Wow! What an Experience!
My Canadian Children's Book Week tour was fabulous. It's hard to believe that I was only gone 10 days. So much happened. I visited a part of Canada that I never knew existed, and I had a glimpse of a lifestyle totally different from my own. Everywhere I went I was treated very hospitably. The people were friendly and helpful, and I felt immediately at home.
Some of the highlights: riding four-wheelers on the boardwalks of Harrington Harbour; Netagamiou School buying every book I'd brought with me; the potluck supper at the community hall in Chevery -- especially the stepdancing; sharing a snack with the senior students at Harrington School; Amy Evans Boarding House; the round table discussion at the Community Learning Centre in Harrington Harbour; two radio interviews; sharing dinner with a fellow whose English was only a little better than my French; picking Medric O'Brien's brain; fabulous student audiences everywhere I went; Chevery sightseeing with commentary by Madison and Brianna; Pamela Anderson's sense of humour; the family writing session at the Misty River Inn; the look on the teachers' faces every time a student pulled the mummy's brain out through his nose; my accommodation in Blanc Sablon.
My biggest disappointments: I didn't get to ride in a helicopter; I didn't get to go to "The Edge" and put my foot on Labrador. And it was the wrong time of the year to see icebergs and puffins.
Everyone was fantastic, but I would like to give special thanks to Maureen and Don Wellman, who went above and beyond the call of duty. Not only did Maureen organize my visit in Blanc Sablon, she cooked Egyptian food for the presentation and made sistrums which she gave to me afterwards -- and saw me off at the airport with a cinnamon bun, because she knew I hadn't had breakfast. As for her husband, Don, he drove me everywhere and told wonderful stories while he did it. Thanks also to Medric O'Brien who made my day in St. Augustine very special. Not only did he make me comfortable in his school and take me to lunch, he also took me sight-seeing after school and saw me safely to my lodgings. Finally, I would like to thank Ana Osborne in Chevery for her part in making my trip memorable. She contacted me in advance to arrange for book sales and to help me dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, and she helped me gear my library presentations to the needs of the community. She's the one who invited me to the potluck supper and took care of a million other little details, of which I'm sure I'm not even aware.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I shall let the pictures do the talking for me. Enjoy -- I know I did.
