited that i almost shouted in surprise! It was the first time i ever seen snow, and it was truly an unforgettable experience for a girl who lives in a tropical country with no four seasons! A pity i could not get a good picture of
the snowfall. A Canadian walked past me while i was admiring the snow and exclaimed "Isn't the snow beautiful?" I truly agreed.

I continued to make my way across the bridge. The bridge was roughly 1 km long, and vehicles and pedestrians can both cross this bridge. I often see locals jogging or cycling along this bridge even in the cold weather and i often wonder why they do not feel the cold! For one, i had frost bite after walking through the snowfall on this day, what with wearing at least 3-4 layers. And the people jogging probably had only 2 layers on. They must be accustomed to the cold already.

I made a turn to Major's Hill Park on the left after i crossed the bridge. The maple trees in this park look very pretty and the scenery is marvellous!





















Also caught a glimpse of the National Gallery of Canada, as well as the Notre Dame Basilica Church (will be exloring them at a later date) from the park.





The trail actuallys ends at Major's Hill Park, but i left the park and went on down the MacKenzie Avenue.

US Embassy:



Canada Revenue Agency:



Fairmont Chateau Laurier:



After reaching Fairmont Chateau Laurier, it was about 6:15 pm, and was already quite dark! The winds also start to get really strong, and i decide to head back to my hotel. The trip back was rather "scary", as the winds were blowing in my direction as i trudged across the bridge, and threatened to blow away my scarf and the camera in my hands! I quickly stowed the camera in my bag, and held onto my scarf to cover my face from the snowflakes that are blown onto my face (which hurt qt abit).

I managed to find Mac's restaurant, which is about 10 mins' walk from my hotel, and sought "refuge" there before heading back to hotel in the blistering cold (it was about -1 degree celsius outside!) The Mac's menu is similar to the one in S'pore, but appears more pricey in Canada. I had a grilled chicken burger, fried and hot chocolate which costs me about CAD$8 (~S$10).

The hotel lobby never felt so inviting and warm before. I sat down in the lobby to "warm up" about 5 mins before going up to my hotel room. It was still amazing to see snow fall outside my hotel room window later, and it snowed for the whole night and the next day before it stopped. What i heard from locals later was that the weather is likely to turn slightly warmer again for the next few days before the onslaught of winter in late Nov. Although it was really fun to see snow fall, I felt relieved to hear that i need not endure the blistering cold winds, or feel the pain of snow hitting my face for the rest of my trip =p