"Holiday Heidi" interviewed by Local Newspaper

Last week I was contacted by Lori Gallagher, a staff writer for the local newspaper.  She was interested in writing a story about Travel Personalities and thought 'Holiday Heidi' could definitely be described as the "Free Sprit Traveller".  Where'd she ever get an idea like that ;).

Milan, Italy 2009



"You struck me as a bit of a free spirit, someone who sees travel as an opportunity to let loose and see where life takes you. You love to meet people and travel with a blank slate. I’d love to ask you a few questions. I know you’re super-busy, so if you’re willing, I’ve included some and you can send me your answers".

Are you a free spirit when it comes to travelling?
In what way?
What do you love about being spontaneous when travelling?
Do you do much planning ahead?
What is your goal when you travel?
Where are you off to next?

I, of course, wrote her back ...
(thanks for the wonderful opportunity Lori)

Am I a free spirit when travelling?  If the meaning of 'Free Spirit" is adaptable and easy going, then I'm naturally this type of travel personality. I'm not one for creating a completely scripted vacation itinerary but instead, tend to jot things of interest down (in pencil of course, this allows me to alter or substitute the plan later if need be).  However, if there is a plan, I'm happy to go with the flow and excited to 'go, see and do'.

Had we known that this
Bishop in Split, Croatia (2009)
had a golden big toe,
we would've rubbed it
for good luck as every other
 tourist had done.  Darn.

I don't spend a lot of time tracking down the history of the destinations prior to departure, which can be a pro and a con.  Sometimes it's nice to know that your camera lens is focused on some incredible piece of history before you snap 60 pictures of the unknown (thank goodness for Google search upon return lol). However, I fear studying a place for too long may provide preconceived notions or expectations and I don't want to ruin the experience for myself.  

There's something fun and intriguing about arriving with an objective and open mind to a place where everything is new, different, exciting and like nothing I've seen before. I tend to have more interest in what the weather will be like, what I'll need so I can get in and out of the country (visa, departure tax etc) and what I need to pack for the duration, although I may read the odd review or search out a few of the local attractions beforehand. 

My ideal holiday would be one where every day is filled with: sight-seeing, trying out new food, some relaxation, exploring the heritage, experiencing the culture and way of life. Then ideally to end the day with an evening full of celebration where talking, laughing, singing and especially dancing become the highlights. I'm keen to make 1000 new friends during every trip but I have learned that I love reuniting with friends made during a previous one. It just adds so much more anticipation and excitement (whether it's here, there or some other location). And if I can continue to encompass all that into my travels, then I'd have to say that's my goal.  

Spontaneous?  Well, I am definitely a 'yes' person.  Usually a suggestion or idea just has to be tossed my way and I'm game to check it out.  Fortunately I've learned that no one can tell or show you better than someone from the place you're visiting.  A few of my experiences have involved getting great advice from those who have travelled the area, those who have studied it or those from there (especially those who live for the tourist industry), that resulted in me instantly changing my existing plans.  Thank goodness my agenda’s in pencil!

Ziplining the Rainforest & learning how to Surf, Costa Rica 2010

A number of my holidays have started with me trolling for seat sales, luckily finding one and arriving on the doorsteps of some wonderful friends I had met while travelling or those from my past who have moved to great exotic places.  The gratitude I have for them taking the time to show me around, offering me a place to stay, introducing me to their life and landscape is immeasurable.

I can think of no better way to get off the beaten trail, take off the tourist rose-coloured glasses and see what a place is really about, absolutely amazing.  It's because of these adventures I was encouraged to create my blogspot, a place to share and take anyone interested on the excursions with me.  http://holiday-heidi.blogspot.com/

Where shall we go today?

Where to next?  I'm soon heading back to Newfoundland for my annual visit since meeting my best friend (from NL) while we were both on vacation in the Dominican back in 2007.  It's been our thing since we met, I go there and then they come here for Harvest Jazz and Blues.  Following that, the planning for a girls-weekend in Montreal is well underway for September and I've already started watching for flights and places to stay for my 2012 vacations ... I hope to find myself in Brazil for Carnival this coming February. 

It's true, I  have a travelling addiction, but it sure does keep my free spirit alive and happy.

_ _ _ _

Funny that the end of my "Free Spirit" interview concluded with me discussing "plans".  But honestly, planning happens until I have the dates and destination booked ... then it's just counting down the days until departure.  'Holiday Heidi' thrives from the second the last piece of luggage is tossed in the suitcase and the zipper is closed, until finally arriving back home after the vacation!  Absolutely 99.9% unscripted or planned (at least on my end) for the duration ... just the way I love it!

The link to the newspaper article is no longer available (sorry).

What's your travel personality?

Planner, free spirit or decision maker ... everyone wants a good deal when they travel
Published Monday July 25th, 2011
By LORI GALLAGHER

When you're ready to return to the blogs just scroll to the top of this page and click on "Your Adventure Map".

~Holiday Heidi

A Caribbean Vacation?! Okay :)

Cuba, April 2008 (Varadero, Part I)

Freezing temperatures, short days, limited sun...there's no denying that our winters seem a little unforgiving and endless at times (which can be fabulous for the frosty outdoor enthusiast). However, the popular trend for many east coast Canadians has been to escape to the sunny south for a week or two.   The islands there offer warm ocean breezes, exciting new culture (music, art, and heritage), inclusive food and beverages, some with cute decorative umbrellas.  Plus a whole lot of sunshine and potentially thousands of possible new friendships from all over the world. 

We had totally been bit by the travel bug during our 2007 Dominican Trip.  So, just as the first snowstorm in January of 2008 dumped a new 30 cm blanket of fresh snow that danced around the outdoor landscape happily in the minus 30 degree Celsius wind-chill winds, Quinnifer and I started planning for our next seasonal getaway.   Cost, flights, ideas, wants, needs ... every factor was considered.  We needed to discover what both of us wanted out of our vacation so that in the end, any expenditure would leave us mutually feeling content and satisfied.

I believe both of us had in our heads that we'd be returning to Dominicana. But with every search, the results kept suggesting the best place for us to visit was, Cuba.  Cuba eh?  Well, neither of us had ever been there and really couldn't find any good reason 'why not'?  So over the next few weeks Quinnifer watched the deals and options and before long she called to share the good news.  "Varadero Cuba, April 2008, 7 day all inclusive".  Yesss. Oh man, did I ever love the sounds of that. Let the countdown begin!! 

It's funny to think back to the events in one's life before booking this vacation and within those few months leading up to departure.  I could've written a country song over that eight month period.   I always try to be a very positive, happy, go-lucky personality, and I know that I'm extremely blessed as I often experience balance in every sector. However, I am human and thus subject to the same tests and trials offered to everyone else.  And as "together" as I might have seemed, I must tell you that during these moments, the highs and lows in my world felt almost unbearable. 

Gosh, where to start.  Late 2007, the place I called home had flooded and I had only 8 hours to pack my things for 6-10 weeks (which included Christmas).  And then to find a place for my ten year old dog, Ellie, as she wasn't allowed to stay where the insurance company had options to place me.  Immediately following that, winter arrived bringing with it above normal snowfall amounts and cold temperatures.

Happiness returned, offering many solid events.  Snowshoeing, moving back to my place, having Ellie return home, booking a Cuban vacation, starting a part time job and spending tons of time with family and friends.  The weeks flew by.  Along with x-ing of the days off the calendar, vacation excitement grew stronger and stronger! 

And then the flip side of the good times reared its ugliness once again. Ellie got sick over Easter (two weeks before our trip).  Only a week later, we sadly said goodbye to my girl :(  ... we had been inseparable from the time I held her in my hand at 10 weeks old.  I was devastated.  Four short days after that, someone decided to break into my car. 

Two days after that and with only one day before departure, my 87 year old Grandfather fell ill and was admitted to the hospital, where he'd spend his final few weeks.  He promised to be right there when I got home (a promise that fortunately God let him keep).  He wanted to hear all about this Cuba experience the moment I got back.  ... indeed a life relative to that of a country song.

If ever I needed a vacation, it might have been right then ... but it took everything I had to board that plane. 

I had spent the weeks prior packing my suitcase (thankfully).  Filling it with all sorts of tropical items: flip flops ("thongs" I guess they call them in Australia), sunscreen, dresses, skirts, bathing suits, along with gifts for the housekeeping and resort staff.  And although the excitement that was usual before pre-flight had been absent, the second I took my seat on that plane, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.  :)

Upon arrival, I was reassured over and over that I had made the right decision.  The fresh tropical smell that greeted me the second I stepped off the plane, the voices that kept singing out "hola" and the many friendly faces and smiles that continually welcomed us, I needed this.  We arrived at Melia Las Antillas, Varadero Cuba, shortly after midnight.  Check in was fast, friendly and so efficient that within only minutes of arriving, we were escorted to our room. 

The room was fabulous.  Two twin beds, a couple of stairs to step down into our seating area.  This lead to the patio doors, where we'd find our isolated and private deck just on the other side of the glass.  We got settled and decided that we'd wait until daylight before exploring the resort. 

Varadero, Cuba!!  Who'd have ever thought. :)

The results from the Weekly Survey Question:  ever been to Cuba? An overwhelming 75% of you haven't made it to this destination yet.

So since you're right here with me now, might as well stay along for the adventure!  The white sand beach (all 20+ km's of it), the crystal clear turquoise warm salt water, the pools, the walkways, the shops, the activity club and the people!!  I would love for you to meet a couple of memorable guys from the beach and the lobby's front door. The bartenders: Amilcar and Tatiana. And my dear Heidy. :) Yes, a Cuban "Heidi" our favourite waitress.

Oh there's more.  Think about how humorous the phrase "I mean it" can be if you placed it after most things you said!! Haha.  Hilarious!  Then there's the interesting letters and flowers I received, the trip to Habana ("Havana"), Cuba's Capital City and a sad story of how I was held hostage in our room for 3 long days (by a parasite of all things)! 

So listen, I'll save you a seat right here...

...and within a week, if you're ready, you can join us on vacation in Varadero, Cuba.  Just look for the post entitled:  Visiting a postcard ... welcome to Cuba!!!!

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

NL...you know I'll be back!

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

As you drive along Newfoundland's coastline you'll become aware of the many small, wonderful communities that exist.  You'll also smile a time or two as you read the road signs that tell you your location.  Just to share a few:  Bar Haven, Bay Bulls, Cape Onion, Dildo, East Tickles, Muddy Hole, Sunnyside etc. (link to:  Community Names of Newfoundland).  Oh how many times did I giggle over some of the names (totally not out of disrespect, I just couldn't help myself).

Do you ever ponder where times goes?!  If so, I can assure you that it escapes far faster when you're having the time of your life!  For my final day in Newfoundland (can you believe it, already it's the last day?!), seven of us ladies loaded into the van and made off for Twillingate, Iceberg Capital of the World. We stopped for statues of giant lobsters, museums, gift shops, delicious places to eat and to rehydrate. 

We even ventured to the lighthouse at Crow Head, Long Point Lighthouse is its name.  It sits beautifully 300 meters above sea level, offering one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky coastline of Newfoundland.  For all the things you were most likely to see from here, today wasn't the day.  There were no sightings of whales, icebergs or seals unfortunately.  We did see some fishing boats and tested our fear of heights at the cliff's edge as the rugged breeze whipped at our hair and our outer layer of clothes. 

Our road trip continued along a twisty, hilly and narrow route. It curved this way and that, gaining elevation every kilometre we drove.  As we started to descend and make our way closer to the water, it was here, along the hillside that my pre-trip notions of what Newfoundland would look like were validated.  An entire town built completely within the rocky landscape.  A place where the ocean promised to meet those who lived there as soon as they opened their front door or pushed back the curtains to peek out.  Looking down at the water you could see fishing boat after fishing boat, all just waiting for a new day to start so they could head out to see what treasures the Atlantic would bestow them with.  Absolutely beautiful.

Our days adventure took us from this ocean-side haven, back up the hill to the Durrell Museum.  The day had gotten ahead of us and by the time we'd arrived there, it had closed up for the day (too bad).  I was able to peer into the windows and did get to see the enormous polar bear that greets visitors upon entering the facility.  Apparently he came in on a chunk of iceberg and terrorized the town for a few days before becoming this massive monument. Should've seen the claws on his gigantic paws, yikes.  From here we began our voyage back, stopping for a few more spectacular photo ops along the route, arriving home just before the sun went into hiding.

When deciding how we'd spend the last evening together, something relaxing and close to home sounded fabulous.  A small group of us gathered in the back garden bringing, chairs, guitars, lighting the bonfire and a list of very cultural and historically significant songs for us to sing. Combined with the energy and excitement of the 7 year old girl who got to stay up late to join us, this was an excellent way to capture the conclusion of my amazing first trip to the Rock.  As we sat under the starry Newfoundland skies, happy to be in each others company, there was no reason to think the night would ever end.

"You're kidding"?!? It couldn't be 3 a.m.?! "Oh No"... A few things happened at this moment of realization.  I jumped in the shower and scrambled to gather everything, while Stephanie packed my bags.  There was only an hour left before we had to be on the road to make it to the airport on time and we were absent a driver.  How had time escaped us?  A few phone calls (followed by a few no answers) and there was a strong feeling I wouldn't be making it home this morning.  

Around 4 a.m. our phone rang.  It was Tracey. She had gone home after our Twillingate tour this evening and had gone to bed.  She was absolutely sober and within minutes her car pulled into the yard, she was there to rescue us.  OMG.  I think I boarded the plane before I even realized what was happening ... wasn't I just at the campfire? Did I just say good-bye to the Girls? (thank you Girlies ... for everything)

The results from the Weekly Survey Question:  ever missed your flight?

25% of you have actually missed a flight.  I wonder how many of you from the remaining 75% have been close to missing one?  Sometimes, no matter how fast you run, it's just not fast enough eh? 

On this day, I was content and relieved to find my butt in a seat on the plane. I introduced myself to Ken from Toronto and drooled my way across the Gulf of St Lawrence while staring at the back of my eyelids.  I needed home for rest (that song was definitely written for moments like these). 

It was on this return trip that I questioned if I was really cut out for this travel thing. For the second time, within my first three consecutive trips to anywhere, my heart was broken.  I kept meeting these fabulous people and then saying "Thanks for a great time ... I'll see you when I see you" ... but then would leave wondering when or if that would ever be?!  :(  ... I find that part still sucks (here, there and everywhere), there are so many people I want to see and hang out with often, not just again. 

I've been fortunate enough to have visited this small town in Central Newfoundland almost annually since that first trip.  Summertime visits seem to be the most common, but I've been there during the winter and once in the fall.  I try to keep bringing first time visitors with me so that more and more of my friends can experience this incredible place, meet these amazing people (my extended family ... this entire town) and earn themselves the title of 'Honorary Newfie'.

I need to take some time to share the condensed versions of those other visits with you and tell you about East Coast Blend on the Rock 2010 (a weekend in St. John's, Newfoundland).  Thanks for coming to Newfoundland (if you've never been, are you now inspired?) ... As far as adventures go, we're very close to returning to the Caribbean (might as well get your sunscreen, travel mug and bathing suit ready).

I'd love to hear about your trip to Newfoundland (your screech-in too).  And if you're from there, maybe you have a favourite town or place that everyone should come see while they're visiting!?  Nobody knows the best kept secrets for travellers, than those from there!

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

A link for cheap travel (and a little stats review)

Hello my fellow travelers!!  How exciting, I came across this web story today that I had to share: Ten ways to Travel very Cheaply (by Donna Freedman, July 04, 2011, http://msn.com/).  It's informative and information I eventually would have blogged about.

In addition to that, I wanted to share some statistical information about this website.  

Blogger.com keeps a log of the stats on my blog.  They're complete with graphs, charts and percentages (all for free). I can check: "now, daily, weekly, monthly and all time" on things like "Overview, Posts, Traffic and Audience".  I love following the stats mainly for two reasons. One, because I'm curious to see who and from where. And second, because every time I check I am more astonished by what I see. 

This Friday (the 8th), will mark the four month anniversary of when I started to bring you along on my travel adventures.  I am humbled, surprised and excited at how much support and interest you have shown.  I have posted a total of 15 blogs thus far (I try to post once per week).  Those posts have been opened in 20 countries around the world and collectively viewed a total of 4001 times.  I thank you.

While I have met a few of you from some of these places, I don't have my own friends in each Country listed (not yet anyhow).  Thank you for sharing with your friends, I hope they're loving the adventure too!! 

You know that by providing your answers in my weekly survey question you drive my status within Google Search. As a result, the "Traffic" stats listed by blogger show that mostly people are searching specifically for 'Holiday Heidi', where others have clicked on my blog while they were searching Google for something else.  (ie: "what to do in Boston", "dominicana", "holiday blog", "all inclusive" etc)

For anyone wishing to share the link, I tried to write a caption that you could 'copy & paste' but a good friend of mine wrote a far superior version on my behalf. 

"I know this crazy adorable woman called Holiday Heidi who works 3 jobs (very competently) so she can travel, and upon return share her adventure with us. She is a compelling writer who adds pictures and videos to help carry the story. We ...all need to meet her dozens of new friends from each trip because she is a strong cord in the knitting that wraps our fragile world together. Oh - and her blog is a 7 minute mini-vacation - just go!"  

It's simple.  I love people, travel, work and writing.  And I have supporting, loving and amazing family & friends ... thank you.

I will continue to write ... it's fun to know that you're packing your bags and coming with me!  Feel free to answer this weeks' weekly survey question, leave a comment and/or send me an email: holidayheidi@hotmail.ca.

~Holiday Heidi

Newfoundland Rocks

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

For all of you 'visiting' Newfoundland for the first time just now, please make sure you attend the "Screech-In" ceremony posted previously.  There's no better welcome than an entire town cheering you on as you down a shot of screech rum and pucker your lips to kiss a cod fish. Click this link to watch it on Youtube, then come back to the Blog for the rest of the NL adventure:  <<Newfoundland Screech-In Ceremony>>

Seems Newfoundland hosts a number of  festivals and events all over the Island. There's the Salmon Festival, 'Trails, Tales and Tunes', Frosty Festival, Mussel Bed Soiree, Festival of Flight, an Iceberg Festival etc etc (of course with countless festivals and events being held in NL's capital, St John's).  I had landed here in the month of August to experience their annual Soiree event. Let's just say that if you're lucky enough to plan your vacation around one of these "home coming" events, you are in for a treat!!

Immediately following the house party (thanks to Tanya & Darrell for hosting and for so many of you coming out to join in, what fun memories), the crowd took their four newest honorary Newfies to a street dance. HA!  How incredible!  I’m sure not many can say that their Screech-In ceremony was followed by a street dance?! Woohoo...what a time!!  At some point I recall, long after the music stopped at the concrete venue, someone suggesting that we head home to get some sleep.

I was only here on a six day holiday and the list of things to do was extensive:  sightsee, reunite, explore, meet & greet. Honestly, not every waking moment was spent out on the bridge drinking, eating and singing (although there seemed to be loads of time for that too).  Oh excuse me, "the bridge" in case you're wondering, is the Newfoundland term for a deck or a patio.  We did have one more beautiful day of doing just that.  From the bridge later that same day, a crowd of us set off to attend the outdoor concert.  Streetheart took the stage first, followed by a rockin' performance by the Stampeders. How perfect! 

The concert lasted until after 11 p.m. but the party wouldn't end there. Don't worry, you had no trouble to figure out where to go ... "The Pub" "The Pub" everyone singing out the same, "The Pub".  Since it was definitely the local wateringhole, The Pub was ready and waiting for us. By the time we arrived, its frame was bulging from the crowd inside and guaranteed, you couldn't find a livelier, happier or more packed place in town.

It was here, at The Pub after the concert (back in 2007), that I met Guy Maye.  A  tall, dark haired fellow in his mid fifties, dancing & singing up a storm at the head of the dance floor (which was packed). He was a Karaoke specialist and the entertainment. He'd play whatever anyone wanted to hear or sing and if no one came to sing, then he would...what an amazing voice.  My favourite memory (and one that was recreated every visit to NL at the pub) was singing, arm-in-arm with everyone on the dance floor, along with Guy, to the song 'Strawberry Wine'.  He played it for us every night we were there. What a memory. 

I think the pub kicked us out at 5 a.m. ... oh dear!

"Up, up!! Get up"!  You don't want to miss the day out in the bay. The weather was cloudy and a bit windy, so when the crew said we'd be delayed because of the winds, I took their word for it. Many things in Newfoundland are subject to weather cooperation.  Wind, even more than rain & snow, can stop you from getting places, have Plans "A" "B" and "C" ready (just in case). Mother Nature decided to cooperate though and shortly after 11 a.m. we made our way to the boat launch.

Here I was sitting in a boat getting ready to explore the Atlantic Ocean. Life is good ... and experience is everything.  I grew up out in the country amongst farmland, thus boating in the Ocean hadn't been such a common thing for me.  Whereas, my friends here in NL likely started boating before they could even crawl as an infant and as such, had no fear jumping into their boats on this slightly windy day to venture out into the wide open blue. (The wind creates waves).

Compared to the landscape, the boats were small but they were comfortable, safe and allowed you to feel 'at one' with the sea.  Life jacket, rain suit and camera ready, I was psyched for this adventure (even though I suffered waves of anxiety once I got in the boat ... sorry for the pun).  As we began to leave land, I realized my vivid imagination had created yet another delusion. 

For some reason I had thought Newfoundland's coastline would be where land-meets-water and that its edges would be solid rock.  After this rocky edge, there wouldn't be any more land, it'd stop right there and only deep blue sea from there on out (isn't this why they call it the "Rock"?). However, the further we boated away from the wharf, I learned this concept couldn't be further from the truth.  Island after island lined the bays and coves within this saltwater paradise. Some of them rock, some sand, some treed.  There were so many cabins, cottages and homes ... mostly owned by people from Newfoundland who had chosen to build, visit and even stay out on these islands.

In total, our convoy was five vessels strong all filled with delighted passengers, who continued to smile, laugh and gaze as we skipped our way across the choppy water.  Round a corner, veer to the right and there it was...the cabin off in the distance nestled in a cove, surrounded by trees, rocks and water.  This is where we'd be spending our day.  At this moment, I was witnessing Heaven on Earth.

The day was filled with exploring, hiking, eating, napping, finding sea treasures and creating wonderful memories.  Oh yes, and swimming, though I did not.  The water is frigid, gives me shivers just thinking about how cold it was (imagine jumping into a bathtub half full of ice cubes!! "___", umm yes, that's exactly what I said haha).  I still have no idea how they didn't develop hypothermia!  The moral of the story of course is that the only limit to the possibilities out in the bay, is your imagination.

For hours and hours you could just sit on the front porch and stare out into the ocean ... totally off on some other planet as your worries continued to be washed away by the blue current. That's exactly what I was doing when someone yelled "WHALE" ... instantly my heart started to race, my eyes started to scan the open waters and before I knew what I was doing, my camera was in my hand and I was running to get to the furthest rock point near the water.  I needed a closer look. I had to see him! ... Darn it.  Gone.

Not too long after, while a few of us were at the rock's edge chatting just before heading back to pack it up for the day, we were visited by the whale again.  He was a long way off shore still, out there feeding.   Minke's aren't large in comparison but I was astonished to see him surface time and time again.  The distance, height of his spray and how long he’d stay down before reappearing.  And the sound ... I won't ever forget the sound of him exhaling as he met the air.  (This video is really shaky (I was way too excited) and I had to eliminate the volume...in my excitement, I might have said some things not worth repeating aloud. My apologies for both. Still want to see him? ... just click here: Holiday Heidi sees her first WHALE). 

The water had calmed.  The sun had started to set.  As we made our way back, I just sat in silence (smile on my face) wondering how I could ever thank these people for sharing and introducing me to all this.  What a place Newfoundland is, the landscape - its people...it so ROCKS!! 

By the time we were closer to town, it was pitch black.  No trouble seeing the other boats out on the water though, we were amongst those who'd entered the boat parade. Strings of lights, banners, horns, flags ...we were just a little under decorated. Funny. Not into missing events, Stephanie & I (et al.) went home, unloaded the gear, changed our clothes and made it back to the waterfront before the fireworks had started.  Mussels for sale by the bowl full, bands waiting on  stage for the fireworks to start & finish, surrounded by a town full of fabulous new friends ... how was I going to say good-bye?  Only one full day remained.  I wasn't ready to think about it.

I did say I wasn't ready to think about it yet (sorry).  The next installment entitled "NL...you know I'll be back!" will be posted within a week.  I hope you're loving Newfoundland?! 

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.

Sadly, Guy Maye passed away September of 2010. 

My heartfelt condolences to his family and to the entire town for their loss.  Wish we'd had time for a full conversation. Regardless, I'd like to recognize him for my many fond memories on that dance floor.  I'm sure nights at The Pub haven't been the same since. 

~ Holiday Heidi