THE EAST COAST
IN SEARCH OF NIRVANA : by George Pereira
Few trips will ever rival the trip to the fascinating East Coast. What made it outstanding is the participation and interaction of all who traveled whether it was singing “You are my sunshine” even when the skies seemed threateningly but pleasantly overcast, or Leslie’s rendition of “I believe” injecting his belief that faith was all that was needed to “light up our lives”. To cap it all, Barbara’s silent prayers for good weather indicated that she had a hot line to the inner sanctum of heaven.
When Barbara got in touch with me regarding the projected trip to the East Coast which was to include:
Montreal
New Brunswick
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Quebec City
The thousand Islands,
I jumped at the idea. In all of my forty-plus years in Canada, I had only heard of the wonderful sites or seen delightful images on television of places that we were to visit. We were also to experience the ambiance of Provinces so far removed from Ontario. Little did I realize that this five thousand kilometres trip was going to be so stimulating and exciting.
This was in some measure due to the forty participants and enthusiasts who traveled on the same bus and who with the help of Barbara’s relentless coaxing, Betty’s superb driving skills and temperament, and Bobby’s patient guidance (particularly in keeping our bladders comfortable empty) that made the journey seem less onerous than it would otherwise have been. Opinions were divided about Russell Peters being given a chance to ease latent moral tensions, and his videos did raise some caustic murmurs. The general consensus, however, was that on a trip such as this one, light ethnic “vulgarity” was up to each individual to filter out by using their selective hearing powers hopefully perfected after years of marriage. Barbara, who never missed a thing in planning the trip, handed out song sheets and Leslie’s melodious tenor rendition, encouraged everyone in the bus to let the world know that we were coming. Joke telling then became the next item on the entertainment menu with Barbara’s constant admonitions that they be kept kosher. A gift was waiting anyone who told a joke and there were quite a few takers. Anthony D’Souza told a couple of juicy jokes, and Leslie did not hesitate to make everybody laugh.
Our first stop in our travels was in Ottawa. We paused at the Prime Minister’s Residence at 24 Sussex Drive. It was a mansion overlooking the Ottawa River. It wasn’t as commanding as the White House in the United States. The Prime Minister’s Residence seemed very plain and simple. One could say it looked almost bland, perhaps reflecting the personality of our present Prime Minister. (Couldn’t help the dig!) Our next attraction was driving through Embassy Village. Signs such as “Embassy of Zimbabwe” and “Embassy of the Ukraine” were prominently displayed in front of the respective buildings in large letters. Finally, we were in front of the Parliament Buildings. These imposing and magnificent buildings were built on the “hill” in an area of Crown Land on the southern bank of the Ottawa River.
“Its Gothic revival suite of buildings-
the Parliament Buildings – serves as
the home of the Parliament of Canada
and contains a number of architectural
elements of national symbolic importance.”
There was evidence in front of the Parliament Buildings that “Canada Day” was celebrated with much traditional pomp and nationalism and pride earlier in the week and there was evidence of erected platforms and power cranes in front of the building attempting to dismantle various temporarily erected structures built especially for the occasion. Because of time constraints we were not able to enter Parliament Building and this seemed somewhat disappointing.
The following morning we had an early start for Montreal. Our first stop was at St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, situated on the northern slope of Mount Royal. Blessed Andre Bassette began the construction of a small chapel on the side of the mountain near Notre Dame College several decades ago. As the number of visitors grew the Church was enlarged over the years until it reached the massive proportions as is evidenced today. The Oratory Dome is the 3rd largest of its kind in the world, and the Church itself is the largest in Canada. It was a wet, cold and windy day when we visited this magnificent Church, but the experience within it was very moving and heart warming.
It did not take us long to get to the Basilica of Notre Dame. It has been referred to as the “Crown Jewel” in Quebec’s rich religious heritage. It was opened in 1829 and is the largest edifice in Montreal. On arrival at the Church, mass was in progress (in French). The Church itself was a thing of beauty and perhaps to many of the faithful, a joy forever. Most of the ornaments were painted gold and the carvings all around the church were delicately carved with ornamental and symbolic significance. The reflection of light was very artfully engineered and brought out the best in all the art forms which also included the statues. The cosmetics gave one the feeling of peace.
As soon as we exited this magnificent Church, we were brought back to earth by Bobby’s announcement that we were to witness a firework display just next to our hotel. Those who saw the display were quite impressed. Quite a few missed the show since their windows in their suites were facing the wrong way.
After a good night’s sleep, we were on our way to Grand Falls, New Brunswick. We were struck by the potato plantations as far as the eye could see. Bobby reminded us that a few hundred thousand tons of potatoes were exported to places like China and Japan every year. Exports were also made to Europe and elsewhere. It was in Grand Falls that we were shown the Heart Land Covered Bridge which is believed to be the longest covered bridge in the world. Our visit to the Bay of Fundy, known for the ‘highest tides in the world’ was another awe inspiring highlight on our journey.
In Halifax we were drawn to the internationally famous Peggy’s Cove. The polished rocks around resembled the human brain. The scenery was simply breath taking. Peggy’s Cove is often represented in magazines in Canada and around the world as the most scenic place in Canada. While in Halifax we undertook the very exciting “Hippo Tour”. We were loaded on this amphibious tank (costing more than a million dollars we were told) and first shown some of the interesting buildings in Halifax City far too numerous to name. Our guide, Dr. T. was one of the most animated guides that we had. When we passed anything of interest we were to acknowledge it by shouting “Ribbitt Ribbit”. The tank then entered the ocean and we were then shown Halifax from the sea. What an experience?! While in New Brunswick we drove to P.E.I. on the longest bridge in North America: The Confederation Bridge. A wonderful experience was had by all at the Magnetic Hill in Moncton. It was here that we were made to experience our bus which went uphill when it was turned off. We learnt from our guide that this was an optical illusion. The International Tattoo Show was a grand finale to our stay in New Brunswick as was our visit to the Reversing Falls.
At St. John we were witness to the Biggest Lobster Statue in the world.
In Prince Edward Island we visited the Famous Fish Village in Cavendish and the House of Green Gables made famous by L.M. Montgomery of “Ann of Green Gables” fame.
The Lobster Dinner at the hotel will be remembered fondly by all.
We then left the East Coast and made our way to Quebec City. The Plains of Abraham became an attractive haunt for there was very much to see and digest. What stood out were the drawing and paintings of many artists on the street displaying their various art forms. The streets were cobbled and the cafes all around were reminiscent of medieval Europe.
Our final destination was The Thousand Islands in Ontario. Many in the group took the Boat Cruise and richly enjoyed it.
We were finally homeward bound after eight delightful days of fun and a much greater appreciation of this wonderful country that we have adopted as our own.
GOD BLESS CANADA
