Saturday 7/02/2022 - Day 21 of 31 on our 2022 Canadian Maritime #2 Caravan with Yankee RV Tour

Today was a big day on our caravan, we meet up with group number one and are taking a bus to the Prince George Hotel for lunch and then we go to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo!

 

  

  

 

But first, we used this morning to get our Group #2 group picture and our couples pictures. Too bad mother nature would not let the sun shine! But we do have a great group of caravanners!

Rod had arranged a buffet lunch at the Prince George Hotel. When we entered, we were greeted by the Consignere, Steven. We had a few minutes to wait, so we took the time to get a big group picture. This is the first time in Yankee RV Tours history where two caravans met and did an activity together.

Naturally Rod & Helen wanted a picture of the staff members from these two caravans. So here they are (left to right) Charlie & Wendy, Ben & Pam, Tony & Barbara and Gary & Sheryl.

The Prince George Hotel is a 4 diamond hotel located in downtown Halifax, perfectly situated to enjoy the area’s finest shopping, dining and entertainment. 

       

We were within a block of the venue for the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. We enjoyed a buffet of fine dining at its best. 

         

It was simply a feast for the senses. The wait staff provided us with quality service. I would have to say, there is simply no better place to dine in the city.

After lunch, we walked across the street to the venue for the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. It is the World’s Largest Annual Indoor Show. It is a week-long event held every year in Nova Scotia. The two-and-a-half hour family show is fast-paced – every scene only lasts about 3-6 minutes, so there is always something new to see and experience. We enjoyed a glimpse of true Nova Scotia, with bagpipes, highland dancers and military traditions.

Many of you are saying what is a Tattoo? Here is a bit of background. In 17th century Dutch villages, drummers marched through the streets summoning British soldiers to return to their quarters from the taverns and inns. A drumbeat signaling innkeepers to "doe den tap toe" or "turn off the taps" was shortened and anglicized to "tattoo." The phrase now heralds the amazing entertainment highlighted by marching bands, hundreds of musicians, acrobats, dancers and military competitions. The unique and varied talent of hundreds of Canadian and international military and civilian performers makes the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo the world's largest annual indoor show. The Nova Scotia Tattoo was first held in 1979 to mark the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother to Nova Scotia for the International Gathering of the Clans. It has been held every year, minus the two year hiatus for COVID and was granted Royal Status by Her Majesty The Queen in 2006 on the occasion of her 80th birthday.

This year’s theme was “We stir the heart & call you home.”

The Tattoo was dedicated to the Queens Platinum Jubilee, marking 70-years on the throne and the No 2 Black Construction Battalion, dubbed “Canada’s best kept Military secret.” History, please. In the summer of 1914, thousands of men flocked to recruiting stations in hopes of serving their country in the First World War. But, black men as equally eager and able-bodied as the white men were met with different outcome. They were told “it’s a white man’s war.” I never realized war had a color?! For two-years, letters were written and phone calls made. Casualties were mounting overseas and in April of 1916, al all-Black Labor Battalion was proposed. They would dig trenches, perform logging duties, build roads, defuse land mines and any other tasks needed to support the warriors on the front lines.

On July 5, 1916 the No 2 Construction Battalion was formed. On March 28, 1917 they set sail from Halifax on the SS Southland. Their conditions were poor, medical attention was limited, they had shovels and pitchforks and weapons were reserved for the white soldiers. But these soldiers pushed forward, proud to serve their country. Despite the uniforms and titles, these soldiers were still considered second-class citizens.

When they returned home, the No 2 Construction Battalion never received a handshake, an honorary salute or a simple thank you. In 2021, the Canadian Government put the No 2 on a national platform by announcing an official apology. An apology from the government is a country taking ownership of a shameful past and pledging to do better in the future. The service and sacrifice of the No 2 Construction Battalion was acknowledged and applauded at this year’s Tattoo.

The Flying Grandpas was full of comedy, capers and constant thrills. That is what the Flying Grandpas brought to the Tattoo. Their slap stick humor and high flight trampoline antics delighted the crowd!

The German Bicycle Team were a bunch of talented cyclists who amazed us with their feats and tricks. These were some of Germany’s best cyclists and that was on display every time they rode around the floor!

Since 2013, the Heeresmusikkorps Neubrandenburg have performed as a group, but they have roots that go back to 1991. They not only represent the German Army but also the wider area of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. They perform all over Germany, Europe and the rest of the world at events like charity concerts, military ceremonies and parades.

The Jordanian Armed Forces Band was established in 1921 with only 10 musicians. Today, over 600 people perform within the organization. This is their first trip to perform at the Tattoo. Their trip had to be blessed by the Prince of Jordanian.

We were surprised to see there were a few ladies that were in the Jordanian Armed Forces Band. Very progressive for an Arabic Country.

The High Flyer RB3 is based in Quebec City and added the Tattoo to their list of appearances, which includes America’s Got Talent, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBA half-time shows and Cirque du Soleil shows. 

They have performed in 32 countries around the world. It is amazing how the guys can hold the board and she can jump, flip and land back on it like it is a balance beam!

The Vancouver Police Pipe Band is the world’s oldest continuous serving police pipe band and the official band of the City of Vancouver. The uniforms that they work were spectacular and much appreciated after we learned about the history of the kilt.

The long-time pit-band at the Tattoo is the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. They represent both the Canadian Armed Forces and the East Coast’s Navy as one of the premier military bands in Canada.

The Central Band of of the Canadian Armed Forces is one of the six full-time Regular Force military bands in the Canadian Armed Forces and provides musical support throughout the National Capital Region. The band is augmented by musicians from La Musique du 438e Escadron Tactique d’helicopterers and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The National Band of the Naval Reserve is comprised of select musicians from across Canada and provides musical support for both military and public events nationwide, such as the Calgary Stampede, the Canadian Football League’s Grey Cup and the Tattoo.

An obstacle race between two of the elite Canadian Military Teams. The Royal Canadian Navy gave it their all, but they were outflanked by the Canadian Army Elite fighters!

The Tattoo Massed Pipes & Drums are comprised of units including Royal Canadian Regiment, 5 CDSB from Gagetown, 12 Wing from Shearwater, 14 Wing from Greenwood, Nova Scotia Highlanders and the Black Watch Atlantic Association.

Anastasia is a professional contemporary circus artist. She showed us one of her specialties, aerial silks. She grew up in a European circus family and has been performing and competing since she was 4-years old.

The floor is getting covered by mixed groups of players. The sights and sounds they created were breathtaking. Every act from the Tattoo filled the stage and floor for the finale.

Sadly, there was no United States representatives at this Tattoo. 

Did I mention that the sunsets in Peggy's Cove are spectacular!