Imagine a place that experiences all four wonderful seasons of the year, a place that is surrounded by beautiful oceans and lakes. A place that produces beautiful wines, and many other fresh local products to enjoy. Lush forests, gardens, and trails are all within arms reach. This place does exist. Halifax, N.S., Canada, is my home!!! and I LOVE it. But I will be honest, it wasn't always that way.
When I was a young child, and even in my teens, we would travel back to my Dad's birth place every summer to Greece. I was in awe, and loved every bit of it...and I still do. But, when I would return home I would say to my mom "it's so boring here, there is nothing to do!" As I grow, my opinion changes. I realize how much I take for granted what an amazing place we live in. Yes, it is a different way of life in Europe, much more laid back, but I would never trade my hometown for anything. We are so lucky to be living in a safe country with structure, peace, generosity, acceptance, and love. A country that welcome's all people and embraces them for who they are.
Going on Sunday drive's with my family is one of my favourite things to do. It was a thing we did with my parent's when I was young, and we continue to do so today with our children. We explore the city, watching it grow, finding old trails, and homes that we never knew existed, all while eating ice cream from a local shop. By the way, if you have not tried Dairy Bar, you are seriously missing out.
Check them out at http://www.manualfoodanddrinkco.com/dairy-bar/
Since we are talking about food, how about all the amazing restaurants we have?! My husband and I love to eat good food and travel, and travel and eat good food :) Imagine doing that for a living..... I need to look into that.
While travelling, we find ourselves saying how some of our restaurants and chefs are just as good, if not better, than some of "the best" parts of the world. Halifax in particular, is loaded with delicious locally sourced food and amazing chefs.
Then there is the shopping :) Now this may come as a surprise, but one of my favourite things to do is check out what's new here in Halifax, Montreal, and Toronto when I get the chance. I love visiting local shops that support local artists and other Canadians, admiring the beautiful clothing made in Canada. Halifax may not be Montreal or Toronto when it comes to fashion, but I feel we are taking steps in the right direction. Halifax is an ever growing "small" city with some big heart.
Today is Canada's 150th birthday. Since I love birthday's and I love Canada, I thought I should take the time to express how grateful I am to live, work, and raise my family in this place we call home.
I feel very fortunate and proud to say " I am Canadian! "
Happy Birthday Canada! Happy Canada Day everyone!
Stella
