Yesterday, someone asked me on the golf course whether my travels are for pleasure or business. I had to respond that's it is impossible to separate the two. Rarely are my trips not business since I cannot stop seeking out and seeing things to incorporate into various projects. And I can't stop working.
This was particularly true during a short visit to Lunenburg and Chester following the CIP Conference in Halifax. It has been at least 12 years since I was last in Lunenburg and Chester. It find it hard to believe, but Lunenburg is one of only two North American urban communities designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-go/regions/south-shore/lunenburg (Since you asked, the other is Philadelphia.)
The historic downtown of Lunenburg, with its quaint and colourful buildings is quite remarkable. While there is some new infill development, much appears as it did many decades ago. One difference may be the colour of some buildings. It's hard to believe they are traditional, but I am willing to be proven wrong.
The following is an extract from a Wikipedia entry:
A young lady I met at the CIP conference suggested I stay at this loft accommodation developed by Brian Mackay Lyons. She offered to check whether there was availability, but when I didn't hear back, I assumed not and booked at another small inn along the main street. https://www.mlsarchitects.ca/whoweare
Typical streetscapes. Not a lot of front yard setbacks!
While the fish processed at the High Liner plant may come from around the world, you certainly feel like you are in a fishing community.
I was curious about the name of this vodka soda. I was told blue lobsters are very rare and hence the name. In case you have never seen a blue lobster...
One of the many colourful streetscapes in the downtown
Since I booked at the last minute, this was one of the only places with available accommodation. It was fine, but I suspect there are many better places to stay.
The view from my room after the fog lifted a bit!
I spent a most enjoyable evening at this small restaurant along the main street, thanks in part to meeting up with a Vancouver area planner. When someone asked towards the end of the evening whether it would be open for lunch the next day, the bartender replied, "yes, as long as it isn't raining too heavily." That's when I noticed there was no roof over the area where the tables were located.
