Maritime Provinces 2007 - Nova Scotia, Canada
Updated: 11/30/08
This is the first page of our Nova Scotia experience.
We also have posted to Nova Scotia 2007 (Page 2) and Nova Scotia 2007 (Page 3).
It looked like a long road ahead of us as we drove our last miles in New Brunswick.
The
road in Nova Scotia looked better.
No wonder it was such a nice road, it was a toll road.
Later it turned foggy.
Our first full day in Nova Scotia was a bus tour of the City of Halifax, the Citadel and Peggy's Cove.
The
bus drove along Halifax's busy seaport. Huge cranes loaded and unloaded
large shipping containers.
Like many cities, Halifax has developed their waterfront for commercial activities and the tourist trade.
Fred
liked this tug boat.
They
have cylinders on some of their light post where people can post notices.
A program saving the exterior appearance of historic home is in place. The bus tour took us by several restored homes. The homeowner can modernize the interior to today's standards, but the exterior must remain historically correct.
The city is on a hill.
The
Town Clock was commissioned by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Halifax's commander
in chief from 1794 - 1800. He wanted the clock on Citadel Hill, the highest point in the
city, to discourage tardiness of the local garrison. As a cost savings, the clock
has large faces on three sides, the side facing the fort is small.
Our
first stop was at the Fairview Cemetery, final resting place of many of
the Titanic's unclaimed victims. You will note that the rows are curved to represent the bow of a boat.
Some of the stones do not have names engraved on them. Many people were never identified.
This monument was dedicated to all unknown children of the Titanic.
We walked through the beautiful public garden. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Victorian gardens in North America. The garden was designed in 1874 and covers 17 acres.
Another stop was at the
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada. A
19th-century fortification. The large star-shaped masonry structure was built
from 1828 - 1856 to defend the city and harbor. During the summer tourist
season, interpreters dressed as members of the 78th Highlanders regiment
re-enact military drills. Our visit was not long enough for us to view the
various exhibits and presentations. We were there for the firing of the Noon
Gun.
As
we entered the
guard was unshakable. People would stand by him for photographs but he never
flinched while on duty. No matter what confusion was around him, he stood guard.
The
steep masonry walls are surrounded by a ditch up to 30' deep.
There
were people throughout the Citadel that told you about life during that era.
However, when it was time to fire the Noon Gun, it was a very formal affair. The
troops marched in on command from their officers.
Each day, except Christmas Day, is marked by the firing of the Noon Gun, a local tradition since 1857. Dressed as the Royal Artillery of 1869, the Living History unit performs drills taken from British Army manuals of the period. (Yes, the sound reverberates off all the cities modern buildings.)
The canon stands ready. The canon is loaded. The firing area is checked. The firing at exactly noon .
Lunch was billed as being at the Citadel. Our thought was a cafe in the fort. It turned out to be in the Citadel Hotel. The buffet was very nice. It was a good time to converse with table mates.
After lunch the bus headed for Peggy's Cove. It was an hour away but some of it was along the shore and through other picturesque areas. (You may notice that the foreground is a little blurry because Fred is making some photographs out the bus window.)
The ride to Peggy's Cove was well worth it. It was a beautiful location. And, the weather was wonderful. (Forgive us as we leave two of the photographs full size. We think they are very nice.)
A walk out on the rocks gave you breathtaking views.
In front of you . . .
Behind you . . .
Off in the distance . . .
We had a considerable amount of time to walk through Peggy's Cove and enjoy the quaint little fishing village.
There
were two postmarks we wanted to use for a couple people. The post office at
Peggy's Cove was one of them. We held the cards up to show that we were there
also.
A
few of the HitchHikers sat on the rocks and enjoyed the beauty.
The bus passed but did not stop at the Memorial for Flight 111, that exploded in the sky not far off shore.
When we got off the bus, we were welcomed by a row of HitchHikers - - - Home Sweet Home.
The next day, the bus took us back to Halifax for lunch and a matinee performance of The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
We were ahead of schedule for lunch. So, the bus driver took us on a little tour of Halifax.
It
isn't often you see utility boxes used as a canvas for a scenic painting. These
were seen in a Halifax neighborhood.
Not
knowing that we had been to the Citadel yesterday, he drove us around the
perimeter of the fort. This family appeared to be happy to see us drive by.
Pier
21 is where more than a million immigrants gained entry to Canada from
1928-71. It is restored as an interpretive center. We drove by but did not visit
the interior.
We
were piped into the restaurant for lunch. He met us at the front door and led us
inside to a wonderful buffet..
We attended the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, a spectacular presentation in 30 fast moving scenes. It is eclectic mix of military pageantry, Broadway shows and circus acts within a theatrical setting. There was incredible music, spectacular lighting, colorful costumes. We read later that the performance included 2,000 performers.
This is the front of the arena . . .
There was so much happening during this performance, we
suggest you click on the thumbnail to look at the following photographs.
Fred has cropped some of the photographs
to remove unwanted objects in the frame as much as possible.
The day we were at the performance, the opening ceremony was a special parade of about 1,000 pipers & drummers. A Highland Games were being held in Halifax and many of the clans took part in the parade through the arena.
It did not end with the pipers and drummers, the marching bands were right behind them. Most of the performers entered from the three opening under the stage at the front of the arena. They kept coming and coming. They came to Halifax from all over the world to perform. They marched across the arena floor and exited at the opposite end of the arena.
Some performances were set in the opposite end of the arena to detract our attention while the darkened stage end was changed. The ukulele players were entertaining as well as sounding good.
They also played on stage.
Several choirs performed on stage.
All performed in their country's traditional costumes/uniforms.
Some
'dancers' used props like these 'old women'. The chairs they carried were
flipped, swung and sat upon during their performance.
Some
performers sang with their band.
Others, accompanied bands on instruments.
Three world renowned singers were vocal soloists.
Joe Donahue, Measha Brueggergosman and Derrick Paul Miller
A wide variety of talent was provided . . . Gymnasts . . .
Acrobatic clowns . . . Some kids stuff
An obstacle course competition . . .
Everyone in our group agreed that the marching band and precision marchers from Norway were the best of all. They were flawless.
Lighting effects added to the performance . . .
Being a military basis for the performance, the playing of taps circulating throughout the arena was chilling.
Closing ceremony came too fast - even after a three hour performance.
A wider view . . .
We saw the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax. Tickets are offered in a wide range of cost. Our group ticket for the Sunday matinee were $27 each. Plan to sit for a long period of time - enjoyable time. No flash photography is permitted - no problem, flash doesn't work well anyway at that distance.
We did find there is a Tattoo presented closer to home in Norfolk, Virginia. You could check their Web site at virginiaartsfest. com or VAFEST. COM for more information.
Our page for our time in Nova Scotia is growing too large. We saw a lot on the tour and we stayed in Nova Scotia after the tour ended. Therefore, we have added additional pages for Nova Scotia.
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