In l753 Lunenburg was settled by l,453 Protestant German, Swiss and French colonists recruited by the British Government. Although most of its inhabitants were farmers by trade, because of poor soil conditions, they quickly turned to the sea for their livelihood and became world-renowned shipbuilders, mariners and fisherman.
Today, Old Town Lunenburg is the finest example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Its original layout and overall appearance have remained intact for over two centuries. Its straight streets, square corners and pristine architecture have been faithfully preserved by its residents. In fact, more than 95 per cent of Old Town's buildings are constructed of wood, most of which date from the l8th and l9th centuries which adds them to a select number of eminent sites around the globe as a World Heritage Site.
In our brief visit - will explain later - our tour guide explained how Dory's were used. They were taken off the schooners and the fisherman would use them to drop lines with hooks into the water. No fishing poles at that time or nets. They would spend the entire day checking the lines and bringing in whatever fish they caught. We also had a hands on look at a lobster. We were told if you are picking out a fresh lobster to look for one with a long antena. Other lobsters will eat the antena's so the longer it is, the fresher it will be as it wouldn't have been in the water that long.
These are pictures of interiors of a couple of the vessels that we toured. The Captain's were very informative. I find this all very interesting but certainly nothing I could have done years ago or even now.
There is a lot more to see but we had to leave early for Halifax to see the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. The word Tattoo started when the drummers of the British army would go through the streets summoning the soldiers to return to their quarters from taverns or inns. Thus it started entertainment by the military. We saw the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland a couple years ago so when we heard there was going to be one in Halifax, we made a point to see it.
There were performers from seven countries including the Queen's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force to help celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, the Paris Police Gymnastic Team and European Rhythmic Gymnastic Champions, Club Piruett from Estonia as well as the Band of America's Few, made up of outstanding former United States Marine Corps musicians. There were also the Flying Grandpa's of the Hamburg Police (they rafted the same day we did) - hilarious guys. The Swiss Army Central Band, with 75 musicians from across Switzerland were also in attendance. The cast went on and on with an outstanding soprano, pipers, dancers and Fiddle Celtric String Quartet. It was three hours of spectacular performances.
There was a huge stage with performers as well as on the main floor. As soon as one performance was ending, another one was preparing so there was no break. The Pipers are in the top right picture, below are the Canadian Ceremonial Troop of the RCMP and below are the Queens Colour Squadron. (Note the precision). Bottom left is the Canadian Military musicians.
We saw celtic dancers, acrobats - fun as well as serious performers - girls w/ribbons as well as hoops and other singing groups. No matter how funny the acrobats were, they were very precise in their movements.
There were a lot of great performers, but this was the most dangerous and perfectly performed routine. These guys are doing a balancing act using a ladder on a trapeze some 20 feet in the air. Not only did they do things above the ladder but also below it hanging from rings or using their teeth and twirling around. One would be on top keeping the ladder balanced while the other was performing below. Scariest thing I've ever seen.
For the finale, every performer marched out onto the floor or on the stage. It was spectacular. Afterwards, we were invited to go down on the floor and have pictures taken with them. Bottom left is with the German's, top right w/the pipers and below that with a police dog. He was young so a bit nervous with all the people and noise but a very good dog.
On our way home, we saw this McDonald's sign - McLobster is Back!! How many of you have ever seen this? We also stopped at a Lebanese Festival and wish we had waited to eat as their food looked, smelled and our samples tasted very good. A lot of music and dancing but we saw the cream of the crop at the Tattoo so off we went. We also drove through Mahone Bay which is just down the road from Lunenburg. As you can see, it is a lovely little harbor town. Most of the town is alongside the water. The little house on the top sits on the water and looks like it has a lot of toys to go with it - so darn cute.
Picture of the Day!!
Look how calm the water is showing the reflection of the houses in the water and they are so colorful.
It was another terrific day and I thank you for joining us on our trip. Wish you could all be here as it has been one heck of a great trip so far. Michael, hope you had a very Happy Birthday!!
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