St John's Newfoundland (5 - 8 Aug) Part 1

Flight to St John's was delayed about 1 hr 20 mins and there was no way I was going to make it for the Regatta.  It was okay since I am not really into crowded.  I was met by Pranav who was kind enough to pick me up at the airport.  Before checking into the hotel, we drove to the Regatta at Quidi Vidi Lake, the event was over by then.  After check in, went over to Pranav's home for dinner (vegetarian meal) and then retired back at Hillview Terrace.

 

Next morning, it was a trip to the Visitor Center at downtown.  Visitor center was full of people using the wifi; they were cruise ship passengers.  Found out that there was a Trolley Line bus that brings people around the city to all the tourist spots for $5 only.  I wasn't sure I was able to walk up Signal Hills (35 mins up a very steep hill) so the bus was a more than a mere delight. 

The staff at the Visitor Center was very helpful.  As I combed through all the brochures only to realize that only city tour was available and it was definitely catered for the cruise passengers who didn't have much time in the city.  There were no other tours available for that day so I could really take my own sweet time to explore the city. 

Signal Hill / Cabot Tower        
Beautiful view of St John and the ocean.  Took the long flight of stairs that led to the Queen's battery where the cannons are situated and a shed that once housed ammunitions.  From there, I hiked down to the Visitor Center.  The Royal Tattoo show was just over and managed to take pictures of the casts.  Why it is called a Tattoo...from Wikipedia - The word Tattoo is derived from Dutch doe den tap toe (translated to turn off the taps). In 17th century Dutch villages when British soldiers were required back at their barracks, a drummer would march through the streets playing the drumbeat doe den tap toe.

Here are some pictures.  Enjoy the views from the Signal Hill.