Anne of Green Gables : a fascinating story, very dear to my childhood, and one that remains woven into my very being. Written by the legendary Canadian writer, Lucy Maud Montgomery, this popular story takes us along a journey of a struggling and terribly witty orphaned girl, taken in by a lovely lady and her brother. The fiery girl grows up to be a woman of courage and great imagination — with a fondness for dreams, the intricacy and enthrallment of literature, and, of course, adventure.
Moreover, it was a story of the heart, as Anne searches for a home, a family, a kindred spirit, and within the story, has found her very first and true love. I was first introduced to this heart-warming story at a very young age, and instantly fell for its time period — for the quiet and gentle sentiments of the past — and a kinship to the orphan who was so expressive and full of life . . . and disliked her red hair equally as I did mine!
The story of Anne has touched so many people over the years, since it was first published in 1908 [with over 50 million copies sold worldwide], and amplifies the majesty of the Canadian province, Prince Edward Island, painting it as one of the most beautiful and welcoming islands, to visit and to live, in all of the world.
This enchanting island, fondly referred to as the ‘Garden of the Gulf’, is one of three Maritime provinces in Canada, and is also the smallest, with roughly only 140,000 inhabitants today. It is also the birthplace of confederation, and calls many to visit for a picturesque vacation of relaxation and of inspiration.
Surrounded by sand and Canada’s most luxuriously warmest beaches, namely Basin Head and Brackley Beach, one might never wish to leave such a place. And whether one prefers to relax on the beach, go sailing and golfing [as the island is known as the number one destination in Canada for golf], tour the iconic light houses [such as Point Prim and Panmure Head] or stroll along, hand in hand, or stop for an afternoon picnic — the beaches offer days of delight and many new, fond memories to be collected along the way . . .
“Look at that sea . . . all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn’t enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.”
There are numerous fresh flavours, activities and events to enjoy throughout Prince Edward Island — fish and oysters and Victoria by the Sea, and pottery classes to take, villages to see [such as Avonlea], farmers markets to shop and historical cathedrals to visit.
And as the waves pour in and crash over the rocks and famous red stone cliffs, one cannot help but ponder the beauty and spectacular views of an island that feeds the imagination and delights the soul with sea breezes, lush greenery and the most welcoming people.
{a few fun facts . . . }
* The island was named after Prince Edward Augustus [the Duke of Kent], the father of Queen Victoria
* Prince Edward Island holds the world’s largest bridge over ice-covered waters, The Confederation Bridge
* P.E.I. has red soil due to the high iron content, which oxidizes when exposed to air
* Over 250 million people visit the Green Gables site in Prince Edward Island National Park each year
* Residences are referred to as Islanders, and are very proud of their culture
* The island was originally named St. John’s Island
* The national flower of the island is called The Lady’s Slipper
And so today, we share this wondrous island with you, and hope that you enjoy its splendour much as Roséline and I both do . . .
⏤Sarah
