Woke up at 6:45 am this day.
After a night of snowing, the roads and rooftops of buildings are covered with snow! The weather is forecasted to be snowing for the whole of this day as well, with temperature going as low as 1 degree celsius in the daytime. Sounds awesome, although i'll be stuck inside most of the time =p
View from outside my window. Snow, snow, snow =)
We had breakfast at Palais du Centre's foodcourt. I had toasted chicken sandwich, which cost me CAD$4.25 (~S$5). The conference starts officially today, with an opening speech at 8:45 am. I had some juice first before starting the day.
Lunch today is provided. It was buffet style, with mainly pasta salad, ham/egg/tuna sandwiches, cocktail fruits and fruit salads. I had some diet coke, and find it strange that it's still very sweet despite it being "diet". Don't recall diet coke being so sweet tho. As there was alot of time left (our lunch break was 1.5 hrs, but we finished lunch within 40 min), we went to do some shopping at the Palais de Centre. I came across the post office, and sent some postcards back to S'pore.
The conference ended at 4:40 pm.
Continued on the walk along the "Confederation Boulevard", this time going on the walking trail "The Cornerstones of our Nation". This time, i will cross the Rideau Canal, from the Valiants Memorial at the Confederation Square (next to Fairmont Chateau Laurier), pass the Parliament Hill, to the Garden of the Provinces and Territories.
(can refer to link "Map of Gatineau-Ottawa (Confederation Boulevard) if interested.)
It had stopped snowing by the time i started on my walk, but it was still blistering cold at slightly higher than 0 degree celsius only. Again, i crossed the Alexandra Bridge first to get to Ottawa side.
Some photos along the way.
Snow-covered houses:
The Voyaguers' trail is covered with snow:
By the Ottawa River:
On Alexandra Bridge:
Major's Hill Park is also covered with snow! Snow has definitely added bonus points to the beauty of this park:
Everywhere is covered with snow, snow snow!
Despite being very excited from seeing the snow everywhere, i had to tread cautiously as the snow-covered roads were rather slippery and i almost fell down twice while walking across the Alexandra Bridge. My sport shoes were definitely not slip-proof enough.
My trail today starts at the Valiants Memorial and the The Response, National War Memorial (at Conferderation Square), which is across the Rideau Canal after walking pass Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
The Valiants Memorial is a collection of five statues and nine busts which pays tribute to the courageous men and women who have served Canada in times of war. This memorial also marks the influence that wars have had in shaping Canada as a country.
Most memorable for me was the bust of Comte de Frontenac (1620-1698). He was the most renowed Governor of New France during the French Regime, and had successfully defended Quebec from English attack in 1690. Asked to surrender, he had memorably exclaimed: "I have no reply to make other than from the mouths of my cannon"
Every year on November 11, Canadians will gather at The Response, National War Memorial to mark Remembrance Day (anniversary of the end of World War I) and to honor their fellow countrymen who lost their lives to war.
The Response, National War Memorial:
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, also at the Confederation Square, is a monument erected to honour the approximately 116,000 Canadians who have died serving their country in the fight for peace and freedom:
Prime Minister's Office and Privy Council Office represent the central core of the government. Their mandate is to support the primte minister in the task of governing the country:
The next stop was the Parliament Hill, Canada's Capital Landmark:
The Parliament Hill is not only a monumental landmark of Ottawa, Canada, but is also a functional workplace where parliamentarians gather to make the laws of Canada. The Parliament Buildings consist of three main sections: the Centre block, East block and West Block.
Cetennial flame on the grounds of Parliament Hill. Visitors are seen throwing coins into here, and the money goes to fund research by and about Canadians with disabilities:
Surrounded by the shields of the Canadian provinces and territories, and joined by the water of the fountain, the Centennial Flame symbolizes Canada's unity from sea to sea.
Central Block of Parliament Hill:
Peace (Clock) Tower:
East Block:
West Block:
Only the Central Block is open to public for tour.
(P.S. Look out for Day 6 when i'll enter for the tour.)
Next was the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery:
The Confederation Building. Built in neo-Gothic style, it houses the offices of members of Parliament and their staff:
Justice Building houses the offices of members of Parliament. Its architecture is reminiscent of the Fairmount Chateau Laurier, reflecting the influence this building had on the character of the Capital.
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.
The last stops for the trail were the Supreme Court, Library and Archives Canada, and the Garden of the Provinces and Territories, which i'll feature on day 5, as it was too late by the time i've reached these last stops of the trail for day 3.
It was close to 7 pm when i finished the trail, and it was very dark.
I decide to make my way back to my hotel by taking the Portage Bridge, across Ottawa River to Gatineau. I later realized that it was a rather scary route to take after dark. Although the bridge was quite well-lit, there were hardly any pedestrians i could see and for a few minutes, i kept wondering whether i've taken the correct (or rather, safe) route back. Ottawa River also looked rather intimidating.
After about 10 min, i finally saw some pedestrians coming my direction, and i almost heaved a sigh of relief as i know this should be the correct way to go back. I walked past Victoria Island and a suspicious-looking building (looked kinda haunted to me) before reaching Place du Portage on Gatineau, and finally reached my hotel after another 15 min.
By the time i reached my hotel lobby, i was exhausted and was so cold that i feel numbness in my face. I must had frost bite then, cos i later realize that my cheeks were blushing and the blush did not go away the next day!
I decide to eat at the restaurant Cafe Laurier at my hotel instead of venturing out again in the cold. I had a main course salmon with rice noodles, which easily cost me CAD$21, which is almost S$25! Again, i had no qualms in paying for this dish, as it was really good and i never felt so grateful for this hot and delicious meal, haha!
Went back to my hotel room thereafter, and had a good chat with friends like Joey and Zhenzhi. Felt kinda warm and fuzzy inside as i can now understand how it feels to be far away from home, and being alone at night, but with the wonders of technology to help you keep in touch with friends at home.
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