Ok, I've Been Gone a While

I have been more than a little tardy in getting around to posting updates on my latest adventures. Busy may be true, but is no excuse. First up is Ottawa. This was also the first outing for my new camera. It is definitely an adjustment from the old and will take several photo outings to get completely used to.

After Christmas and New Year's, I and a few others took a trip up to Ottawa for a weekend to go to a wedding. The ceremony was short, well organized, and held at a cozy, comfortable venue. In other words, it was the exact opposite of the three hour mega wedding everyone (meaning me) secretly fears. Perfect.

While not busy with wedding-related activities, there was plenty of time to explore the city. It was about -19C, which was cold, but not at all unbearable for those of us who didn't refuse to wear hats. The main sight is Parliament

From Ottawa

including the statue of the lady having tea.

From Ottawa

Although the view of Parliament and the center is much better from further away

From Ottawa

near the statue of the giant spider.

From Ottawa

Downtown Ottawa is pretty interesting too, once you get past the drunks, the homeless, and the crazy people (mostly located on and around Rideau St., which is Canada's version of 5th Avenue). For instance there is the building with the antenna that looks kinda like the Eiffel Tower

From Ottawa

and the place that sells Obama Cookies.

From Ottawa

More importantly though, Zaphod Beeblebrox, former President of the Universe, has chosen Ottawa to open a nightclub, tastfully surrounded by a strip club and adult video store.

From Ottawa

It was a good trip and wouldn't mind seeing it again in a different season.