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HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

We finally made it to Canada's Maritime Provinces. Our first stop was Halifax because of the timing required to see the last performance of the Tattoo.

Halifax has a very important harbor on the north Atlantic. During WW I and WW II it was one of the main gathering points for convoys crossing the Atlantic. Because of this activity, a severe blow was dealt to the city when a ship loaded with explosives blew up and leveled a large part of the city. This happened in 1917 as the result of a collision between two cargo vessels that were participating in the convoy forming activities associated with WW I. More than 2,000 people lost their lives - this is more than the Chicago fire or the San Francisco earthquake and fire.

Halifax played a unique role in the Titanic tragedy. The ships that went out to recover the bodies were from here. The people of Halifax were the ones that processed the bodies as they were recovered. Many of the families opted to have their loved ones buried here. There is also an unidentified grave for one small boy about 2 years old.

We have enjoyed our time here. It is a fun city to visit, especially the wharf area where you find the Maritime Museum and lots of tourist things to do. The seafood is great, especially the lobster rolls. This is a much easier way to eat lobster than trying to break the shell.

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The HALIFAX TATTOO


It seems that this Tattoo is the Nova Scotia equivalent of the one we saw at the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. The Tattoo was originally where military bands would meet to perform their skills. The original emphasis was pipe and drum marching bands. Today, bands from all over the world are represented and the Tattoo has become somewhat of a variety show by including non military performances, such as step dancing, gymnastics and comedy stunts.


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Photos are somewhat difficult because of the size of the production but Ted did a good job. This production had a lot of similarities to the one in Edinburgh Castle but some differences also. The lighting and outdoor setting in Scotland was absolutely spectacular. This production was smaller but very nice. They didn't have enough of the pipes but that is our personal preference. The gymnastic presentation was wonderful and the massed chorus was great.


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