After a real-life tsunami hits, I had to re-strategize and look at things from a different lens. After an incredibly cold and first-time winter, it only made sense to hit the road and explore the beautiful and picturesque landscape of Canada. What most people think when they hear Canada is “a good country brimming with milk and honey”. Nobody told us about the aesthetically beautiful landscape. I have only managed to travel to two provinces but my conclusion is, Canada is a beautiful country brimming with milk and honey.
Charlottetown
My first travel was too spontaneous. Prior to the trip, I asked two people for their opinion of the place; one said “the place is small and almost like a village”, and another said “its everything in the postcards”
Two different perspectives, I need to make mine.
That faithful Monday morning I woke up and this is what I told myself when I woke up around 5 am, “if I stay in this bed, I would cry myself to death, I may as well travel and see this beautiful place I’ve heard good things about”. I got ready, fuelled my car and drove 3 hours and 36 minutes to Charlottetown. This is my first solo long journey and I gave myself a tap on the back because I think I aced it. Prior to the trip, I had an itinerary since the initial plan was to make the trip with a friend who changed their mind at the eleventh hour. Regardless, I was keen on making the trip.
Itinerary
My first stop was at the bookshop – @bookmarkpei and Book Emporium. I purchased a couple of books. Fun fact, I am a book collector hence any opportunity to hoard and purchase new books, I grab it with two arms.
I went to the waterfront which literally has all the great and fun stuff – the piano station, the 2022 station, and the love with padlock 🔐 station hung on the letters.
Nothing happens on an empty stomach. I made my way to grab brunch at @fishbonespei.Their fish and chips are really good. I enjoy it.
The highlight of this trip is probably sailing with @charlottetownyachtclub. As I sat on the yacht with the sea breeze wallowing, my thought wallowing with the rhythm, escapism for me – all the pain, the heartache temporarily washed by the ocean. It felt more bearable but I know this is only for a moment I did enjoy the time away from pain and everything that accompanied it.
When I returned, the plan was to go to Victoria Park and swim but I think I was too late for that. I used to opportunity to explore Victoria Park and somehow found my way to the floating dock.
If you are ever in PEI, @cowsicecream is quintessential unless, of course, you are lactose intolerant. I enjoyed the famous lobster roll at @daveslobster.
Went back to Victoria park and enjoyed the beautiful sunset. There is something calming and therapeutic about watching the sky move, change colour with time, and the sun gradually dimming to set. The entire process and change are fascinating and a sight to behold.
And just like that my first solo road trip was fun💃. With less than 24 hours on this beautiful island 😕indeed Charlottetown is exactly as seen on the postcards❤️.
Places to visit or activities to do in Charlottetown:
✅ Visit Bookstores(if you like books) @bookmarkpei and Book Emporium
✅Brunch at @fishbonespei
✅ Sailing with @charlottetownyachtclub
✅ Explore Downtown Charlottetown especially the Harbourside
✅ Explore Peakes Quay – lovely 🥰
✅ Head to Victoria Park
✅ The floating dock
✅ Enjoy the quintessential @cowsicecream
✅ Dinner at @daveslobster
✅ Watch the sunset from Victoria Park
Halifax
This trip was planned and not out of spontaneity. A detailed itinerary coupled with hotel reservations, among others. Also, this wasn’t a solo trip like that of Charlottetown. The total drive time was about 4 hrs 30 mins and I did 2 hours of it and my travel buddy did the rest of the journey. This was a two-day trip so let’s get right into it.
Day One
Upon arrival, hotel check-in was next, followed by FOOD. Breakfast with a view at the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market @hfxseaportmrkt.
The famous PIER 21 museum was in close proximity to the market, we then walked with a student ID in hand and explored the place. You are not allowed to take photographs in some of the rooms. However, it was an educative time there and a lot of history to learn and unpack.
Halifax is known for its waterfront. Apparently, it’s one of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks, 4km. I just want to stay in this moment for eternity – escape the cold winter and just enjoy the spectacular view and tireless walks. And to think summer is over already 🙁.
Jet skiing!! Yes, I did that. I place my life in the hands of this travel buddy with all the necessary security precautions and all the fear brawling in my belly.
I needed ice cream as a consolation for all my fears during the jet ski.
After a time well spent at the harbour front, we made our to have dinner at Five Fishermen. The setting, ambience, and lightning, are just impeccable!
Day One of the Halifax trip ended at Zara 🧡.
Day Two
Day one was a dream, and it’s only fair to want more. The weekend spent in Halifax was pure bliss 💥. I think at this point, everyone should know how I love and wants to be surrounded by nature. It makes me pensive and calm.
The first place to go on the second day was to the Public garden. The flowers – different types, the arrangement, the scenery just breathtaking! And the Public Gardens @hfxpublicgardens definitely didn’t disappoint. My inner child was unleashed💛.
Then brunch at this amazingly beautiful place – the Garden Halifax. I must confess they have the most aesthetically beautiful bathroom 🙈. Their food was topnotch – just too good 👌🏾.
The Library was just around the corner and we made our way there. If you are into photos and all of that other stuff, please head to the rooftop of the library – blue skies with skyscrapers overlooking the harbour front – spectacular!
I somehow made my way to one of the buildings of Dalhousie University. I wanted to get into the Faculty of Computer Science but that was quite a distance away.
Had dinner at the Decks @thedecks and then we hit the road.
Places to visit or activities to do in Halifax:
✅ Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market @hfxseaportmrkt
✅ Visit Halifax Public Library @hfxpublib
✅ Brunch at @thegardenhalifax
✅ Visit the Museum @pier21_quai21
✅ Jet ski with @theharbourwatercraft
✅ Public Gardens @hfxpublicgardens
✅ Explore Downtown Halifax – lovely 🥰
✅ Explore Harbourfront @discoverhalifax
✅ Enjoy ice cream @cowsicecream
✅ Dinner at @5fishermen
✅ Dinner at the Decks @thedecks
✅ Sit and watch and enjoy some calmness at the Harbourfront
Trip to the United States
This will be a brief one. My paper got accent to be published at the IEEE Honet conference. Despite there being a virtual option, I opted to be there in person since I had plans to visit family in the States for the holiday season. The conference was held at Kennesaw State University, Marietta, Georgia. It was a great experience and an eye-opening one even though this is my second in-person conference. It’s always a privilege to learn the revolutionary things others are doing in their field of study and how it’s impacting lives and the world at large.
I made some acquaintances and exchanged contact information which is what and why most of these events are organized; 1. to present your work and 2. to meet people and network. I got a blend of both and even a potential offer.
I made time for fun too, because why not 💁🏽♀️
2023 Travel Affirmation
✨Birthday at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida or Bali or Maldives
✨Summer touring Europe
✨Christmas in London
✨New Year in New York
✨Road trip to Montreal and Quebec City and a continuation to Toronto
