Leaving Fredericton, we opted to make a brief side stop on Prince Edward Island for oysters. Malpeque Bay oysters to be exact. As you probably know, there are several different kinds of oysters and one variety – the malpeque – are harvested in the large bay on the north side of the island.

Part of the excitement of going to PEI, nowadays, is the fact it is no longer an island. In 1997, the Confederation Bridge (the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world) opened and connected the 13km stretch between the island and the New Brunswick shore. PEI is Canada’s smallest province, it has a population of about 130,000 souls with a land mass of 5660 square kilometers. When I become Prime Minister, my first act will be to remove its provincehood status as it’s ridiculous to me to have some wee speck of a place supported by a separate provincial level of government. PEI will become a satellite of New Brunswick.

2) the rough waters of the Northumberland Strait, just before the bridge; 3) the Confederation Bridge


4) Anne of Green Gables Raspberry Cordial; 5) a lobster conference, of course, it’s PEI; 7) the back of Province House

In Halifax we stayed at the Four Points Sheraton right down near the water. It was a very nice corner suite with separate bedroom and livingroom. On our first night in, we stumbled across a very funky (dare I say Toronto-style) restaurant called Mosaic. Pan-asian inspired menu served in supper club, tapas style. We chowed down on:

• mussels in a bonito and lime sauce (this was so-so);
• seared scallops with sweet corn fritter and corn puree (outstanding; the scallops utter perfection);
• crispy duck legs with hollandaise sauce;
• a trio of burgers; and,
• a selection of wonderful cheeses for dessert.

And an excellent Jim Jim Australian Shiraz 2004 washed it all down perfectly.

8) our bedroom; 9) G admires the waterfront


10) inside Mosaic; 11) and outside


12) Theodore Tugboat in Halifax Harbour; 12) eek pirates!

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