Halifax, Nova Scotia

I know I may be a little biased in saying this, but how could I write this semester and not mention one of the best places in Canada? Couldn't. So here it is folks, Halifax, Nova Scotia. One of Canada's most idyllic cities due to its unique history, culture, and many, many, many bars. In fact, if thats your thing... Halifax is known as the city with the second most bars per capita, and thats only followed by St. George st. in St. Johns Newfoundland.

There's more to Halifax than the pub scene however. When I first moved here I was so excited about the live music and the beautiful waterfront. Coming from Nova Scotia's neighbour, New Brunswick, I was already accustomed to the beautiful people and maritime spirit but the unique culture of Halifax was all new to me.

You cant go downtown anywhere without getting a friendly greeting, a cheers or hearing some form of celtic tune. Its one of the beautiful things about a city that isn't quite a city but much more than a small town. It makes for the perfect destination vacation or a place to settle down. For me, its merely a transitional residency but I wouldn't rather be anywhere else. Halifax is a beautiful place to be with a beautiful culture, beautiful people and is a beautiful place to see. 

Disney World, Florida

Thinking about my journey to Niagra Falls as a kid really got me thinking about some of my other travels as a young one. I have been very fortunate in my life to have seen some great places, and one of the best parts about travelling is the feeling that it evokes. Well what better feeling out there is there for a twelve year old with her long lost best friend and a pair of their sisters running around copious amounts of people and Disney stars? Not much I tell you. 


I cant quite help but imagine what a nightmare that must be for parents some times, but the joy that overcomes a kid? Priceless. I was 12 at the time of my first and only trip to Disney World. My best friend had moved to Florida the year before and I hadn't seen her since. My parents had collaborated with her parents and the four greatest people on earth (our parents) contrived a plan for all of us kids (who just so happened to all be best friends) to take a trip to Florida's most popular amusement parks. 


Now, knowing me at all you would know that I am an adrenaline junkie. This kicked in at a very early age when I was first introduced to the swings at the play park. Now I'm not saying the twister or the fall of doom quite compares to the rush of flying backwards on a swing set, but at that age you really count yourself as a dare devil. My sister and I were MORE than excited to take our first trip south and visit our best friends. 


That was one of the best parts about Florida. I know I have been advocating mostly for the incredible vivacious sights and terrific cultural experiences as of late, but the sometimes the most valuable part of travelling is when you are travelling to see people you love. It adds so much more to the trip and really gives you lasting memories. As if it were yesterday , yes here I go again, I can remember the feel of the sand between my toes, the adrenaline rush and meeting Dopey (my favourite Disney character) at the theme park. What I remember most though is the late night giggles and laughs with my best friend. We reminisced (as much as 12-year-olds could) and talked about what we wanted out of life. 


I think back on this trip the most. I cannot describe the emotion I have attached to it, but at least I know why I feel such a connection, its really all about the people and the relationships. 

Niagra Falls, Ontario

I couldn't resist. Thinking about all of the beautiful places in Canada got me all excited. It has been quite some time since I have been to Niagra Falls. Being a child at the time, everything from finding a hidden purple crayon to spotting a free bag of candy was magical, but something was definitely different with the natural beauty of cascading falls. I am fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in the beautiful province of Ontario but I was only lucky enough to visit the falls once. The memory however, is something I visit quite often.


I was just a little girl, and barely able to see the falls from below the cold, steal bar. My mother nearly had a heart attack when I merely tried to step up on the lower rail to get a better view. What were they thinking bringing a child of my age and curiosity to one of the magical wonders of the Canadian countryside? The falls flowed faster than I had ever seen anything fall before. It looked like that scene from Lion King when all the caribou were stampeding over the pride lands. Only slightly less terrifying because I wasn't on the bottom end of it. Not for a while at least. 


My uncle decided it would be fun to go on the boats and go through the falls. Boy was he ever right. Putting on that poncho and gearing up to go between the falls is a memory that will stick with me forever. I still remember the look on my sisters face: a mix of terror and excitement as we pursued our adventure closer and closer to the falls. 


Nothing can really beat that magical feeling of being a child in a wondrous place. I don't know if the novelty of it would wear off at all, but I still think revisiting the falls would put me right back into that 7 year old's body and feel the magic all over again.