So I work in Alberta in the oil and gas industry. I am currently working on an oil well. During the length of these jobs many service companies come onto the site to perform work. Today we perforated a zone 1800 metres downhole. Specialists come to execute this task as it requires explosives and a great deal of technical data. In the "patch" we call them wireliners or slickliners or e-liners. They usually consist of a 3 man crew.
During our safety meeting this morning the wireline supervisor addressed all of us on site. He spoke in an accent which I recognized, it nearly brought a smile to my face. After we broke and went back to our respective office trailers I mentioned to my co-worker this accent which was familiar. I wanted to approach this a couple ways but I decided to go with the most appropriate avenue. I will tell you what I was gonna do.
The wireline truck is a large 3 axle truck that requires airbrakes. In order to get into the operating area of the truck you have to climb up 3 steps and open a door to enter the area.
I noticed the 2 other workers were outside doing work and the supervisor was inside the truck preparing to log data. I wanted to abruptly open the door and say "Where's the fuckin Newfies to?". I instead opened the door after a polite - heads up - knock and said "where exactly are you from?
"Corner Brook" he replies followed by "where you from?"
"Bay Roberts" I proudly answer.
"Two of the boys are from home too!"
"Deadly" I say, trying not to smile.
It warmed my heart to know that I would be in the presence of my fellow islanders for the next few hours. That morning I spend talking to these guys speaking proudly in my Newfoundland accent. I was treated with great respect and returned it with the politeness and kindness that was afforded me. I can honestly say nothing pleases me more than when I have to go away from my homeland and arrive at a job site where I will be in contact with other Newfoundlanders. It's almost like going home. It's a feeling that keeps me nearer when I am farther away.
When you share a common culture with people no matter where you are or what it is, it will always bring people closer together.
