Halifax

We're heading back to Halifax tonight! I can hardly believe that we're going home. We'll be working around the HRM until next Wednesday, so I will have a full SEVEN days in my own bed! WOO!

Oh. My. Gosh.

Tomorrow I am going to a chocolate factory.

WHOA.

Food for thought...

I mentioned earlier that the majority of food in northern New Brunswick restaurants seems to be deep-fried, or otherwise disgustingly fatty. The menus have become predictable. If I had a deep-fryer (and knew how to use it) I could easily open a 'successful' restaurant based on the following menu:

"Burgers: cheeseburger, hamburger, pizza burger, chicken burger, fish burger"

"Chicken: 1/4 chicken, fried chicken, chicken strips, chicken nuggets, chicken wings"

"Sandwiches: BLT, grilled cheese, club, chicken, egg"

"Poutine: traditional, extra cheese, italian poutine, chicken poutine, clam poutine"

"Fish: fish and chips, deep-fried clams, scallops and chips"

...you catch my drift.

Anyhow, I couldn't take another deep-fried meal, so tonight I decided I would order the "Chicken Salad". Imagine my excitement when a large platter was brought my way. Upon closer inspection, however, I discovered that it was nothing but a pile of (soggy) lettuce, which some shaved chicken tossed in, and drenched in mayonnaise. I can't imagine anyone actually eating it all. Needless to say I did not take the leftovers home with me.

On that note, I think I may have to rinse my mouth again. I can't seem to get rid of the taste of mayonnaise in my mouth...

Observations from northern New Brunswick

• Although many communities are predominately French speaking, a surprising number of the people prefer to read in English.

• Everything can (and is) deep-fried. That is to say, deep-frying is the norm; the standard; the expectation. Anytime I have ordered a salad, or fruit, or anything containing any colour other than brown or beige, I have received a mix of shock and mock from the wait-staff.

• On that note - there is a Dixie Lee on every corner. I haven't eaten there, but I already can't stand the smell.

• The people here are incredibly outgoing, friendly, warm, and appreciative. Some of these communities are so far north in the province they are somewhat isolated. The people are SO excited to see us coming - they can't believe that something they have seen on TV has come to their town.

• Sobeys in Bathurst is incredible. THUMBS up to the staff there for making us feel at home, and for encouraging so many to come out to chat with us. We had an unforgettable day!!!

• Additionally - Price Chopper in Tracadie-Sheila knocked our socks.

• It seems to be windy here all of the time. I shouldn't be surprised. I know that the closer you get to the ocean, the more wind you expect. I'll blame my surprise on the fact that I lived in Ontario for 2.5years.

• Apparently 'Poutine' is a food group here. I have seen everything from 'chicken poutine' to 'deep-fried-clam-poutine' to 'scallop poutine' - AND everything in between.

More observations to follow. Right now I am tired, and feeling like I'm coming down with a bit of a cold. Looking forward to having a day off on Tuesday!

Until next time...

George said it best...

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

After enduring a month of damp, cold, rain and snow, we hungrily welcomed the unseasonably warm weather we were treated to this long weekend in the Miramichi. Cold weather is tiresome in most cases, but it is especially frustrating when your office is a bus, and you live in hotel rooms. It means that you are cold all day at work, and then feel confined to a small room in the evenings. The shift in weather opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for us!

We spent Saturday morning in Blackville and the afternoon in Eel Ground. Being the first warm day of the year, and a long weekend, things were slow for us as most people seemed to be staying home for whatever reason. We took advantage of the sun ourselves by sitting outside of the bus, soaking up the rays (and the vitamin D!), and enjoying 'summer treats' like ice cream and freezies! In the evening we decided to celebrate the long weekend by going for a nice dinner at a restaurant on the water. We dined on fresh seafood while watching the sun set...it was a nice change from the deep fried foods we had been subjected to in some of the smaller communities.

Sunday was Easter, so I took a morning walk through the quiet city to a nearby church to take in Easter Mass. Spirits were high as the spring weather had brought everyone out in their sun dresses and sandals. There is something wonderful about being able to let your toes breathe after months of confinement in socks and boots. After I returned from mass we all sat out in the parking lot and enjoyed a picnic. When you're living on the road you take whatever outdoor space you can get!

Today we arrived at a lovely B&B in Tracadie-Sheila. The sun is still shining and warm, so we were thrilled to find that the guests have a private deck! I think we may spend the afternoon exploring the town, and soaking up a bit more sun. The weather is supposed to change again, and we won't have another day off for the next 7 days, so we need to make the most of it!