Week 8 - Currency Museum

Tucked away, in the Bank of Canada building, is the Currency Museum.

In the lobby is a lovely tropical atrium, frequently used for wedding photographs. A charming and warm spot to sit on a chilly winter's day. In the atrium, before entering the museum, stands a huge stone used as currency on one of the Pacific Islands. Not something you could carry in your wallet!

The museum itself allows no photographs (I hate that!) so no more visuals, I'm afraid. It was very interesting. It showed the history of money from early shells and copper twists to today's unusual new $100 and $50 dollar bills. It showed early money across a number of cultures then narrowed the focus to Canada. Fascinating how much money has evolved over the years and is continuing to evolve - the last "temporary" exhibit showed credit, debit and cash cards now being used in lieu of currency. Not sure why this was a "temporary" exhibit as that trend is increasing!   

Definitely worth a visit.

Thanks to John for joining me on this week's little adventure! Did you have an adventure this week?

Week 7 - New Wine and Food Venue

The plan was to go to Dow's Lake (where the skating part of the Rideau Canal ends) and see what was on the ice and maybe, just maybe try skating. Unfortunately, the weather warmed up and the canal was closed. 

drive-by cellphone photo of Dow's Lake with no skaters...

Near Dow's Lake is Ottawa's Little Italy - aka Preston Street - where there are numerous restaurant and bars. And not all are Italian either! So instead of going to Dow's Lake we drove a bit further - into Little Italy.

drive-by and out of focus entry onto Preston Street and into Little Italy

I rarely come into this area, though I now know I must visit more frequently! Driving through the area recently, I noticed a place called the Moonroom. Well - the name intrigued me (anything with the Moon in it usually does!) and I had stopped by once before but it was too crowded to enter. This time, it was quiet and it turned out to be a perfect spot to chat and catch up with a good friend. I enjoyed the electronic lounge music in the background and the delicious "Heavyweight" wine as well as the fun appetizer plates. 

The Moonroom - an enjoyable little find.

Definitely worth another visit! Thanks to Diana for joining me in exploring!

Week 6 - Winterlude

This week I got outdoors (at -15c) and went to Winterlude for the first time in years. Winterlude is the main winter festival in Ottawa and takes advantage of our Rideau Canal - which, in winter, turns into the world's longest skating rink. 

I didn't join the skaters, though at some point I'd like to. I no longer have skates. I did borrow a pair but they are way too big. I was alone - not what you want to be when you haven't been on skates in decades... I was, however, adventurous enough to walk down the canal a bit - carefully!

Skaters on the Canal

Winterlude includes an incredible display of ice sculptures, so I wandered over to the Crystal Garden to check them out (wishing I'd worn leotards or long underwear under my jeans  - or snowpants over them).

Entering the Crystal Garden

Men at work sculpting...

Figures climbing a face...

On horseback...

The long view of the garden - protected against the warming sun's rays....

Bears and beavers...

My photos don't really do these ice sculptures justice... The photographing conditions were far from ideal - between the crowds, the lighting and my photo taking expertise (or lack thereof). Double clicking on the image and enlarging it does help some. You can see how intricate many of these are. Once finished, they really glisten!

Outdoors - Heart Shamrock

Fiberglass Wolf art...

Skate and hockey stick sculpture...

Canadian Forces Ice Sculpture

 Queen's Jubilee Snow Sculpture

Teepee

Mitten sculpture

 And a visit to Winterlude would not be complete without sampling the festival culinary fare...

Beavertail (like a churro sort of... but long and flat) and a Hot Chocolate!

Looking towards the Parliament Buildings with the National Arts Centre on the left.

This week's adventure reminded me how beautiful the city is and how lucky we are to have the canal running down its center. It was nice to get some fresh air for a change as well. More outdoor adventures to come!

Week 5 - Museum of Aviation (possibly Part 1)

Museums continue to be the theme again for this week's micro adventure, with a visit to the Canada Museum of Aviation and Space (Space being a relatively recent addition to the name and the museum I think). This week I had company! Yay - much more fun that being by myself. (Thanks Diana and Chris!)

The early days of flight...

World War II...

Diana's Dad was an engineer/mechanic working on Lancasters like this one... 

wheeeee........

Helicopters...

...the yellow exhibit?

Fighter jets...

Experimental...

There is also a reserve hangar with many more aircraft - open only for tours at scheduled times (not when we were there), so a possibility of a second visit this year exists - to see the rest. For the new Space exhibit, the theme was Living in Space...

 

Complete with "interactive" display...

...which talked about the experiences of Canadian astronauts on the ISS. A small exhibit but definitely worthwhile!