Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, has 5 universities comprising some 37,000 students. Given there is only about 500,000 total population in Halifax, that seems like a rather sizeable percentage. Just one of the many useless tidbits this blog is filled with. You’re welcome. 😊
Prior to our visit to Peggy’s Cove we went through the Canadian Museum of Immigration right outside our docking area. Pier 21 was major landing port for people coming to Canada from abroad in the 1800’s – early 1900’s. Both of my grandparents (mother’s side and father’s side) came through there. Inside the museum building is the Scotiabank Family History Center. Our early arrival gave us no-line-up access to one of the staff members who do the actual digital research upon request. No charge and printed out to take home! I had to just sit back and marvel at how Fast she could pull up information. She was even able to bring up (and printed for us) a picture of the boats my father’s father and my dear wife’s mother came across on. That was rather astonishing.
Life was hard where they were all coming from, however the trip here and subsequent life challenges after their arrival (language, food, culture in general) I’m sure made some of them wonder if it really was worth the effort. Cruising across the pond then taking the train through the new land was a far cry from what it is today.
Our driver is taking us out to Peggy’s Cove which is actually a lot closer to Halifax than I had thought. Drive time is just under an hour, which is perfect for a quick get-a-way. The drive there was…an experience. Apparently signal lights are non functional in Halifax and our driver has no issue with distracted driving. His phone, his fingers and his eyes worked in unison more often than we would like or are accustomed to. As aggressive as driving in general seems to be here, his own seatbelt must be broken as it was never used. In addition, posted speed limits all seem to be at least 10 – 20 km under what is expected. I guess that’s kinda like home.
Peggy’s Cove has a permanent population of around 40 people which may fluctuate slightly given the season. That said, there are easily many more buildings than residents including homes, art galleries, gift shops, restaurants, and the iconic lighthouse—many of which operate seasonally or serve visitors. Most of the staff for these business commute from nearby communities like Halifax, Tantallon, or Indian Harbour.
Peggy’s Cove is protected under the Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area Act, which limits development to preserve its character. There is no school, no medical facilities, no grocery outlets and a lot of the buildings are heritage homes or seasonal businesses. Our day here was, weather-wise, perfect again. The only drawback to that is there was no crashing of waves on the rocks which would have provided somewhat different photo ops.
The Maritimes are certainly well known for lobster and the worlds largest was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1977. Imagine a beast weighing in at just over 44 POUNDS, around 3.5 Feet from stem to stern, with claws about a foot long each. It was estimated at being over a hundred years old. Bet you won’t find THAT at Costco. Another bit of trivia to amaze your friends with…read the info below about lobster traps. Bet ya didn’t know That, did ya?
A walk around to see the sights and have a lobster roll (cuz…it’s here and so are we).
Our driver has returned and we make our way back (safe and sound) to the ship. Shower and a shave and get dressed for our Grand Tuscan Dinner at Sabatini’s tonight. We decided to forego the Chef’s Table as we have done it a number of times but this is a new (limited) option. Frescobaldi wines paired with an Italian inspired dinner. Not something we get everyday. 😊
Sorry…going to be too busy eating and enjoying to take a lot of notes so just have a gander. 🙂
Started with a welcome champagne with some bread and olive oil with balsamic. Off to a very good start.
We are both going to start with the carpaccio, because how do you go wrong with tuna and scallops with both sturgeon caviar and salmon caviar topped with black truffle. That paired so well with the Vermentino. Acid loves acid and loves salt. A bite and a sip…repeat…several times.
Next on to the octopus which was even better than our previous experience at Catch By Rudi (and THAT was fabulous!).
On to the Secondi. I had the dry-aged beef (YUM) and my dear wife had the seared sea bass (nothing left!).
Apparently we now have to have dessert (dolci)…and in Italy, the meal doesn’t end with dessert—it lingers into ‘dopo cena’.
Time to be DONE!! The room calls and it’s best to respond in an appropriate manner. Tomorrow is another busy day. St. John.