A Day Playing Tourist

I walked to my meetings this morning over at the union office on Gilmour Street. It turned out that they were not all day meetings and I found myself with practically a whole day on my hands.

I walked through town to the Rideau Centre, spent some time BRIEFLY exploring the shops, come to think... why go shopping when I can be exploring the city?!?!

I left the building and was about to pull out my map to find my bearings when a colleague greeted me and kindly pointed me in the right direction. How is that for luck, in the middle of a city finding a face I know to guide me (thanks Randy)

I made my way to the Byward Market. What a fantastic place, carts and stalls lined the streets, vegetables, fruits, hand made wares, native crafts, oriental shawls, it was definitely a feast for the eyes. I picked up a bunch of ground cherries and a bottle of water and continued along.

I sat for a moment at a peace monument. I noticed the irony of the new United States Embassy being built right beside it. Across the street from where I sat was the National Art Gallery, standing outside of it on the corner of the road is a monstrous wrought iron spider sculpture.

I walked across the Alexandra Bridge to the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Before I entered I thought it would be best to find a place to eat.

As I waited, I wrote:

Lunch at the Cafe de Musee next to the museum of Civilization, a window next to the Ottawa River overlooking the back of the Parliament Buildings.

This region is so beautiful and rich in it's history. My feet are welcoming the break as I have been walking all day.

I have ordered a lovely lunch and have even decided to enjoy a glass of wine with my meal. After lunch I plan on spending the afternoon in the museum, maybe walk back through Gatineau Park to my hotel along the river.

I wish I had my journal with me on this day trip, it would be nice to find a bench under a tree and write.

The museum was immense and amazing. The first floor is dedicated to the First People of Canada, the first nations from one shore to the other. I spent a lot of time at that exhibit. I wish I could touch some of the artifacts that were on display, yet all I could do was look and listen.

I didn't spend as much time in the other exhibits, preferring to linger only when something really spoke to me. I spend the whole afternoon at the museum.

Instead of walking through what I earlier called Gatineau Park (it was just a little park behind the museum I wouldn't have gotten far). I decided to be proactive and walk down Place de Portages so I could locate the building where I was going to be in meetings tomorrow. Yes, sometimes details are important.

Now back in my room I kicked off my shoes and I am debating what to do this evening. I think a swim is called for then perhaps a shower and dinner... who knows. My feet are aching, my shoulders are sore (why I decided to bring my laptop with me all day I don't know). A nice soak would do me good and then I will move on from there.

Tomorrow is a new day, and there is always more.