Day 7–Charlottetown and We Have a Winner!

We thought that because we’d be watching two musicals in two nights that staying in Charlottetown would be the best option. While we stayed in a hotel very close to the main attractions, Charlottetown had only a few things for us to do. However, since we have been go, go, go all trip, we welcomed the down time. Adella’s self-imposed nap time took on a new meaning.

Our hotel had an alley that opened up to Queen Street. We were one block from the Sobey Family Theatre, and 15 minutes to the harbor. The pleasant stroll led us through all the touristy shops. Adella had been looking for a gift for her friend Molly, so we stopped in a few. She ended up finding a cute keychain for Molly to put on her backpack.

At the end of our shopping path we found great photo opportunities. Adella’s favorite spot had to be the “Love Lock” wall. Similar to many towns, this location allowed those who love each other to add a lock then throw away the key (not in the water). Adella’s mission was to find a lock she could open. Can you believe someone left the combination on their lock to 0-0-0??? It’s a blue lock, so if you want to impress your friends, look for a blue lock. We didn’t want to steal anyone’s love, so it’s still there.

For those of you who don’t know, Charlottetown created a backdrop for the unification of Canada as a country. Their land housed the meeting of several provinces who met to decide in 1867 to become an independent nation.

As a result, several actors dressed up in historical outfits to provide live updates on the history that filled this island. Adella preferred taking photos from afar. Interacting—not her thing!

Photos with cows and butterflies—definitely her thing! Posing with sculptures who wouldn’t ask questions—also her thing.

The Tourist Information Centre provided us with a fun activity. Hidden throughout Charlottetown was a mouse named Eckhart. He’s a literary character created by a local author. On a pamphlet, nine clues reside that helped us find the nine Eckhart statues. Turns out, you don’t see them unless you know to look for them. We discovered we had been passing Eckhart often!

One of the places we visited on our tour was the St. Dunstan’s Basilica. Entrance is free, and the church even provides an audio guide. Watching Adella see the inside of a cathedral for the first time was fun! She had so many questions…why is there a statue of Mary, what are the candles for, why do they confess to a priest when only God can forgive? We sat and admired the adornments and marveled at the workmanship.

Eventually the time had come—Anne and Gilbert the Musical. Last night Adella did not have time to change into her Diana Barry/Anne Shirley outfit, but tonight we had the time. Adella decided to wear the Anne hat and wig. We tried our best to hide her natural hair, so she could look the part.

I fill with pride each time this lovely girl decides to step out of her comfort zone. Not only did she dress in period clothes, but she walked 10 blocks in that outfit. People would tell her how great she looked, and I’d watch smiles fill strangers’ faces as they watched her walk down the street.

Once we sat in our seats, the theater gave two free tickets to the Harbour Hopper (Duck Boat). Guess who won? The Anne in seat 6D. I’m sure they awarded Adella because of her innocent and beautiful expression of love for the Anne Shirley books.

Once the show concluded the actors came out to greet the audience. The woman playing Anne ran to Adella to tell her that she saw her while on stage, and she was so impressed. We talked for a while then she asked Adella if she wanted a photo. Yes! Gilbert asked, and I told him Adella secretly loves Gilbert Blythe, so he joined the photo opportunity too! What a dream for Adella! Two amazing musicals topped with conversations with the main characters. It couldn’t have been any better!