In this personal account by Lindsey Harrington, a resident of Nova Scotia with familial ties to Newfoundland, she recounts her experience at Trapper John’s, a cozy bar in St. John’s filled with taxidermy, where her boyfriend Dan partakes in a traditional Newfoundland ritual. The scene unfolds as Dan, asked if he is a Newfoundlander, playfully embraces the local culture by kissing a frozen fish shaped like a question mark. Lindsey, observing the jovial ceremony, humorously notes Dan’s need for a post-fish hygiene routine.
Celebrations continue as Dan is ceremoniously dubbed an honorary Newfoundlander, receiving cheers from the gathered crowd, including Lindsey. It marks Lindsey’s first trip to Newfoundland since relocating to Nova Scotia to be with Dan, reflecting on the challenges of finding both employment and companionship on the island. Despite her seafood allergy, known to cause severe reactions, Lindsey navigates social situations with caution, often met with surprise at her conflicting Newfoundland heritage and food restrictions.
Growing up with a lifelong seafood allergy, Lindsey’s inability to partake in Newfoundland’s rich culinary traditions, deeply rooted in fishery, has been a poignant aspect of her life. She recalls childhood memories of being excluded from seafood gatherings, yearning to join in on the communal feasting. Despite her love for fishing activities, such as trouting and clam digging, the inability to indulge in seafood remains a lingering disappointment.
Reflecting on the unique seafood-centric culture of Newfoundland, Lindsey contrasts it with Nova Scotia’s varied culinary landscape, where seafood, while prominent, does not hold the same cultural significance. As she walks through St. John’s with Dan, contemplating the differences between the two provinces, Lindsey embraces her dual identity as a proud Newfoundlander and bluenoser, acknowledging the complexities of her relationship with seafood and her heritage.
In a bittersweet moment, Lindsey muses on the term “deadly,” commonly used in Newfoundland to signify something positive, highlighting the irony of her allergic aversion to seafood in a place where it is celebrated. Despite the challenges posed by her allergy, Lindsey humorously acknowledges her dual identity and the enduring allure of Newfoundland’s seafaring traditions.