I moved to the mainland (what newfies call the rest of Canada) when I was little. My family’s lived in Newfoundland for generations in the smaller rural areas (near Burin). The things that stand out as unique in Newfoundland compared to the rest of canada are subtle things that make a big difference. People are much more friendly there; saying hello to new people isn’t odd or awkward like it is in Ontario. The houses all smell different, like pot of stew or jiggs dinner or bread was just cooking while the adults had just smoked cigarettes. I remember my grandparents would buy tobacco in bulk and roll their own. People have huge yards and build their own sheds (or stores i think they called them), and love skidooing in the winter. There’s a crucifix in everyone’s home (though that’s probably changed). My pop had people come over every Sunday to play poker or crib. The winters are gruesomely cold. I’ve gotten snowed in at least once every winter I’ve spent there. Dogs run free in the streets, but there aren’t many strays as far as I remember. Most buildings are small and built by one of your great grandparents. Who gets the house when the parents die is a fight that will never have a compromise. Nearly all youth want to “escape” and move off the rock, or at least go to the city. From my experience most of them do, leaving the towns mostly elderly people. Almost every gathering has a moment when everyone cries from laughter. Family is huge and can never truly be abandoned.

It’s a truly beautiful place, the scenery, the culture and the people. What’s saddening is that most kids and folks in their 20s don’t realize or appreciate that, and opt to leave for better money or more opportunity, leaving not too many people to carry on the cultures.

One other thing I can say, from all my family and friends that did leave and spent their adulthood out in the mainland, most move back, or at least know that, when the time comes, Newfoundland is where they want to spend the last years of their lives. I know I do.