Half an Hour Later in Newfoundland…

Half an Hour Later in Newfoundland…

Recommendations of where to go in St. John’s, written on my boarding pass by Porter check-in. I feel welcome already.

When you read the post title, did you hear the authoritative voice of a CBC announcer in your head? If you’re Canadian, you probably did. If it simply confused you, you should know that Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province, not only has its own time zone, it has a unique one. They’re half-an-hour ahead of their Atlantic neighbours.

This is my way of telling you I’ll be in Newfoundland for the next few days — home of Republic of Doyle, setting of Annie Proulx’s The Shipping News, prime iceberg watching territory, puffin haven and birthplace of Great Big Sea (oh yeah!)

Since I’ve no idea how much time I’ll have to update my blog, I’m going to post photos of my time on The Rock via Instagram. These photos will then go out to my Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Between these four social networks, you should be able to access updates on my trip. If you hate this kind of thing, hang tight. I’ll write some real posts when I get back.

In the meantime, as my smartphone is more savvy than I am, it’s going to act as my secretary. Leave me comments, suggestions or ask questions via any of the above networks. I’ll be accessing them via my phone.

That said, my responses will likely be riddled with typos. My accuracy on a touchscreen is on a par with my cat’s. And autocorrect? I’m convinced its sole purpose in life is to embarrass me.

Regardless, for the next few cool, cloudy, hilly, rocky, music- and fish-and-chips filled days, I invite you to trek along with me. Be sure to wear sensible shoes. We’ll be walking one of North America’s oldest cities.

12 Comments
  • Lisa MacColl
    Posted at 10:39h, 09 June

    Newfoundland and Labrador is on my bucket list. It’s the only Atlantic province I’ve never been to. Have a grand time!

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 14:25h, 09 June

    You must tick that item off your bucket list. It’s beautiful here. The people are soooooo friendly and inviting. And the food? I am gorging myself on amazing seafood, artisan cheese and fabulous bread.

  • Robin Smar
    Posted at 15:09h, 09 June

    Hope you pick up some accent, and I’m not talking spice! Loved the audio clip you sent.
    Cheers,
    Robin

  • Robin Smart
    Posted at 15:10h, 09 June

    OK – I just figured how to fix the typo on my own name. Seems we went to the same dexterity in typing class.
    Love.
    Finger fumbling sister.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 09:46h, 10 June

    Glad it worked. I had a blast talking to that shop keeper.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 09:49h, 10 June

    Oh, if it’s genetic we can blame Mom. 🙂

    Actually, I thought you were just going incognito with a new spelling. Glad you worked it out.

  • Melissa
    Posted at 23:10h, 17 June

    The tea is best there. Try some partridge berry jam and wine if you can. The best feeling in the world was feeling the sea breeze on my face as I watched the ships come in while I sat on top of Signal Hill. It’s a great hike to the top too!

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 16:02h, 18 June

    We did get to Signal Hill, but there were no ships coming in. An amazing view nonetheless. I picked up some partridge berry jam and various fruit wines — one is called Jelly Bean Row! I will remember my time in St. John’s fondly when I share them with my family.

    We had partridge berries in several dishes. I really like their tart flavour and tiny size. I now wonder if we grow them here and I just don’t know about it.

  • Baccalao Damsel
    Posted at 12:28h, 03 October

    Partridge berries are called bog cranberry or lingonberry on the mainland (that’s the rest of Canada to us from the rock). They are a boreal forest plant so the Northern part of your province should have them. I know that I have seen them in northern Alberta. The latin name is Vaccinium vitis-idaea, which should help if you are using a field guide to find them. There is also a bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus) that looks similar and is nice and tart tasting. If you are looking for them, after a first frost is the best time to pick them as it sweetens them up a bit.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 07:23h, 04 October

    Wow. Thanks so much for this very helpful information. I live in Southern Ontario, but will keep an eye out for them. I have a lot of plant books and will go look them up.

    Love the tip about waiting for the first frost! If I do get my hands on some, it will be soon since we are heading into frost weather soon.

    Thanks again for the very helpful comment!

  • Baccalao Damsel
    Posted at 07:49h, 04 October

    Glad to help, we use them in baking pretty much anywhere you’d use blueberries (and sometimes with them). I like the tartness so I don’t adjust the sugar. I hope you are able to track some down, if you do please write about it!

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 08:44h, 04 October

    Anywhere you use blueberries?! Good to know. I’m definitely going to try to find some of these. If I do I will write about it — assuming I can get the back end of my blog fixed.

    Thanks again for the tip.