I like to consider myself a seasoned traveler, but I’ve made my share of mistakes while traveling, and after reading Anderson Cooper’s "28 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Traveling" (http://bit.ly/m8I8a), I thought I should impart my own wisdom. Here is one of the many learning experiences I've had while traveling:
St. Pierre, Newfoundland
This quaint little island was settled by pirates who are proud to document their heritage with a pirate museum. I was amused by the many photos of all the ships they lured to shore with “moving” lighthouses (lanterns on cows); the ships would crash on the rocks and the pirates would pillage the wreckage. It was also known as a way station for rum runners like Al Capone, and his hat and cane are there in a glass case. You reach this island by cruise ship tenders IF you can find a cruise line that calls on this port.
I noticed this rocky island had one, maybe two paved streets, but no cars. Instead there were tractor lawnmowers. Dozens of them. I figured it was because the island was so small and the terrain so harsh. Come to find out at the museum that the most recent conquest by the band of marauders was a German freighter Transpacific in 1971 carrying jukeboxes and tractor lawnmowers.
The tiny French restaurants were open and the proprietors stood guard outside, arms folded, eyeing every one of us from the cruise ship, expecting our tourist dollars to be spent on a long meal here in no man’s land. I think, like me, the tourists were so uncomfortable on this crazy island we couldn’t wait to get back to our ship!
As the first tender came to shore to take us back, we charged to the dock. I made it back on the last of three tenders and we were finally able to set sail to another more civilized Canadian port -- until I realized I had left my purse, passport and all, right there in the museum on that pirate island. A special tender took me back to shore and with my heart in my throat I tore back to the museum, only to find my purse still there, untouched.
Lesson: When you travel, don’t judge people, even if they are proud pirates going back generations. And don’t forget your purse.
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