July 28 & 29 Day 16 & 17

bon jour
We have spent these two days exploring the capital of Canada, Ottawa. We r learning r way around the streets after a few bad turns and some extra miles on the feet. The city is beautiful with some great old buildings. The architecture is unbelievable and had to take some skilled masons to do them. The 8 step Lock system leading from the Ottawa River to the Riduea canal system (80' lift) was one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century and has enjoyed continuous operation in essentially the same manner since 1832. The Rideau canal was constructed between 1826 and 1832. The canal provided secure, defensible supply route between Montreal and Kingston on Lake Ontario, an alternative to the St. Lawrence River in the uneasy years following the War of 1812. A little history of where we are and u thought we were just here for the fun of it. Every one here either walks, rides a bike, roller blades or skate board to work, they say the parking (expensive) and traffic is bad, in the winter when the canal freezes they keep it clean for ice skating to work. it is said that the Parliament works skate to work carrying their shoes in hand, don't believe we will stay here to see that we will just take their word on it. Last night we walked up to the Parliament building where they have a beautiful light show showing the history of Canada on the buildings front which as Billy F. would say is HUUUUUUGE. It last about 30 to 45 minutes and we were glad we stopped to see it. Lin needed a hair cut so we looked around the first day she got a little nervous as some of the hair styles here are a little wild, and when the hair dresser doesn't speak good English it is even scarier, I offered but Lin thought that might be more dangerous. We found a Sears and they had a salon so in she went and the girls spoke good English, hair cut done and looks great. We to a farmers market and got fresh veggies. Beer is expensive up here along with alcool(alcohol), may have to quit cocktail hour ( ha ha), I have been hitting the wine supply a little. Well guess I have taken enough of your time for now.

au revoir till demain