Well, it’s taken me a bit longer than planned to share our latest adventures. A pesky sinus infection threw a wrench in my plans after finally returning home to Florida. But we are finally back and ready to fill you in on our Halifax port on our Ultimate World Cruise which is day 266 of 274. Only 8 more days remain in this amazing adventure.
We’ve visited Halifax before, but this trip was a bit different. With friends joining us from the ship, we had the opportunity to explore the city more thoroughly. We planned a fun-filled itinerary, including a Segway tour.
Riding around Halifax on 2 wheels was an absolute blast! I’ve never ridden a Segway before, and it was a surprisingly easy and enjoyable way to get around. Even Chuck managed to navigate the hilly terrain without a hitch. The tour guide was impressed with his skills, especially considering he arrived with a cane!
We started our tour in a quieter area near the water before heading to some of the city’s iconic landmarks. The Citadel Hill, with its imposing walls and cannons, was a fascinating sight.
It has been a strategic military site since its founding. Four different fortifications have been built there over the years to defend the city. The current Citadel, built from 1856-1861, is a large, star-shaped fort made of stone. It has played a crucial role in Halifax’s defense and is now a National Historic Site.
We also witnessed the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a must-see for any visitor. Another one to add to our list.
One of the most touching moments of our trip was visiting the Titanic Cemetery. Seeing the graves of the victims was a humbling experience. It’s hard to comprehend the tragedy of the disaster and its lasting impact on the city. Halifax played a significant role in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. The city was the closest major port to the sinking site, and it received many survivors and victims’ bodies. The Titanic Cemetery, located in Halifax, is a final resting place for many of those who perished in the disaster.
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is Canada’s most populous municipality in Atlantic Canada. As of 2023, the estimated population of the Halifax CMA was 518,711, with 348,634 people in its urban area. The city has a diverse population with a significant number of immigrants, and English, Scottish, and Irish heritage are prevalent.
One of the most significant events in Halifax’s history was the Halifax Explosion of 1917. On December 6, 1917, a French cargo ship carrying explosives collided with another vessel in the harbor. The resulting explosion was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of over 1,700 people. The blast flattened much of the city’s Richmond district, and the damage was exacerbated by a subsequent tsunami. The Halifax Explosion remains a somber reminder of the city’s resilience and the devastating impact of such disasters.
No trip to Halifax would be complete without indulging in local cuisine. We started our day with a classic Canadian coffee and donut from Tim Hortons and ended it by treating ourselves to a delicious “Moo-sic” ice cream from “Cows”.
Overall, our day in Halifax was fantastic. The weather was beautiful, and we had a wonderful time exploring the city. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure back here.
As we prepare to arrive back into the United States, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Our last stop in Hawaii was six months ago, so it feels like forever since we’ve been home.
Our port will be in New York City after 2 days at sea. While waiting, we will start packing even more now. Many people are taking some of their luggage off to be shipped from NY. We will wait as the cost to ship is the same as our daily car rental per day!
May God bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 