Ottawa: It’s Tulip Time!
Posted November 10, 2009 , comments closedOttawa: It’s Tulip Time!
Ottawa. I thought it was about time to explore my own capital. What better time to visit during the Tulip Festival! Ok, my visit was just at the end of the festival.
After an eight-hour bus ride, my A Voyagers Bed and Breakfast was conveniently located behind the station on Arlington Ave. After I checked in and dropped my bags in the room and began to explore
Twenty minutes later I found Palermo Cafe on Sparks Street Mall. Not having coffee all day, I grabbed a cup ($1.00) just before the 4 p.m.
Sparks Street is Canada’s first pedestrian mall started in 1963. When its popularity grew, it was decided in 1966 to keep it open all year long. I sipped my coffee and enjoyed the quietness on the Victoria Day holiday.
With no plans in mind, I meandered around the downtown area. I decided it was time to eat and found Yesterday on Sparks Street. The BLT sandwich with fries and a glass of wine ($15.00) hit the spot.
After a good nights sleep, I was ready to explore this walk able city. Every Remembrance Day November 11th, a ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in honour of the dead. I looked down at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and paid my respects to those who died during World Wars 1 & II.
Across the street is the elegant first class Fairmont Chateau Laurier. I savoured the magnificent lobby of this hotel built 1912. Maybe one day I’ll bite the bullet and spend a night or two here.
Behind the hotel is Major’s Hill Park. I walked by the colourful tulips and a small fair. Behind the park is a statue of Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer who was the first white man to travel through the future site of Ottawa. Samuel has a gorgeous view of the Parliament Hill, Ottawa River and the Ottawa Locks.
My timing was perfect when I approached the Ottawa Locks. Two people cranked open a lock by hand let a small boat through. I watched them do two more.
Time ticked on and I had much to see. Bytown Museums next to the locks would have to wait until the next visit. For only six dollars, it gives a perspective of Ottawa’s history. The city was once called Bytown until 1855.
Ok. I’m biased Canadian! I loved Parliament Hill, or as the locals call it “the Hill.” Being the heart of Canadian government, it consists of the Centre Block, East Block and West Block. Plenty of statues adorn the grounds including John A. Macdonald (Canada’s first Prime Minister), Queen Elizabeth II on a horse, Women Are Persons (celebrating 1929 landmark victory Canadian women struggle for victory). My favourite statue is Lester B. Pearson sitting keeping an eye on the Parliament.
Tulips and daffodils brightened the Gardens of Provinces and Territories. This park is dedicated to the provinces and territories of Canada displaying each of the flags. I enjoyed the gentle sounds of the fountains as I snacked on an apple, banana and a bag of chips.
Ottawa is filled with museums. Not being a museum fan, I bragged to family and friends about the Canadian War Museum. It was worth every penny of the $12.00 entrance fee. With the threat of rain, the three hours spend here was just perfect.
My eyes widened when I entered a huge room filled with all sorts of tanks and jeeps used in the both World Wars and Korea. Each vehicle has a description of its history.
The exhibits are well laid out. It starts from the beginning of war (bows and arrows are the first weapons) on to the Plains of Abraham, World War I, World War II, and Cold war and to the present.
I walked through the makeshift trench with gunfire sounds and mannequin soldiers. I closed my eyes and visualized what the horror the men went through. Of course, nothing and compare but nevertheless the exhibit is done well.
I turned a corner to the World War II exhibit. My jaw dropped. Wow! I starred at Hitler’s Mercedes-Benz. Goose bump appeared on my arms. The car was captured by the Americans and given to Canada.
Juno Beach in Normandy France is on my “bucket list” but for now this had to do. With the black and white video in front of me, I felt like I was with the men getting off the water vehicle running through the water toward the beach.
The sudden 30C one-day heat wave proved to be too much of a difference from the day before jaunt in Montreal where I had to break down and bought another layer, a fleece jacket to be exact.
Ottawa is the tulip capital of the world. Commissioners Park beside Dow Lake has the largest tulip display in the region. The colours of the reds, yellows, whites, purples and mixed were so vibrant at this late stage. I stopped and asked a local how long the tulips would last.
“They’ll be gone by next week,” she said. “We were lucky for them to still look good thanks to the cool weather we’ve been having this spring.”
After I walked along the park, I headed toward the pavilion by Dow Lake, where there is a restaurant and bathrooms.
I left the park by Preston St. entrance. Here stood a statue of a man holding up a hat in each hand representing a symbol and link of the lasting relationship and close friends between Canada and the Netherlands. Canada got the tulips as a present of thanks for giving refuge to the royal family of the Netherlands during World War II.
The bus system in Ottawa is fantastic. With help from a local, I hopped a bus on Preston St. and Carling Ave ($3.00) and was dropped off near the Ottawa Public Library.
After a quick stop at the library to check out my emails, I headed toward Byward Market. I didn’t have to fight crowds and savoured the smells and sights of the indoor and outdoor vendors selling items from fresh fruits and vegetables to cheese, meats, and flower. There are lots of speciality shops and restaurants to choose from as well.
The day was perfect to sit on the cushy seats outside of Cornerstone Bar and Grill. I sat for about two hours sipped on a Peach Mojitas, enjoyed a Panini ($16.00) and watched the world go by.
Refreshed, I was ready to hit the sites I had planned for the afternoon. First stop was Carleton County Gaol (1860-1972) is now known as Ottawa International Hostel. I considered staying in one of the jail cells or dorm. This was the site of the last public hanging. There are tours at certain times but unfortunately the timing didn’t work for me.
I looked for Laurier House (once home to Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier now a museum that houses the Nobel Peace Prize won by Lester B. Pearson) in vain. I asked at least five people, no one knew where Laurier House was. Frustrated, I headed toward downtown. Later, I was sorry I just didn’t go inside a building, cool off and try again. I knew I was close to the museum. Next time. I’m lucky to live close enough to Ottawa by bus or train.
Ottawa is a young capital but rich in history. And I love historical buildings and this city has plenty of that. The sparkling steeples of Basilica Cathedral of Notre-Dame captivated me. This is Ottawa’s oldest church that began 1841. And there are plenty more of this around the city.
Down the street is National Peacekeeping Monument depicts three peacekeepers standing on walls above the debris of war. Canada is known as a peacekeeping nation. It played vital roles in Cyprus, Haiti and the Middle East. Ottawa impressed me in its commemorative to those who risked their lives, whether by war or peacekeeping.
Unfortunately my plans for the day didn’t go according to plans; however, I decided to head back to “the Hill”. In the information tent (it’s white and huge); I purchased a free ticket with the tour time on to visit inside the Parliament.
After an airport-like security check-in, we began our 45-minute tour. The guide chatted and joked as we walked along the various halls. Down one hall are portraits of each Prime Ministers who chose their own artists. My favourite is Pierre Elliott Trudeau, once a very charismatic man and leader.
We passed by House of Commons and the House of Senate on toward the Library of Parliament, a quiet yet elegant area of the Parliament.
After the tour, we were left on our own. I took the elevator ride up (only 7 allowed) the 92 metre high Peace Tower, a recognizable landmark of Canada, to enjoy the 360-degree breathtaking view of the city and Ottawa River.
If I had known, I would have tried to make reservations inside the Memorial Chambers to witness the turning of the page of the First Book of Remembrance precisely at 11 (done each morning). The book, in a glass topped case watched over by statuettes of kneeling angels, contains the names of those who died in World War I. There is another book that contains the names of those who died in the Second World War. Scattered around the room are poems of war including the famous “Flanders Fields” by John McCrea, written in 1918.
My time in Ottawa dwindled too fast. Across from the Parliament is a cosy outdoor cafe called Parliament Pub. I sat outside with a fantastic view of the Parliament and Chateau Laurier. Next to the pub is a statue of Terry Fox. Terry was a courageous young man diagnosed with cancer, right leg amputated above the knee. He walked across Canada to raise money for cancer research, but had to stop due to the return of his illness. He died at the age of 22.
I pondered the thought as I ate my carrot soup with fresh bread and sipped my wine that I’ve travelled and explored other countries and their capital. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve waited this long to discover the history and beauty of this thriving city. I anticipate a return to see more sites that I missed in my nation’s capital, Ottawa.
Tips:
- Visit Ottawa Public Library. Get a free card (good for a year) for Internet use to check emails.
- Local bus transportation is excellent. C$3.00 exact cash. Day passes are C$7.00 exact cash fare bought on the bus.
- Visit website www.ottawatourism.ca
- A Voyagers Bed and Breakfast, 95 Arlington St., conveniently located on the back of the bus station, two blocks from the local bus that goes directly to the train station. To most tourist sites about a 20-minute walk or so.
- Canadian War Museum. Do not sit on the tanks, jeeps etc to pose for photographs. On Thursdays it’s free from 4 .m. to 8 p.m.
- Library of Parliament. Inside the Parliament Building. No photographs allowed.
- Memorial Chambers inside the Parliament. Only 5 are allowed at the 11 a.m. ceremony of the page turning. Reservations are made on a first come first serve basis. http://www.parl.gc.ca/Memorial/history_designs-e.htm
HolidayHoliday.co.uk adds Millions of Cheap Holidays
Posted October 23, 2009 , comments closed) Popular website Holiday Holiday has added millions of holiday offers to its holiday website as demand for cheap holidays continues to grow.
During the last three months, the holiday website has increased the number of holidays advertised on its website by a staggering 4000% in response to consumer demand and as a result of the addition of many new advertisers to the site.
Says Emma Healey, Marketing Director “The decision to add more advertisers to the website was made as part of an overall strategic plan for Holiday Holiday as we grow the site to compete with other cheap holidays sites in the market. We have invested heavily in re-developing and re-designing the website in the last 6 months, in response to customer feedback and the ever growing demands of today’s holiday consumer. Visitors to the site have responded well to the changes so far, spending longer on the website, searching more holiday offers and making more enquiries, especially for last minute holidays.”
The increase in holiday offers is partly due to a significant deal signed with the Co-operative Group at the beginning of July, allowing all travel agents who are part of the group to advertise on holiday holiday. This includes the Freedom Travel Group and the Future Travel Homeworking group and means that Holiday Holiday benefits from advertising ABTA and ATOL bonded travel agents on its site, helping to ensure peace of mind for holidaymakers.
A snapshot of the millions of cheap holidays on the website demonstrates that the highest proportion of holiday offers at the moment can be found for destinations such as Egypt (especially Sharm el Sheikh), Cyprus, Spain and the Canary Islands. This is in response to the increased demand for winter sun destinations as the weather in the UK starts to turn colder. The availability of last minute holidays departing in the next three months is also high, with 50% of the holidays advertised allocated to October holidays, November and December holidays in 2009.
Emma continues “We are adding new travel agents onto the site every month, with that comes extra travel expertise and an increased availability of not only last minute holidays but also a wider range of holiday offers for the public to be able to take advantage of. Holiday Holiday will continue to constantly evolve and grow in line with the demand of holidaymakers and has many ideas and plans for the future to ensure the website becomes even more successful.”
Winter in Italy could put thousands of jobs at risk
Posted September 18, 2009 , comments closed- Full-blown recession and economic meltdown make Iceland more accessible for tourists
- Tourism drop to shrink Cyprus’s economy 0.5% this year
- Mediterranean holiday island's tourism market feels European recession
- Home-swapping tourists exploring Tuscany
- Eastern Europe is getting a cold shower after years of heady growth
- Exceptional night opening of the Vatican Museums
- “Lotto tourists” flock to Italy
- Italy offers free holiday to over-billed Japanese tourist
By
Mario Masciullo, eTN Staff Writer |
Sep 18, 2009
The Italian Tourism Federations are simultaneously addressing to the newly-formed Italian minister of tourism petitions for assistance, suggestions and plea to help the Italian tourism industry to improve its weak segments and to include the industry in the list of the beneficiary of the special funds (1.6 billion euros) granted by a group of Italian banks for the project “Italia&Turismo,” which is supported by Mr. Berlusconi (approved in June 2009) to rescue the incoming sector: “from the camping, agritourism, to the large hotel groups.”
The latest letter landed on the desk of Italian Tourism Minister M.V. Brambilla, is from the Italian Federation of Travel Agents (FIAVET-Confturismo). Its president, Ms Cinzia Renzi, draws the balance of the tourist summer season and the forecast for the forthcoming 2009/2010-winter season.
“We are approaching a situation that will see 3000 Italian medium small travel agent companies close down and 8000 unemployment in the sector,” stated Ms. Renzi.
However, the letter does not mention cases of some large tour operators bankruptcy and other on the way to it.
Such dramatic forecast is supported by figures, which are down 15 percent both in the incoming, and outgoing and 25 percent own in term of profit from the beginning of 2009.
The difficulty of access to bank credit, to adverse attitude of air carriers, first of all Alitalia in the deep red, the hopeless running of airport services, the endured frauds made by illegal travel agents are some of the main problems that place at risk the credibility and survival of the Italian travel agents society.
The urgent solutions to be implemented by the government, according to Ms. Renzi, are to include the travel agents and tour operators category to benefit of the easy terms of credit granted by “Italia&Turismo” condition, a careful review of rules and conditions of the Italian law on travel and transport, a direct involvement of travel agents in the new web portal www.Italia,it, the review of the warranty funds for a better efficiency in emergency times are amongst the proposals.
The protest to the government proceed in formation by the founders of the entire Italian tourism industry which include Assoviaggi, (Association of travel Agents), FederturismConfindustria/Ciset, Federviaggi Confturismo, Federviaggio, Federalberghi Confturismo, Federconsumatori e ADUSBEF , Consumi Confcommercio (ICC). Their message: the travel industry is going to face a tourist winter season that will be strongly influenced by the after-effects of a weak summer season. In simple words, low business for all!
Statistics are in fact clear: the summer season closed with minus 5.1 percent in the hotel business for both foreign and Italian guest. Final statistics could prove much more. This aggravated by minus 5.1 workers at the expense of the service to the guest that has caused and shall continue to cause an imbalance of service- quality by the incoming industry stressed by a lower income.
The Italian Travel and Consumer Federations unanimously stated that the government has not yet recognized the tourist sector as one of the main industries for revenue contribution and growth of employment. It is now time, urged the Federturismo Confindustria (Federation of Tourism and Industry) that whoever concerned takes due measures to face the galloping emergency implementing strategies to face the crisis.
Ms. Brambilla seems open to meet the proposal of the president of Federcongressi (in reply to the letter written by its president Mr. Bernabò Bocca) to help the congress sector grow through the opening to benefit of the granting of “Italia&Turismo” funds and extend same privilege to the industry sector along the line.
The promise made by Ms. Brambilla binds her to look into increasing the credit granted by the group of banks since, 1.6 billion euros or what is left of it after the initial grants to the incoming companies since the month of June 09 can only scratch the surface of the applications for funds that the new beneficiaries of the tourism categories shall submit.
To the “Review of rules and conditions of the Italian Law on Tourism” as proposed by FIAVET, should be added “Coordination and control of public money expenditure.”
Many initiatives regarding the promotion of Italy are included in the yearly calendar of events without the least monitoring of the level of return. Not mentioning the many million euros (over 90) spent for the very recent web portal www.Italia.it and its previous disastrous editions.
Hostel Summer Sale 2009 by HostelBookers.com - prices from just ?3 per person per night
Posted August 7, 2009 , add a comment) The heat is on as HostelBookers launches its first ever hostel summer sale with as much as 70% off selected European hostel prices in August. HostelBookers guarantees to offer the cheapest accommodation around, as rooms are available for as little as £3 per person per night.
Over one hundred participating hostels throughout Malta, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus are offering the opportunity to bag the most amazing bargain for bookings and travel in August.
Stay in Madeira for just £3.80 at the Os Manos - Lodging which is offering savings of 40%. The lodgings are situated in the Santana area of the island, which offers some of Madeira’s most dramatic scenery, from the rugged coast to inland mountains. There are eight bedrooms all with satellite TV and en-suite bathrooms.
The Splendid Guesthouse in Malta is offering a massive 70% off with rooms starting at just £5 per person per night. The guesthouse is situated in Mellieha, a picturesque hilltop town in Malta. One of Malta’s leading beaches (Mellieha Bay) is only 15 minutes’ walk away. Alternatively the guesthouse’s sun terrace with its picturesque view of Comino and Gozo offers an ideal place to while away lazy afternoons.
Save 50% in Corfu staying at the Gorgona St & Apts for just £8.50 per person per night. The apartments are ideally placed in the tourist village of Ipsos, only 50 metres from a beautiful long, sandy beach and only 20 minutes from Corfu’s historic old town, Corfu Town.
Art lovers won’t be able to resist the 30% discount at La Controra Flashpackers Hostel in Naples. La Controra is a converted monastery right in the centre of Naples.
Its recently refurbished rooms are decorated by art sculptures, Neapolitan coffee pots, garlic and chilli peppers.
The lounge bar is used for contemporary art exhibitions and the garden hammocks offer the best way to relax after a day exploring this bustling city. Prices start from just £10 per night for a dormitory room.
Experience cosmopolitan Spain at the Apartments El Pilar situated in the beautiful historical centre of Valencia. The spacious apartments with their own kitchen and dining area are just two minutes from Valencia train station. Prices start from just £13.50 per person per night with a 20% discount and include daily cleaning, airport pick-up and return, and catering service.
HostelBookers features 14,000 hostels in over 3,000 destinations and is the only website in the industry not to charge a booking fee ? its lowest price guarantee means that prices are on average 4.2% less expensive than other well-known hostel booking companies.
- ENDS -
For further information please contact: Givi Basilia at 020 7406 1805 or
Email: Givi.Basilia@Hostelbookers.com
NOTE TO EDITORS
About HostelBookers.com: Great Hostels. Free Booking. No Worries.
HostelBookers.com ? launched in March 2004 ? is a leading UK-based budget accommodation website. It offers a range of budget accommodation including youth hostels, hotels, B&Bs and apartments in over 3,000 destinations worldwide.
In November 2008 HostelBookers.com also received the UK’s Best Youth Product award at the British Youth Travel Awards (BYTA) run by BETA (British Educational Travel Association). The awards, are designed to provide a platform to celebrate and reward high achievers, gain recognition, and raise the profile of the work and individual successes of organisations engaged in youth, student and educational travel, to from and within the UK. HostelBookers.com’s properties are reviewed and rated by customers and it remains the only major company in its sector to offer its services with no booking fees. HostelBookers.com also provides a range of free travel guides, travel news and worldwide events information
If you would like to be a Hostelbookers partner, you can do so by joining our affiliate program directly by emailing HostelBookers or through the TradeDoubler and AffiliateFuture networks.
Etihad Holidays launches Cyprus Promotion
Posted July 14, 2009 , add a commentEtihad Holidays has launched a number of special
deals to Cyprus with lead-in fares starting from Dhs 1,215 for two
nights accommodation at the four-star E-Hotel including return
economy flights from Abu Dhabi.
For customers who
wish to spend a longer break in the Limassol district, which
offers a wide variety of museums and archaeological sites, an
extra night at the E-Hotel starts from Dhs 385 per person.
Furthermore, Etihad Holidays customers can take advantage
of a number of bonuses at the E-Hotel such as one additional
complimentary night stay when booking for five nights; and a free
room upgrade when booking a three night stay.
Tony
Gauci, Etihad Airways’ head of Direct Sales, said, “Cyprus is a
wonderful travel destination which offers such an exciting mix of
activities as well as relaxation for those wanting to just enjoy
some time away to recharge.
“With its sunshine,
stunning blue waters and true Cypriot hospitality, we are
delighted to bring great holiday deals to this idyllic
Mediterranean island for our customers.”
Two nights accommodation at the
luxurious Elysium, a five star deluxe hotel with
picturesque views, start from Dhs 1,415 with extra nights
starting from Dhs 485 per person per night.
Etihad Holidays also has breaks to
the Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort, with two nights including
return airfares from Abu Dhabi starting from Dhs 1,555 and extra
nights starting from Dhs 555 per person. Customers also get
one additional complimentary night stay in July when they book
for three nights.
Etihad Holidays customers can
also rent a car in Cyprus during their stay with prices starting
from AED 180 per person per day, based on two people sharing a
vehicle.