A Nova Scotian Love in the Time of COVID-19

by Vernice Chua (Singapore)

Making a local connection Canada

At the time of writing, COVID-19 has been dominating the news not just in Asia, but globally too. You can tell there is a sense of fear, anxiety and urgency worldwide simply by reading the news everyday. I am a Singaporean and I have been travelling in Nova Scotia since early January 2020. COVID-19 was not given much attention until China authorities locked down an entire city in China. To date, the virus has killed over 2,100 people and still counting. As an Asian travelling in this part of the world and with COVID-19 humming in the background, I am conscious of the unspoken buzz around me. The outbreak has seen a rise in anti-Chinese sentiment, xenophobia, and prejudice against people of East Asian descent -- especially in Western countries. Naturally, I was a little hesitant and apprehensive about going out and making conversations. But after a couple of days in the country, I braved myself and got into the local drift like a normal traveller. Nova Scotia is cold and wintry during this time of the year. Most of the national parks and trails are closed for the season and I am told this is the most quiet time of the year. The normally shy fishermen and elusive locals usually come out at this time of the year because there is no hundreds of tour buses commuting along the famous Lighthouse Route 333. Driving conditions are fairly safe despite some days of heavy snow. The sights are immersive and if you want to get a good photo without hundreds of other people photo-bombing you, this is the perfect time. The experience just cannot get better when you have the whole sight or trekking trail to yourself. I have parked myself at a country home in Shad Bay, a small rural community well-placed between Halifax city and the famous Peggy’s Cove. The location of the house is formidable as is the view - total privacy with just the coastline right in front of you. There are a couple of houses scattered nearby but there is a higher possibility of wild deers threading across your lawn, or a family of ducks docking in your cove, than a human trespassing into your territory. This is meditative zen if you are looking for a respite from the city. As the weather can get a little unpredictable making it impossible to exercise outdoors, my neighbour Jim has suggested that I could join the gym at the local community centre about 10 minutes away from home. The neatest thing is, not only can you easily get into the local drift and make contact, the community centre is totally inclusive. Clearly, you do not have to be a Canadian to participate in the activities at the community centre. To further assimilate into the community, support the local grocers and farmers. You can always shop for local organic produce at small grocery stores peppered along Route 333 and find out more hidden secrets about Nova Scotia. During one of my attempts to get a pizza at G’s Pizza, I discovered a Nova Scotian hot favourite – the donair. This legendary Halifax donair consists of thin slices of spiced beef laid on a warm Lebanese pita, topped with diced onion and tomato, and finally, drizzled with the sweet garlicky Maritime sauce. The lady chef at G’s has even shared the secrets to making a good Maritime sauce which to my greatest delight, tastes like ice cream. Almost two months here, I am in love with this beautiful rugged landscape and more so, the surprisingly warm and friendly people of Nova Scotia who are always more than ready to share a good secret once you get them talking. There are clear signs of gentrification within Halifax city but once you get out of the city, everything becomes as real as what mother nature has provided for us. People here are real, hardy and adaptable. I have signed up for a yoga retreat workshop this weekend and I cannot wait to further get into the zen here. COVID-19 may be fierce but being here makes me realise that we homo sapiens are made stronger and here to stay.