Rideau Hall

Today it was a tour of Rideau Hall, the official government House where all the Governor Generals of Canada have lived from Confederation in 1867 to date. The official residence was built in 1838 by a Scottish stonemason who worked on the building of the Rideau Canal and lived there with this wife and 16 children. It has had about 10 additions, all in stone in keeping with the original plan. It is situated on 79 acres and there are about 1000 trees planted by different world leaders. There is also an Inukshuk and Totem pole, gifts to the Governor General. There is a round overflowing fountain in the rose garden; the gardens are beautiful. The blue ensign with gold Lion was flying above the building which signified that Michaelle Jean was in residence today. The entrance Hall was very welcoming with portraits of 10 Governor Generals. The tent room was originally built as an indoor tennis court and had fabric that rolled down from the roof to cover the walls when need for a more official capacity. The Ambassadors Hall and 2 conversation rooms from the original building were amazing. The Ballroom is huge with blue velvet chairs lining the walls and Heads of State have the official dinners here. There is a fountain of Hope outside the front entrance as a tribute to Terry Fox. It is a residence that Canadians can be proud of, presenting our image to the world. I was lucky to see the Sentries being piped down the curved road to change places with the ones guarding the front gate.