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 13, 2009
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Internship Update
I really cannot believe that I'm already three weeks into my first placement. That means that I've only got one week left here!
Things have been going well. Last Monday I finally got security clearance and my pass so I've been able to come and go without having to inconvenience my preceptor with having to sign me in and out.
The module I've been working on has now become two. In presenting what I'd completed on Tuesday, both my preceptor and I could see that there was just too much material for it to work in one presentation. We decided that the best thing would be to divide the topics (emotional eating and then eating out and alcohol) into two separate presentations. I'm glad we decided to go this route.
This week is going to be action packed. In addition to trying to tie up loose ends with the presentations, we have planned a trip to Kingston to watch another presentation and get a bit of a tour of the base. Friday is CF Day and a run/walk is taking place. Much of our office is taking part and I'll be there too!
Cheers,
T.
PS: As you can see I'm almost up to date on my posting. I just got back from an amazing weekend of fun with an old friend. I will post on this shortly.
Things have been going well. Last Monday I finally got security clearance and my pass so I've been able to come and go without having to inconvenience my preceptor with having to sign me in and out.
The module I've been working on has now become two. In presenting what I'd completed on Tuesday, both my preceptor and I could see that there was just too much material for it to work in one presentation. We decided that the best thing would be to divide the topics (emotional eating and then eating out and alcohol) into two separate presentations. I'm glad we decided to go this route.
This week is going to be action packed. In addition to trying to tie up loose ends with the presentations, we have planned a trip to Kingston to watch another presentation and get a bit of a tour of the base. Friday is CF Day and a run/walk is taking place. Much of our office is taking part and I'll be there too!
Cheers,
T.
PS: As you can see I'm almost up to date on my posting. I just got back from an amazing weekend of fun with an old friend. I will post on this shortly.
Poutine and Patty Boland's...
Friday night I was able to experience a little of Ottawa's night life.
The weekend got of to an excellent start with a barbeaue (can't get much better then that). While the weather wasn't entirely cooperating (cooler), we did manage to make it downtown to a popular pub called Patty Boland's. There was a live band and they played fantastic music.
T.
The weekend got of to an excellent start with a barbeaue (can't get much better then that). While the weather wasn't entirely cooperating (cooler), we did manage to make it downtown to a popular pub called Patty Boland's. There was a live band and they played fantastic music.
The band. You can clearly see everyone was enjoying themselves!
After dancing for a while, it was time to head out to find a late night snack before heading home. I was fortunate enough to be with some knowledgeable folk who knew all the best places for poutine and we found ourselves at Mello's Restaurant. Walking in it looks like the place hasn't changed since the 1950's!
The nice French man that made our poutine for us.
Mmmm, poutine.
All in all, a fantastic night!
Cheers,
T.
Museum of Civilization
Ever aware that my time here in Ottawa is winding down, I decided to head to visit the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau (Hull) this past week. The museum is open until 8 pm every Thursday. I was able to leave work at 4 that evening and made it to the museum by 4:30 pm.
I'd decided in advance that I was also going to partake in the IMAX experience while there (they have a deal if you purchase museum and IMAX tickets together). Imagine my surprise when I found out that entrance to the museum is FREE every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. Score! As a result, I decided to treat myself to a double IMAX feature - Mummies and Under the Sea. Being a student, the grand total was only $12. I'd highly recommend Under the Sea. The Mummies feature was good, but palled in comparison to the visuals of Under the Sea. I suppose that Under the Sea had a bit of a leg up as it used the IMAX dome technology (a huge dome screen moves in over the audience so that the images cover even your peripheral vision. Very cool.
The museum itself is very impressive and definitely worth a visit.
One of the very large totem poles on display.
A boat in the Tsimshian exhibit (from the Pacific Coast). Really well done.
A breathtaking mural painted on the domed ceiling of the museum.
One of the special exhibits was on ancient Egypt. They had lots of interactive activities for kids (both young and old) to do. One of them involved writing your name in hieroglyphics which obviously, I had to do!
Part of the display of the Canada Hall. This is located on the third floor! The church you see on the right hand side was donated by a parish in the prairies. It was dismantled and reassembled in the museum in it's entirety!
Walking through the exhibit. This is meant to mimic the streets of Quebec City in the 18th century.
Me inside the Merchant's House on Ontario Street. This is meant to represent a parlor in the later 19th century.
Mock-up of the Vancouver airport circa late 1960's, early 1970's. This little vignette was complete with overhead announcements for boarding. The phone booths in the back worked - you could dial a number and then hear accounts of immigrants' experiences on arriving in Canada.
Part of the Mythical Creatures Exhibit.
I'd decided in advance that I was also going to partake in the IMAX experience while there (they have a deal if you purchase museum and IMAX tickets together). Imagine my surprise when I found out that entrance to the museum is FREE every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. Score! As a result, I decided to treat myself to a double IMAX feature - Mummies and Under the Sea. Being a student, the grand total was only $12. I'd highly recommend Under the Sea. The Mummies feature was good, but palled in comparison to the visuals of Under the Sea. I suppose that Under the Sea had a bit of a leg up as it used the IMAX dome technology (a huge dome screen moves in over the audience so that the images cover even your peripheral vision. Very cool.
The museum itself is very impressive and definitely worth a visit.
One of the very large totem poles on display. 
A boat in the Tsimshian exhibit (from the Pacific Coast). Really well done.
A breathtaking mural painted on the domed ceiling of the museum.
One of the special exhibits was on ancient Egypt. They had lots of interactive activities for kids (both young and old) to do. One of them involved writing your name in hieroglyphics which obviously, I had to do!
Part of the display of the Canada Hall. This is located on the third floor! The church you see on the right hand side was donated by a parish in the prairies. It was dismantled and reassembled in the museum in it's entirety!
Walking through the exhibit. This is meant to mimic the streets of Quebec City in the 18th century.
Me inside the Merchant's House on Ontario Street. This is meant to represent a parlor in the later 19th century. 
Mock-up of the Vancouver airport circa late 1960's, early 1970's. This little vignette was complete with overhead announcements for boarding. The phone booths in the back worked - you could dial a number and then hear accounts of immigrants' experiences on arriving in Canada.
Part of the Mythical Creatures Exhibit.Cheers,
T.
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