Thursday, June 13, 2013

The flight to St. John’s, Newfoundland is almost three hours long, but seats at the front of the plane allow for more leg room and some extra comfort. Off we go!

Note to travellers: Bring your snacks and earphones because nothing — except a cup of water, tea or coffee — is free!!!

Travelling in your own country has its perks: no need to exchange money and carry separate wallets, no need to bring electrical conversion plug, and no need to panic if you forgot your favourite analgesic because there is always a Shoppers Drug Mart close by!

Touchdown! Brrr!!! Very cloudy, drizzling and cold… Good thing we packed accordingly… Stopping for our rental car, a new Ford Focus: compact but very comfortable.

First lodging on the island: Leaside Manor, a 4.5 stars B&B in St John’s. Commissioned to a renown architect of that time – MacCarter – this lovely heritage property was built in 1921 for John Joseph and Flora Parker. Today, it still has many original features, including cedar sidings, colonial columns and lead-lined windows. Our room is splendid, with the only original fireplace in the house. This is quite a treat, and on this rainy day, the jacuzzi is very inviting. We will be spending four nights here.

Lunch stop: Piatto Pizzeria, 377 Duckworth street (www.piattopizzeria.com)
Soup + pizza with soft goat cheese, caramelized pear, prosciutto, Grana Padano cheese, balsamic reduction. De-li-ci-ous. Our waitress picked up on our “Frenchy” accent and switched to fluent French. I would say we are off to a good start!

Relaxing afternoon… Raymond had some work he needed to wrap up, so we had the fireplace going, and tea brought to our room… I am already contemplating moving in!

Until tomorrow,
Anna

Day 1 – Leaside Manor

Day 1 – Leaside Manor

Day 1 – Leaside Manor

Day 1 – Leaside Manor

Day 1 – Leaside Manor