K & L's Travel Blog

We are on our second day here in Dartmouth and Halifax.

Our first day we stopped at my very first marijuana dispensary. They are run by the federal government, though I think there are also unofficial dispensaries about. They deliver, but I wanted to experience the store. It was large and roomy with literally hundreds of choices. A man came over and helped to guide me. One thing was that I’m used to a language of symptoms and they are strictly recreational, so when I ask “Can you recommend something for anxiety?” he tells me he can’t answer that. Nor can he speak to something that could help me sleep. I can say “I want to feel tired” or “I want to walk around and feel creative and take photos” but nothing that smacks of actual treatment. We spend about 58.00 USD in all, and I fear I’ll have to throw stuff out before we leave. I ended up with mints (for daytime), Indica softgels (sleep) and three pre-rolled joints (party time). They have built-in filters and pack quite a punch. Even though we have a balcony, the hotel threatens to fine guests $250 for smoking, so I still feel illicit. There’s a designated smoking spot outside, but it is filled with indigents and addicts, so I’ve avoided that space (more on this very special hotel later).

It seems that a cruise ship has landed. The crowds are nothing like Barcelona, but the vibe is unmistakable and the waterfront that was empty yesterday is thronging with tourists today. We enjoy ourselves walking the waterfront and have fun watching the children.

We eat at the touristy food courts—I get my first lobster roll at Dave’s and Kitty braves Poutine, a decision she regrets the rest of the afternoon. The lobster roll was great, btw.

Rain is moving in about 4:00 so we head back to the hotel to do photo/blog work, and then take a taxi to our first destination restaurant, Canteen on Portland. It’s pouring rain and our driver speeds off. Kitty says “Don’t rush on our account!” He is a wild man. We mention the weather and he starts fumbling for his weather app while careening down the hill. He tells us we should go stargazing tomorrow night and launches into a reverie about dark skies. The 5 minute ride costs 10.00 CAN compared to our 1.50 bus/ferry rides.

The Canteen on Portland doesn’t disappoint. We have local Nova Scotia wine—a bit tart, but perfect with the local oysters. Kitty gets scallops and I have pan-fried halibut. The sauces and preparations are spot on. We split a slice of their signature carrot cake for dessert.

We decide to walk back to our hotel in the rain, which is coming in squalls. It’s a good test for our new coats (they perform admirably). We are safely home and in bed by ten.