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| would that fit on the ship?? |
Today, Sydney, Nova Scotia. (yes, it's named for the same Lord Sydney as Sydney, Australia. No relation to Sidney, Montana!) Cape Breton Island - the northern part of the province of Nova Scotia.
From this point onwards in the journey, we are retracing our steps. That is, we are visiting places we also visited on our big car journey a couple of springs ago. Here is a link to the blog entry from that trip for Sydney. It is going to be fun, comparing notes from that trip.
Our stay in port was shorter than usual today (all by design) Perhaps because it's Canadian Thanksgiving? Don't know, exactly, but I am glad I have had the chance to visit Cape Breton Island twice, now. I would really like to come back again to hear lots of music!
Anyway, we pulled in, early in the morning just before sunrise. Our departure was 3PM, all aboard by 2:30. We had an excursion scheduled - a visit to the village of Baddeck, and the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site of Canada.
Did you know that AGB had a role in the first aeroplane to fly in Canada? Actually, technically, in the British Empire?? I was vaguely aware that he was a talented and curious inventor of many things, and that his wife was deaf, which encouraged development of systems and strategies for coping? (early system of manual English, for example.) Anyway, back to the aeroplanes...
It's true: Alexander and Mabel (Mrs AGB) helped form a group called the Aerial Experimental Association, "to put a man in the air." They finally succeeded on February 23, 1909, off the frozen water of Bras d'Or Lake at Baddeck. Very cool.
(BTW: Bras d'Or is the largest saltwater "lake" in Canada)
In the development running up to the Silver Dart, Bell figured out things like the concept of ailerons. Those clever French folk had gotten there first, but it's noteworthy that he figured it out, too.
The museum we visited today has a replica of the Silver Dart, one what was flown in a 100-year commemorative flight. The museum also includes lots of things related to the telephone, and the many other things Bell envisioned, but we had limited time, so we concentrated on the aviation part. Big surprise, I know <grin> We did look at the early hydrofoils on display, too, and the tetrahedron-shaped kites all around the place.
And, did you know that AGB actually used the phrase "greenhouse effect" in 1914, to describe the effects of climate change? Yeah.
Overheard on the way to the museum: "Will there be Internet access in the museum?" ??
Also overheard a lot on this trip (as opposed to our other cruises): Southern accents. Not leveling any judgement, just commenting. It must be said, however, that the entire ship knew the score of the Texas-Oklahoma football game.
Sydney, and Cape Breton Island, used to subsist on coal mining and steelworking. Cape Breton Island (CBI) is a gorgeous place, and has a very rich cultural history. Very strong Scottish links, as many of those who were sent packing in the infamous Highland Clearances ended up here. Hence, Gaelic appears on most of the road signs, there's a Gaelic College, and there is even a festival for Celtic Music going on right now. Our guide said that CBI fiddlers are world-famous for their talents, even teaching traditional styles back to fiddlers in Scotland. Well, anything to keep it all thriving, which it is!
Celtic music is such a big deal here, and tourism is becoming such a big industry (replacing the coal and heavy metals) that it makes sense that The World's Largest Fiddle should be there to greet us tourists! I have an attachment to the Fiddle - I think it's cool. As we left, I watched it recede, and promised I would see it again someday.
Random observation from Quebec, and also here: numerous above-ground swimming pools. Makes sense, because an outdoor in-ground pool would be a bad idea in these winters, I suppose.
Nancy and I watched the departure from our balcony for about an hour, as we steamed out the mouth of the river back into the Atlantic. It was overcast and a bit windy (nippy in the air today again) but we were able to watch the shore as it slowly wound by. There is a lighthouse out at the point where we re-entered the Atlantic. Several wind turbines up on the low horizon.
We got to watch the Pilot Boat pull alongside and scoop up the local pilots. That is always cool to watch, and reminds us of cousin Dana, who found this part fascinating on our cruise last year.
We set off for dinner later, intending to eat at the cafe/bistro "Sette Mare," which is pretty casual, but very good. (hell, it's all good!) Rather than have us wait a few moments for a table, though, the Maitre'd (I'm sure I didn't spell that correctly) asked if we would be willing to share a table in Prime 7, which is the fancy steakhouse restaurant on the ship. Note that Regent is all-inclusive: you pay in advance for absolutely everything*, then just get on the ship and enjoy, so it's not that Prime 7 is "more expensive." One must have a reservation for Prime 7, though, so it's usually quite competitive to get a table. We reserved far in advance for one night coming up. The chance to go twice in one cruise, though, was one we couldn't pass up. Even if we had to share a table.
So.... you know how it can go when you're put into a situation with strangers, no matter how social. Usually, in my experience, it works out great and you come away as new friends. Other times, well, it can be Awkward. We had both in our shared table experience, as we shared with two other couples. All perfectly friendly, but one couple, (one member of that couple, that is) was just a little more... interesting and challenging. And in a way that isn't helped by several glasses of wine, you know? (on their part, not mine or ours, that is!! You know, someone who's a bit tipsy when they sit down, and it goes downhill from there. Hint: it wasn't either one of us)
The other couple, Colorado residents and fervent Broncos fans, kept us apprised of the Broncos score, and we could have happily talked Orange and Blue all night. Well, we did what we could! (and we didn't talk about the Seahawks... sigh)
We did have a lovely meal, all in all, but to be honest, we'll probably vet our dinner companions a little more closely from now on!
Ship is rocking again, just as it did last night. According to "Report from the Bridge," it's blowing about 45 knots out there, but we are steaming along downwind at about 17 kts.
Tomorrow, Halifax. A harbo(u)r tour in a Duck boat (sigh.....) and a revisiting of a lovely city we saw on our previous Northeast trip.
And it's still great to be the only cruise in town (and in a small ship, to boot!)
Cheers - Sláinte!
*except super-fancy bottles of wine or spirits. Rest assured that there is plenty of "free" stuff that's perfectly fine
Our stay in port was shorter than usual today (all by design) Perhaps because it's Canadian Thanksgiving? Don't know, exactly, but I am glad I have had the chance to visit Cape Breton Island twice, now. I would really like to come back again to hear lots of music!
Anyway, we pulled in, early in the morning just before sunrise. Our departure was 3PM, all aboard by 2:30. We had an excursion scheduled - a visit to the village of Baddeck, and the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site of Canada.
Did you know that AGB had a role in the first aeroplane to fly in Canada? Actually, technically, in the British Empire?? I was vaguely aware that he was a talented and curious inventor of many things, and that his wife was deaf, which encouraged development of systems and strategies for coping? (early system of manual English, for example.) Anyway, back to the aeroplanes...
It's true: Alexander and Mabel (Mrs AGB) helped form a group called the Aerial Experimental Association, "to put a man in the air." They finally succeeded on February 23, 1909, off the frozen water of Bras d'Or Lake at Baddeck. Very cool.
(BTW: Bras d'Or is the largest saltwater "lake" in Canada)
In the development running up to the Silver Dart, Bell figured out things like the concept of ailerons. Those clever French folk had gotten there first, but it's noteworthy that he figured it out, too.
The museum we visited today has a replica of the Silver Dart, one what was flown in a 100-year commemorative flight. The museum also includes lots of things related to the telephone, and the many other things Bell envisioned, but we had limited time, so we concentrated on the aviation part. Big surprise, I know <grin> We did look at the early hydrofoils on display, too, and the tetrahedron-shaped kites all around the place.
And, did you know that AGB actually used the phrase "greenhouse effect" in 1914, to describe the effects of climate change? Yeah.
Overheard on the way to the museum: "Will there be Internet access in the museum?" ??
Also overheard a lot on this trip (as opposed to our other cruises): Southern accents. Not leveling any judgement, just commenting. It must be said, however, that the entire ship knew the score of the Texas-Oklahoma football game.
Sydney, and Cape Breton Island, used to subsist on coal mining and steelworking. Cape Breton Island (CBI) is a gorgeous place, and has a very rich cultural history. Very strong Scottish links, as many of those who were sent packing in the infamous Highland Clearances ended up here. Hence, Gaelic appears on most of the road signs, there's a Gaelic College, and there is even a festival for Celtic Music going on right now. Our guide said that CBI fiddlers are world-famous for their talents, even teaching traditional styles back to fiddlers in Scotland. Well, anything to keep it all thriving, which it is!
Celtic music is such a big deal here, and tourism is becoming such a big industry (replacing the coal and heavy metals) that it makes sense that The World's Largest Fiddle should be there to greet us tourists! I have an attachment to the Fiddle - I think it's cool. As we left, I watched it recede, and promised I would see it again someday.
Random observation from Quebec, and also here: numerous above-ground swimming pools. Makes sense, because an outdoor in-ground pool would be a bad idea in these winters, I suppose.
Nancy and I watched the departure from our balcony for about an hour, as we steamed out the mouth of the river back into the Atlantic. It was overcast and a bit windy (nippy in the air today again) but we were able to watch the shore as it slowly wound by. There is a lighthouse out at the point where we re-entered the Atlantic. Several wind turbines up on the low horizon.
We got to watch the Pilot Boat pull alongside and scoop up the local pilots. That is always cool to watch, and reminds us of cousin Dana, who found this part fascinating on our cruise last year.
We set off for dinner later, intending to eat at the cafe/bistro "Sette Mare," which is pretty casual, but very good. (hell, it's all good!) Rather than have us wait a few moments for a table, though, the Maitre'd (I'm sure I didn't spell that correctly) asked if we would be willing to share a table in Prime 7, which is the fancy steakhouse restaurant on the ship. Note that Regent is all-inclusive: you pay in advance for absolutely everything*, then just get on the ship and enjoy, so it's not that Prime 7 is "more expensive." One must have a reservation for Prime 7, though, so it's usually quite competitive to get a table. We reserved far in advance for one night coming up. The chance to go twice in one cruise, though, was one we couldn't pass up. Even if we had to share a table.
So.... you know how it can go when you're put into a situation with strangers, no matter how social. Usually, in my experience, it works out great and you come away as new friends. Other times, well, it can be Awkward. We had both in our shared table experience, as we shared with two other couples. All perfectly friendly, but one couple, (one member of that couple, that is) was just a little more... interesting and challenging. And in a way that isn't helped by several glasses of wine, you know? (on their part, not mine or ours, that is!! You know, someone who's a bit tipsy when they sit down, and it goes downhill from there. Hint: it wasn't either one of us)
The other couple, Colorado residents and fervent Broncos fans, kept us apprised of the Broncos score, and we could have happily talked Orange and Blue all night. Well, we did what we could! (and we didn't talk about the Seahawks... sigh)
We did have a lovely meal, all in all, but to be honest, we'll probably vet our dinner companions a little more closely from now on!
Ship is rocking again, just as it did last night. According to "Report from the Bridge," it's blowing about 45 knots out there, but we are steaming along downwind at about 17 kts.
Tomorrow, Halifax. A harbo(u)r tour in a Duck boat (sigh.....) and a revisiting of a lovely city we saw on our previous Northeast trip.
And it's still great to be the only cruise in town (and in a small ship, to boot!)
Cheers - Sláinte!
*except super-fancy bottles of wine or spirits. Rest assured that there is plenty of "free" stuff that's perfectly fine
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