The trip was great! Ottawa is a really beautiful city and it was really interesting to see how the traditonal builidings mixed with the modern architecture. I think the best part of the trip was getting to know people, both in our TAP class and others who were on the trip. Even though we've had classes together for about 2 months, we had never really gotten to know each other outside of that time (except for those of us who live together, obviously). I was most surprised to hear on our tour of Parliament that although the public has great access to their government (like being able to attend any House of Commons or Senate meeting), they still have a relatively low rate of Canadians who vote. I think that the work of the Governor General and her actions to support people getting more involved will be beneficial in raising the number of people who are active in their government. Overall, I feel like I learned a lot during this trip and it will definitely be something I remember throughout my years at UVM.

Thoughts on the Ottawa trip:
I had such a blast!! Ottawa was great and it was awesome to be in Canada really seeing some of the things that we had learned in class. We were in a great location of Ottawa as well - very close to all of the parliament and official buildings as well as the Rideau Center with lots of shopping and social scene. I enjoyed all of the tours and such, but the Museum of Civilization was really interesting to me. The tour that our guide took us on, recounging the history of Canada from the 1300s was very interesting as well as informative, but not boring at all. That was one of my favorite aspects of the trip. Rideau Hall and Parliament were great in terms about leaning the governing aspects of Canada. I loved the Parliament building tour, the architecture was just so beautiful and magnificent. Our guide was interested as well as informative and I found although I was very tired I was interested in what he was saying. Of course the hockey game was loads of fun and although the passing was a bit sloppy at times, the play was pretty intense and enjoyable to watch.
I was most surprised by question period when everyone just yelled at each other. It was ironic because the safety/police where we were sitting were very structured and disciplined but the actual members of the House were going beserk. It was very interesting to watch.
Overall I had a great time and I hope that this tradition keeps going!

Wow! what can I say? The Ottawa trip was amazing and I think I speak for everyone here when I say...Can we go back pleaseeee. UVM despite how wonderful it is doesn't really compare to the exciting question periods, the fascinating artwork, and the gorgeous view from the peace tower. I can definately say that I learned more on this field trip than I ever have on similar ones before it. I'm interested in politics as it is, and so the questions period was definatly the highlight of Ottawa for me. I was amazed by their boldness in the house. It really allowed me insight into a political life. Listening to the MP's answer our questions afterwards was also very informative. I loved listening to another country's perspective first hand, and hearing what they had to say not only about their government but what they felt about ours. Overall I had a blast, whether we were at a hockey game or a museum, and I hope we do it again before the year is out! ;)

I thought Ottawa was awesome. It is the nice and the cleanest city that I have ever gone to. I really enjoyed the Museum of Civilization of Canada the most out all the things that we did. I really liked how they had built multiple towns inside the building. The part that really got me was the first nation section of the museum. I thought that the totem poles were cool and the canoe was really big. The House of Commons was crazy! The party members make it known how they feel on a certain subject. The only thing that I didn't like was the tour of the Governer Generals home. The didn't go to much of the building and was short.