Halifax, Nova Scotia

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

When we woke this morning we were still approaching Halifax - as we were not due to dock until 9AM. I slept so much better - had asked for a different pillow and that did the trick. I’m like the princess and the pea when it comes to pillows - well, maybe my neck is like that. Same deal at home as well.

Another beautiful day on tap weather-wise. After breakfast we were able to be up on deck as we approached the pier where we would be docked. Two cruise ships already docked - one of the them the Zuiderdam. Beautiful harbor - very peaceful, calm morning. We are always amazed how the captain docks these huge ships.

We were off the ship and on to our Hop on/Hop off tour bus - double decker antique buses in many colors. Ours was Pink to start. Other ones were Red. They chug along… and narration along the way by knowledgeable guides.

First ‘hop off’ for us was the Maritime Museum’s . Lots and lots of sailing/rowing/life saving boats/ship equipment - Ed was in his glory. Also models of all sorts of cruise ships including the Titanic, and an area dedicated to telling the story of how Halifax helped during this tragic event in April 1912. 

Another area dedicated to the horrific explosion that took place in Halifax Harbor December 6, 1917. The SS Mont Blanc collided with the Norwegian Vessel SS Imo. They caught fire and because the Mont Blanc was carrying high explosives, it exploded and devastated the Richmond area of Halifax. Over 1700 people killed. Over 6000 left homeless. Interesting story that the city of Boston sent help almost immediately and continued to help Halifax get back on their feet. Every December the people of Halifax send a Christmas tree to the city of Boston as a way to continue to thank them for their help. 

Then the Halifax public gardens - a beautiful spot in the center of the city. Of course our weather couldn’t have been more perfect to view the gardens. One area was dedicated to the many types of Dahlias.

We ate lunch at ‘Your Father’s Mustache’ - upstairs pub that included a roof area - we ate on the roof. Lobster roll for me - fish and chips for Ed.

Next stop the Citadel National Historic site. Interestingly enough the citadel was never attacked but it has long been the keystone to defense of the strategically important Halifax harbor and the Royal Navy Dockyard. Halifax was a very strategic place for the Allies during WWI and WWII. The harbor is very protected so ships could anchor there before heading out across the ocean where they would encounter German submarines. One of the guards at the Citadel never smiled or talked - the other one was allowed to. Looks young enough to be Ed’s grandchild :-)

Hopped back on to head to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery where many victims of the Titanic, both named and unnamed, were laid to rest. The picture of the grave of the 2 year old boy was originally marked as unknown but in recent years, DNA evidence has enabled them to identify the child. None of his family survived.

Back on the bus which took us closer to the harbor, we decided to get off and walk the promenade back to the ship. Got some yummy ice cream along the way at Cows - a highly recommended place to get ice cream. 

Also ran into the shop: Peace by Chocolate! I had watched the movie about this store and couldn’t believe it when I saw the name. Had to go in and make a purchase of some chocolate. If you have not seen this movie, look it up and do so. Quite a story about Syrian refugees who were taken in by the city of Halifax - how their life in Syria was upended and how they managed to begin again in Canada.

Continuing our walk back we took a quick visit to the last surviving Corvette, the HMCS Sackville - these small warships sailed during WWII alongside convoys taking goods across the Atlantic and tried to prevent the convoys from being attacked by German submarines. 

On the way back to the ship we even had an “Elvis” sighting 😎

We enjoyed a great day ashore and clocked over 11,000 steps - yes, Ed snuck in a little nap on our balcony. We sailed out of Halifax harbor around 5pm - followed by a drink before dinner at the bar where we enjoyed some fun conversation from a couple out of Memphis and gal from Alexandria, VA. 

Sea Day tomorrow!

Betsy