Observations of a News Junkie

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve experienced several Ottawa festivals … and I wonder why I never bothered to check them out before. I seriously love this city.

I went to Open Doors a couple of weeks ago and visited several major buildings that I’ve always wanted to peek inside. The Supreme Court was really cool, though I’m sure it would be more awe-inspiring to see during an actual trial. Library and Archives Canada was disappointing – they basically only had one room open. The Library of the Senate was the same. We thought the event should be called Open Doorways. But I also checked out the old train station and a rooftop garden overlooking Parliament Hill – both were very cool. Not connected to the event but still cool was the currency musuem in the old Bank of Canada building, where the new building has been constructed around it.

Supreme Court

The currency museum

Last weekend, the traveling Magnetic North Theatre Festival stopped in the capital. A couple of friends and I tagged along on the Rideau Project – a series of plays in different locations (and both languages) around the city, depicting some of the historial events. Afterwards we heard a couple songs at the Franco festival at city hall. Basically, downtown at night on the weekends is awesome.

Last Sunday, a friend and I braved the threat of thunderstorms and went to Westboro for WestFest. Richmond Road is shut down to vehicle traffic and people set up shop and stages on the street. There was some pretty cool performers, including this duo.

These kids had an amazing sound ... by playing the most random things.