One of the things I enjoy most about guiding are the guests we meet on tour. Of course this is likely due to the fact that we attract a rather unique tourist to our province, they’re smart, eh boy! Tourists who visit Newfoundland are often well travelled. They’ve done the sand and sun, and had their fun but now they are seeking more. They are looking for an experience; one that inspires or intrigues them. Makes them think and opens their eyes a little wider. Something that makes them smile or conjures up memories – creates a connection to their family and provides them with a better sense of place.

Our guests have seen the world and they’re most often working on a ‘Bucket List’. They’ve worked unusual and interesting jobs and have often made good money. They appreciate and understand value. They have a keen ear for dialects and can think fast enough to keep up with the speed of a Newfoundlander’s speech. They are good at listening and they are anxious to learn. More importantly, they can make sense of what they see and hear and how it relates to their personal experiences at work, with family, their home town or past travel experiences. Thus they too have lots to say and are more than willing to share it.

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Make no wonder I love guiding so much. I am constantly learning and every trip adds something new to my repertoire. Something I can incorporate into the stories I tell on tour and as well – in the board room, on the job site or at Sunday dinner with my family. Ultimately, it makes me a more interesting person because I’ve always got a bit of news and a fresh yarn to share. And who wouldn’t appreciate that?

Thanks to everyone we met this year.