The day started with a scenic tour. O.K. - it was unintentional and really all a matter of ONE little wrong turn, which resulted in many many miles of a round-about way to get to the Halifax harbour. Fortunately, we both must have been fairly well rested, so there were no long silent periods, which can potentially occur on these unplanned detour trips.
After a long walk along the harbour boardwalk, (including greeting Theodore Tugboat, as well as other boats of various sizes), we visited Pier 21. I didn't want to miss it, since it was declared one of Canada's seven wonders by CBC radio. It was very well done, from the jokes of one of the guides, who looked like a retired sea captain, to the unique video presentation, representing the stories of more than one million immigrants who came to Canada through the doors of Pier 21 from 1928 to 1971.
Another harbour boardwalk walk (note picture of Rob admiring wooden structure and no doubt imagining future deck construction) took us to meet our Halifax city tour bus. I think it is fair to say that we were rather "youngish" members of the tour group. Are only seniors interested in history? Anyway, four hours later, we were much more well informed about this city. The tour bus driver and narrator, named Hap, is pictured next to the Titanic gravesite - a memorable stop for sure. His sense of humour was as unique as his tartan kilt, and his love of storytelling and of his city was evident. The citadel is an amazing piece of Halifax history. I declined having my picture taken with the front entrance guard, however there IS a picture of me in which it appears a canon is being shot at my head. (This picture will only appear on this blog if demand requires it.)
Halifax has a number of beautiful parks, one of which is leased by the British monarchy for one shilling a year for 999 years. (Yes you did read that number correctly.) This park lost something like 60% of its trees in the hurricane a few years ago.
One last walk through some of historic downtown and we were ready for supper at the Bluenose II. (Can you imagine how many restaurants here are named Bluenose, Schooner, Mariner etc.?? And we're not even in Lunenburg yet.) Rob had their specialty - clams and fries, and yes Jay, I was somewhat more traditional - but I WILL eat fish again on this trip. Seafood is everywhere. I even noted the sign at McDonalds advertising "McLobster"!
Tomorrow we are off to Digby, driving along one of the coasts to get there and stopping at things we find interesting along the way. One can hope that any scenic drives tomorrow are of the planned variety.
3 comments:
I'm glad to hear that you two make mistakes... I was beginning to worry. There is a poem about the road less travelled, but perhaps that doesn't quite apply here since you ended up at a pretty touristy spot. It does look beautiful there, I DO DEMAND TO SEE THE CANNON PICTURE ON THE BLOG because of its historical value of course not for any comical reasons, you know me... junior history buff and all! Anyways, Cale is jealous of the Theadore Tugboat encounter and I am jealous of the fresh ocean air (one outdoor thing I do enjoy). So, bring back a bottle of that for me hey? Enjoy the sites and stay away from the McLobster, I haven't hear good things!
Jay, Kira and Cale (ready with envy)
We demand to see you being shot by a cannon. Not a canon, however. That would be something altogether different. :)
Trying to swim....
Second vote here added to Kathryn's to have the picture posted of you being shot by a caNNon....(smile). Looks like the trip so far has been great "fun" (wrong turns), but with that kind of richness in history and scenery...how can you go wrong? Enjoy....fish and all!
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