A little friendlier goes a long way…
Posted January 6, 2012 at 12:22 am by Ian Byington
The Sidney, BC terminal welcomes folks with signs the speak to the friendship between the US & Canada, and have a visitors' center right there in the terminal...it feels like they're glad to see you!
You know, one of the things I love about living here and having friends & family visit here is how friendly it can be.
I mentioned to you a couple of years ago that I believe a person needs twelve hugs a day to be emotionally healthy, and it’s easy to hit quota here. People like each other, and it’s not uncommon to see people visiting in Kings for long stretches in the produce department, catching up & laughing & digging each other.
Pretty sure we can do better than this, as the first sign visitors see at the Anacortes toll booth....
And…we like our visitors. They’re great to have around, we like showing off the island & its waters to them (and telling them how we love & care for the creatures & wildlife around us), and they bring a good energy to us each year when they come see us, mostly because they’re coming for a good time.
So, I guess I’d like to propose that we put more energy into welcoming them with our signs in Anacortes & on the boats. Other marinas & ferry terminals do…I spend a little time in others, and frankly, they’re smokin’ us.
Most of the folks I’ve asked about this here say, “It’s not us, it’s WSF.” I suppose, but what if we ask them to brighten up the welcome to our island? I’ve met WSDOT Ferries Division Assistant Secretary David Moseley & some of the other WSF bosses & they sure seem like nice folks – I’ll bet if we mention this to them, they’d do something.
Mention it to them. I guess I just did.
Hey, guys, help us make our visitors feel welcome!
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Categories: Around Here
2 comments:
2 comments...
Ian —
Each summer we leave Minnesota to come to the island to visit all our friends we have made over the years, humans, camel (Miss Mona)and Orcas of course. The whales brought us there in the first place some 16 years ago, the humans and camel came after 😉 We ALWAYS feel welcomed by all, oh and hugs? We get PLENTY when we are there. Islanders do a fantastic job of welcoming those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to live on the island paradise that you all enjoy — LOVE IT!
Oh, and we are paranormal investigators in addition to our day jobs and well, we would welcome the chance to investigate the masoleum at Roche Harbor — just sayin. We’ve heard a lot of ghost stories about that place, you never know! Maybe this year ….
-Stephanie Ayres
I first started coming here about 18 years ago and fell in love with it. When we finally moved here and was so welcomed by the islanders I felt I had come home. I was born in Eureka which was very like Friday Harbor when I was a kid. Long ago. I love the way we all try to keep it natural and real and still current. No easy juggling act! We have to give up much to live here but for those who love it, we bear with the ferries, the wind and the winters because it is our home. I call it the home island because it is the home of our hearts. I am glad that I am here with my family members and my dogs. Bless you all for befriending me.
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