Voice Of The People

Two things struck me watching this march of protestors with links to the Armenian community. One was the solemness of the occasion, and given the circumstances, that's entirely understandable. The other was one of the banners. It quoted a Turkish leader from years back who noted that healing could begin if his country simply owned up to the truth of what had happened during the Armenian genocide. 

If only.

The Power Of Protest

This being a government city, protests are common in Ottawa. Some confine themselves to Parliament Hill. Others march either from the Hill or to it. Such was the case on the 24th of April this year, when I took the shots for today and tomorrow. That date is considered the beginning of the Armenian genocide by Turkey in 1915, as on that date, Turkish forces detained over two hundred Armenian intellectuals and activists, setting off the dark chapter in Armenian history. This year was the 99th anniversary, and I happened to be downtown as the protest was heading east from Parliament Hill in the general direction of the Turkish embassy.

The 100th Regiment Of Foot

Last week I got an email from the 100th Regiment Of Foot Historical Society. They asked if I would mind letting them use this photo for their newsletter. I took this on the grounds at the Museum of Civilization in May, when the museum was hosting activities for Norway's Constitution Day. The original post, if you missed it, is here. The Norwegian embassy had asked them to come in uniform; the 100th is a group of living history interpreters with an emphasis on the British military in the early 19th century. You can find more about them at this link. I replied back that they could feel free to do so, with my compliments. I don't recall telling them about the photoblog, so it was a surprise to hear back from them. And this past weekend, on Colonel By Day, I was down at the Bytown Museum, and lo and behold, they were among the various historical groups and organizations that were present by the Ottawa Locks.

A Stop At The Earl Of Sussex

The Earl Of Sussex Pub lies along Sussex Drive, on the edge of the Byward Market. It's a busy place, good for a drink if you so partake, or some tasty pub grub. I was taking the shot when bicyclists came into view.

Happily At The Top Of The Cliff

Something from the archives. This would be several years old. I was on the Centennial Ridges trail in Algonquin Park. It's a great trail, ten kilometres long, going up and down a series of ridge lines in a circle, honouring various figures of the park's history. The trail was established in 1993, the centennial year of the park's founding. Centennial Ridges is one of my favourite places in the world. This is taken from one of the high points by a passing hiker, midway along the trail.

Yes, I look thoroughly disreputable.

My partner in crime Norma fit me into a different kind of photograph. Yesterday was her birthday; click on that link and wish her a belated Happy Birthday!

A Giant Glass Wall With A View

I like stopping in at the Ottawa Convention Centre on occasion. The giant glass wall appeals to me. This is an angle I haven't taken pics from before, though, across Colonel By Drive.

The trade shows and conventions that come in and out of here with regularity still allow for plenty of opportunities for the locals to come in and take in the view. Even empty, this third floor promenade makes for a good photo op.

And with so many landmarks in close sight, it's such an amazing view.

Colonel John By And His Holiday

Today is the Civic Holiday in many parts of Canada. We just don't agree on what to call it. In Toronto it's Simcoe Day. Guelph calls it John Galt Day. Sarnia calls this day Alexander Mackenzie Day. It is known as Joseph Brant Day in Burlington. Saskatchewan calls it Saskatchewan Day. Here in Ottawa it's Colonel By Day, after the British military engineer who designed and led the efforts to build the Rideau Canal, and is considered the founder of the city. I wasn't able to get recent shots, so I'm plundering previous shots of the statue of the Colonel in Major's Hill Park.

Rather nice to see the tulips again, isn't it?

And I'm finishing off in Confederation Park, where the fountain is dedicated in memory of Colonel By. It's just the thing for a hot day. 

Strolling Along The Rideau Canal

These two shots are downtown along the Canal, on the east side. Plaza Bridge looms at the right, and the flags of the country, provinces, and territories stand at center. The staircases on the far side are popular for wedding photographers, who often take wedding parties under the bridge and over to the Ottawa Locks.

I never get tired of this Canal. I haven't often taken photographs from this side, but it makes for a pleasing image.

Yes, Paddles Can Be Considered Art

There is a lot going on at this art festival each year, and plenty of space to stroll around in. The house you see in the background is the back side of Vietnam House, which I showed to you during Doors Open. Artists are all on hand, cheerfully talking about their work.

City Daily Photo Theme Day: Take Away Store

The first of each month brings City Daily Photo bloggers together for a theme day. For the first day of August, the theme is Take Away Store. You can find other examples of the theme by clicking here.

I have taken some liberties with the theme. As retail happens at this event, money exchanges hands, and things are taken away, it qualifies for the occasion. In the Glebe each summer, at some point in June, an art festival takes place in Central Park on the east side of Bank Street, with artists displaying their skills and selling to interested customers. I have photographed the park from here before; check out earlier views.

Painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelry designers, glassblowers, and even bakeries set up shop here for the weekend, and the crowds come out.

It all nestles nicely into the park. The festival has grown in recent years, crowding into the east side of the park. Inevitably they're going to have to start setting up over in the park extension on the west side of the street.

I have more from this tomorrow.