Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a picturesque town located on Cape Breton Island, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. This was the first stop on my cruise from Boston to Greenland.
Outside the port where the ship docks there are several Taxi drivers eager to show you the Town, as a solo tourist the prices were high, for a group of 3 or 4 people they would be reasonable. So decided to venture on my own and walked along the Sydney Waterfront a leisurely walk along the waterfront boardwalk, with beautiful views of Sydney Harbor. The area features benches, public art, and picnic spots.
Situated on the Sydney waterfront is the Big Fiddle is an iconic 60-foot fiddle sculpture, a tribute to Cape Breton's musical heritage. It’s a great photo opportunity!
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| Big Fiddle |
Continued my walk past the street musicians and came across the Merchant Mariner Monument.
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| Merchant Mariner Monument |
This bronze statue commemorates the brave merchant mariners who served during World War II. The sculpture shows four figures, representing different aspects of their service
- A sailor on the dock: This figure symbolizes the courage and determination of the merchant mariners who faced dangerous conditions at sea.
- A sailor reaching out: This figure represents the camaraderie and mutual support among the crew members.
- A sailor struggling to board a lifeboat: This figure depicts the perilous situations that the merchant mariners often encountered.
- A sailor looking out to sea: This figure symbolizes the hope and resilience of the merchant mariners who endured hardships and dangers.
The monument also features a plaque that provides additional information about the history of the merchant marine and their significant contributions during the war. The inscription on the plaque reads
"We were the forgotten service. We were the unsung heroes. We were the merchant mariners."
From the harbor walk I ventured into the town saw a arts and craft fair, the fair was nothing to write home about. The downtown area is not too far from where the ship docks, walked along George Street which is a popular downtown location with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Came across Highland Arts Theatre. It is a historic building that was originally constructed as a Presbyterian church in 1911.
Tired from all the walking, headed towards the Port of Sydney where the cruise ship was docked, there are all kinds of souvenir Shops on the way, bought a couple of T-Shirts, and was just in time to get some lunch as the buffet closes at 3 PM on the ship.
