My Electronic Scrapbook: Jamie Visits Nova Scotia - Downtown Halifax & Farewell Spring of 2011

We did get to take Jamie to downtown Halifax and she got to see how much of it is just rubble but there is evidence that there may be construction underway in some areas. I find it so shocking just how much is shut down in the downtown core and left to fall apart but maybe, maybe some buildings will finally be knocked down and replaced with something new.



What was also surprising is that on a beautiful day down by the waterfront, so much was closed. I had no idea just how much of a tourist city Halifax is. We tried to get food at a restaurant I have been wanting to review but it did not open until 5 pm so we had to keep looking for a place to get food.



My husband is the best person to go on a tour with. He grew up here and knows all sorts of stories and the history of Halifax and Nova Scotia. Note yet another area of rubble. A parking lot that has become a treacherous space to walk that is apparently going to be turned into something but who knows when. I swear, this is the slowest place when it comes to change ever.



I can never remember the name of this abandoned island, I think this is George's Island???



So at this point we were getting very hungry so we drove up the hill to go to one of our favourite places in Halifax: Maxwell's Plum.



When we stayed in a hotel downtown while house hunting, we used to go to the Plum with Mike and Jen for a cheap dinner. Three years ago the prices were rock bottom and we had so much fun and were still so hopeful and excited about our new lives in Nova Scotia. Oh, we were so naive... Still, the Plum does feel like a home away from home and is a fun hangout.



Jamie wanted to go to a place that was a local hangout for us and this was the closest we could think of. Touches of humour, lots of different beer on tap, unpretentious food... I think we made a good choice.



One thing you have to say about the Plum is their portions are very generous.



See that giant beer-dispensing pitcher? That is hugely popular at the Plum. I am not a big drinker but I did join Jamie in having a pint. Strongbow for me!



As we made our way home, Reg drove over Citadel Hill so we could get an arial view of the city, overlooking the harbour and even Dartmouth on the other side.



The next morning was time for Jamie to go home, so sad. Again, beautiful sunny weather and she even made it home right before a big thunderstorm. Since she left, we have had mostly stormy, dark and miserable weather. So symbolic, so true. We had the most amazing visit together and I miss her terribly. This is the hardest part of the visit, saying good-bye.