We arrived in St. John late in the day. After check-in at the Hilton on the harbor, we had a much needed and delightful walk up the hill to Billy’s Seafood Company. I wish I’d photographed the meal, but sometimes, especially when you’re tired, it’s better just to relax and enjoy the experience. In a word: it was sensational.

But even more sensational was the breathtaking sunset that night.

Next morning, we strolled walked back up the hill, through gracious King’s Square Park, with its many monuments and unusual two-story bandstand. We asked about a breakfast place at the hotel and were referred to Cora, a Canadian chain we would learn more about in Halifax. We rarely do chains, but this one was a delight—every item on the menu was served with artfully presented fresh fruit. We love to go out for breakfast, and this was as much a treat as any we had the entire three weeks. Then we walked through the Market Square Mall, where the library and New Brunswick Museum are located.

Hubby taught me years ago to quell my desire to see and do everything because, he wisely counsels, if you do that, you’ll end up seeing nothing. He is so right. (Hubby, please note. Don’t let it go to your head.) Because our first trips to any new destination are thus largely and deliberately unplanned, and because we were staying in the newer part of the city, we didn’t have time to explore St. John’s many important historic sites. Hopefully, we can do so next time, as New Brunswick history is fascinating.

Part of the expanse of French Acadia, New Brunswick was lost to the British in 1755. Loyalists to the Crown fled the Colonies at the time of the American Revolution to settle in and around St. John. That’s a fascinating piece of US history that I have no memory of learning… ever. Considerable anti-French sentiment led to expulsion of the Acadians. Read Longfellow’s epic poem Evangeline for a fictionalized flavor of Acadian life in what is now Nova Scotia and their heartbreaking banishment (yes, some ended up in Louisiana, where Acadian was mispronounced to become Cajun). Check the link to the Lafayette LA website to find out more about the Evangeline legend.

I hope I have this history right. Clarifications or enhancements from anyone more knowledgeable, especially dear Canadian readers, are welcome. The New Brunswick Museum, like the vibrant City Market, was closed by the time we arrived. No doubt we would have learned a great deal more there. Both are must-sees for a future visit.

Next leg: Halifax!