My name is Lynzee MacNeil. Thank you YQY for reaching out to me and taking an interest in my travels. I’m extremely fortunate to have a family that has always enjoyed and encouraged traveling.
My first big trip was on a ski vacation to Mount Saint Anne, Quebec when I was 6. My family and I continued to enjoy ski vacations. Growing up, we spent our March Breaks skiing in Killington, Vermont, Sunday River, Maine, and appreciated a phenomenal vacation skiing in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
Travel has always been a passion of mine and I am grateful for all that it has taught me about the world, people, cultures and the importance of being a global citizen.
I graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Immediately after graduating I spent the summer in Europe, where I did a Contiki Tour of England, France, Spain, Belgium, Monaco, Vatican City, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, and Germany. I was fortunate to see many amazing museums, historic sites and landmarks. I continued on to explore Athens and the Greek Islands. Greece is one of the most beautiful places I have visited! The following summer I was fortunate to be able to backpack Spain and Portugal with my roommate from StFX.
I obtained my Bachelor of University Studies Degree from the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Soon after graduating, I accepted my first teaching position in Kuwait! This would have to be one of the best decisions I have made. Teaching in the Middle East gave me such an enhanced worldly view and the opportunity to experience a different culture. Living in Kuwait allowed for a convenient jumping off point for travel. One of my most memorable adventures was backpacking Egypt with fellow teacher and Caper, Susan Fraser. We were able to see most of Egypt from Sharm El Sheikh to Abu Simbel. We climbed Mount Sinai, visited the Pyramids of Giza, saw King Tut’s Tomb, along with sailing the Nile. I also travelled to Bahrain, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Scotland while living in the Middle East. Seeing Tiger Woods play in the Dubai Desert Classic was a perk to living so close to the UAE.
After living in Kuwait, I backpacked Australia and New Zealand for 5 months. This was a trip where I let my intuition guide me. It was unique in the fact I didn’t have a set plan or any time constraints. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, relaxing on Great Keppel Island along with doing a Heli-hike of Franz Joseph Glacier were highlights of my time there! I met so many fantastic people along my journey and I’ll always be grateful for this carefree and fortunate experience.
Since returning home, I’ve been teaching with the CBVCE. I currently teach Gr. 2 at John Bernard Croak VC Memorial. I thrive for my student’s innocence and love for life. They certainly teach me a lot about the importance of having a big heart!
Teaching allows me to take advantage of traveling during March Break and the summer. I’ve spent time in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Florida, California, Arizona, Nevada and Puerto Rico. I also appreciated many summers in New York City, along with seeing the Ball Drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve!
I had the honor of participating in “Canada and the War Experience” and travelled to France and Belgium with the Gregg Centre from UNB. This life
changing opportunity allowed me to visit many WW1 and WW2 monuments, memorials and battle fields. I developed a greater appreciation for Canada, our Veterans and my school’s namesake, John Bernard Croak. I had the privilege of preparing and presenting Private John Bernard Croak’s biography at his gravesite in Hangard Woods, France. This has opened up a special relationship with The Branch 3 Royal Canadian Legion in Glace Bay. I take a lot of pride in planning our school’s Remembrance Day Service and other events at the school.
Recent travels to Croatia, Bosnia and the United Kingdom have reignited my wanderlust. However, I love spending time in Canada and have had the ultimate road trip of driving across the country. But most of all, I love spending time on Cape Breton Island. I appreciate our spectacular coastlines, beaches, Provincial Parks, museums, hikes, sunsets, music and food! I finally checked off from my bucket list enjoying the Celtic Colours Festival Club this Fall.
I love attending performances at the Savoy, the local talents found in our pubs and restaurants along with relaxing through meditation at The Hub Downtown. I’m a member of Ski Ben Eoin and relish in skiing, the fresh air and spectacular views it provides. I’m also on the AMP Society Committee with Membertou First Nations.
Worldly travels are fantastic, but so are our local communities! I’m anxious to see Cape Breton Island continue to take off as a world renowned travel destination!
