moncoer1

Review of Embassy of Canada, Washington,...

As Canadians visiting Washington, my wife and I we...

As Canadians visiting Washington, my wife and I were motivated to visit our embassy on Pennsylvania Avenue. We were impressed by both its location and architecture. Our profound disappointment came upon entry to the building and speaking to the two security guards. It was almost impossible to engage them in any conversation. One stated there was nothing to see in the building but if we wished to enter we must pass screening. Our bags, cell phones and belts were all x rayed and they offered no further comment. Undaunted we made our way through the lobby and happened upon a wonderfully moving and poignant Vimy Ridge display on the lower level. Thankfully it was self explanatory as no staff were anywhere in site on the floor! We also wandered into a lovely viewing room / meeting room again unmanned.
Upon re-entering the lobby, and requesting directions to a nearby street, the remaining guard (at that time) stated "I don't know".
We left as 2 embarrassed and ashamed Canadians- still proud of our country- but woefully despondent that representation of our country in our neighbouring one is left to exclusively material displays and disinterested, apathetic, uninviting, and uninformative security guards. Shame on you !!