Day 28 - More Ottawa and RCMP Anyone

We had a slow start this morning, relaxing and enjoying visiting.

Today we have no set plans and Bernie suggests Rideau Hall.  We drive towards the site and park right beside the Consulate for France.  And then there is 24 Sussex the home of our Prime Minster Justin Trudeau.  But we can not visit so we wave and take a picture and move on.

This is as close as Bea could get

Rideau Hall (the Home of the Canadian Governor General -Julie Payette) is a block away and it is such a beautiful day it is lovely to just visit the grounds which are quite extensive.  

Do you not know what a Governor General is? Well I have many readers who are not probably aware.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, where the duties of head of State and head of Government are distinct. Canada’s Parliament consists of three parts: the Queen, represented by the governor general; the Senate; and the House of Commons.  So the role of the Governor General is our representation of the Crown.  

Of course she does a lot!  Check out the website to learn more.

Visiting Rideau Hall is free and there are free guided tours as well.  Just show up and you will be assigned to a tour group.  They offer them in English and in French. Here are some highlights.

We meet with our guide Molly - who was celebrating a birthday today!  

Check out the Chandelier.  It was given to the Canadian People from Great Britain in gratitude for the assistance provided during the Second World War.  It hangs in the Ballroom at Rideau Hall, where the chandelier still hangs today. The chandelier is neo-classical in style and consists of 12,000 pieces of crystal and 80 bulbs; it weighs one tonne.

Here are examples of some of the medals that are handed out to very deserving Canadians.

This is what the Governor General wears, notice Bea likes it too.

The famous tent room.  Yes that is fabric on the ceiling and walls.  This room is used as a gathering spot for events. Very interesting!

I love the artwork throughout the Hall. All Canadian Artist, and in this room it shows how immigration formed this country.  The above pictures show the settlers that went to the Prairies. The harsh winters and then the summer harvest.

This image above of immigrates travelling across oceans and seeing the land they were going to.  

It is very hot out and the fountain in front is so cold!  

No sign of Prime Minster Trudea or the family - not even sure if they are in Ottawa right - probably not as the G7 gathering is happening in Quebec.

While on the tour two couples said they had just visited the RCMP Ride Center.  So we decide to visit it too.  Another free site for visitors.

A video I found on Youtube that shows the RCMP Musical Ride.  

Here you learn what it is like to be part of the RCMP Musical Ride.  Serving members of the RCMP apply and if selected they come here for training.  If they are the right fit they are chosen and serve for two years full time.  

This is where they train, especially in Winter.  Huge and mirrors on the walls so they can see how they are performing. The Ground is sand so it is very soft for the horses.

Each horse is black and may have a bit of white. They have to be a certain size to qualify.  Did you know each horse is considered to be a member of the RCMP!  Once they have finished their career performing they are retired to a beautiful farm.

They practice all winter long, they take care of their horses and in the Summer they tour.  This year the RCMP Musical Ride will be touring in Ontario and British Columbia.  Here is their schedule this summer. 

They had a really cute gift shop. Bea feels right at home.  In fact we find her siblings - her exact replicas (makes sense since we bought her close to the RCMP training in Regina).

We head to lunch and get a great table outside on this beautiful Sunday.  Cheers Meghan -- thanks for coming up to see us.

For dessert it only makes sense that we have a beaver tail - a quintessential dessert in Canada.  Of course Bea was a little concerned someone would munch down on her tail accidentally.  

We take Meghan to the airport and then we are sad!  Yes we miss you already Meghan.

Tonight we head out to join a Ghost Walk Tour.  It is only a 20 minute walk away and we meet up with a large group right near the Parliament Buildings.

We booked thru Viator but you can book directly here with The Haunted Walk.  

Our guide is an excellent story teller who keeps us on our toes with stories and tales of mysterious events!