Next we visited Pier 21, a very interesting attraction named one of Canada's Wonders. Over 1,000,000 immigrants landed in Canada between 1935 and 1971, and my dad, Nonno to the kids, was one of them. I remember him telling me stories about coming to Canada by himself in 1960, uncertain, with just a suitcase and a watch his dad had given him. It was a special place for me to visit, and I thought about my dad the whole time!!!
The very port Nonno entered Canada!
Finally in Halifax, we visited the Citadel that is perched high on a hill overlooking the Halifax Harbour. It was established by the British in the 1700's to defend against the French. The kids had a great time exploring and meeting some of the period characters.
Late in the afternoon, we left Halifax for Antigonish, sight of the annual Highland games, since it is on the way to Cape Breton. Little did we know that the Highland games were on this weekend and that all the hotel rooms were booked. We stopped for a quick bite and continued on to Sydney, Nova Scotia, which is where I am writing this entry. It is about midnight AST and everyone is asleep. We plan to stay here a couple of nights. Tomorrow, we will visit Louisbourg and possibly a coal mine, then Monday we will be on the spectacular Cabot Trail around the Cape Breton Highlands - I've heard it is beautiful there! Until then...
