By Susan Lunn, CBC News, Washington

We were given one rule before entering the Oval Office to cover the meeting of President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Not about how close we could get to Obama. Nope.

The one rule was don't break any of the furniture.

In particular, White House staff were worried about an antique clock and two lamps. Both apparently had almost been knocked over before.

That's because, like most world famous sites, the Oval Office is a lot smaller than it looks on television. And a lot warmer. But it is still impressive nonetheless.

The two paintings framing the chairs where Harper and Obama sat were portraits of former U.S. presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. There was also a bust of Lincoln over Obama's shoulder.

And yes the room really is oval, not a corner in sight.

The one item I wish I had a chance to examine was the Resolute desk. Sadly I only got a glimpse before being ushered out by the U.S. Secret Service.