Friday, July 8, 2011

Looking Through the Fence


Last Sunday we were in Halifax 'trying out' a restaurant new to us. After we left very full, I thought it would be a good change to walk in the city....downtown.
Since we had Sophie with us, it would be good for her to familiarize herself, again, with walking on-lead in the city. She is so used to 'running free' at the beach or a park.
Right in the heart of Halifax there is the Public Gardens. These are very old, Victorian gardens which occupy one large city block.
It is completely surrounded by this magnificent wrought-iron fence. We parked the car on the north side of the Gardens and thought we'd walk the perimeter. It was a beautiful evening and there were a few people about enjoying the sights.
We headed down the east side which is on South Park Street. Across the street from this corner of the Gardens is a landmark building which houses the CBC, Canadian Broadcast Corporation.
Another Halifax landmark is the Lord Nelson Hotel which is just a bit further down the street.
As we turned the corner to go down the south side, we stopped and looked at this magnificent main gate to the Gardens.
Sophie as you can see was very well behaved and delighted in all the spots to sniff. I bet she 'registered' a few dozen new scents and kept them tucked away where dogs keep such information.
As I was busy 'snapping away', Ron and Sophie turned onto the west side of the Gardens. This is Summer Street. Back in the 70's Ron and I had an apartment in this building. It is the one on the ground floor, left-hand corner.
We lived here for about a year. A sweet 'little old lady' (really) owned the building. There were about 20 or so units in it. Halfway through the year she had to sell it because it was too much for her to do on her own.
So new 'landlady' shows up and doubles the rent! About seven tenants objected and took her to the Tenancy Board. We were one of them. We lost and she kicked all of us out! I went to a lawyer and he said that she was within her rights.
He (now a MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) in the government of the Province), told me that revenge can be so good for the soul especially when dealing with someone so ruthless. He gave me a few suggestions of which I followed through. That would be for another post!
Back to this building.......it was totally torn down a few years ago, saving only the facade. It looks exactly as it did back then. In the back they have built a condo high-rise with magnificent views of the city.
Across the street from this building and looking into the Gardens again, you can see this fountain. It is one of the focal points for visitors.
So making a turn down the north, and last, side we came upon the duck pond. 




 
I should mention that I worked here during my university summers. 
It was a great job to have and I learned a lot about gardening and the care of lawns. 
Back to the fence......a couple of more shots from the north side looking in. It was a good walk around this block and we slipped back in time for a second or two. And, Sophie learned that she can walk in the city....even if she is 'on leash'.











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