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Published: December 9th 2006
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Had we known it was such a long drive from Halifax airport to Charlottetown we would never have dreamed of asking our friend Mitch to drive up to meet us and chauffeur us back down. After almost an hour and a half in the car I enquired as to how much further it was to Charlettetown and Mitch replied we were almost half way there.
"Yeah, right! When are we really gonna be there?" I scoffed.
"No, really. We're about half way there."
"Your kidding?"
"No, I'm not."
He wasn't.
Well, we'd look on the map and there'd barely been an inch in it. It didn't LOOK that far... My, my didn't we feel silly...and mean! Poor Mitch had driven - in the end - a round trip of 6 hours to retrieve us, after a full day of work. He didn't seem to mind though and we chatted and laugh all the way, happy to catch up after well over a year since last meeting. We were sure to pay for the petrol, dinner and 40 DOLLAR toll for the bridge from the mainland to the island since Mitch was supplying the ride. It must be the
On the beach
The photo doesn't really pick up the rich red colour of the sand. most expensive road toll in the world, surely? Finally after almost 10 hours in transit - my back screaming at me - we arrived around midnight and promptly retired. Meeting Mo and Leila would have to wait until the morning since they were already tucked away in bed.
The next morning I had the delight of meeting Mo and their daughter Leila. Mo is one of the sweetest, nicest, greatest people and we hit it off immediately chatting away happily. Little Leila chatted too, although we can't yet understand her special language. She gurgle, chortled and chuckled happily and we played for hours.
What shall I tell you of PEI? It's a sleepy island and very green. It is said to boast more shades of green the Ireland and has been made famous by the novel - and movie - 'Anne of Green Gables.' This is where the author grew up and the farm she based the book on is situated here. Some tourists get confused though and ask if Anne's in town at the moment and where is her house? Let's set the record straight: She is a FICTIONAL character. Sorry to burst your bubble, but better
now than later...
The island is very beautiful with all its greenery that extends right the the red beach and burnt cliffs. It is a striking contrast . The red sand runs straight into the sea which is the most gorgeous turquoise hue on a sunny day.
We were very fortunate to be staying with Mitch, Mo and Leila in the most amazing beach house imaginable. They live here year round and this 3 story piece of heaven boasts floor to ceiling windows all the way, with a fireplace and spiral staircase, a fantastic open plan and no neighbours in sight, since they are separated and hidden by a reasonable swath of forest. It also has the best deck to bbq and drink and chat and laugh and soak up the view on. Oh, and don't forget the pool. The property is perched on a cliff overlooking a quiet beach that, being near the end of a long pennisula, is rarely frequented by strangers and we reached it for strolls and swims via a steep and somewhat precarious flight of stairs down the cliff. Hotel Cobb is the best in town, highly recommended!!
So there was a
Jim and Mitch
On the awesome balcony lot of laughter and drinks and chats, and swims and bbq's, catching up with Mitch and getting to know Mo and Leila, this being the primary reason for our trip, having missed the wedding due to my back injury. We watched the wedding video and relived the Adventures of Mitch and Jim, reminiscing over our times in Perth, those lazy, greasy sunday breakfasts on our balcony in Fremantle and the surfing expeditons (sunbathing/book reading expeditions for me!). We had drinks and dinner out in Charlottetown, which also reminded me of Fremantle, with its string of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, arty vibe and abundance of buskers and street performers. We had the most amazing deep fried turkey. Yes, the boys deep fried an entire turkey in a special turkey deep fryer (check out the pics). While I was initially dubious, it was absolutely delicious, the best turkey I've ever tasted. And it only took something like 30 minutes to cook! The contraption had been a wedding gift and I felt honoured to be around for the breaking in of such a gem of modern invention.
We all did some sightseeing together on Mitch's day off and Jim and I
did a bit of a hike one day, though it was fairly short and easy going as I am still recovering with the back. But I enjoyed the walk just the same. This trip was also a test of sorts for my physical state, to see if I was really ready to be on the move and not going to crumble. Although the long periods of sitting were uncomfortable - and at times painful - what with the 2 hour bus to Toronto, then the 4 hour flight to Halifax and then the 3 hour drive to Charlottetown - my back survived and though not 100% Jim and I agreed that I was ready and able so while on PEI we got online and booked our flight from London, Ontario west to Vancouver, British Columbia.
You cannot imagine the joy and relief of being on the move again. After 2 months on the farm with the family I was starting to get cabin fever and go more than a little stir crazy as was Jim. As great as Jim's family is and as much as I appreciate everything they've done for us, when you are 30 you really shouldn't
Beer Sampling
At a great little harbour side micro brewry be living with parents. It's been as if I were stuck in that movie "Groundhog Day" and it is great to finally take my finger off the pause button. After a fantastic week with Mitch, Mo and adorable Leila I am looking forward to BC, although I am slightly overwhelmed by the prospect of having to build a real life again - making friends, finding work, a place to live, dealing with bills and all the other entrapments of 'normal life'. Take care til then.
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