Trapped in a ball ...

... in front of Belfast City Hall.

Belfast, Nortern Ireland

Yesterday we arrived in Belfast … and today we visited the City Hall and the City Hall Grounds, a wonderful green space in the city. 

Here you see me in front of the ‘Bye Laws’ with regard to the of the Belfast City Hall Grounds. 

I read them very carefully and under the header ‘Dogs and Other Animals’ is writen in article 10. (b): 

“A person shall not bring into the Grounds any animal (other than a dog) the presence of which is likely to give reasonable cause of alarm to other persons.”

What do you think? Do I look like an animal to give reasonable cause of alarm to other persons?

Bangor, Northern Ireland

Hello folks … here I am back again. Saturday morning I arrived in Bangor, Northern Ireland!
It took me two weeks to travel from Ottawa to Bangor … after all, it’s almost 5000 kilometres (about 3000 miles) and I travelled by boat! At least that’s what I think … because I couldn’t see a thing: I travelled safely and warm in a trunk, stuffed with lots of lovely food.
I slept a lot and I don’t know with whom I crossed the ocean. Most important is that I am in Northern Ireland now with Nicola, Phil and Joy, who opened the trunk last Saturday.
It’s a lovely family I am living with; to be honest it’s somewhat calmer than in a house full of students! 

After a lovely quiet weekend, we left Bangor for Belfast … which is only 15 kilometres away. As you can see, we took the train. 

We will stay in Belfast for a few days, so stay tuned …

Goodbye Ottawa ... it has been good to know you

Hey folks ... today I am leavin' Canada. 

I don’t know where I am going, but I just know I need to go …
And since I don’t know where I'm goin', any road will take me there. 

I am confident that someone will take me somewhere ... that's my destiny.

So, goodbye Ottawa and thanks Noelani and all the residents of the Booth house ... it has been good to know you. 

So long Canada ! 

And happy Easter too !

Inside the Federal Canadian Parliament

Finaly got a chance to visit the office of Noelani in the Parliament of Canada. 

You see me in front of the screen of her computer (with the starting page of the intranet of the Parliament).

Noelani is interning with Senator Andreychuk from Saskatchewan in the Federal Canadian Parliament. 

She prepares briefings on various topics, is writing senator statements, does research and goes to various committee meetings and some other events and receptions. Smart girl, Noelani!

Seems to be a busy, but certainly a very interesting job!

The Federal Parliament of Canada, Ottawa

This is the Parliament of Canada. 

The buildings of the Parliament are among the most important examples of the Gothic Revival style anywhere in the world; while the manner and design of the buildings are unquestionably Gothic, they resemble no building constructed during the Middle Ages. The forms are the same, but their arrangement is uniquely modern. 

The Centre Block (behind me) contains the Senate and Commons chambers, and is fronted by the Peace Tower on the south façade. The Library of Parliament – which we visited last week – is at the building's rear.

The East and West Blocks each contain ministers' and senators' offices. This is where Noelani is interning with a real senator!
And tomorrow I will visit the office where she is working!

Checkmate!

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CHECKMATE!