Always Amazes Me – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Posted on October 13, 2012 by lesleycarter

Today is my last day in Cape Breton. The view outside of my window at Highland Heights Inn is reflective of my mood; there is overcast with a hint of the morning sun beaming out from off in the distance. I’ll miss my sisters and brothers and my parents, including my grandparents. They bring so much happiness into my life that my heart is full. It can never be considered a bad day when I get to return to my new home and be with my husband, and my daughter, but that sinking feeling that comes when you know you are going to miss your family dearly has arrived and is in full force. As the sun comes up and brightens my day, I am reminded of all that learned by acting as a tourist in Cape Breton.

During my one-week visit, I’ve been able to fully experience the Celtic Colours for the first time. I learned about my Gaelic heritage as if I was a university student again, full of bewilderment and wonder. When I return to North Carolina, I will compile all of the videos and photos into an article and post them for you to experience true Cape Breton as well. From fiddles, bagpipes, guitars, pianos, harps, and Gaelic songs, the heart of Cape Breton music is strong.

Incorporating my new knowledge of Gaelic will be my next task. This morning, I actually have a few Gaelic words that I can exchange with my sister and we may even practice a chorus from a Gaelic song before I leave. I’ll continue to learn about my Celtic heritage and hopefully Athena will learn from me, and my family, as she grows. Our culture will never be lost if it is shared and Celtic Colours is spreading the word.

54 thoughts on “Always Amazes Me – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia”

crossfitrook on October 13, 2012 at 4:11 am said:

Cape Breton is beautiful. We stayed in Mabou. My brother got married as his wife is from Mabou. Fantastic scenery and the Red Shoe Pub was a great place for beers and music.

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- lesleycarter on October 14, 2012 at 7:30 pm said:
  
  I love the Red Shoe Pub. Although it is rather far from my home town in Sydney Mines, I’ve made the trip several times. 🙂
  
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Eagle-Eyed Editor on October 13, 2012 at 4:11 am said:

Looking forward to seeing the photos and videos of Cape Breton music! I can’t wait! 🙂

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nutsfortreasure on October 13, 2012 at 4:20 am said:

Love this place too. Waiting for all your photos as well

🙂
Eunice

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goalinreach on October 13, 2012 at 5:11 am said:

I miss getting home as much too. Most of my family still lives there. Thanks for posting. I know how you feel about it though, your heart is torn. My hubby still, after 18 years, can’t understand why I still refer to Cape Breton as “going home”. As much as the home and life I have here is home, Cape Breton will ALWAYS be my first home.

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- lesleycarter on October 14, 2012 at 7:31 pm said:
  
  Once a Cape Bretoner, always a Cape Bretoner 😉
  
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lulu on October 13, 2012 at 5:44 am said:

We were just talking about Cape Breton last night as a place we want to go. I’m eager to hear and see more of your adventure.

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Caerlynn Nash on October 13, 2012 at 5:49 am said:

Farewell to Nova Scotia, but we know you’ll be back! Safe journeys from a fellow Nova Scotian!

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- lesleycarter on October 14, 2012 at 7:32 pm said:
  
  I grieve to leave my native land,
  I grieve to leave my comrades all,
  And my parents whom I love so dear,
  And the bonnie, bonnie lad that I do adore.
  
  😉
  
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Living Success 3D on October 13, 2012 at 5:49 am said:

Breathtaking…

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Mag (Chancy's Mumsy) on October 13, 2012 at 5:55 am said:

Those week long visits with family really go by quickly, don’t they? Have a safe trip home. Hugs

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LizForADay on October 13, 2012 at 5:57 am said:

It is always nice to be with family. Whenever I go home to visit, I always have a yearning to move back home just so I can be close to them. Then I snap back into reality and get bact to the life I made since venturing forth. I miss them all dearly, but I love being with them too. 🙂 I know how you feel. 🙂

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allinthedayofme on October 13, 2012 at 7:18 am said:

I’m so glad you got to spend time with your family and where your heritage is. I can’t wait to see your videos! 😉

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Word Hits on October 13, 2012 at 7:40 am said:

Luv all the gorgeous pics and fun adventures! Keep it coming…

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tonettejoyce on October 13, 2012 at 7:59 am said:

I would love to be there! I am so glad that you are getting so much out of this.

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mandyevebarnett on October 13, 2012 at 8:08 am said:

I know your pain, leaving my family in England to live in Canada was extremely hard. Skype & emails help but a real cuddle can’t be beaten. Hold their love in your heart and know family will always be there with you.

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Heather C.J. Atkins on October 13, 2012 at 10:45 am said:

I really should learn a little more about my celtic (Welsh and Irish) roots. It’s so nice that your hometown offers a festival to experience Gaelic language and culture. I look forward to your videos to come.

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nurulthecook on October 13, 2012 at 10:57 am said:

Yeah, family is something really special! 🙂

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♔ la dauphine ♔ on October 13, 2012 at 11:05 am said:

I’ve really enjoyed the Cape Breton posts & I look forward to the compilation article with photos & videos!

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Tanveer Rauf on October 13, 2012 at 11:12 am said:

very well written. I felt myself there 🙂 waiting for phtos

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susartandfood on October 13, 2012 at 11:44 am said:

I’m from Nova Scotia and had wonderful times in Cape Breton. Makes me homesick.

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dontchawannadream on October 13, 2012 at 11:51 am said:

Amazing pics!!!

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vanbraman on October 13, 2012 at 12:05 pm said:

I have a few Scottish and Irish ancestors from way back, so they would have spoken Goidelic languages. I may have to do more research and learn a little bit of Irish or Gaelic.

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The Lonely Dogs on October 13, 2012 at 1:35 pm said:

My heart really goes out to you having to leave home today, it’s a feeling I know well, and it’s never easy. There is that certain feeling of having ones heart split in two, but then we just have to remember what a special thing is it to have our hearts held so lovingly in two places.

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Dan on October 13, 2012 at 1:54 pm said:

I was born in Halifax! All those areas are beautiful.

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LordBeariOfBow on October 13, 2012 at 3:03 pm said:

What a delightful post, I look forward to the post you have promise with a great deal of impatience.
I can imagine the beauty of Nova Scotia, but I doubt I shall ever see it; I can’t stand the cold ;o)

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Bella Remy Photography on October 13, 2012 at 3:35 pm said:

My ! You do get around ! I am so jealous as this looks so fabulous.

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colgore on October 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm said:

That picture is stunning. My family is half Irish and my uncle has spent a lot of time in Ireland over the past two decades reclaiming his heritage. I love that curious spirit. That’s why I read your blog.

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Tim Mushey on October 13, 2012 at 6:12 pm said:

I am sure you had a wonderful trip Lesley! I was there once briefly, but need to go back. Just an incredible part of our fantastic country. Thanks for sharing…

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Jillian on October 13, 2012 at 10:15 pm said:

Wonderful that you’re learning Gaelic!

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denisediscovers on October 13, 2012 at 10:43 pm said:

Cape Breton looks a beautiful place. Your posts about its heritage have been interesting too.

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panayiotisd on October 13, 2012 at 11:46 pm said:

Wow discovering your heritage must have been really exciting ! Where will the road take you next? 🙂

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- lesleycarter on October 14, 2012 at 1:45 am said:
  
  I’m heading back to Charlotte, North Carolina today then I’m off to the Highlands of North Carolina at the end of the month. Fiji is at the end of November and hopefully Africa in the new year. 🙂
  
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- lesleycarter on October 14, 2012 at 1:45 am said:
  
  I’m heading back to Charlotte, North Carolina today then I’m off to the Highlands of North Carolina at the end of the month. Fiji is at the end of November and hopefully Africa in the new year. 🙂
  
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peachcolored on October 14, 2012 at 4:19 am said:

absolutelly beautiful! ❤

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InnerDialect on October 14, 2012 at 7:18 am said:

so lovely, the pics, the ambience here,,,, everything…

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jotokla on October 14, 2012 at 7:18 am said:

Looking forward to seeing your virtual tour of Cape Breton – I’ve so enjoyed reading the posts during your visit there.

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whisperingleavesblog on October 14, 2012 at 9:12 am said:

Perhaps one day you will visit old Scotland, and be blessed by Iona and the islands and then there is the Edinburg Festival. May all your home comings be happy ones.

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liz on October 14, 2012 at 12:31 pm said:

So glad you’ve had a wonderful trip! I know the feeling, so weird and bittersweet to leave home & family to return to home & family. Wishing you a safe trip back to NC & sweet memories to follow you all of your days.

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Deb W. Trotter on October 14, 2012 at 1:03 pm said:

I would love to learn some Gaelic, but can’t speak it in a vacuum! You are fortunate to have family to help you, even if it is at long distance most of the time. I can relate to your heavy heart at parting from your family. I was well into my 40’s before I stopped tearing up whenever I hugged my parents goodbye!

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IfByYes on October 14, 2012 at 2:05 pm said:

Have they taught you to sing Rock In The Stream or Barrett’s Privateers, yet? Two songs that almost every Nova Scotian knows, and commonly sung at kitchen parties!

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- lesleycarter on October 14, 2012 at 5:33 pm said:
  
  Oh, I knew both of those for years, especially during my university years 😉
  
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110293 on October 14, 2012 at 5:44 pm said:

I know exactly what you mean about the bittersweet experience of visiting home and finding out your heart is in two places.

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Anna Scott Graham on October 14, 2012 at 7:15 pm said:

I spent the afternoon with all my kids; my eldest, her husband and their new dog visited, making my day! These times with gathered loved ones are fleeting; so lovely you had a family holiday, and how wonderful to share your heritage with your daughter!

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iamalexwyler on October 14, 2012 at 11:03 pm said:

I’m well-impressed…

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suesbooks on October 16, 2012 at 7:03 am said:

I am amazed and love reading about your adventures. How do you find the time and resources to go do all that? I want your life.

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Let's CUT the Crap! on October 16, 2012 at 8:10 pm said:

Good times. Great memories.

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Mary on October 17, 2012 at 8:33 am said:

Wonderful pictures! Nothing like good family fun –

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Unforgettable Honeymoons Blog on October 19, 2012 at 11:29 pm said:

Reblogged this on Unforgettable Honeymoons Blog and commented:
loving This Blog!!

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Richard Tulloch on October 20, 2012 at 11:45 am said:

As a keen fiddle player of Scottish heritage, Cape Breton is one of those legendary places high on my Bucket List!

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pickingalover on October 21, 2012 at 12:48 pm said:

As a Nova Scotian living in Los Angeles, reading your post and seeing the pictures made me both homesick and better appreciate my roots. Thanks for a wonderful post.

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klastinger on October 21, 2012 at 1:15 pm said:

Thank you for liking my post. I love your photo of the sun rise. It made me stop and read this post. What a great festival to share with your daughter, even though she is little it will be a great tradition you can start.

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Monica on October 23, 2012 at 8:20 am said:

Beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Nova Scotia.

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gracemacneil on November 7, 2012 at 8:53 pm said:

I have spent some amazingly fantastic times in the Iona area – as soon as I laid eyes on that photo I immediately recognized it. It’s so breathtakingly beautiful! And how hilarious is that fiddle? I’ve only been away from the home of my heart a few months now and while I couldn’t be happier to be experiencing new things – the smell of the salt water is something I miss terribly. I cannot wait to be back for just a few days at Christmas.

thanks for sharing Lesley! I love your online space 🙂 xo from a fellow caper.

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