Arriving in the Îles de la Madeleine somewhat by accident, alone, without ever seeing a single picture, without having looked at a map, and without knowing if there was going to be cell signal. Letting go. Thinking it would be smaller, grey and cold. Telling everyone: you grew up here, you really grew up here. Seeing the sun rise on the horizon, diving in the sea and — most importantly — falling in love.
I will come back.
Starting over and staying here for the summer, the spring, and the fall — five months. Waiting for gloomy days, and eating too many cookies. Exploring the same places, again, and again, and again. Signing every day and losing my keys forever. Forgetting about sleep. Styling my hair with salt and looking for her silences. Leaving reluctantly, full of wind and lightheaded — although that one might be because of the beer ... who knows.
I will come back.
Finding a job, and moving in. Experiencing the winter and its storms. Being amazed by the endless ice fields. Walking until the heart of the sea. Trying new hobbies and settling in a routine — the nicest one. Opening the shutters and welcoming the morning. Having a breakfast date with the blue hues of the sea. Going from one island to the other. Singing, always. Being fascinated by the cultural wealth of the Islands. Going from the other to the island. Having a dinner date with the red hues of the sun. Happiness on a daily basis.
I am staying, at least for a little while.
Alissa: From Montréal/Italy/Québec and new Madelinienne. Pleased to meet you. Welcome! I want to recount the Islands as they make me feel. I truly think that what makes the Îles de la Madeleine so beautiful is the emotions they create. I hope to give you a chance to reminisce about your holidays, or simply convince you to come and fall in love with this little piece of paradise — just like I did.
