Have you ever thought about how much time we spend looking down when we walk around?
How often do you look up at the world around you?
I pondered this question myself as I spent a recent morning walking around downtown Ottawa.
Normally when I’m downtown, I’m there to do something in particular. Whether it’s to visit a museum, eat at a restaurant, or attend an event, rarely am I there to just explore my city.
This time, I was downtown with my partner, and while he was busy with an appointment, I had the chance to spend some time wandering around the heart of Ottawa.
Look Up, Look Way Up!
It was while I was looking up at the majestic Peace Tower on Parliament Hill that I realized I seldom look up when I’m out and about. My eyes are generally focused on the road ahead, the sidewalk, and maybe a storefront or two. I don’t spend much time looking above my head.
I’ve never really noticed all the beauty there is up there – until now.
So yesterday, I took my time, and looked up.
I discovered Ottawa has a lot of beauty to look up to. A lot.
I also discovered there is an incredible amount of intricate details in the things around us. Things we hurry by without ever noticing. Things we’ve seen hundreds of times…but not really seen.
Until we stop and look up.
This is a photo-heavy post documenting what I saw when I looked up.
Enjoy!
Looking Up In Ottawa
My bucket list includes a visit to the Peace Tower, and a ride up in the elevator. Hard to believe I’ve never been inside the Parliament buildings yet!
It was such a peaceful morning, I enjoyed some quiet time just sitting around the Centennial Flame admiring the Parliament building.
We’ve all seen photos of the Parliament buildings. Many of us have visited them in person. Have you really looked up close at the intricate details, and beautiful stone work, on these buildings? Stunning!
At one point when I was looking up, I was joined by this fine-feathered friend. He made for an interesting prop in my photos!
My feathered friend had the best view on the Hill!
Another close up of the incredible architecture of the Parliament buildings.
I didn’t notice until after I looked at this photo at home but…do you see the moon?
I had never looked up at the Peace Tower, or Parliament buildings, from this angle before.
One of the gate posts at the entrance to Parliament Hill.
More beautiful stone work, this time on the East Block buildings at Parliament Hill.
Sir Wilfred Laurier stands on guard near the East Block on Parliament Hill.
Parliament Hill from the east side.
Looking up on Wellington Street, across from Parliament Hill.
Walking along Wellington Street, I came upon the Bank of Canada.
This beautiful building can also be found on Wellington Street.
This brilliant reflection caught my eye as I walked down Wellington Street.
The gorgeous St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at Kent and Wellington Streets.
Looking up Kent Street.
Looking up Sparks Street.
The beautifully ornate Bank of Montreal building.
And finally…this is not a “looking up” type of picture but, the Supreme Court of Canada building is so impressive, I just had to include a photo of it.
Do you ever explore your own town or city? Do you look up?
