Halifax of West Yorkshire

As the train pulled into Halifax train station, one evening, so many moons ago, my heart was filled with a cocktail of emotions. Anticipation, hope, wonder, and a whole host of other indescribable childlike feelings.One thing I know is that fear wasnt one of them, nor trepidition, nor anxiety. This was the beginning of a new life in a new land, so many thousands miles from the place the heart called home.Though I know not why, I have never been anxious or fearful of facing a new place or a different land. Each new place in my life was like a new discovery. Something to explore, get to know, understand, and then maybe love or hate.

Halifax disappointed me. Not because it was Halifax, but because she was quite simply put monochromatic. Yeah, what a term to use! But it is the only single word that summed up my disappointment of my new life in this land. I wasnt used to buildings all being made in the same colour.Every street was lined by houses made of the same kind of brick, offering not much variation in the facade. Every street looked liked the other to my quite undiscerning eye. Closely built dull grey terraced houses with lines of washing hanging out to dry was a common sight in the inner alleys of the town.

Thankfully it was August and the grey skies were yet to come.

Our new life in Halifax began by sharing a single bedroom in the staff wing of Calderdale Royal Hospital, which had then only recently been awarded its foundation status. A couple of suitcases and bags and us! A shared bathroom, kitchen and laundry. It was here that I 'ate' my first mushroom fried rice lovingly prepared by my husband, the one that stubbornly refused to go down my throat. Mushrooms and I have hardly been friends ever since.

Anyway, lets get back to Halifax, that little gem nestled in the hills of West Yorkshire.

As I told you I was disappointed in the sameness of everything, one because I didnt expect anything of this sort, and the other because it made me even more home sick.

We soon found out that halifax was far from monochromatic once you begin to scratch the surface.

It was home to one of the most thriving banks in the region, The Halifax. At that time Halifax had as its headquarters a very imposing building in the heart of the town. Continuing with the monochromatic theme, but with a modern twist of some glass as seen in the picture.

We also found that Halifax was  home to many (approx 10% of its population) ethnic Kashmiris. If asked, the older generation would reply that they are from Azaad Kashmir - Azaad meaning 'free', mainly to indicate that they are not part of Indian Kashmir, as that region of the world is one of the most contested.

The very mutlicultural feel of the town is unmistakable.

Not only multicultural, but full of character and personality was this little damsel.

 The Halifax Market Hall was the center point for most of the day to day trading. I remember purchasing one of my first coats from within its walls. Have it still with me to be quite honest---that reminds me that I am in dire need of a good decluttering.

A piece of history most worthy of mention is the Piece Hall. Its arguably one the most awesome bricks and mortar creation of a market place that I have ever seen.

This Georgian lady is so grand in size and stature that its a must see for any visitor to the area.Though its now not simply a market place in the traditional sense of the word, trading still happens in varied forms such as cafes, shops etc and the many events that are regularly held here.

The most striking example of a lively arts scene is the Halifax Traditions Festival. We actually quite chanced upon it by surprise. One bright and sunny September morning, soon after we had arrived, we decided to explore a bit more of the town center. Much to our delightlful surprise it was the sounds of drums that welcomed us.This group of Indian dancers and musicians in their brightly coloured attire and full of joie de vivre was a heartwarming sight to say the least.

This was followed by a visual and auditory feast of many other traditional dance routines and musical offerings. The whole town centre undulating in one joyful rhythm of festivities. I feel that these kinds of events are essential to keep alive these traditional dance forms that might otherwise get forgotten in the pop and rap and roll of today.

On the left here is a group of young ladies dancing to the rhythm of their traditional music.

And below is another group of wonderfully skilled and artistic entertainers.

No story of Halifax would be complete without a mention of  EUREKA. Eureka is a National Childrens Museum that caters to 0-11year olds and offers them a fantastic day out with its many galleries and hundreds of hands on exhibits. It is one of the more ambitious projects that took shape in Halifax and attracts many visitors into the area.
Luckily for those visitors Halifax is well connected by rail and road. And for those who call Halifax home,its just a quick hop and a skip by train into Bradford and all that it has to offer.
So whats stopping you from visiting this hidden beauty that has so much to offer, if only one takes the time to explore and scratch beneath the surface of its monochromatic facade!