Halifax, NS, CanadaJul 1, 2011
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Clarence and Sandy watching the parade
Canada Day
Band in parade from the Tattoo
| Wednesday, June 29 We took a Grey Line bus tour of Halifax and learned about the history of the city including an explosion on a boat in the harbor in the early 1900s that destroyed part of the water front area. We also visited the cemetery where some of the victims of the Titanic were buried after ships in this area participated in the recovery effort. Thursday, June 30 During this time each year Halifax hosts the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. In 17th century Dutch villages, drummers marched through the streets summoning British soldiers to return to their quarters from the taverns and inns. The drumbeat signaling the innkeepers to turn off the taps was shortened to "tattoo". The program consists of military bands and various acts (such as a roller skating team and a tumbling team) from different countries including France, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Estonia and others. They also did a tribute to composers so the music was all from well known hits such as Cats, Sounds of Music,and Phantom. Unfortunately the USA refuses to allow its military bands to perform out of the country on the 4th of July and this program runs for 8 days. A group of retired marines represented the USA. Not only did we get to see this spectacular performance with thousands of participants, we also got a back stage tour that afternoon to see how they put it all together. For a superb dinner we went across the street form the performance area to the Prince George Hotel. Friday July 1 Today is Canada Day. We rode into Halifax this morning and found us a good place on a knoll to spread out our blankets and wait for the parade. The bands and performers from the Tattoo were also in the parade which made it even better. After the parade we walked around town and ate lunch on the waterfront. We are heading for Prince Edward Island tomorrow. We will be there at the same time as the Royal couple, Will and Kate. I will let you know if we catch a glimpse of them. |
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