If you are one of the many dedicated fans of Anne (with an E), you may have correctly guessed that this post is ALL about my exciting visit to Green Gables (and of course, PEI)!!! Green Gables is the place that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery to write the novel and subsequent sequels on “Anne of Green Gables”- however, most of you would have been exposed to “Anne of Green Gables” through the popular CBC television series in the mid-80s.
In loving memory of her and her work, Green Gables has been made a national historic site (near Cavendish National Park). And even though Anne is highly popularised on the island (they sell Anne paraphernalia EVERYWHERE you go), Green Gables itself is worthwhile to see. It’s situated along a beautiful creek and lush forest- a perfect place for any person to be inspired and write stories in my opinion!
Unfortunately I missed opening hours (9-5pm) and so wasn’t able to tour inside Green Gables. But here’s my happy-happy-joy dance for finally having to see Green Gables after so many years knowing about it!
Believe it or not, there is actually more to see in PEI than just Anne of Green Gables (truly!). I rented a bike for a day to tour the quaint and charming town of Charlottetown (pop. ~32,000). The beautiful Victorian homes along the waterfront filled me green with envy and left me wanting a similar character home beside the sea.
The people were very friendly (and chatty too!), and the fresh seafood was abundant and absolutely delicious. Tip: go for the seafood chowder and scallops any opportunity you can. The lobster was also good and I was contemplating bringing some back home- they are relatively cheaper in the east coast (say $5 vs $8.50 per pound), but if you were to include the packaging and hassle of flying it back, the costs outweigh the benefits in my opinion.
<There’s only one word to describe Charlottetown…quaint. Each business and personal home have their own unique character. Most houses were Victorian or Georgian style homes, where as the basilica and stone parishes were of Romanesque-revival.>
<Classic Victorian home- Beaconsfield House built in 1877.>
<Provincial house where the Fathers of Confederation met and discussed confederation in 1864; the British North American Act was passed in 1867, which became the foundation to the Constitution of Canada.>
<Attached housing in downtown Charlottetown…I love how colourful they all are!>
<St.Duncan’s basilica, Charlottetown>
<Cycling along the waterfront boardwalk of Victoria Park.>
<I rented a bike for touring around town and cycling parts of the Confederation Trail. Luck had it that it poured of rain the whole afternoon. I was determined to get my money’s worth though and biked what I could!>
<Canadian famous COWS ice cream. Unfortunately I am currently training and so declined the opportunity- now THAT is strong willpower! I did however drink some high caloric ale from a few micro-breweries around town.>
<Mmmmm, lobster!! And yes…a bib is necessary!>
Since I was in Charlottetown for a work-related conference, I took the opportunity to spend an extra day after the conference to tour the island. With a 24hour rental I drove the Green Gables coastal drive (Brackley Beach to Cavendish to Malpaque Bay to Summerside) and the North Cape Coastal drive (west portion of the island). In my opinion, the North Cape Coastal drive wasn’t very scenic as I didn’t get to see much of the coast. And when I did, the beaches weren’t very spectacular. Oh well, if I ever have the opportunity to return, I’ll have to explore the Eastern part of PEI. Enjoy the pics!
That is so great. Niki and I want to go there more than ever now. Miss you both tons, take care
Steve
Thanks Steve! I wouldn’t have guessed that you were an Anne fan- I learn more about you every day
Hope you and Niki are well- missing you guys too, especially watching the Highlanders play rugby! Oh and of course the drinking that comes afterwards- teeheehee!
“Anne of Green Gables” was the first book I read out of the hospital after recovering from my stroke. The innocence of it captured me; the vitality of it took me through the next two books. I had the first three on my shelves for years (being the cast-offs of an acquaintance) but never touched them. And while everyone seemingly knows of Anne, I avoided any made-for-television portrayals. I’ll be sure that Sam does not make that same mistake & at least encourage him to add the first of LMM’s books to his repertoire.
Beautiful photos – capturing enough to include you even if not physically present. =)
Oh, I’m sure Sam will start reading LMM’s books when he reaches the appropriate age of…7? Not any older I reckon ’cause he’ll be like any other boy and switch to comics or adventure novels! Glad you liked the photos- I find it hard taking photos of yourself when you’re traveling alone, especially at Green Gables where I wanted proof to take with me that I was actually there (just in case I thought that I was dreaming it). Anyway I made the photo as interesting as possible with my happy-happy-joy jump ;=) Hope alls well- come to Edmonton for a visit if you can!
Mai-Linh,
It so good to read your stories. Next time I expect une belle histoire en français!!! (88% is good, but the best way to learn is to have a full immersion in Québec!!) Tu seras toujours la bienvenue chez-nous… il ne faut pas que tu oublies Tim, que j’ai bien hâte de rencontrer. Everything is going well here. Want to talk to you soon! Miss you