Halifax: Citadel Hill

On an unusually warm but rainy November afternoon I visited The Citadel in Halifax.

Halifax, the bustling and vibrant city, is very much built around this historic landmark.

It's on the edge of the downtown area, less than a mile from the waterfront and also the university area.

As you will see in my first photo, it's uniquely situated across from the Scotiabank arena, where the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL play hockey.  No doubt in my mind, that visiting hockey teams scale the hill as part of their pregame workouts.

It was indeed a workout, but worth the hike to see this military fortress preserved and honoured, so close to the modern city.  Uniquely situated, no cost and accessible to tourists, there is really no reason to miss this attraction.

Halifax: A portrait in architecture

Forgive me for not knowing the history of each of these buildings, their current purpose or their ownership.

I simply admired them and as a collection, it gave me a better feel for Halifax and its history.

I love photos for the way they can capture your imagination, and can take you back to a moment.

So, with that, I share "Halifax. November 2015. Unedited."

Visual Remembrance

On the prairies, we are most familiar with the Army, their battalions and their community presence.

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and their alliance with 17 Wing Winnipeg (Canadian Air Force)  also makes the Air Force very well known in our area.

The third division of our Canadian Military is the Navy. The Navy is not as widely known or recognized on the prairies simply because we are so far removed from the oceans that flank our country.

When I recently had the opportunity to visit Halifax, it gave me a chance to learn more about the history of the Canadian Navy and their contributions.

On the Halifax Harbour there are memorial boards recognizing the contributions of individuals and groups that made an impact.

On the eve of Remembrance Day, I share them with you.

Halifax: Seaport Market

Manitobans can relate, when they think of The Forks. Here, in Halifax the Seaport Market is the customary blend of artisans, food vendors and farm produce. 

It's smaller than The Forks, but certainly worth the visit. 

I couldn't resist the fall apples. They even had pears. Both were beyond delicious. Crisp and full of flavour. Truly, that little Nova Spy apple was the BEST apple I'd ever eaten. I'm so glad I buffed it up and took a photo before it was simply a tasty memory. 

The view alone is worth the visit. There's a beautiful lighthouse across the bay. The Seaport Market is also adjacent to The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Plus, the Via rail station and grand Westin Hotel are mere steps away. 

You won't need a car to travel here. It's an easy and enjoyable walk from nearly all the downtown hotels. 

I can definitely recommend this as a destination for family travel. You have everything in this historic location, to enjoy yourselves for a few hours. There are several observation points where you can sit and watch ships on the water. 

Clean washrooms, authentic and local foods, and much more. 

Best apple I've eaten in my lifetime. 

Halifax: The Chowder

In Halifax, the chowder is as important to the community as the perogy is to Dauphin (Manitoba). Everybody makes one, but you've got to ask around to find the best.

They're all good. Any chowder, on a cool day is a good chowder,  of course, as long as it's hot, fresh and full of meat. "Meat" being seafood. Ah, scallops, lobster, haddock, ohhhh, all so good.

I found my great chowder at Durty Nelly's on Sackville Street in Halifax. It comes highly recommended and with good reason. It was fabulous.

Boy did that hit the spot with an icy glass of Tall Ships from local Granville Brewery.

East coast perfection!

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.