Touring Ottawa

Morning came late for us today. A little confusing perhaps because my watch was telling me that it was  one time and the sun another. A definite symptom of jet lag, LOL!
We finally managed to coordinate getting up about 9:30 am and headed off for brunch with Nicole and Fadi. We went to "The Lieutenants' Pump", a pub style Restauant downtown. We sat out on a covered patio which was good because it had to be 30 C!!  Our  meal was the English Breakfast which is a mix of fruit, tastey potatoes, eggs, GF toast, bacon, ham, baked beans, and more, wow! 
After breakfast, Fadi and Nicole dropped us at the Byward Market and headed off to do their own errands. The market was huge, kind of a cross between a flea market and a farmers market. We wandered along the street talking to vendors and other tourists. There are soooo many interesting stories to hear. 
After the market, we headed over to Majors Hill Park, checked out the view of the parliament buildings from across the river (beautiful). Next step was the Cenetaph. There are 2 soldiers standing guard but now because of the terrorism happening all over the world, there are also two police watching over the soldiers.
Next, we walked around the parliament buildings. They are so old, it feels like walking through a piece of history! The huge lawn in front of the buildings is a bee hive of activity with workers erecting 3 stages for the Canada Day Ceremonies coming up in a few weeks. The city and especially this lawn will be absolutely crazy come July 1st!! Perhaps I'll just watch that one on TV!
Nicole was good enough to pick us up. We had planned to take the bus back, but with the heat and sun, this was so much better. Interesting that our BC time was never warmer than 20C! Now we get the heat!!
We had picked up some plants for Nicole so Ann helped her plant them when we got back. There will be a little veggie garden on her 3rd floor balcony with tomatoes and peppers.
Well Nicole is making a fabulous supper for us tonight. It smells great!!!

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