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Welcome to Newfoundland: The far east of the western world. Britain's first colony and Canada's last province. It is the sixteenth largest island in the world.
In 1497, John Cabot, under contract to Henry the Eighth, left Bristol, England, and started his journey into the great unknown. He eventually landed in Bonavista in what is now the province of Newfoundland Labrador. At this time, he raised the English flag and claimed the land for Britain. Some claim that he actually landed in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick or Nova Scotia. To debunk these theories, we point to the 500th anniversary reenactment voyage of the Matthew, captained by John Cabot, who again landed in Newfoundland. This year-long celebration cost the federal and provincial government $20 million dollars; with that outlay of cash, the federals must have felt convinced that Newfoundland was truly the first port of call. Since that humble beginning, and seemingly, against all odds, the province and its people have survived.
In the beginning, because of Newfoundland's strategic position with regards to fishing grounds, many European countries used Newfoundland and its natural harbours as a base of operations. Through the early history of the province, the Portuguese, French, Spanish, English, Basque and other seafaring nations established bases.
From these humble beginnings, Newfoundland has seen many scientific firsts. A few of these events include: the first transatlantic cable transmission (1858), first transatlantic radio signal (1901), first transatlantic telephone transmission (1918), first non-stop transatlantic flight (1919 - Alcock and Brown) plus the first (and only) time the U.S. Space Shuttle landed outside continental United States (Goose Bay - 1983 - on the back of the 747 Shuttle carrier).
Newfoundland was the first recipient for airline travelers unable to land in the US after the 9/11 tragedy; 38 jetliners and 6,595 refugees made their "home away from home" in many Newfoundland communities. The majority of people stayed in Gander, a town with a population of 9,651. Assistance for clothing, beds, food and other necessities came from as far away as St. John's.
In its recent history, Newfoundland has become one of the favorite spots for tourists. Whether you hunt with a gun or a camera, Newfoundland provides spectacular scenery, flora and fauna. One of the unique attributes of the people, besides the world-renown friendliness and generosity of spirit, is family values. Newfoundland Labrador has the lowest divorce rate in Canada. More than 80% of couples who marry will celebrate their 30th anniversary.
If you are lucky enough to visit Newfoundland, you will find, fun-loving, hospitable and courteous people with a terrific sense of humor and a whole dictionary full of their own words and phrases. If you are not one of the lucky, chosen, few to be able to visit Newfoundland in person, we hope you will be able to garner a sense of Newfie hospitality through these pages.
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