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Halifax is an awesome city. Lots of pubs and bars, good museums, The Citadel and also a good launching point for all the points of interest in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
I've never been but N.S. is very popular in general with New Englanders. Some ride the CAT Ferry to Yarmouth, others including a present work colleague have actually driven all the way to Halifax from Boston. Both sides have strong ties to each other, ties that actually date back to the American Revolution. Loyalists separated from Patriots but remained friends and after tensions simmered down, trade resumed. It is said that the architecture in Halifax most resembles New England architecture, some houses were even pulled up and shipped over with the Loyalists. Later New England architectural styles such as the triple decker can also be found in Halifax. Boston was the first to respond when Downtown Halifax got blown to smithereens in a tragic freak explosion in 1917. Haligonians thank Bostonians every year by donating a splendid Christmas tree which is hoisted in front of our Prudential Center. Many Irish emigrated to Boston during the potato famine and many others likewise emigrated to N.S. during the same period. In fact, a former colleague commented that parts of N.S. look just like Ireland.
All right, that is almost all that I know about Halifax and New Scotland. That and the Atlantic Schooners. So when are the Schooners going to start playing? It's been 40 long years and counting for Atlantic Canada since they were first promised a professional football team . Halifax is the biggest city in Atlantic Canada so it makes most sense for the team to locate there, they just need to upgrade an existing stadium to CFL standards or build an entirely new one, the more expensive option.
Great pubs and bars, as has been said, and I'll add a great local music scene. From the buskers at the harbour to jam sessions at a pub to bands booked in a club, the music is terrific. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (wonderful permanent exhibit of Maud Lewis' folk art), and HMCS Sackville are must-see museums.
It is a very pleasant city to walk in, though the hills might prove a challenge. Never mind; it is not hilly everywhere, and there are ways to get where you want to go without facing a steep hill. The Public Gardens provide a nice place for a walk, for example.
It's also a great base to use for exploring Nova Scotia. Not all of the province, of course, but places like Lunenburg, Peggy's Cove, and Mahone Bay are just a daytrip away.
Since we're talking Halifax I will share some of my experiences there.
I actually (partially) grew up in Halifax. Moved to Halifax in the late 80s to the North End. I went to st stephens/highland park elementary, at least thats what it was called back then. Before living in Halifax my family actually lived in a rural part of the province for couple of years. For me it was great moving to the "big" city....it was also nice not being the only kid of color around. Most of my first friends in HFX were kids that lived in the Mulgrave Park Housing complex. I didn't live in the park but lived close to it and went to school with kids that lived here. Back in the 80s it was almost entirely Black. It is my understanding that is no longer in the case.
I have fond memories of my early days In Halifax. It was great that we now had cable TV and had movie theatres to go to, LOL. My mother would take me pretty often. Usually to the old paramount theatre on Barrington That's where I saw one of my favorite 80s movies, "Lean on me" with Morgan Freeman. The theatre is no longer there, this is what it looks like now. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.6457...8192?entry=ttu
After a couple years my Mother went back to school to NSCAD, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. At this time we had moved closer to the South End to the Area around Queen victoria Hospital. I went to Gorsebrook Junior High across the street from the IWK and Grace maternity Hospital. Where my little sister was born. I am quite a few years older than her. My sister is nova scotian and has fmaily there, and goes back there often. I don't.
I ended finishing Junior High at another school, same school actor Elliot Page( formely known as Ellen Page) went to. They are younger than me. I never met "him". I didn't finish High shool in Halifax, In 1996 my fam got jobs in Montreal and we were gone. I stayed in MTL for while before moving out of the country with my Fathers family. I eventually came back to Montreal later and stayed there for about nine years.
I still keep contact with some old friends from Halifax. but not many that actually still live there. Most people I was friends with have moved away. They are spread out across Canada and the US. Last time I was in Halifax was in 2007. I was there for a bout 48 hours.
Last edited by Luisito80; 08-09-2023 at 11:17 PM..
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