I’ve been here before.

I know the rolling green hills, the red cliffs, the incredible seafood, that Anne girl.

 

RED PEI

The beautiful red cliffs, green hills and blue waters of PEI.

I remember watching my family racing kites under the blue skies and wandering wispy clouds that fluff up into thick, cottony masses before pulling apart again.

I loved it here in PEI when we came through on the way home from our around the world trip.

Ish loved it too.

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And as we drove away more than a year ago and started the journey home, we promised each other that one day we’d come back and relax here again. A week in the summer? Maybe two? It would be our holiday. We spoke confidently of our return but secretly I worried.

I don’t like going back to places I’ve loved.

Sometimes the very thing that captured your heart the first time can’t be reproduced.

Bad weather, a chance encounter with someone in a grumpy mood, the wrong turn…any small thing could wreck a wonderful memory.

And so showing up here a few days ago I tread carefully, waiting for PEI to break my heart.

But it hasn’t.

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The beauty of the island is still here.

The magic of the redheaded girl and the colours I remembered? Still here.

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But there’s more.

On this trip I’ve had the chance to chat with even more islanders.

 

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I’ve sampled the bounty and the fierce island pride that is built into it.

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I’ve seen people so in love with the land that their life’s passion is to share it with everyone they meet.

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I’ve come back to the island and I’ve fallen in love all over again.