This is familiar to many Canadians, since it's seen so often on the news. The main Commons doors are where Members of Parliament step out from the House of Commons to face the press with a look in their eyes that reminds one of deer in the headlights... or run off, hollering that they have nothing to say about that whole brewing controversy in their ministry.
This carving is above one of the side doors into the space between the foyer and the Commons.
On the tour, visitors don't actually step inside the Commons; the doors were closed and things were quiet inside. Public galleries above, however, are open to visitors when Parliament is in session.
I switched settings with the camera for a brighter look. The Speaker presides over things at the far side. At times the job is more that of a referee.
The government seats are on the left side. Darth Harper sits about midway down in the front row (hi, Stevie!)
On the right, it's the opposition's territory. I've been in the public galleries before. The arguing in here can make kindergartens look mature.
I love the carvings and arches.
ReplyDelete:-) Would you believe that there was some slight fist fighting at the French parliament not so long ago? Still better than dictatorship any day though.
ReplyDeleteBrings to mind some scenes from the BBC's "Yes Minister".
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful place..and yes, they probably do make kindergartners seem mature...most politicians do!
ReplyDeleteNice t have a look in the Canadian House of Commons.
ReplyDeleteIt looks quite old and traditional.
This made me laugh William. I was just today saying to someone that every time I watch Parliament Time I'm appalled at the childish behaviour of both the elected and opposition government.. a year 7 class would behave better :) I do love that arched doorway though!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots William.
ReplyDeleteCanadian tax dollars at "work".
ReplyDeleteJane x
I love this peek inside seat of power!
ReplyDeleteWell, this is interesting. It's quite beautiful and perhaps too much so considering it's too often inhabited by simpletons and stoopids. Sometimes I think our emotional and moral evolution has not kept pace with our physical evolution!
ReplyDelete@Linda: the arches always draw my eyes.
ReplyDelete@Ciel: quite true, and that doesn't surprise me.
@Revrunner: I've seen the odd episode of that on one of our specialty channels.
@Tanya: it's a plague among that profession!
@Jan: in European standards, the building's brand new!
@Grace: it sometimes seems the real class acts in Parliament are so few and far between.
@Luis: thanks!
@Jane and Chris: with plenty of gazebos for cabinet minister ridings, too.
@Sharon: thanks!
@Lowell: I'd have to agree with you.
i'd imagine its the same in the states. :)
ReplyDeleteQuite an impressive chamber. I from your description I imagine a scene much like the British parliament.
ReplyDeleteWow, super grand. Impressive, indeed.
ReplyDeleteYou should hear and see some of the city council meetings that go on here!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building! Guess not so much the people in it, huh?
ReplyDeleteLooks very dignified.
ReplyDelete@Tex: no doubt!
ReplyDelete@Barbara: the influence is strong. The green you see here in our House of Commons is also present in the British House of Commons, for example.
@Whisk: thanks!
@RedPat: with that bull in a china shop kind of idiot you've got for a mayor, any chance for dignity in a city council window goes right out the window.
@Cheryl: no, so having them gone is a good thing!
@Annette: yes, that's the lack of politicians that helps do that.
How ornate and somehow very English. Beautiful setting, but according to your account it doesn't calm any disagreements. Beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to be seeing pictures of this building without the politicians! It's absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing more of the inside William, love those arches and carvings.
ReplyDeletePretty fancy place! I like the brighter setting.
ReplyDeleteThat "deer in the headlights" thing is true here, too, but your building might just be prettier.
ReplyDeleteLOL re: deer in the headlights too! Gorgeous place though, can you imagine the shenanigans if all those politicians were let loose in some depressing, bare room?
ReplyDeleteYou are really giving an accurate picture of Canadian politics! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting tour of the Parliament building.
ReplyDelete@Mari: things can get heated.
ReplyDelete@Lois: that it is.
@Denise: you're welcome.
@Linda: I do too.
@Petrea: it's a beauty.
@Londonlulu: unfortunately I can!
@Halcyon: thanks!
@Jack: thank you.