Saturday, June 13, 2009

Back Home in London...

I made it safe and sound back from Ottawa and am now (somewhat) settled back into my place here in London. I started my new placement on Monday and I can definitely say it is a completely different experience than my last one. The week has flown by and I honestly cannot believe that it is already Saturday afternoon. I've got so much to do before Monday and I'm not quite sure how it will all get done!

My trip home was rather uneventful. I stopped in the Toronto area to have a late lunch with two good friends and was back in London last Sunday for dinnertime.

Perhaps when things slow down a bit, I'll have a chance to catch up on some Ottawa topics that I didn't have a chance to write about while I was there.

Happy Saturday!

Cheers,

T.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Doors Open Ottawa

I couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my last day here in Ottawa then by taking part in Doors Open Ottawa. The weather was fantastic. It was sunny and warm with a light breeze which made walking from location to location quite delightful.

J and I had decided the evening before that we would focus on seeing Embassies and Consulates as these are typically not open to the public on a day-to-day basis.

We were able to view the Algerian and Croatian Embassies, the Brazilian Ambassador's private residence and the British High Commissioners Residence. Unfortunately all of these locations didn't not permit photography inside. We did however manage to get some nice photos of the exterior and gardens of many of the locations. Oh I almost forgot, we also got to meet in person (and shake hands) with the British High Commissioner and his wife!!! Pretty nifty eh?


Our first stop, the Algerian Embassy. A beautiful building with beautiful gardens. We were also treated to figs and wine as we left. Such wonderful hospitality!


Flowers in the garden of the Algerian Embassy.


"Wildlife" in the garden of the Algerian Embassy.




A photo in front of the Brazilian Ambassador's Residence.


In addition to these locations we also visited the Lester B. Pearson Building (headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade [DFAIT]) and we had a chance to visit Rideau Hall and the surrounding gardens.


Holding the torch that will be used for the 2010 Olympic torch relay.


We were fortunate enough to be able to take a tour of the the building but had to wait a while before our tour time came up. With it being around the noon hour, J and I nipped back to a cute little shop called Sconewitch to grab some lunch. We bought AMAZING goat cheese, tomato and pesto scone sandwiches and headed back to Rideau Hall to enjoy them. If you are in Ottawa, stopping at a Sconewitch shop is a MUST!


The delightfully delicious scone sandwich.


During our tour of Rideau Hall we found out during the tour that Her Excellency (the Governor General) was actually in residence. Just like royalty, the flag of the Governor General is only flown when she is actually in the building.


The flag of the Governor General.


J and I in front of Rideau Hall.


As I write I'm in the midst of packing and watching the hockey game. I really cannot believe how quickly the time has gone. I will miss Ottawa and all that it has to offer yet at the same time, I am looking forward to seeing friends and family back home. While I have done a great deal while here, there is still so much I'd like to see. I guess this means that I'll just have to come back to visit!!!

Cheers,

T.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Canadian Forces Day - Run/Walk

I'm going to break with tradition and post out of sequence. I've officially finished my placement and I can't think of better way to cap off my four weeks then to participate in the annual walk/run for Canadian Forces Day. The walk took place downtown along the Rideau Canal and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.

All employees and their families were encouraged to participate in the event and as you can see, there were tons of people there!


Me with some of my co-workers!


The view looking ahead.


The view looking behind...look at all those people!!!!



It was a great day.

I'm off to take my two roomies out to a thank-you dinner. This weekend is Doors Open in Ottawa and so J and I will taking part tomorrow.

Happy Friday!

Cheers,

T.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Last day!

Well I've made it through my first rotation - yeah! Will post more on the week's events shortly.

Tomorrow is Friday - don't forget to wear your red.

Cheers,

T.

PS: A photo of parliament taken while I was waiting in the line for the tour.