Am I the only one that didn't know this story?
The play Come from Away caught my attention and I entered the cheap tix lottery and managed to grab 2 tickets ($50 each and great seats). So off we went on a Sunday afternoon at the end of July with only a vague idea that it was based on a true story about planes diverted to Canada on 11 September 2001. 9/11, that fateful day.
So glad we did. It's one of those feel good plays that you walk away from with a big smile on your face. Take tissues. Actually, that's possibly just me, I cry at everything. It is indeed the remarkable true story of the day 38 civilian, 4 military planes and more than 6,600 passengers and crew (and 19 animals in cargo) were diverted to Gander when US airspace was closed.
The small town of Gander (population in 2001 approx. 10,000) on the island of Newfoundland (The Rock, nothing to do with the man), is home to Gander International Airport (opened January 1938), once an important refuelling stop and still used today as an emergency landing point.
It must have been terrifying for those passengers, not knowing where they were (welcome to Gander - where the fuck are we), what was happening or when they would be getting home. For up to 6 days passengers were stranded and it's hard to imagine what it must have been like. So Operation Yellow Ribbon was put into action and residents of Gander and the surrounding towns swung into action volunteering to house, feed and entertain all these "Come from Aways" The term is used by locals for anyone not born on the island.
The play tells the story. How unease, fear, culture clashes and mistrust was turned around with patience, music and friendship - oh and maybe with a bit of alcohol thrown in. The scene where the musicians (Celtic style) join in the fun, and over many drinks, tensions ease and lifelong friendships are formed is awesome. When it was time to leave, the locals refused any money and once everyone left, they found money had been tucked away as a way of saying thanks to their hosts.
One of the scenes was the "Kissing the Cod" or "Screech-in." Like all good local customs, it's usually performed at a pub by a resident. The "Come from Away" kisses a cod and is asked by the local "Is ye a Screecher?" The newcomer must reply "Deed I is, me old cock, and long may your big jib draw!" Which translates to "Yes indeed my friend, may there always be wind in your sails." Then you drink a shot of Newfoundland Screech, a type of rum, and receive a certificate from the Royal Order of Newfoundland Screechers. Kiss the Cod - I'll add it to the list 'cos it sounds like my sort of tradition.
Back in May I discovered this Facebook group called "Women on Walks" and decided I could do with a bit more getting off my fat arse and walking. The next planned walk was along the beach from Sandringham to Green Point in Brighton. Talked Andrea, Heather and Erminia into coming along, so at 9.45am on a grey Tuesday, (ah the joys of not working are never-ending) off we set. Easy pace, walked past the Sandringham Rotunda, Sandy Yacht Club, through some bushland which sometimes is hard to believe is right on our doorstep, along Hampton beach (home sweet home) and finally to Green Point where we had a short pit-stop for morning tea (BYO). On the way back we stopped off at a café in Sandringham Village (Elefant) for lunch/coffee and were back where we started at around 1.30pm.
Friday 12 July was a bit of a wet and wild day in St Kilda. I guess bad weather needs to be factored in when it's the middle of winter. Anyway, we didn't let that stop us as we set off through the St Kilda Botanical Gardens and made our way to Albert Park and then strolled around the lake. Heavy rain at one point, but at least it was only blowing in 1 direction so only half the body got wet. Wandered down Fitzroy and Acland Streets and ended up at Iddy Biddy Bar for a much needed coffee and a delish lunch. Oh and met Ron Barassi along the way - much to the delight (if the squeals were anything to go by) of some of our fellow walkers.
The weather gods took pity on us on Sunday 21st July and the sun was shining. This time we were in the city and after meeting up in Fed Square, we were off to check out the street art in a couple of laneways (I do love a good laneway stroll). On to and around Carlton Gardens and then back past Parliament for a walk through Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens before our coffee/lunch stop at Great Space café. Lots to see along the way and we had many keen photographers merrily snapping away on route.
The most recent walk was on Sunday 18 August and it was a repeat of the St Kilda one - this time with no rain and much warmer, although it was windy around the lake - and not just because there were 25 women chatting away. We kept a look out for the great Ron B, but he wasn't hanging around on any street corners on this day.
Each month there are two walks. One held during the week and one on the weekend. The following month, the one that was held during the week is repeated on a Sunday for those that aren't lucky enough to be retired/unemployed/taking a break.
Each walk is around 10 - 12km and everyone is welcome. Well, as long as you are a women. Apparently some men have tried to join the group and have been politely turned away. Can't blame them for trying - I'm sure an equivalent men's walking group would be nowhere near as exciting when it comes to gossip.
The group is run by the lovely Annie, who diligently takes a practice walk when planning the next ones and ensures that coffee/lunch spots are up to scratch. So far I've met a lovely bunch of ladies, all ages and from various walks of life. Some mothers and daughters share the day and there is usually at least one fur-baby (male's welcome) accompanying us. It's a fabulous way to get a bit of exercise, discover new spots around our city and make new friends.
All walks to date have been classed as "Easy." Although in October, a slightly more taxing hike down in the Mornington Peninsula is planned and that will be 14.5km. Now the question has been raised - What is the difference between a "hike" and a "walk?" The answer appears a bit grey, but seems to depend on the surface being walked upon and where you are. Walking tends to refer to the stuff we do everyday on hard, relatively flat surfaces in urban areas, whereas hiking is done in nature and on more natural, uneven ground. Got it? So really, telling someone to take a hike is not necessarily a bad thing.
