Byward Market

The jail hostel was very close to the Byward Market and its just the right place to go to get food and sight see at this time of the day :) We got here at 7 in the evening and it was already this dark. Ottawa gets colder than Kingston much earlier cos it's further up north.

Notice some french influences here. Though Ottawa is in Ontario, its actually much closer to the Quebec region and the people in Quebec mostly speak French. Another night we came here and parked in front of this signpost and got fined 60 CAD. :( Meh. :(

Bagpipes

Really peculiar music instrument that reminds me of sounds in a tranquil bamboo forest

Upon searching the keywords "tribal percussion instrument" I found out its called a Millton Drum. Way Cool.

"Curry Puff"

As we had 10 people in the group, it was difficult getting a seat at any of the western bars or restaurants. We walked to the quieter corner of the Byward Market and found an Indian restaurant open and it was empty, so we ate there. Uh. food was alright I guess, just not particularly satisfying. The 'curry puff' I had was far from warm, and the potato inside was dry and clumpy. Bad.

All smiles here, thinking I finally got my craving satisfied. Little did I know it'll be so disappointing.

Beavertails! Canadian Fried Pastry :)

The Triple Trip Beavertails: Chocolate Hazelnut Spread with Reese's Pieces and Peanut Butter.
What could be better!?

On days when you can't decide, you can choose to get a half-an-a-half :) 2 different flavours on your pastry :)

With the retro beavertails counter

The following day, I revisited the Byward Market in the day and it was such a different sight! By day, its a market selling fresh produce, candies, chocolate, coffee, ice cream and by night its trawling with pub-goers. I'm glad I came back in the day :) It was a lovely day out, just check out the even shade of blue across the cloudless sky!

Cafes all alive in the day

Halloween was nearing and these were some cute tiny pumpkins we saw!

People and vehicles weaving through the market square

Don't worry though you see traffic in the market. Canadian car owners seldom horn and are very patient people, they'll stop to let you pass. Not only are the car owners nice, pedestrians are very considerate too, crossing only when traffic is lighter.

All things maple!

The Byward Market is a place you should definitely check out. Not only to check out what they sell but also to take in the sights and sounds.

It was also here that we met a group of Singaporean students, whom upon speaking to, we found out they were students from NUS who were here on exchange as well. It was so easy to recognize our countrymen in a foreign land haha that obvious accent.