Gay Pride

Yep, Nova Scotia has it. 

We happen to be in downtown Halifax on a random July Saturday, and it's the day of the Gay-Pride Parade, so we decide to spectate. 

I've never been to any gay-pride parades, so I'm not sure what to expect. I'm a little hesitant because we have our 1 and (very-inquisitive) 3.5 year-old (Isn't there nudity at the one in San Francisco?), but as we approach, we can see other people with kids. I figure, well, if their kids see naked-folk, so will mine. We'll all be in it together.

What's the gay-pride parade about? Well, it's actually gay-pride-festival week in Halifax and the Pride-parade is the second largest parade in Halifax and is just one of many festival events. I thought maybe the pride-parade was the last of the week-long events, but silly me, the festival actually ends with a drag show the following day. (I suppose we won't be bringing the kids to that one.)

The festival is meant to promote, well, you know, the usual gay-pride issues, like equal rights...

Really? We're not accepting blood from gay people? That's silly, yes, please ban homophobia, not blood!

Where's your rainbow flag, Superman?? It's okay, we don't have one either, but I bet you want one as much as we do! 

Oliver enjoying his gay-pride pencil (and bracelet). Maybe next year he'll face the other way and see the parade! (We'll surely have a rainbow flag then too!)

Even the church made an appearance. 

I was wrong. There was no nakedness, a simultaneous disappointment and relief. Just kidding. 

If you have any questions or comments about Canada or things in general or have a suggestion on where to visit next, feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Pictou Lobster Carnival

Pictou is considered the birthplace of New Scotland because in 1773 Highland Scots began the wave of Scottish immigration into Nova Scotia, through Pictou. For decades Scots immigrated to Nova Scotia, hence the Scottish translation of the province's name ~ New Scotland. 

Today, Pictou is a focal point for the Scotish heritage in Nova Scotia. 

And also today, July 13, 2014, is the 80th annual Lobster Carnival. 

Here are some photos during our visit....

This ship, named Hector, is a replica of the Highland ships taken from Scotland to New Scotland. It was the first ship to directly transport passengers from Scotland to Nova Scotia. http://shiphector.com/history/

Outside the Hector Heritage Quay - inside, they retell the story of those first Nova Scotia settlers. 

We stopped by a pub for lunch, Carver's. The lobster roll and nachos were amazing!

The old-timey cars up front are part of the car show that was lined up on the street during the Carnival. The three flags are, starting from the left, Nova Scotia's flag (looks like Scotland's flag, sans coat-of-arms, but with the blue and white colors reversed), the Canadian flag is in the middle, and Pictou's flag is on the right. 

Charlie the Scot. 

Tim the Scot. 

Here's a link to the Pictou Lobster Carnival website. http://www.pictoulobstercarnival.ca

Here's the town of Pictou's website. http://www.townofpictou.ca

If you have any questions or comments about Canada or things in general or have a suggestion on where to visit next, feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!