Halifax, Nova Scotia

Saturday, September 27, 2008
Halifax, Nova Scotia
09/26/2008 It is obvious that we are getting closer to Alabama, the weather is getting much better; 66F and sunny skies in Halifax. Halifax is a small city and our ship docked about one mile from the city center so it's a easy walk into town. Stay close to the waters edge and it will lead you to most of what you'll want to see in Halifax, then take an off the waters edge route back and you'll see everything worth seeing.




Settled in 1749 by Governor Edward Cornwall, Halifax is now the capital of Nova Scotia (New Scotland). It is a modern city with select remnants of its past; some of the early architecture remains but most of the old town was destroyed in the harbor explosion of 1917, which leveled the town killing 3,600 of its residents and injured another 20,000. (Google if you want more info. Very interesting.) Halifax played an instrumental role is both World Wars I & II as a safe harbor for ships crossing the Atlantic. It maintained its importance throughout the Cold War years.


We visited the Maritime Museum witch gave us incite into the cities development as a port and fishing city. The highlight of the museum for me was the information on Halifax’s role in the rescue efforts resulting from the sinking of the Titanic. They do an excellent job of depicting the conditions aboard the Titanic and how where you were housed played a big part on your survival. Having seen the movie The Titanic several times this was very interesting and informative for me.




After the museum we climbed the hill, about six blocks, up to the Citadel and learned all the Nova Scotia history that didn’t take in 4th grade. Did you know that the U.S. made several military efforts in the 1700’s and early 1800’s to make Nova Scotia a part of the United States, and how Nova Scotia threw out the Arcadian's, and how the Brits used Halifax to control the North Atlantic. I must have slept through both 4th and 5th grades.
Re-educated we went down to the harbor to look for lunch and a good view of the harbor activity. We found a lively carnival atmosphere with food vendors, art and craft stores and colorful clean surroundings. We chose McKekvue's at 1680 Lower Waterfront, a family and people friendly restaurant which was recommended by a local. The food was delicious, fresh lobster, the service was friendly and the beer was cold. This is something that should happen more often in my life. Bellies full, tanned, and happy (check out the shoes) we made our way back to our ship chatting with several of the singers and dancers from the ship who attend Spinning Class with us. We had no idea how sorry the crew is to see us leave. Within sight is the ship we found a Walmart type store where were able to pick-up some needed items for our final trip home. Saturday will be our last Sea Day then it’s into New York and up the Hudson River.