Rideau Hall

 Yesterday's fun outing with the RA Photo Club was a CAPA-sponsored walk to explore the grounds of Rideau Hall and then tour the Residence.  This is the official residence and office of Canada's Governor General, in this case the recently appointed eminent jurist Her Excellency Mme Louise Arbour.

Although it is autumn the gardens still hold true to summer and it was a lovely day.

 Back door to the gardens

 

The Tent Room's humble beginnings were as an indoor tennis court.   After many years of bringing in a tent to convert it to a spacious reception area and then reverting back to a tennis court it was finally decided in the 1960's to make it a permanent space with a tent-like theme. It is quite beautiful and houses portraits of former Governors General.

The ballroom with it original Victorian decor updated with indigenous artwork at the far end.

 And the surprise bonus of the expedition was having Her Excellency walk through the room we were touring.  The poor woman was subjected to 25 cameras suddenly pointed at her, not quite what she was expecting on her way past.  She was very gracious and friendly.