Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Sunset Ceremonies

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Keith & Darcie Dow <keith.darcie@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 29, 2011 at 1:53 PM
Subject: Sunset Ceremonies
To: darciedow@posterous.com


One of the great things about living in Ottawa, Canada (and there are many) is the Canada Day celebration. The Nation's Capital is be greatest place to be to feel the patriotism, see the diversity, and experience the nation united in fun.  This year we won't be heading downtown for the festivities as we expect it will be even more crowded and crazy than usual, what with Will and Kate, the Royal Couple, in town.  mayhem.  However, there are many activities to go to that don't happen right on Canada Day that we can participate in.  For example, last Sunday night we took the kids to the Sunset Ceremonies at the RCMP Stables.  I had never seen the Musical Ride before and had only seen Mounties a few times around Parliament or in passing.  Typically, in American TV they are portrayed as 6-foot-tall men in the red surge, big hats and funny pants saying "Aboot" and "Please" and "Eh" in heavy repetition.  Truthfully, we Canadians do tend towards the extreme in manners, many of us do say "Eh?" and the Mounties do wear that funny uniform.  They are also a national symbol of sorts for honour and dignity and general uprightness. I do like the Mounties.  

For those of you who have no idea what the Musical Ride is I'll include this short video clip - although the pictures are much better.  We were on the right side of the arena for family pictures but not for horsie pictures.  I do apologize.


3 comments:

Unknown said...

Just this afternoon Davies & I saw a Mountie at work, on horseback, not far from our place. I explained to Davies a bit about the RCMP & the musical ride, so it's fun to hear you just had that experience recently! Unfortunately I never made it to Canada Day celebrations during my 3 years in Ottawa... I guess we'll just have to return someday ;)

Unknown said...

PS Love Lulu's shades! :)

Allison said...

I love these photos, Darcie! Perfect lighting (;

This definitely brings back memories of watching the Musical Ride near the Soo.

Thanks!