After 70 Countries – My Road Always Leads Home
There are few cities like it. I think it’s special here. They say that to appreciate something you have to be without it. After spending the last 10 years in 50+ countries, it’s safe to say, “I’ve seen my options”.
I’ve swam with sharks, slept on the Great Wall of China, and been embed with snake venom tattoos by Bhuddist Monks. I’ve hopped iron ore trains in West Africa and bruised my cheekbone at the world’s biggest orange fight in Italy.
But I still love coming home.
I was born here, in Fredericton.
After dangling your feet in the canals of Amsterdam, or the pushing through the smoky alleys of Marrakesh, you realize that our cities in Canada don’t have the same histories as Europe. Quite simply, while we do have a deep and fascinating history here in North America, these cultures were mostly nomadic, always on the move, not building with stone. The time-tested building material of the wonders of our world.
Maybe it’s because I’ve always been more interested in nature then history, or because I’ve always felt the feeling of a place mattered most. It’s the people, the sounds, or sometimes just how the wind blows, or the sun sparkles across the water that creates a feeling, and I really think this city has a special one.
One reason I always love coming back home, is it’s constantly changing. Improving on its strengths. Putting its best things together, like the new Fredericton Taproom Trail, living true to its name of “Atlantic Canada’s Brewing Capital.” Sure, some of my old haunts have disappeared. No longer are there breakdancing battles at Nicky Zee’s, but I’ve made peace with that. Time marches on, and I’ve loved seeing this city grow.
I’ve always had parts of Fredericton I’ve loved most. When asked to create this video series, I realized that many of these locations were connected to the trail system.That’s what inspired this video.
While doing some reconnaissance for this piece, I went out to explore my favourite places in the city for inspiration:
- The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge at sunrise/sunset, a 607m former train bridge across the Wolastoq (Saint John River) in the heart of Fredericton. The great connection piece that links the south and north sides together and has become one of the iconic landscapes of Fredericton.
- The winding trail beside the Lighthouse on The Green, which always seems to have a new surprise. My favourite has been the creative fusion of flood markers and art on the waterfront.
- Odell Park, a city park with one of Canada’s best old growth forests. A sanctuary in the middle of a city, the perfect place for a trail run, a pastime I have come to love over the last few years.
What I saw is that all of these places had become even more beautiful since I had been there last. There was more outdoor art installations by the lighthouse, the Picaroon’s Roundhouse’s patio was buzzing with people, and the walking bridge renovation makes it even better than it was before.
As we’re all taking some extra precautions this spring, maybe many of our plans for great adventures in faraway places have been postponed. I’ve realized that there’s a lot to rediscover right here, in this beautiful city. I’m happy to have my feet planted here in Fredericton for now, it really is a special place.
Click here to join Mike Corey as he explores MORE of his favorite things to eat, see and do in Fredericton!
