When I left Newfoundland for the big city (Toronto) at age 16, it was with the thought that I was leaving for bigger and better things. But as I said to someone recently, "I may have found a bigger place, but I left the best behind."
But it was a chance remark in a recent e-mail from a fellow writer in the USA that led to the creation of this page. After revealing that I was the first person he had ever known or corresponded with that was from Nfld, he later said, " I always thought that Newfoundland was kind of like Kansas . . . you know, not really there." I loved that line! And of course immediately wondered how or where I could use it in a fictional story--or maybe even an article.
Eventually, it got pushed to the back of my mind, but every now and again it niggled at me. And got me thinking of the many, many questions I've been asked over the years, not just from people in other countries, but from Canadians as well. Questions about Newfoundland that ranged from "Aren't you afraid of the Polar Bears," to "Are there cars there, or do people just travel by boat?" And one of my favorites: "So what made you decide to come to Canada?"
So it is with thanks to a wonderful Southern writer for the idea, and with all due respect to Kansas, I decided to add a 'Downhome' page to this site. Of course, as we all know, the best way for anyone to find out about a place is--go and see. But for those who have not been there, these links will give you a chance to explore a bit of our history, see some of the fabulous scenery, dispel a few myths, and possibly entice you to come on down and see first-hand what Newfoundland is all about.
And if you're wondering just how much I still miss being there, click here. Then come back and explore the rest of the links on this page. Enjoy! |
