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.