Saturday, August 02, 2008

Farewell to Nova Scotia

Lobster Traps at Rest
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Our last night in Nova Scotia... sadness sets in and a knowing in my heart that it is the last time I'll see the atlantic fog roll over us. In 1752 my ancestors, arriving from the Black Forrest, were one of the founding families of Lunenburg, a charming fishing village on the south shore, and even before I knew that I felt a deep connection to this part of Canada. It's clean and natural here, full of birdsong and billowous clouds, and people who are friendly beyond belief. Nova Scotia... I miss you already.

I'm reminded of this song, one of my Maritime favourites.


The sun was setting in the west,
The birds were singing on every tree.,
All nature seemed inclined for to rest
But still there was no rest for me.

Chorus

Farewell to Nova Scotia, your sea-bound coast,
Let your mountains dark and dreary be.
For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed,
Will you ever heave a sigh and a wish for me?

I grieve to leave my native land,
I grieve to leave my comrades all,
And my parents whom I held so dear,
And the bonnie, bonnie lassie that I do adore.

Chorus

The drums they do beat and the wars to alarm,
The captain calls, we must obey.
So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms,
For it's early in the morning I am far, far away.

Chorus

I have three brothers and they are at rest,
Their arms are folded on their breast.
But a poor simple sailor just like me,
Must be tossed and driven on the dark blue sea.

16 comments:

oreneta said...

Oh I am so ad for you, it is so incredibly beautiful out there. My family has been in Nfld for gnereations, though I never lived there. It is so so lovely.

Ginnie Hart said...

This is heaven, Kim! I was there several years ago (on our New England/Canada cruise) because it was one of my (deceased) brother's photographic haunts. I can feel your sentiments exactly. Bless you. I know you will take it all with you....

CanadianSwiss said...

I've never been to the east coast of Canada. Can you believe it? What a beautiful shot.

Diane Mandy said...

Beautiful photograph. I remember the melancholy I felt when we sold our U.S. home after being in Germany for a few months, so I can imagine your feelings are mixed.

GMG said...

Hi Kim! Finally I found some time to enjoy your excellent blog…
Unfortunately, I wouldn't say that I'm in the mood for a foggy day in August; that's probably why my wife doesn't allow me to make go up north for summer holidays... Seems like travelling to Delusion... ;))
Many thanks for your comments on Blogtrotter, now at the second and last post on MoMA! Hope you enjoy and wish you a great week and a nice trip back to Tirana!

hockeyman said...

There is nothing quite like sitting in the restaurant at Peggy's cove and having a bowl of seafood chowder or fisherman's hash and the wind is howling outside and the waves are crashing against the rocks.

truly great places

Rositta said...

Seeing that photo of Peggy's Cove brought back memories of my last road trip with my late Mom in July of 2003. She had always wanted to go there and after 50 years in Canada, I took her. It was a long car trip for an 80 year old lady and we drove completely around the island. But she loved every moment of it never complained and I'm glad I took her. It is one of the most beautiful places but I probably won't go back...ciao

GMG said...

Hi Kim! 2008.08.08 is a very special day for Blogtrotter. So, before I start commemorating, let me just tell you how much I appreciate your comments on my blogs! Thanks a lot!
Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

kimi in mo said...

Hi Kim. Love the pics you have posted on here. Just stopping by to get caught up. We are getting ready for school to begin here so we have been quite busy lately. Hope you are doing well.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Kim. Those words just sent goosebumps down my arms. I'm so sorry about the situation, leaving and never coming back in the same way again. I tell my daughter that's part of what it means to be a "world traveller". Always a goodbye somewhere that makes the heart tear, always a price to pay.

The photo is gorgeous though. Thank goodness we have memories to look back on. Hopefully your parents will be happy(ier) in Ontario. Sounds like it's a good move for them.

All the best to you, sweetie. I'll be having my own farewell once we leave Germany so this post kind of hit me as an introduction to what I'll feel. :-(

Have a safe trip back to Tirana.

GMG said...

Hi Kim,
No news, good news?
Gil

swenglishexpat said...

Beautiful photo, and it reminds me of a place on the west coast of Sweden where I've spent many summers. The "geological resemblance" has got to do with the fact that it is called Nova Scotia (New Scotland) and Scotland being part of the same mountain range as the one between Norway and Sweden. (Sorry, didn't mean to lecture.)

christina said...

Awww. I can imagine how you're feeling. I feel the same way about the Pacific coast. My brother and his family moved to Halifax for a year a while back and I got to visit and take in all the stunning scenery.

bluebird of paradise said...

I so enjoy your blog. What a lovely find.....

J. said...

Glorious picture...Note to self, must see Nova Scotia!

snowdrop85 said...

Hi Kim, missing your blog. Come back soon.