30 June 2011

Only when shared does a 'story' truly become an 'adventure' :)


I'll admit that I'm in love with finding a seat sale, packing my bags and setting out to trot the globe.  I'm even more excited when this adventure includes a reunion (amongst meeting new pals) and involves travel companions, both in the seat beside me or those of you virtually waiting for updates and posts. 

This wasn't always the case.  I always wanted to go to the Caribbean.  I always thought that I'd like to visit Europe.  The idea of taking a 7 day vacation sounded nice…someday.  I used to be captivated by the stories told by others and very happily I lived vicariously for years.  But now that I've started, I've discovered that travel adds so much enrichment, value and balance.  It leaves me with so many questions while at the same time answering many more.  It helps me establish a greater gratitude for the ordinary things in my life, those things that I may have taken for granted before departure. 

All this 'going/seeing/doing', has allowed me to become reacquainted with my fundamental goals, values and beliefs.  It satisfies not only my desire for knowledge, but also my sociological roots (observing the culture, lifestyles and social trends) and offers a venue for where I can extend my appreciation and admiration of people (all so unique and special).  Time and time again, I'm reminded of how little I know (while realizing I've only just begun to explore the art of travel). I find it's more about people than the places I visit truthfully. Although that being said, I've been lucky enough to have visited some really awesome places.


The results from the Weekly Survey Question:  when you read a travel blog, your perference would be to
16% of you would like to read a critique of the location, the food, the amenities etc.  The rest of you (84%) would rather a story that takes you on the adventure and offers both a critique and the details of  people & things to do.   


Thanks for taking the time to answer the weekly survey question.  It helps with the Google search results status for “Holiday Heidi”. This time your answers provided insight into what you had in mind when reading a travel blog.  Not to worry, I will continue to write as I have been.  I enjoy sharing the stories of the adventure ... 'taking you with me', as I say. 

I've been asked a few times, 'where are you taking me next'?! Gosh, I'll save the details until then, but I've been lucky to have visited: Dominican, Newfoundland, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Boston, Montreal, Ottawa, Costa Rica, Cuba, Qatar, The Maritimes (East Coast of Canada), Rochester and most recently Ireland. I have lots of stories for you ... my only limit may be time in amongst working 2-3 jobs necessary to visit my next destination.  Be patient and here's hoping it'll be worth the wait.


As far as adventures go, we're still in Newfoundland.  I've let you hang at that house party for a few weeks and then surprised you with a post about the "Screech-In" ceremony (complete with video).

My next post will be the one I keep telling you is coming.    The post entitled: Newfoundland Rocks will share the stories of my first encounter with a whale, the windy day in the little boats out in the bay and our visit to Twillingate.  Plus I'll share the little lessons about pre-departure parties:  no matter what time you leave the campfire, you best make sure you catch your return flight home...

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc. in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of the blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :)  A little shy?! Why not send me an email instead:  holidayheidi@hotmail.ca

~Holiday Heidi



24 June 2011

I'se an Honorary Newfie :)

Newfoundland, also known as "The Rock"
(NL - part II) 

Welcome to Newfoundland. :) Never been here before?   Perfect.   This party is just for you.  It's known as a Screech-In ceremony.  It is held to welcome those visiting the Island (which is very commonly referred to as the 'Rock') for the first time.  It's been in existence for years.  Likely if I Google searched it, the history of this cultural ceremony would be told by many, over and over.  But I want to tell you about my memorable first time.

The same night as the town's annual festival street dance, we'd been invited to one of the girls houses (from the group I'd met in Dominican).  Once there it didn't take a genius to figure out that something was up.  Four chairs lined the front lawn.  In front of those there were four rain suits complete with sou'westers, tote boxes, song sheets etc.  Something fishy was going on (pardon the pun lol).  In amongst my introductions, I became aware of 3 others who weren't from Newfoundland originally...it was all starting to come together.

My best friend had planned a Screech-In for me (of course she did). She'd added all those visiting for their first time to the list of participants.  She conspired with the girls so a party could be held elsewhere (to lessen my suspicion and curiosity).  And she had asked for and pleaded participation from all those in attendance originally from NL (all were eager to assist and partake) and those who had previously become honorary. 

Then the people came.  And then more…and even MORE.  I think that someone counted 60 people on the "bridge" (which is the term for 'the deck' in Newfoundland), the front lawn, in the driveway, standing street-side.  Incredible.   And just as the sun decided to exit via the horizon, there was a shout-out:  "can I have your attention please" that followed with a list of four names "could you please make your way to the chairs please" ... mine was first on the list. 

A Screech-In is part of the very culture of Newfoundland. And because of that, I decided I couldn't tell you what it's like better than I could show you.

This collection of pics and videos (now posted http://www.youtube.com/) are of myself and my friends during our first visits to the Rock. For anyone who has received the distinction of "honorary Newfoundlander", this is a tribute to you. And hopefully it'll bring a smile to the faces of those from the Rock who have coordinated, participated or witnessed a similar ceremony. You can throw some party!! :)


My apologies.  While providing the editorial for this little ditty, I may have referred to "Whiskey"  ... when in actuality, Screech is Newfoundland Rum. 

I have many funny memories from my night of distinction. I couldn't get the Screech out of the little bottle.  You can sort of tell that’s what happened in the video here. I'd started first, and after the other 3 had finished theirs, I was still at it (near ran out of air trying).  And I wasn't sure of the need for knowing this until this very night, but cod fish have teeth!!  HAHA.  Yes they do. During my second smooch with Mr. Gills (first one was the ceremony kissy kissy...the 2nd, because someone needed to see it again),  his teeth grasp hold of my upper lip, not enough for stitches, but it left a little scar there for a few months after my return.  What a keepsake!

They said later that it seemed the whole town had stopped by to witness the Screech-In.  I believe it!  This town was filled with amazing, genuine people who loved to celebrate (thank you little town in Central) and I'm certain I met them all.  I cherish those memories, as have my friends who've earned their distinction thereafter my first visit.  I can't wait to get back in your arms!  Thank you Stephanie (et al.) ... honestly don't think I can express how grand that first visit was. Maybe my many returns say enough ;)

Before I could go on with the post I promised last time entitled: Newfoundland Rocks, I had to share the Screech-In Ceremony first.  So for next time I'll write about my first encounter with a whale, the windy day in the little boats out in the bay, a visit to Twillingate and the plans for our future reunions. 

The results from the Weekly Survey Question:  ever been to Newfoundland?
35% Yes and have been Screeched-in
12% Yes but no ceremony
41% No, unfortunately not yet
12% What the ?!?# is a “Screech-In”

So I’m guessing that you who went to the Rock but didn’t get Screeched-In (12% of you), was because you didn’t know what it was?  And for those of you who answered that you had no idea what the ceremony was at the time of this survey, I hope you do now.  You know, it doesn’t matter what part you visit when you go to Newfoundland (you really should go), you’ll be embraced by warm hospitality, history, culture and sights that’ll take you years to complete seeing.

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc. in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of the blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :)  A little shy?!  Why not send me an email instead: holidayheidi@hotmail.ca.    


14 June 2011

"Hi, you home? Okay, I'm coming to Newfoundland to visit you"

Newfoundland, also known as "The Rock"
(NL - part I) 

Growing up it always seemed to be a far off place. I'm sure you have like places too?  Not far, just too far.  Gosh, it's not like it's at the end of the earth or even the other side of the Country.  This Province was just a little more east than where we were, a place surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, but it was still the East Coast of Canada.  Maybe it was because you just couldn’t jump in your car and just drive there?  It took planning, as it's only accessible by plane or ferry crossing.  Regardless, the older I got, the more I wanted/needed to visit there. 

Truthfully, I likely would've (eventually) made my way to this beautiful destination ... maybe in 5, 10 or 15 more years.  A good friend of mine (a past roommate) was from there, I was always intrigued by his stories of 'home'.  Plus, I had just gotten back from that incredible Dominican trip where I had made friends with some wonderful Newfie girls.  With invites, exchanging of contact information and the promise of keeping in touch, the possibility of a ‘someday visit' was fast turning into a very likely probability. 

Everyone does this right?  Keeps in touch and a few months later shows up on the doorstep? Haha.  I reckon that’s probably very rare, and not even presumably to be the case this time.  I had hoped that I'd get a chance to see them again.   We were fast friends and I would have enjoyed their company for much more time, in the Dominican, here at home or elsewhere. I just knew that if I ever made it over to visit this place they called 'home' they were on my contact list and my door was certainly open should they ever venture this way.  

Shortly after our return from the DR was the introduction of a powerful social networking medium, an application that would allow friends who lived near or far to keep in touch.  With a little convincing, my NL pal Stephanie signed on.  The posts, sharing of pictures and daily communication only strengthened our friendship.  Phone chats with Stephanie (and the other two girls:  Tracey & Tanya) almost always ended with "you gotta come 'home' this summer"..."come in August".  I wanted to go and the more I thought about it, I honestly couldn't answer the question "why not"?

I don't remember the day or the month, and nope, not even the exact price, but I remember the excited feeling when I happened upon that seat sale to Newfoundland via http://www.aircanada.com/.  I instantly picked up the phone and dialed.  The wait wasn't long, I heard "Hello" …
"Hi, you home?" (Me)
"Yes, I just answered J" (She)
"Haha.  No, I mean in August" (Me)
"OMG, OMG, you can't be serious ?? ... YESSS I’m home!!!" (She)
"Well okay.  I’m coming to Newfoundland to visit you" (Me). 
And then a whole lot of Whoo-hoos and Tee-heeing.  A quick phone call to my travel agent (Cousin Quinn) to book that flight and then the planning of my inaugural trip to NL began.  

Itinerary's are always in pencil with Stephanie and I, that's what we continue to agree on...just an outline of the moments in between the arrival and departure, always subject to change. I had picked the dates strongly recommended by the girls, it was their town's festival week (much like a 'homecoming' really).  There'd be tons of food and music, good times spent with good family & friends.  Having never been there, I had no expectations, just happy to see and do whatever they thought of, while being mindful of the budget of course.  And with that, Miss Stephanie created the most incredible agenda.

Before departure, Stephanie shared a couple of details.  We'd be attending the big stadium concert, there was a street dance that we shouldn't miss, some cousins and friends were coming home for the weekend from various places and we'd try to get out in the boat if the weather was nice.  All those things sounded lovely. 

Since this was my first time in Newfoundland, Stephanie was busy trying to coordinate two longtime customs.  The itinerary would definitely include a supper where Jiggs dinner would be served.  For anyone not having experienced this, a Jiggs dinner is a boiled salt meat dish with all the vegetable fixings: boiled cabbage, carrots, potatoes, greens and split pea pudding (my personal fav), accompanied by pickled beets and doughboys - DELICIOUS.  


You won't understand until you have your very own Jiggs Dinner

The second custom I would partake in would be a "Screech-In" ceremony.   This ceremony would include some singing, dancing, 'repeat after me', the drinking of Screech (Newfoundland Whiskey) and the kissing of a cod fish (etc, etc).  All said and done, if I successfully made it through the ceremony in its entirety, I'd receive a certificate identifying me as an honorary Newfoundlander.

We had a few months for our excitement to build.  Then in August, I boarded the plane for a reunion I won't soon forget.  I learned on that flight that most everyone from Newfoundland tries to get home for this festival.  I sat beside a girl from Toronto (originally from NL) who was ironically going to the same town, who knew my friends, who hadn't been home for a visit in well over 10 years, but who couldn't wait to attend the 'going-ons' of this 5 day celebration.  Natalie and I spent the entire 2 plus hours on that plane laughing and talking like we'd know each other for years and as we flew over "The Rock" I glanced out my window only to realize how little I actually knew of this place.

The ocean had turned into land sometime during the conversations with Natalie.  Being a clear day it was no trouble to see the landscape below: trees, trees, trees, lake, lake, trees, lake, river.  I didn't expect the middle of this Province to be so undeveloped.  I didn't expect to see so many lakes, rivers and streams.  Somehow I thought that being surrounded by the ocean would be enough.  There weren't many roads to see but when we did fly over a little town, you'd see the highway stretch in an east/west or north/south direction, and then more trees.  But these little communities weren't all fishing ones like I had drafted in my head.  :) How very neat.  I had just learned my first of many things on this adventure.

And with a bounce (or two), our pilot had delivered us safely to our destination.  Natalie and I made our way inside where her family waited anxiously for her arrival.  The girls I had met in the DR were all busy today but luckily Stephanie's husband was able to fetch me upon landing.  Funny, as I was set to collect my bags I heard a voice just over my shoulder ... "I've seen your pictures on the internet" BAHAHAHA.  Phew, he found me (and thankfully it was her hubby)!!  Although I hadn't met him until this very second, I knew instantly we were going to become fabulous friends (what a nice, genuine guy...he and my Stephanie make an excellent pair).

I guess the drive to the house was nearly an hour, it hardly seemed five minutes before we were in the driveway.  Five months had already passed since our fateful trip to the Caribbean, I couldn't wait to see her.  We pulled in, the front door opened and I'm not sure if my feet hit the steps on the way to greet her.  What a reunion!  Stephanie and I are of the same personality type, both of us had thought that when we first met (if you can imagine that there are two of us so similar, scary I know) and now to see each other again.  Absolutely Crazy!

The girls came up (so great to see Tanya & Tracey again), family and friends came by, guitars filled any silence, the grill was fired up...I'd say the party had started.  I was surrounded by the friendliest, most outgoing folks.  I believe that Stephanie had taken the time to tell everyone (I mean everyone) that I was coming.  "You gotta come meet my Dominican friend, Heidi!" I'm sure I met the entire town, plus friends of friends, in the six short days I was there (it was bliss).  You do see the confusion though?  Not a lot of people really knew I was from the East Coast of Canada ... I was "Stephanie's Dominican Friend".  Hehehe. Well, it was true!  So many laughs, such good times.


Now that I've brought you to Newfoundland, I'm going to let you hang out at this house party for a bit before rushing through the rest of this vacation.   There's so much to share: the remarkable "Screech-In" ceremony, my first encounter with a whale, the windy day in the little boats out in the bay, a visit to Twillingate and plans for meeting up again.

The next post entitled: Newfoundland Rocks will have all that, and then some.  Plus I'll share the little lessons about pre-departure parties:  no matter what time you leave the campfire, you best make sure you catch your return flight home...

The results from the Weekly Survey Question:  do you keep in touch with the people you meet while on vacation?
67% of you said that you at least try
33% wish that you would

I'm so very glad that efforts were made on both ends to keep in touch after our vacation.  My best friend lives just a few Provinces away in my very own Country, who knew?!  :)  And time and time again when I meet people, I tend to meet the very best kind and quite often share the very best of memories.  It is my hope that I forget not one person I meet and I can only hope that we keep in contact, thus making the possibility of a reunion that much more likely.

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc. in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of the blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :)  A little shy?!  Why not send me an email instead: holidayheidi@hotmail.ca

~Holiday Heidi