The island of Newfoundland is known as "The Rock"
The story of Come From Away is set in Gander & the surrounding towns of Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
When the U.S. shut down its airspace, Canada offered to house inbound planes flying from Europe. Planes were diverted to fly into Gander International Airport.
Gander and its neighbouring towns Glenwood, Lewisporte, Appleton, Gambo, and Norris Arm all welcomed “Come From Aways” into their homes.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WERE GROUNDED IN GANDER ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
APPROXIMATE GANDER POPULATION IN 2001
NUMBER OF PLANES DIVERTED TO LAND IN GANDER
NUMBER OF COUNTRIES REPRESENTED BY THE PEOPLE GROUNDED IN GANDER
NUMBER OF ANIMALS IN CARGO
NUMBER OF MINUTES THE “COME FROM AWAYS” INITIALLY WAITED TO EXIT THE PLANES
NUMBER OF HOURS IT TAKES TO GET TO THE NEAREST STARBUCKS (IN ST. JOHN’S)
NUMBER OF HOTEL ROOMS IN GANDER
Roll over each phrase to learn more about each "Newfinese" phrase (the Newfoundland insider language)
Kissing the cod or a “Screech-in” is a Newfoundland tradition used to welcome newcomers, so it is fitting that the “Come From Aways” were welcomed in this way.
The ritual is typically performed at a pub by a Newfoundland resident.
The newcomer kisses a codfish and is asked by a resident, “Is ye a Screecher?” The newcomer must reply “Deed I is, me old cock, and long may your big jib draw!” which translates to “Yes indeed, my friend, may there always be wind in your sails.” At that point, they consume a shot of Screech (a type of rum) and receive their certificate from the Royal Order of Newfoundland Screechers.
