FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22
What a difference a day makes. We were out and about, fresh air and glorious sunshine to enjoy a day in #Halifax. We made it - west coast to east coast and to celebrate, gave ourselves a morning off before hitting the exploration trail.
Didn't make it far on the first leg of the journey- just down the stairs and out the door to the #Cheeky Neighbourhood breakfast stop. Don't know how we jagged it - got a table (that even included sunshine on my back - perfect) - unlike many behind us who had to queue for a seat in this little gem.
Great start - and nothing like our #Mediterranean Tuna of the night before.
A morning man with his map and a mimosa .. because he can
Our location in #Quinpool Street gave us ready access to #The Citadel and made the uphill trek to investigate these fortifications as our first tourist spot. Fabulous place to start. Again, all about perceptions of pending attack in the years that involved the French, the English and the Americans. Got to throw in Arcadians, the influence of the Scots, the treatment of the indigenous owners of the land and story of the Black Loyalist migration. It all combined in a history that was focused on defending this deep ice-free harbour of #Halifax and the role of the citadel in the city's defence.
Got to do the climb first, to get the view from the top
@Mac loves a citadel defence strategy, even in the real world, and this one came tinged with Scotsmen in kilts (no surprise here - #Nova Scotia - new #Scotland) historian storytellers in costumes, reenactments and firing of guns. Great combination of museum and guided tour and great views from above the harbour.
Pick the Irishman amongst the Scots
Second waypoint on this afternoon's adventure was to follow the path downhill and reach the northern end of the 5.8 km boardwalk and start our exploration with the landmark of the #Casino. That's right A CASINO. Seemed as if we just zeroed in on it and because I had a little green $20 note folded in my phone wallet (my emergency cash) - I was able to have a spin. And winner, winner, chicken dinner - walked away after a half hour of play and three little feature spins with a grand total of $22-80. That's a WIN! Profit of $2-80. That's the most we've earned since we left home - not to be scoffed at - not bad at all!
The best photo would have been of @Mac breaking all the rules of the #Cas and using his phone to take this sneaky phone photo of the winner
The harbour area is set up perfectly for tourists. Easy walking loads of signage, fabulous recreations of features from times gone by, plenty of action on the water, loads of places to stop and look. A couple of guys were rappelling down the side of a multistorey building (cause that's just what you do on Friday.) There were buskers everywhere, pubs and breweries had outside umbrella-covered extensions to their venues with stages set up and featuring bands. There was a beach volleyball competition in full swing and of course, the foot traffic was increased because of the cruise ship in dock - the #Regent Mariner.
Old and the new - tiny black dot is one of four guys who rappelled down high rise
Plenty to see on the boardwalk
But we did have a little deadline because we had to meet the green #Harbour Hopper. This is one of those ex-Vietnam amphibious miliary vehicles which has been refitted to ferry tourists on a land tour followed by a splash down in the harbour.
By land and sea
Have no idea how @Captain Rachel got that green thing up and down the hills of #Downtown Halifax in 5:00 pm Friday traffic when the #Scotia Stadium was hosting a home team the #Mooseheads for their ice hockey game - but she did. And @Abigail (a competitive Irish Dancer complete with red hair) was on the microphone working the crowd on board and on the sidewalk and provided a perfect mix of factual insights, unique stories and fun.
A gentle entry to the harbour
Have to mention her story of the confusion around the "J Dawson" gravesite at the #Fairview Lawn Cemetery. There are 150 of the Titanic's dead buried in three cemeteries of #Halifax. The headstone in question, marks the resting place of @JOSEPH Dawson, an engine room worker on the #Titanic, but after the release of the blockbuster starring @Leonardo DiCaprio as @JACK Dawson, this tombstone became a magnet for bouquets, notes and weeping girls. @Abigail did admit that the "city" let it "go" because it did promote interest in the 121 graves from the #Titanic which are arranged in an arc to mimic the shape of the ship's hull.
Oh dear, #Halifax didn't do anything to correct the misconception
Happy to report that we did NOT get wet onboard this one - unlike our #Pink 1770 LARC experience in Queensland. @Captain Rachel made a very gentle entry to the water and only requested on minor adjustment to seating to adjust the balance of the LARC. Great way to learn more about this vibrant city.
Arrived back on shore in time to hunt out a venue for dinner. How could we go past #Salty's - felt it was inspired by @Von. We were not disappointed - although, perhaps a little chillier than we had anticipated.
Salty's - irresistible
At 6:30 pm, sitting outside on the harbour seemed like a really good idea and we got off to a a yummy start with great cocktails, cheesy garlic bread and a seafood rich chowder. But that paled in comparison to the main course. We went LOBSTER and LOBSTER and backed that up with some fish, prawns and scallops. I am a PASSIONATE consumer of shellfish and I think I may have been the entertainment for other diners who had a bit of a view of my enthusiastic demolition of the lobster. There was no piece of flesh in any nook or cranny that was safe from me! And I offered no hints or assistance to @Mac. As he discarded what he thought was a finished limb or claw or body piece, I picked it up off the discard pile and worked my magic. Finished off with special hot drinks - that were more of a handwarmer I think - we really were so cold.
Lobster - before the passionate attack
We were only a couple of kms from home and opted to join the up the hill surging crowd associated with a Friday night home game. The difference in the attitude of drivers also makes you more confident navigating the roads as a pedestrian. "Dodging" was the order of the day in #Quebec City where the cars ruled - you were never game to step out even on a marked pedestrian crossing. So different here. If you pause to think about crossing - the traffic stops! The drivers stop and wait for you to give them a little wave if you are not going to progress. The pedestrian definitely rules.
@Mac did his best to find a route that skirted #The Citadel, but we still had long climbs to finish the day. Lots going on along the way - parks and sporting fields filled with kids and adults all out under clear night skies playing competitive sport. A general vibe of living life to the fullest.
Again. Closing with the opening statement, wHat a difference a day makes. How lucky are we? @Mindy had asked us if we like #Halifax. So far, we LOVE #Halifax.
Meanwhile in Europe with @M&I
Life in #Venice doesn't seem too bad either. A little bit of a combination happening - a gondola ride and a glass blowing class to create your own jewellery.
Got it covered - floating in a boat - day and night
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