Cape Breton Island

I wanted to travel to the Maritime provinces of Canada, but only had the chance to spend a few days in Nova Scotia.

Coming from the Pacific coast, I was astounded to see how different it was. The sand was whiter, finer, the water more turbulent, there were more waves and the seascape was more flat. Although Hurricane Igor passed NS, as it had ripped through Newfoundland, it sure brought in gusty winds along the shores.

We had stayed in cabins in Inverness and Ingonish. What a pleasant experience that was. I had never stayed in a cottage before, just a little house on the waterfront. The sea was right in front of us, and on nights with the full moon, it was the best picture of nature one could see but not photograph. The rolling highlands and contrasting shoreline were beautiful to the eye, and every corner provided a stunning view. To live here must be so peaceful.

The people were so friendly and hospitable, telling you about where to drive to experience the most of what Nova Scotia has to offer. As Canada's ocean playground, I can see why, the pace of life is more relaxed and enjoyable. 4 days was too short of a visit to the 300 km Cabot trail, and I know that I will return someday and explore more. I had chosen late September to visit, hoping for trees with changing coloured leaves, but I was too early. Others had suggested I go in the summer to experience the heat, but I was fortunate to have great sunny weather the entire trip. I didn't need my winter clothes :)

It was sad that I did not try lobster, but I must say that the Digby scallops were awesome! Thick as marshmallows and succulent. I had haddock chowder and chicken fricot (roast chicken thigh in fish chowder). I saw very quickly, some rug hooking, as NS is world famous for it.

It was also unfortunate that I missed all the other Halifax attractions, like downtown, and nearby Peggy's cove and Lunenburg. However, my travel days are not over yet! As Arnie would say, "I'll be back".

Ottawa

Well, being in the Country's capital but not interested in museums nor politics, was there anything to do other than museums and visit Parliament Hill? I have 4 days to find out.

So far, I've been to the downtown core everyday. My friend lives downtown, so easy to go past it every day.

Here are some highlights:
- we did a sports day race for National Sports Day Sep 18th. We had ~9 pit stops and had to do a physical activity at each stop. They had a heritage sports pit stop with lacrosse, ringette and broom ball! I've never played those before. they also had a stop where you ran blindfolded with your race partner. It really gave me perspective for those paralympians. We also had our stress monitored with a breathing sensor that helps you synchronize your breathing with your heart rate. Apparently it reduces stress when you're synced. It's an average of 6 breaths/min. It was throughout the downtown core and the Univeristy of Ottawa campus.
- Rideau Centre is the main shopping mall (like Pacific Centre)
- Byward market is a historical district and the hub or pubs, food stalls and small shops (like Granville Island
- Bank street, kind of like Commercial Drive
- Glebe - kind of like West 4th Ave
- the Science and Tech museum - I learned about Canadian innovators, communications, Canada and our contributions to space endeavours
- the Currency Museum, housed in the Bank of Canada - saw the development of the world's currency system, the display on Euro was very interesting (I got in half an hour before it closed, so it was quick, wish I had more time)
- ate at Zak's diner. Apparently an iconic burger joint, kind of like Hamburger Mary's

I've had great weather so far. Only on the day I flew in was is pouring rain like Vancouver. It's been sunny and dry, about 12 to 19 C every day. One more day to go, and dim sum and outlet shopping are on the plan.