WEDNESDAY, 15TH AUGUST, 2018 - NEW YORK, USA - DAY 2

After exploring 'Uptown' yesterday, it was 'Downtown' Manhattan today and although not nearly as glamorous, it was an eye opener and a chance to watch the locals going about their daily business, and we had a coffee at Maccas.  The shops were not classy and the traffic was chaotic and they certainly love their sirens and horns!!!!  We found our way to Macy's in Herald Square – this is one of the largest stores in the world, has 10 levels of fashion and homewares and has over 2 million square feet of retail space!!!….  but we were disappointed as they weren't 'on sale'.  I did, however, manage to buy a little something for the birthday girl. 

 

Trivia:  The original owner of Macy's, Isador Straus, died in the Titanic, along with his wife, Ida. 

 

Now that we had the gift, the next job was to find the post office and try to send the package….  After getting directions we thought we had got lucky, but with automatic parcel mailing machines too difficult to work out, and the queues for counter service a mile long, we took our little parcel home to the ship, for posting another day.

 

After doing some necessary 'liquid shopping', it was time to return to the ship - 20,000 steps again today!!  It certainly is a unique, cosmopolitan, vibrant and totally exciting city which never closes and never ceases to amaze us….  Looking forward to returning one day.

SUNDAY, 12TH AUGUST, 2018 - HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

Halifax was not on our original itinerary, as it was meant to be Prince Edward Island, but we weren't disappointed as we had a great day.  The moment we stepped off the ship we knew it was going to be a fabulous place to visit.

 

Clean and fresh, the harbourfront walk was spectacular with yachts of all sizes tied up and glistening in the sunshine, open air cafes opening up and leisure boats gliding by.  There was some loud music coming from afar and the closer we walked we could see it was an exercise class, peddling madly on their bikes looking out to sea – lucky ducks, much better than in a gym!!

 

We headed up the hill to the Citadel, without a coffee shop to be seen open, and began our exploration.  It was originally completed in 1856 as a key naval station in the British Empire and features actors depicting the history of the fort as well as interactive exhibits.  It is also recognized as one of the most significant historic sites in Canada.  The museum is large and extensive, is manned by many young people and it was great to see their enthusiasm in their history…. and there was also a coffee shop!                                           

 

We went back to the waterfront beer garden for lunch and enjoyed a delicious seafood chowder, lobster rolls and a couple of Canadian beers in the beautiful sunshine.

 

We heard that Government House had a tour so headed back towards the ship – we almost missed the last tour, but were quickly ushered through and how lucky we were to have ogled at it's elaborate furnishings as we walked the corridors where the Royal Family stay whilst in Halifax.

 

So very happy that we've now been to Halifax, which is also the resting place for 121 victims of the ' Titanic'. This is the last of our four Canadian ports – a truly beautiful country!!  Next port is the "Big Apple".

 

SUNDAY, 12TH AUGUST, 2018 - HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

 

Early morning walk along the Halifax Harbourwalk

 

 

Exercising on their bikes.. fresh air, good music & what a view

 

And then a happy harpist

  

A photo of the star-shaped Citadel

 

Main entry to the Citadel

SUNDAY, 12TH AUGUST, 2018 - HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

Photos of Halifax:

 

 

Guards on duty at the entry to Citadel

 

Barrack courtyard

 

Extensive and wonderful museum

 

 

Love the bagpipes, drums and their uniforms

The big Noon Gun

SUNDAY, 12TH AUGUST, 2018 - HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

Photos of Halifax:

 

Beaver Tails….  Anyone??

 

Much prefer crab chowder and lobster rolls

 

Government House - free tour

 

Glorious rooms

 

Where the Royal Family stay whilst in Halifax

 

Serene view from balcony as we prepare for sailaway

THURSDAY, 9TH AUGUST, 2018 - QUEBEC, CANADA

Well "Good Morning" Quebec, or should I write "Bonjour"?  How very pretty are you with your magnificent 'Chateau Frontenac' perched proudly high on the hill, with a halo of blue sky. 

 

We couldn't eat breakfast quick enough to get out there and explore this very 'French' city.  Our first wish was to climb that big hill and revel in its beauty close up.  It was a steep walk but there were so many beautiful old buildings, many of which were decorated with magnificent murals, making the journey not too arduous.

 

This truly beautiful green-turreted castle 'Chateau Frontenac' was built in the late 19^th century and is now a stunning hotel with wonderful views over the city and St. Lawrence River.  There is a Funicular from the Lower Town to the Upper Town, but the walk did us good. 

 

Speaking of walking, this city is made for it, despite plenty of cobblestone streets, and is beautifully presented.  Unfortunately, there was a sudden storm and we took shelter, whilst watching those caught out by it on the Hop On Hop Off bus, getting sodden.

 

We walked down the Parc de l'Esplanade, with its sidewalk cafes and antique shops to the beautiful park housing the Parliament building, which at the moment is being restored.  The park was also home to many bronze statues and also lovely gardens and a very impressive vegetable garden – wonder if the homeless folk frequent this spot?

 

We went back to the ship to rest our legs and later in the afternoon we headed back.  The sun was setting and the beautiful night lights were becoming brighter in the narrow streets and shops and buskers were providing some very good music.  We sat in a gorgeous small, open area with oversized swings and had a couple of beers/wines, whilst watching the world go by. 

 

Once back on the ship we were treated to an amazing fireworks display, so close we could almost touch them……. a lovely end to a fabulous day.