The New St. John's

Dennis has been back a couple of times, but last week was the first time I've been back to Canada for more than a 12 hour layover since we left in early January. We had a terrific visit back home in NL.  Too short as the visits always are, but we packed in as much as we could:  2 days at the cabin, a fabulous Jigg's dinner, 2 days of house hunting (we're buying a property with Mom and Dad), Ches' fish and chips, a great night out with my best friend Hilda and her husband Wayne, meetings with contractors and realtors, a day of staging Mom and Dad's house, and a little shopping to pick up all of the things you can't get in Paris.

St. John's has certainly changed from the St. John's I knew growing up.  Evidence of the new oil-fueled prosperity is everywhere.  Housing prices heading into Calgary territory, trendy shops and trendy restaurants, and much more variety in everything.  But so far, St. John's is managing to balance it with the old things that gave the place such character.  Jelly Bean Row house colours have taken over the city, live music can be found every night of the week in any number of cool pubs and bars, and people are as friendly as ever.

The greatest thing I noticed though was that the missing generation is back.  When we left in 1994, all of Newfoundland seemed to be populated with people under 24 and over 50.  The generation in the middle was conspicuously absent - we had all left to find work elsewhere.  I'm not sure when it changed, but I'm glad it did.  After 20 years of never seeing myself ever going back to St. John's, it comes as a bit of surprise to now realize that I'm looking forward to going home after I retire.

Happy holidays everyone!

Lori