First Day in Halifax

JUNE 24, 2017  SATURDAY

Very windy this morning and cloudy, cloudy!!  It is raining too.  Looks like it will be an indoor kind of day.  After breakfast we set out for Halifax.  Took another way into the city over the Angus Macdonald Bridge (toll $1 Canadian).  First turn off the bridge and we were at the waterfront.  Navigated to the Visitor’s Center and actually got a parking space right in front.  Parking on Saturday and Sunday is free.  We got a little city map and had the guy recommend a place to eat lunch.  Before that we went to the Maritime Museum.  Beautiful models of famous ships.  Amazing exhibit on the Halifax Explosion of 1917.  Over 1600 people were killed and around 9000 were injured.  It was the largest explosion in the world until the atom bombs in Japan.  Many stories from those who survived.  Boston was the first city to respond with aid for Halifax and the city still sends Boston a Christmas tree every year.  

Quilt designed to honor those lost in Halifax Explosion 1917

The museum also had an in depth exhibit on the Titanic.  Ships from Halifax recovered bodies from the disaster site.  Many of those people are buried in cemeteries in Halifax.

We walked just a few blocks to The Old Triangle Irish pub for lunch.  Very nice.  Jim and I shared a corned beef sandwich with cups of split pea soup and seafood chowder.  Some men came in just as we were about to leave.  The each had a Star Wars type of helmet and one guys was wearing a cape.  They appeared to be having a great time. 

Actual home of Maud Lewis
and her husband

We visited the Nova Scotia Art Museum which was just across the street.  Saw an exhibit about Maud Lewis.  Amazing artist and amazing life.  Apparently there has been a movie made about her life…we’ll need to check on that once we get home.

Inside Maud Lewis home

St. Paul's Anglican Church

After leaving the art museum we walked up a few blocks to St. Paul’s Anglican Church.  It was mentioned to be open but alas it wasn’t.  It had stopped raining by then. There was a drum line practicing in the park in front of the church.  That was nice to watch and listen.  We could also hear bagpipes in the distance. 

By the time we got back to the car our feet and legs were tired and it was getting late.  We headed by to the campground and had a relaxing evening.  We are planning for sunshine tomorrow and visiting the Citadel in Halifax.