Fort Amherst across from Signal Hill, St. John's, Newfoundland.
Thanks for all the good wishes on my previous post.
I had a lovely week off in spite of the weather that kept hissing and splatting and fogging. I took my friend around all the familiar (by now) tourist spots on the Avalon Peninsula once the sun struck which was far too rarely.
I note I've slid into 'creature of habit' status. I am still slightly discombulated from being forced out of my usual routine and with a friend I've never shared board with before so synching routines (downtime, uptime, shower/bath time, laundry facilities, food peculiarities, etc.)for a whole week knocks me right out of my comfort zone.
I realize it takes far more courage for a guest to travel a distance and land in the home of a person that up to now and over the many years has been a work, event and dinner companion, than to be the host of such a friend. Basically one is trapped. No car, no transit, totally reliant on the (hopefully) good nature of the chatelaine.
It all went rather well, I thought. Fresh routines were formed - for instance we watched a movie out of my vast collection every night before bedtime and we learned about each others' families of origin in all their uniqueness.
We are both great talkers and intensely curious about this planet we inhabit. And I learned much about her upbringing in Australia.
And I was absolutely thrilled that my whale buddies performed their show-off routines for her at Cape Spear. Thanks mates!
I think there's some truth in your comment that it takes more courage to be a guest than a host. As you say, you're essentially trapped for the duration, and it might work out brilliantly or it might be a disaster. At least as a host you have more scope to arrange the situation to your advantage and sidestep any problems.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm glad the week went well and you found so much to share.
Nick:
ReplyDeleteHaving been a guest myself in one particular disastrous visit I've come to that conclusion!
XO
WWW
Welcome back. I am glad the holiday worked out so well.
ReplyDeleteAs I get older I realise how selfish I have become with 'my space'. It was brought home to me when I met my niece from Australia, last week. She would eat potatoes - boiled, mashed, baked, roasted, fried or chipped - but no pasta, rice, salads or vegetables. Meat (beef, lamb, pork) and chicken were fine but no fish. She said she liked pizza but goodness knows what topping she would eat. She did manage chocolate cake! Give me Elly any day she always clears her plate!
Welcome back! I'm glad that you had a good time :-)
ReplyDeleteGM:
ReplyDeleteI've saved a lot of angst by always asking "what do you eat for breakfast?" as that is the most variable IMO.
The rest is to the wind. Sounds like your niece was a bit of challenge to feed!
My friend was amenable to just about everything, she even had moose stew!!
XO
WWW
Jo:
ReplyDeleteYes time to blog but I did manage my Lexulous addiction nicely, n'est pas?
;^)
XO
WWW
when i'm a guest, i turn into gumby: a relax and go with whatever the host's routine is. i figure i'm there to see them, so i might as well try to fit in. it works pretty well.
ReplyDeleteyour picture is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous.
and any time you want, friend me on facebook and i will play lexulous with you.s
Welcome back WWW - I assumed you'd gone off wandering with that dinky caravan of yours.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo!
Other than with partner/spouse, parents/grandparents I've been neither guest nor host, but can relate to the initial awkwardness it must entail.
It's glad to have ya bck - that we are!!
It's good to see you back here, WWW. I thought you were off with your caravan. I didn't realize you had a guest.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I am one I try to be as undemanding as possible and adjust myself to the norms and habits of my host. Hopefully, she is as adventurous as I am.
Laurie:
ReplyDeleteI will hunt you out on FB and we will play, yes we will.....
Gumby, I like that!
XO
WWW
T:
ReplyDeleteYou're so kind, yes it's good to be back, I felt a digit or something was missing!
XO
WWW
Nora:
ReplyDeleteI think it the 'adjustments' are a bit of a challenge, she to me, me to her, trying to roll with it all, trying not to snore (with thin walls).
She was a lovely guest.
XO
WWW
Hi WWW! Briefly I have time to spare to browse and comment my favourite blogs! I envy your guest, how lovely to be shown around your wonderful homeland, watch movies, chat and see the whales. No doubt lots of courage all 'round, host and guest.
ReplyDeleteI hate to share space for very long, but you've made me think about the attributes of visiting.
ReplyDeleteOh Annie:
ReplyDeleteI've been neglecting you too and must visit you and get updates on your nomadic existence!!!
You are welcome any time m'dear!
XO
WWW
Marcia:
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a challenge and I did find the driving a little tiring though guest did offer to drive. I'm also on some new meds which are sucking the life out of me. But I need to push the old routines into a drawer now and again!!
I'm far too solitary and getting too set in my own ways..
XO
WWW
Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFor help with your search for an assisted living facility check out silvercensus.com!
Breathtaking photo. Can't travel far myself (no flying allowed) - so it is great to learn of other people's visits and jaunts. Incidentally, my family use the idea of a DVD to give us all a rest from too much talking - but we do sit down together and watch.
ReplyDelete