Hope on the Harbour: Pier 21

I'm not embarrassed to say that I'd choose a hockey game, over a museum, 99 times out of 100. But today was that day, the day I picked "museum." I just thought it might be nice to get out of the rain and perhaps absorb a little culture.

The museum was Pier 21, on the Halifax harbourfront. It was the epicentre of immigration for our country in our recorded history.

 Its full title is the Canadian Museum for Immigration at Pier 21, but I'm just going to label it amazing. The experience was unforgettable.

Right now, with immigration being a recent election topic and a hot button for some, I wish that all Canadians could experience what I saw today. These exhibits, and videos and interactive displays are moving. The stories are told with artifacts and documents but in it, such passion is conveyed.

There is a short video in their theatre where immigrants tell their stories. You can not help but relate and rejoice in what we share as Canadians.

There were about a dozen instances where I would read something, or see a photo and wish I had a particular loved one with me. I wanted my son to see the ships and the families and what they went through just to get to Canada. I wanted my friend Sheila to see the strong women who faced unimaginable circumstances and prevailed. I wanted Christina to see the laws and how the Immigration Act has evolved. I wanted my friend Colin to see the photos that pierced thru me. I wanted my brother and his new bride to see the movie. I wanted Leslie to see the Red Cross and military in action, for she would be so proud. And I wanted my friend Kathleen to see it, so she could tell more stories like it.

I wanted our new Prime Minister to see it. To ignite the fire within him.

I wanted to hug an immigration official and a museum curator and personally thank them for this experience.

I was truly rejoicing in the experience. Truly. But what I really didn't expect, was to have my own story.

Stay tuned.

If I can put the Kleenex box down long enough to type, I will.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: 5 Canadian Travel Lies

1. About Canadian Prairie Winters - "It's not that bad, it's a dry cold" we say. And yet we actually just slide around on our icy roads all winter, going from Tim Hortons to Tim Hortons, sipping hot chocolate to keep the blood from freezing in our veins.

2. Your money is worth more here! - But just wait until we add 15% tax to everything!

3. You only need a few days to see Canada - Are you kidding? Our landmass is vast and our transportation expensive. Don't think you can see Quebec and Alberta in the same week.

4. We're not all lumberjacks and hockey players.  But we DO all dress like lumberjacks and hockey players every winter! From coast to coast you'll see flannel plaid shirts and hockey jerseys on young and old. It's like our unofficial patriotic uniform.

5. Salmon jerky and ice wine are Canadian delicacies. Trust me, you should pass on the Salmon Jerky. It's not even good after a whole bottle of ice wine.  I don't even think it would be good with maple syrup on it. And don't even get me started on screech and prairie oysters (Buffalo/Bison  testicles)! Our regional food is.... funny, in a "I can't believe you actually ate that" kind of way.

But don't trust just my opinion. You should come up and see it for yourself. You might like it, eh?!!

Yellowknife on Sale

Both Air Canada and Westjet are offering 15% off flights booked from anywhere in Canada, to Yellowknife. You must book by January 24th and travel before the end of April.

Yellowknife is known as the diamond capital of Canada. If you're looking for adventure... this might be your answer.  With discounts, fares will be around $530 (tax in, return) depending on the dates and connections you choose.

A quick view of dates in February, and you could do a 4 or 5 night trip for about $1000 per person, hotel included. That would be a pretty romantic way for a Canadian guy to propose, eh? Take your girlfriend to Yellowknife, the diamond capital, and propose with a Canadian diamond under the northern lights. Ah.... 'sigh.'

Hit the Internet Highway

What a frostbitten freaking cold day, eh? Makes you want to do a little research on a hot vacation doesn't it?

I love to write and travel but I'm by no means worldly. I haven't seen it all and I haven't done it all. And guess what? I actually have no desire to. At this point I'm not planning any trips to Asia, Antarctica or even Australia. But if you are inspired to do it, I say "GO FOR IT!" Travel wherever you heart and wallet would love to go. I'll even buy your coffee when you get home so I can hear all about it!

There are sooooo many travel blogs better than mine. Here are just a few to fuel your travel fire and get you through this cold, cold week!

1. Toque and Canoe - Truly Canadian!

2. Mike's Road Trip - Incase you're thinking of packing up the kids and hitting the open highway.

3. Dream a Little Dream - They've been everywhere, man.

4. Uncommon Caribbean - So beautiful and thorough. Pick an island!

5. Dave & Deb Travel - A Canadian couple going places. Specializing in couples' trips.


And if Twitter's your thing, make sure to follow these savvy travellers.

@spencerspellman

@mrsaroundtheworld

@hlooman

@Roamingblog

@theplanetd