Visiting the Island of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
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So after I went to Wolfville I decided to go to Cape Breton. It is a island located to the northern part of Nova Scotia, it is like Hokkaido is to Japan. It was once a growing mining and fostery economy, but with the advent of globalisation and the ability to buy such products from cheaper producing sources the economy has gone into decline.This has meant that they have had to expand into other areas and one that has taken on a greater importance is Tourism. There are many Victorian B&B there, nature sites and a interesting highway experience called “The Cabot Trail” It is a highway that runs along the coast of the island, which is fairly rugged due to the fact that much of it is exposed to the harsh north Atlantic ocean. But it has contains some of most breath taking scenery and natural sites.
On this trip I went to visit a old friend from when I used to visit Cape Breton on a more regular bases. We had not seen each other in over 5 years and so it was a good time to catch up because I was unsure of when I would ever get the chance to come again.
The weather was raining the day that I went and we thought it would be best to stay inside. So we went to the Alexander Grand Bell Museum in Baddeck. If you do not know who he is, he is the Scottish inventor of the Telephone who moved to Canada and made his residence there. It is an interesting museum to visit as he was a prolific inventor. Initially he started working with the deaf to teach them the ability to communicate, and then he got interested in the telephone and other modes of communication. Later in his life he had a interest in flying things, hyrdofoils and planes. The museum is all about him and his inventions. I think this is my 4th time going there and I still enjoy it.
And after that we drove home to Halifax and I caught my flight to Montreal.
I have a question for those who read, what do you think of my layout, can you see any area for improvement? please leave a comment to suggest.
Thank you,
Patrick
Luke Elliot
wrote:
Hi Patrick, Luke Elliot of Gaijin for Life here. I think that over all your layout is visually pleasing–nice colour scheme and good proportion. I especially like the way the thumbnails (of your photos) pop up in the central column when you click on them.
On the other hand, I always question the point of having calendar in the sidebar . . . especially when you already have a “Most Recent Posts” category right below it. People usually already know what day it is, and they are much more likely to check out a post based on its title/heading than on the day you wrote it. The space would probably have a lot more impact if it were occupied by something with an “About” theme, i.e. an image/images of either you and what you like to do or Hokkaido (and maybe Canada) or even something JET related with a personal twist . . . .
Your header, with all its “Engrish” signs is great, although I’m still not sure how I feel about the ” Home” and “About” tabs sticking up into it.
Sorry this has become such a long comment . . . naturally blog layouts are something I have a keen personal interest in.
Posted on 02-Jul-06 at 3:46 pm | Permalink
patrick1004
wrote:
Hey Luke,
Thank you for your comment. I agree with you about the calander I have been playing around with my sidebar lately. It does seem redundant with the most recent posts. I will remove that.
Yes I also dislike the about and home thing at the top. It came with the theme I am using and have not been able to get the time to remove it.
No I am really happy with your long comment, as all the points you have provided are constructive and can only go to making my blog more attractive.
Thank you,
Patrick
Posted on 02-Jul-06 at 6:31 pm | Permalink
Dustin
wrote:
Hey Patrick,
Dustin here. I just wanted to say thanks for your comment the other day. Thanks also for reading.
It worked out that I’ll be styaying in a student dorm instead of doing a homestay. Thank goodness for small favors.
Good luck to you over here, and although I have no idea where Shimokawa is, if you’re ever in the Muroran area, drop me a line.
Take it easy.
Dustin
Posted on 10-Jul-06 at 7:35 am | Permalink
patrick1004
wrote:
Hello Dustin,
Oh happy to comment on your blog, it is always interesting to read and paints such a wonderful image of Hokkaido. I can’t wait to go there.
I am happy to hear everything worked out with you and you visit. I agree, it is those small favours that can come to mean so much as they are not expected.
Shimokawa, is about 30 minutes from Nayoro. If i find myself int he Muroran area I will make sure to visit. Just first I will have to locate it on a map.
Take care,
Patrick
Posted on 11-Jul-06 at 8:17 pm | Permalink