Coming from a place where sunshine thrives to an area where none of our clothes keep the cold at bay one of our concerns was to find out what to wear. I've lived near Chicago in the winter and it was so dry that one heavy coat would cover most of your needs. Virginia was all about rain since I lived near the coast so one type of coat worked there too. Texas was always hot, even when it rained, so a light shell worked wonders and California is California. If it dipped below 60 people would whine about a cold snap while whipping out scarves and hats. A few locals told us due to the maritime region the weather changes fast as well so be prepared. We had no idea what we were in for. But we were not going to let something as silly as the appropriate winter gear stop us from finding a great breakfast location.
Goose and I have had a tradition for about ten years now that Sunday morning was our special breakfast of the week. Since we live near the Port of Halifax we decided to take the very short ferry ride to see if we could track down a great brunch. During the ten minute ride we got the chance to learn what zero degrees really feels like. It's been a very long time since I've been somewhere so cold my ears hurt and I couldn't bend my fingers. Goose shaves his head so there's no weather protection for him. Granted, it was cold on our way down to the ferry building but it was the wind that really cut through us once we got on the boat. After departing the ferry and attempting to find a warm place to eat the wind would rock our world and push us against buildings, each other, strangers, etc. We walked into a place looking pretty worse for wear and I prayed to the coffee gods that they had it brewed, hot and ready to serve.
Here's a picture of Halifax from the ferry:
I can't say the breakfast we struggled in crummy weather for was delicious but I felt I had a better understanding of what "any port in a storm" means. The restaurant was warm, had food, and didn't give us the boot once we were done. Amen to a polite society that lets people meander after a meal. I was not ready to face the cold again just yet.
Since this ferry ride we have talked to a few people and purchased a couple of pieces of gear to get us through the current weather. We're still unsure what to expect winter to be like, but rest assured we won't starve due to the pie shop in the same building as our apartment.
Eagle Out
Yes, it was as if Canada knew you were fresh arrivals and not yet hardened to the winters to come. So they gave you a pie shop.
ReplyDeleteOh Canada, we love your Heppy's pies...
OK, I gotta ask...what's in the Seafood Pie...that one has me a little nervous. It's not like star gazy pie from Cornwall, is it? :(
Hey I hope you two are keeping warm,and your spirits high. Remember, you gots to make new friends there, I can't carry you from here. OK...? :)
I need you two well settled before I make this crazy trek I'm starting to hatch.
Picture this...
A two and a half to three week trip, from California, to Halifax, to Novosibirsk Russia to visit yet another expatriate and friend from high school. He's started his own personal coffee chain empire in Russia, he's doing quite well for himself. Anyway the plan would be that I'd chill there for as long as my bod could take it...I give it 3 or 4 days. Then I would take what would likely be a series of flights to Kauai, and a week of thawing and snorkeling.
A flight from there to SFO would complete my first solo round the world adventure! :)
I figure about two years of saving money and planning before this event goes down, so get busy with the settling and making friends.
Hey is that couch in the living room big enough for me to sleep on? ;)