Yesterday I decided to drive to Ottawa to finally see the famous tulip festival. This festival lasts as long as the flowers hold up which is usually about 10 days, so I had little choice of dates. Unfortunately the weather was not great. There is a bus tour that takes passengers to the various sites. It was interesting to see but too wet to get off the bus to take photos.
So I decided to visit the newly re-opened War Museum. I had visited the museum many years ago in an older house. I remember it being dark and having many floors, but feeling warm and welcoming. It felt a bit like a church: filled with respect. The museum’s new home is totally different. The building itself is striking. I did not read the rationale but I am certain it is very symbolic. Among other things it is reminiscent of a bunker. The exhibits on the other hand are not symbolic at all, they are extremely graphic and direct: photos, objects, films, sounds, re-enactment you name it, they have it! I found it horrific.I felt sick to my stomach. I guess in a way it is very sucessful. THAT is what wars are about.
I did not need it to convince me that wars are mankind’s biggest shame. I am glad I saw it. but I do not plan on ever returning. I would rather spend my money and my energy encourageing peace efforts rather than armies. One room in the museum baffled me, but it was not as blatantly violent so I allowed myself to take a few photos. It housed a series of sculptures or casts of various human figures.The way they were displayed made them even more striking.
