That's Just About The Craziest Thing I've Ever Seen: Getting 'Screeched In'

-Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada-

This is Norris Point but… once you’re in Gros Morne, it’s kind of splitting hairs – it’s all amazing.

Every country has a place within itself the locals make fun of – for Canada, it’s Newfoundland. Maybe it’s because it’s because of the ½ hour time zone they exist in, the fact that there is a place called Dildo, or the fact that the Vikings took one look at what it had to offer and then left, never to return, but they do get the butt end of many a joke.

Their traditions are… odd… but while they refer to everyone outside of the rock as ‘mainlanders’, they are possibly the warmest people you will ever meet who take great pride in ensuring you feel right at home on The Rock.

I had the good fortune to be ‘Screeched In’ one night in a small town on the western side of the island, making me an honorary Newfoundlander. All I had to do was recite an oath written in Newfie (which, if you know English you can, uh, kind of deciper)…

Uhhh… what?

Dance a jig…

Newfie jigs bring out the shine in your shoes… Michael Jackson did them all the time.

Kiss a frozen codfish…

Fish love is still constitutionally protected in Newfoundland – it was their only demand before joining Canada.

…and down a shot of Screech, also known as Newfoundland’s whiskey.

Smooth!

Wicked, right? Of course! If you ever find yourself in Newfoundland, be sure to make your way to a local bar at night and find out if you can get Screeched In, if for no other reason than to give a dead fish some love.

I’m sure prospective employers would see this as an asset!

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