What a small strange world its been...
There is a new guy working in my office, and today I happened to mention that I was from the coast. To this he asked, "Where?" I replied, "Newport."
His eyes got wide and, I realized that perhaps he thought I was referring to some other larger Newport, so I asked him, "Which Newport do you think I'm talking about?"
He responded "Newport NC...My wife was from there?"
Wow. Newport is a small town with only about three thousand living in it. In reality Newport is little more than a town you pass through to get to the beach. Home of the Newport Pig Cooking Contest, and on the flight approach of Cherry Point Naval Air Station.
As such I know, knew really (it has been fifteen years since I called Newport my place of residence) everyone in the town at least name or face. So I asked him, "Whose your wife?"
His response; "Her last name was Hemingway."
Well there is only one family by that name in Newport and their youngest son was my best mate growing up riding motorcycles in the woods of the surrounding Crystal Coast countryside.
Yep. This guy had married one of my old friend's older sisters.
Found out he got married again. That makes me happy, he is a good guy and his last wife did him poorly. That is not to say that he was innocent. He is the one who picked his other best friend's little sister as a wife. Still, I can't be happier for him. I suppose I ought to look him up or something.
Small worlds indeed.
Comments
"In reality Newport is little more than a town you pass through to get to the beach."
That's what it feels like for me. When I drive over four hours to see my parents in Morehead City, I get through Havelock and see the Carteret County line and feel like my drive is almost over. Then, I have to remind myself that I still have Newport to get through. It's like psychological torture. ;)
All I see of Newport is what's on Hwy 70. Is there anything interesting off on the side roads?
Posted by: Todd W | April 3, 2007 9:26 AM
Off the beaten path Newport is
The Town with Old Fashioned Courtesy". It is quaint. Take Old 70 through town and you will see a cool little downtown with a school, restaurants, and all the fixings.
Turn at the lights onto Howard Blvd, you see the "Main Drag" as opposed to the main street. Post office, park, library, town hall, fire department. Howard ends at Old 70 (which at this point is Chattam St.) Take a right and follow it back to regular 70 near the flea mall.
It is what Beaufort would have been if instead of a harbor access it only had river access.
Posted by: Woody Cavenaugh | April 3, 2007 10:24 AM