We leave for Halifax tomorrow, we had a few things left on our "list" to do in Annapolis Royal before then.
There is a small German restaurant and Bakery in town, had lunch there. Barbara had a tomato bisque and I had a very large slice of Bavarian chocolate cake, both were excellent. The restaurant is next to the town's rose garden and is set up as a very open building with a patio in the back full of flowers. We picked up a few items from the bakery. Barbara had a great time practicing her Yiddish and having chats with the owners.
That evening we joined the "Annapolis candlelight Graveyard Tour". This is hosted by the local historical society and the narrator was dressed in the period garb from the 17th century. He was a descendent of the Arcadians. When many of the Arcadians were expelled his family moved up river and stayed in the countryside for three years. They returned when the British decided to forgo the "loyalty" pledge.
He explained that Arcadia is the French name for Nova Scotia, those who settled the area were Arcadians. The word Cajun, used for folks from southern Louisiana is a local dialect derivation of Arcadian.
He described life in the 16th century. Many of the women buried in the graveyard were young (less than 40) dying after having a dozen or more children. Between the still births and children deceases less than a third of the babies survived to puberty. His great great great grandfather had three wives, the first had 12 children, which included three sets twins,his second wife had 11 children with two sets twins two sets of triplets , he did not survive his third wife (no children). There must of been some issues, she did not bury him in the family plot, nor did she provide a headstone. Of all those siblings only a handful went on to have children of their own.
It was an interesting way to present history, if you ever get up this way be sure to take the tour.
That evening we decided to stay an additional day to get organized and have some "chill" time.
Oh, I hate to mention this but the nights are in the upper 50's days have been low 80's. Hope it cools off down there in the Carolinas soon! Barbara said she is not coming home till it cools down!
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