I have just returned from a magnificent trip to Nova Scotia. Gary and I spent two glorious weeks exploring this lovely province. We immersed ourselves in the experience. I learned many things.

I learned once again how precious people are, especially my friends.
We visited our friends Margi and Brian Hennen in Dartmouth and Valerie Hearder and her husband Veryan Haysom in Mahone Bay. I was so pleased to spend time with them. These two brilliant women are a part of my network of artist friends. It was wonderful to spend time with them in their homes.

We also visited the studios of Laurie Swim and Anne Morrell Robinson. It was a delight to meet these women and see their work.

Everywhere we went we met people who were warm, friendly and courteous. We stayed in bed and breakfasts and charming inns. Our hosts were unfailingly welcoming and accommodating. I especially enjoyed our stay in Cheticamp at the Laurence Guest House. There we enjoyed an evening of singing and conversation about Acadian culture.

I learned there is much about Canada I still do not know.
It was my first trip to Nova Scotia. I have a new appreciation of the history of Canada. Visiting historic sites and small communities helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the early settlement of this land as well as the contemporary struggles of Nova Scotians.

I was particularly touched by our visit to Glace Bay. Our tour guide at the Miner’s Museum was eloquent in his description of the lives of miners, many of whom came to Canada for a better life only to find difficult and dangerous work and starvation wages. A trip into the museum mine gave me a glimpse into what the conditions might be in a functioning mine.

I learned how geography influences all aspects of our lives.
I learned important lessons about the geography of this vast land. I am a prairie girl. I am comfortable with the grids that make up my environment. You can count on the divisions of the land here in Alberta. Nothing is straight in Nova Scotia. Roads meander about. Street names change seemingly at a whim.

The beaches captivated me. We walked on many beaches. Often the highlight of our day was the time we spent strolling on the beaches. Whether it was the placid beauty of Charters Beach or the wildness of the beach in Aberdeen, I was thrilled to be there.

I learned that I could eat seafood every day.
We found the food wonderful. I made it my goal to eat seafood everyday. I am pleased to say that I succeeded. I learned that Digby scallops actually come from Digby and they are delicious. Gary favoured the mussels, which were always delicious.

I learned how much I love my home.
When Gary retired he said he would like to take a trip to Nova Scotia to mark this important transition. It took us five years to organize this trip. Although I wouldn’t have missed a moment of it, my most significant learning was how much I love my home. I love the comfortable living space we have created. I love having my family nearby. I love my life right here in Edmonton, Alberta. I am grateful for my renewed appreciation of my home.

© C O P Y R I G H T   2 0 0 6.  Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.