traveltales: THE BIG BANG

Sunday, August 19, 2018

THE BIG BANG

A Terrible Accident

Not be confused with the popular Big Band Theory of TV fame; this big bang took place during WW I in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This huge explosion happened in 1917 when the harbor was teeming with war ships transporting troops, supplies and munitions to Europe.

The Narrows, appropriately named, is at the head of the harbor. The French ship Mont Blanc was on her way out of the harbor carrying munitions ---400,000 pounds of TNT destined for Europe. The Belgian ship, Imo, had been diverted to Halifax and was sailing into the harbor.

The Imo maneuvered a bit off course to go around a tug boat, then found herself directly in the path of the Mount Blanc. Horrified, both ships immediately went into reverse which swung their bows into each other causing a spark that set the Mont Blanc on fire.

Aware of their cargo, the Mont Blanc lifeboats were immediately lowered into the water and the Mont Blanc crew headed for Dartmouth on the opposite shore. People gathered on shore to watch the burning ship drift toward Halifax.

Those in the life boats kept shouting to the people on shore to go back over the hill, but the spectators did not understand French. Once on shore a quick thinking sailor grabbed a baby out of its mother’s arms and ran up the hill. Of course everyone chased him, but that simple act saved many lives.

In just twenty minutes the ship exploded with a vengeance destroying the entire north end of Nova Scotia. It was the largest man made explosion before Hiroshima. The Halifax explosion instantly killed 1800-2000 people and injured another 9000.

A wire sent to stop a troop train heading to Nova Scotia instead made it to Boston. Only two hours after the explosion a medical relief train was ready to leave Boston. A massive international relief effort followed to rapidly rebuild the city.

In gratitude for the help Boston rendered during that awful time, Nova Scotia still, decades later, sends a large spruce tree for public display to Boston every holiday season.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.