Are You From Away

The most frequently asked question  of me this time home in Cape Breton was "are you from away?" As Theresa and I mingled with the folks down home we were engaged in conversation numerous times with complete strangers. Walking on the boardwalk in Sydney or in the local stores people were so friendly that you become aware that maybe we stood out in the crowd. Maybe it was the way we walked or maybe we looked lost or needed help but in any case we became immediate friends with total strangers.

As we were going to breakfast one morning a lady asked us many questions in two minutes and was prepared to continue the conversation were we willing. The people with whom we were obligated to converse with such as the food servers were so friendly that we were impressed the Maritime people were always known as friendly people but since the economy has centered around the tourist industry the whole community seems to have taken the hospitality course.

We love to hear good things about ourselves and the comments we gleaned from people from away almost unanimously said the most charming thing about their Maritime trip was the people. Being from away causes the people from down home to put their best foot forward and it really shows. What is best about it is that it is not put on but genuine good manners and friendliness coming from the heart. I was so proud to be from away but still a down homer at heart.