It sounded like such a good idea.
And then it was 3:30am and we were finishing street pizza and getting back with our "You've been screeched in certificates!" and uploading pictures onto my computer. Honestly, what were we thinking?
For those of you who are wondering what it is to be screeched in, it is a processes that involves kissing a cod fish right on the lips, downing a shot of Screech (Jamaican rum) and saying some incomprehensible Newfie saying. The history of being Screeched-In has many different origins, I'm sure, but suffice it to say, it's the thing to do is you are a CFA ("comes-from-away") in Newfoundland. You become an honourary Newfoundlander and as far as I can tell, Newfies are proud of their tradition.
We were Screeched-In at Christian's Pub on George Street. We originally wanted to go to Trapper John's, which is apparently where everyone goes but they don't use real (cod) apparently and besides, it was closed for painting. We settled in a the bar at Christian's at about 10:30 and it was dead. No one was there. How was this going to be fun? But soon, the bar filled up. After being Screeched-In we headed for O'Reilly's Pub for a few more drinks. Back to the hostel at 3:30am where we ran into my dad and promised that we'd be up at 7:00 am to say good bye to my parents who fly to Nova Scotia this morning. We were some proud to show him our certificates, that's for sure!
We talked with a bunch of locals. It's interesting being from Calgary in Newfoundland. Many, many Newfoundlanders find their way there for work because work is so tough to get out east. Lots are in Calgary but even more are in Fort McMurray to make money in the oil sands. I've had such a Western perspective about it this whole time. The typical "All Newfoundlanders come out west to make money because they can't work at home. They are happy to do it and grateful for the work." It's interesting how many Newfs that I met believed family, culture and Newfoundland itself was more important than flying away from home to make a lot of money. One guy named Paul said "I got me values and I'm not gonna live for the almighty dollar." Interesting to hear it from that side anyway.
Either way, a great night was had by Jaime and I and even though we didn't make it for breakfast, we sure had a great time on George Street!
Kissing the Cod
Bottom's Up!
Yes, it WAS that bad!
Our certificates!
Our bartender Ryan
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