From Me to You: Nova Scotia-Where common courtesies are common!

For 7 years, I lived in an area where common courtesies were not so common. Things like holding the door for someone, making eye contact, smiling at strangers rarely happens and when it does, you nearly faint out of total shock that there are still polite people out there. How sad a statement. Well, I'm here to tell you that common courtesies are very common in Nova Scotia.

Everyday, whether I'm in Lunenburg or Halifax, people are incredibly helpful and polite. People hold the door every single time. People smile at strangers and let people with small children go first in-line at the grocery store. People help carry your things if your hands are full and would literally offer you the shirt off their back if you needed it. Random strangers pay attention to you and make you feel important. In shops, you are given their undivided attention, no matter how small or large your purchase is.

Lunenburg Waterfront

In addition to friendly people, Nova Scotia has the added bonus of being an absolutely beautiful province of varied terrain. What you see in Cape Breton is completely unlike the South Shore, but all equally as captivating.

When you visit Lunenburg, make sure you take time to stroll the waterfront and breathe in the salt sea air, say hello to the Bluenose II, visit the quaint shops and friendly staff, grab a coffee (or delicious hot chocolate) at Shop on the Corner and eat lunch at The Knot Pub. Save some time to take a tour of Ironworks Distillery. The knowledgeable staff will walk you through the process of distilling their tasty spirits and give you a sample taste of your choosing. If you're here on a Thursday, attend the farmers market, full of local organic farmers, bakers, that are true artists, and try a pepito (sort of a triangular croissant filled with chocolate chips and possibly a thin spread of custard). Life is simple here and truly beautiful.

Are people just more polite here or genuinely happier? I don't know the answer to that, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it's both. Waking up everyday and looking out over the water instantly puts a smile on my face. Even walking to the local post office is a joy, because I encounter so many friendly faces along the way. Store owners wave out the window as you walk by and the post office staff know everyone by name! They even have treats waiting for all the doggies who pop by!

If you have ever been lucky enough to visit Nova Scotia, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't been here yet, put it on your bucket list and make it happen!

www.novascotia.com
www.explorelunenburg.ca