Monday, May 12, 2014

There, In Ottawa XXXVI

I do believe this is a record: or nearly one. After seven days and six clues, the 36th Where In Ottawa has been solved.

I have to admit, I was pretty cryptic with my clues, and I shot a part of the location that many people may not have even noticed. Having visited this site many times in my life, I've never looked down. But, because it was raining when I visited the location for my photos, I looked down to avoid stepping in a puddle.

And that's when I noticed the pattern in the concrete.



Congratulations to Marc, who finally solved the location, which is the Commonwealth Air Forces Ottawa Memorial.



Here are the clues, explained.
  1. Is it a bird? A plane?—as the monument honours the more than 800 men and women of the Commonwealth air forces who gave their lives in Canada, in the United States, and beyond, during the World War II, and who have no known grave. 
  2. Curtains, for some—this clue, in retrospect, sounds disrespectful, given the significance of the memorial. And for that, I apologize. I was referring to the French word for "curtains," meaning "rideau." The memorial is atop the Rideau Falls.
  3. Not just Canadians—this memorial is dedicated to all air forces in the Commonwealth. It was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on Canada Day, in 1959. 
  4. On the Green—just before it reaches the falls, the Rideau River splits, creating an island: Green Island. This is where the memorial is located.
  5. For the Commonwealth—no explanation required. 
  6. Mac-Pap neighbour—next to the Commonwealth Air Forces Ottawa Memorial stands another memorial: the Mackenzie-Papineau Monument, which honours the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion (also known as the Mac-Paps), who were Canadian volunteers of the International Brigades, in Spain, from 1936 to 1939. 

Thanks to everyone who played and to those who posted guesses. Most of you were on the right track.

Where In Ottawa returns Monday, June 2.

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