Parliament Hill in Ottawa

I was fortunate to not only tour the Parliament Building in Ottawa but also to observe Question Period recently.  I arrived and proceeded to the tour entrance just down and around the corner from where the Members enter.  I do find it a bit odd that guests including Canadian citizens go into our parliament buildings through a side and partially hidden entrance not through the front door which is limited to members only - you are also required to exit the building through a similar doorway on the opposite side.  I am going to guess or hope that this is due to security requirements.  The tour showed us the Centre Block including the Library of Parliament - a beautiful space full of books and important documents, the Senate, the Peace Tower observatory and the Memorial Chamber which has the books of the names of Canadian soldiers who have died for their country.  Unfortunately, they are still updating the books with the names of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

As it was a Monday, debate started early so I watch a bit of that - rather disappointing to see only about 10 to 20 Members (out of 308) in their seats for the debate with the majority participants and only debaters on the opposition side.  The seats did fill in for the 2:00 p.m. Question Period.  This is the time the Members of the Opposition, NDP, Liberals, Bloc and Independents can pose questions to the Government Members.  The questions varied from issues of the day and past week mostly - RCMP allegations of abuse, request for support for truck guards to prevent bicycle accidents, election financing, etc.  It was quite raucous at times - with heckling, shouts, hand clapping and desk thumping - all typical behaviour for all Members regardless of party affiliations.

Overall I enjoyed my visit to Parliament Hill - a very impressive building even though when I tried to pick up my pass to Question Period - I was sent to find a room that did not exist. The hallways of power were surprisingly empty but never fear - I backtracked and security assisted and corrected the directions.  I also enjoyed my visit to Ottawa - a very easy city to walk around and I definitely will be back.

Remembrance Day 11/11/11

It is November 11, 2011 and I am in Ottawa, Canada and just recently observed the national ceremony of remembrance at the National War Memorial.  Many thousands of people attended the ceremony.  It was wonderful to look around and see, young and old, military and civilian and all nationalities attending the service.  While it is difficult for many to see the proceedings due to the number of people - all could hear and many of those who could not see the ceremony stood quietly - either heads bowed or eyes looking off in the distance.  On this day of remembrance I wonder what the veterans, not only at this ceremony but all those across Canada are seeing and thinking - is it of colleagues and friends who did not return or loved ones that waited at home or perhaps when will the world get it and peace really happen? 

I have been very fortunate over the last several years to have participated in many Remembrance ceremonies and to have met hundreds of veterans - these ordinary looking people who have done extraordinary things - I am in awe of our soldiers who put their lives on the line for all of us.  Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!

No - I have not fallen off the edge of the world!!

I'm still here! and here is home in Toronto. My apologies for neglecting to post, no excuse - well not a good one anyway. 

So... what have I been doing? - well it took about a week to get over the jet lag - I had no problems going to Europe it was the coming back that tripped me up - it is very quiet at 4:00 a.m.  I have been catching up with friends, doing household and personal maintenance chores, reading and making plans for my next adventure which is Ottawa, Canada for Remembrance Day (Nov 11).  I plan to observe the national Remembrance ceremony on Friday then explore our nation`s capital on the weekend - it has been a very long time since I have been there.  I can hear my Dad in my head telling me that I should be exploring my own country before heading off around the world so this is my chance. 

I went to see the movie `The Way` this is the one with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.  Emilio wrote, produced and directed while also appearing in the film too.  The movie takes place and is about the Camino de Santiago or The Way of St. James (hence the movie title) - they start in France and do the whole 800 kms.  It is a lovely movie and shows quite a lot of the Camino though I have to warn you it is a bit sad in places.  Dianne and I went this past Sunday and really enjoyed the scenery - yes we saw places that we walked by.  It is always a thrill for me to say I was there...  But if you get a chance to see the movie - go and you will get a taste of the Camino - you never know you may want to go for a walk too...

A book that I am reading is a collection of essays called Diplomacy in the Digital Age edited by Janice Gross Stein.  So far quite interesting and many of you may find it interesting too.  In the opening essay by Ms. Stein she discusses the importance of diplomats and what they contribute to the world - using the actions of diplomats in achieving the involvement of NATO in Libya as an example.