DAY 11- Ottawa -Beautiful, Busy and the Construction City

11/2- Below in RED, please find Marj and Bart's write-up for Day 11, which was not presented at the Farewell Banquet.

Despite my need to catch up on many past days, I think I have the time and energy left to report on TODAY, September 20. However we saw no Morgans today, so NO MORGAN PHOTOS.
It was a day for a sleep-in, as we didn't have to report to an 0800 meeting, nor be packed to go anywhere. I thought I had turned off my 2 alarms- iPhone and iPad, but alas, I missed one, so still had the alarm go off at 0600. However, we were able to return to sleep until 0740, read email, Facebook and even look at the news. 
We contacted Stan and Jen and asked if they wanted to go on the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus. Stan and the concierge checked with the company, and determined there are no Hop-On/Hop Off buses running today due to streets being closed for several events- A half-marathon, and 5K run along a fast course along the Rideau Canal which  attracted 25000 military and civilian runners, walkers and spectators from around the world, along with the  Battle of Britain Anniversary Celebrations. And if the roads were not closed for events, they were closed for construction. The whole town seems to be undergoing some kind of construction. In a way it reminded me of Christ Church when we were their last year. Not so devastated, but just so much construction.  

With the city usually quiet on Sundays, today was NOT a quiet day in town. 
With no Hop On/Hop Off Bus opportunity, the concierge offered us a private tour that would hopefully be able to avoid the traffic and still give us an overview of the city. 
We headed to Starbuck for breakfast before heading out for the day. 

At 1115, Eli arrived in Lincoln SUV, black suit and looking very professional. Jim and Ellen had also earlier expressed an interest in the bus, so they joined us as well for a party of 6 people. 

Eli drove us around town, visiting Little Italy, Greek section, Ottawa Experimental Farm, City of Gatineau,  ByWard Market and much more. 

He couldn't get us to Parliament Hill, however we did walk by it later. He did get us in to a restricted area by the Supreme Court area by us being "Embassy" business (his company does  a lot of Embassy transport). 

Supreme Court Building

Ellen Jo and Jim

Two hours later we returned to the hotel, then Stan and Ellen Jo walked back to ByWard Market, and the remaining 4 of us took a cab back. 

A late lunch was enjoyed at the Olde Dubliner Pub. We all parted ways, with us stopping in the Hudson Bay store to stock up on "necessities", then walked back to our hotel. By then we were exhausted and took a short nap, followed by wine and popcorn with Jim and Ellen.
The only other MOAer's we saw or heard from all day were Jenny and Simon who sped by us walking back from the ByWard Market with shopping packages in hand. 
We enjoyed Ottawa much more than we expected. Despite the massive construction, it is a pretty city, with interesting architecture, lovely parks, and of course, the waterfront. And it was a beautiful day with a blue sky and comfortable temperature. 

Unusual Building

Parliament

Self Explanatory

Stan and Jen with Parliament Hill Behind

Parliament Hill with Ellen Jo and Jim

Next to Parliament

Elaine and Phil at History Museum

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa

1. 
   

Carriage Ride?

Canadian Museum of History

Bart and Marj's Day 11- Ottawa Canada

"Woke up to a beautiful, sunny, blistery, windy day. Fall is here.

Today was a momentous day, the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Let us not forget sacrifices that are made for freedom.

At the Parliament Square there was a ceremony- brass band, pipe band, vets, dignitaries, poems, and readings. One of the readings was High Flight by John  Gillespie Magee, Jr. , a British American aviator and poet who served in the the Royal Canadian Air Force before the US entered the war. He died in a mid-air collision in 1941.

The Army Marathon started early, so Marj's Amphibious tour  was truncated due to blocked streets.

The view from the river of Parliament Buildings was and other government buildings was impressive. 

After the Amphibious Tour , I (Marj) went to the square to watch and listen- howitzers being shot, bands, separate laments by a trumpet, and a bagpipe. Emotional readings and poems. Flyovers by WWII  bomber and 4 fighters.

Bart saw flyovers of 1 Chinook  with 2 Blackhawk helicopters, C-17 tanker and 2 fighters, and Canadian demonstration flying team from our hotel room.

Bart took a walk by the river. Walked down by the Rideau Canal locks, while a speed boat made the journey. He walked the river trail to the other end by the old carbide building and back to the hotel in time for the flyover.

I (Marj) had lunch at Nates on Sparks and saw the later flyovers out the window.

Back to he hotel for feet up, nap and football.We had an early dinner at Beer Market on Sparks where I enjoyed Strawberry Wheat Ale. Then to bed.