It was a magnificent day as we went to 8 AM breakfast.
We opted for another light meal as we had lunch reservations. John had the yogurt bowl again and I had the pistachio filled croissant.
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We spent some time lounging lounging around before getting a cab to Quidi Vidi.
We had booked the Hop On Hop Off 2-day ticket, but the reviews were not good and we don't do waiting very well, so we cancelled it. At the price of it we can Uber to where we want to go and have much more flexibility.
Quidi Vidi - For the record, it’s Kiddy Viddy! Tucked just minutes from downtown St. John’s, Quidi Vidi is a tiny fishing village that somehow packs in colourful houses, a legendary brewery, hiking trails, and enough charm to make you seriously reconsider your life choices back home. You’ll be planning your return trip before you ever leave the Gut.
The harbor is called "The Gut" because of the extremely narrow, rock-walled channel that connects the inner harbor to the open Atlantic Ocean.In Newfoundland coastal terminology, a "gut" is a standard geographical term used to describe a tight, narrow inlet or marine passageway.
English and Irish settlers arrived in Quidi Vidi in the 16th and 17th centuries, drawn by the rich cod fishery. Life was hard – harsh weather, isolation, and the ever-present threat of French attacks – but the community held on and grew into a thriving fishing hub. The sheltered harbour made it a gathering point for schooners and fishermen from across Newfoundland during the busy summer season.
Newfoundland is called "The Rock" primarily because of its rugged, stark, and stone-dominated landscape which shapes everything from its scenery to its identity.
Much of the island consists of exposed bedrock, massive coastal cliffs, and barren rock formations carved by ancient glaciers.Glaciation scraped away most topsoil, leaving a thin layer of earth that makes traditional farming difficult and exposes the stone beneath.
Local residents and visitors use the term as a badge of pride, symbolizing the resilience of the people who settled on such a harsh, unyielding terrain.
The collapse of the cod fishery in the 1990s hit Quidi Vidi hard, as it did so many outport communities across the island. There's a song about the Moratorium.
The Canadian federal government declared a historic moratorium on the Northern cod fishery in July 1992, halting 500 years of commercial fishing off Newfoundland and Labrador. After lasting 32 years and resulting in Canada’s largest industrial layoff, the federal government officially lifted the moratorium in summer 2024, setting a cautious total allowable catch limit of 18,000 tonnes.
But the village adapted, leaning into its heritage and natural beauty to become the tourism destination it is today. The brewery, the artisan studios, the restored heritage buildings – they’ve all played a role in writing the next chapter.
Built between 1820 and 1840, Mallard Cottage was once home to the Mallard family, Irish settlers who made Quidi Vidi their home in the early 19th century. Parks Canada recognizes the building as a National Historic Site, noting its significance as a rare surviving example of the Newfoundland vernacular houses built by immigrants from southeast Ireland during that period.
Lunch/Brunch at Mallard Cottage - As a nationally acclaimed dining spot located in a restored 18th-century cottage, service here is meant to be paced and savored. Since it was Saturday we were offered the brunch menu.
I had the fish cakes and John had fish (3 pieces) and chips and he forgot to take a pic! We had a pint of their Frequent Flyer lager.
Wandering around.
A life-sized submersible film prop labeled "BLUNTNOSE" and "SJF 41670" displayed outdoors on a metal support stand at The Wharf. A white, multi-paneled mock submersible or diving bell featuring round portholes, international flag decals (including Sweden, Japan, Australia, and Uganda), and a yellow safety grab bar on its right side.
This striking metal fish skeleton sculpture, titled "The Fishery," was created by artists Ian Gillies and Marc Fiset, known as Gillie and Marc! Click here for more Gillie and Marc's.
The rusted metal and skeletal frame represent the decline and challenges of the traditional fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, while the durable steel structure symbolizes the resilience of its people and industry.
There are food trucks set up in an area called The Wharf, along with arts and crafts stalls and a beer garden with entertainment.
I had read an article recently that asked when did food truck prices start to resemble traditional restaurants, and it certainly showed here.
I had a lobster roll the other night in a lovely restaurant in town for $36, and I thought even that was pricey. I pay $23 in Toronto for a stuffed roll with fries and salad.
John's fish and chips at the premier Mallard Cottage a few feet away was $27 but that had three generous pieces.
Quidi Vidi Brewery / The Wharf Newfoundland’s largest microbrewery and home to Iceberg Beer, made from pure 20,000 year old icebergs found floating around St. John’s. We sampled iceberg beer in Labrador.
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A sample of their menu.
Twacking in the Village - My new favourite word!
In Newfoundland and Labrador, twacking (or twack) means going shopping or browsing through stores with no real intention of buying anything. It is a leisurely activity done to pass the time, poke around, or window-shop, though you might occasionally spot a little treasure and buy it anyway.
” I’m goin’ up to da mall for a twack.”
“I was just twacking about downtown St. John’s”
Back at the hotel we decided we didn't want another big meal, so we stepped out and got a bottle of wine, sandwiches and potato chips for later.
There are a few things that were on my list for this trip but the $Canadian dollar is making me rethink.
We did not do Omega Mart when we did Area 15 last year, but a friend highly recommends it. But ticket prices range from $54 - $64 US depending on day of the week. Sure, I can get a discount of $5 from other selected vendors. At an average price of $60 US that is $90 CAD X2.
Do I really want to see it that badly?
John and I agree we'd rather spend our money on dining experiences.
We have been looking at shows to see, nothing really jumps out at us. There are some big ticket stars playing here but again, I'm not willing to fork over $1,000 US for a couple of tickets.
Step into the future of mixology with The Tipsy Robots, our high-tech bartenders capable of crafting up to 120 mesmerizing drinks per hour. Each cocktail, a masterpiece, is swiftly created in just 60 to 90 seconds, blending precision and flair. Not just mixologists, these robotic wonders also dazzle with their killer dance moves, guaranteeing a perfectly crafted sip and an unforgettable show every time.
Sunday Superbowl
I was up at 7, John 8. We went out at 10:30, nice and quiet on a Sunday.
We went to Von's, the one on Twain because it has a bakery, to finalize our meal plan for this week. I still find it weird to find slot machines inside a grocery store, on the left.
Never seen rotisserie turkey before.
These are gigantic subs.
Seriously, groceries are cheap here! Where do you get Lays potato chips buy 2 TWO and get 3 THREE FREE???? That'll last us until we get home. I did notice that chicken stock was way more expensive than at home?
Eggs, expensive but there is a shortage. Still not as expensive as I saw in Palm Springs.
Today's order $108, after savings of $40 (Von's member price) is the equivalent of ordering 5 beers on the Strip plus tip!
And there is nothing better than making your own sandwich to your desire! For me - bologna (don't judge me, I buy it once a year), tomatoes, scallions and lettuce.
Rocket Mortgage decided to turn the lens on the human spirit and the drive that fuels each individual with a dream. And Rocket Mortgage found the perfect song with “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The company ended the commercial with “Everyone deserves their shot at the American Dream.” That’s when the program cut back the coverage of the game. And somewhat surprising, the entire stadium was singing the song.
What a surprise, the phone rang, and I expected a timeshare sales person. No, Housekeeping, did we need anything? I asked for another pot and a potato peeler...delivered. Garbage taken away.
I feel like I am in a Mexican resort, so much housekeeping, unlike when we were in Palm Springs.
They called because we had left the do not disturb sign on the door this morning when they do they daily rounds.
JoĂ«l Robuchon ( 7 April 1945 – 6 August 2018) was a French chef and restaurateur. He was named "Chef of the Century" by the guide Gault Millau in 1989, and awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (France's best worker) in cuisine in 1976. He operated more than a dozen restaurants across Bangkok, Bordeaux, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, Macau, Madrid, Monaco, Montreal, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and New York City. His restaurants have been acclaimed, and in 2018 he held 32 Michelin Guide stars among them, the most any restaurateur has ever held.He is considered to be one of the greatest chefs of all time.
He must be good, the fixe prix is $525 US, not including wine or tip.
We popped into Jason Aldean's Kitchen, what a farce. Hostess says, go ahead sit at the bar. No seats at either bar. All other (empty) tables set for dining. We go to sit at a hightop in bar and are told no, we have to sit at bar, fist come first served. We walked out, funny way to treat your paying customers, considering the place was half empty. We can better spend our money, anyway, gave him the finger, as he is a tRumpster!!
We went into the Cosmopolitan to find our Wednesday restaurant, good thing, it took us two rounds to find it, hidden in plain sight.
We did spend our money, less than classless Aldean's, at the Chandelier Bar in the Cosmopolitan.
The Chandelier in Las Vegas is three floors of lounges serving different cocktails, each with its own singular vibe. But the overall effect is absolutely palatial and stunning. After all, you're inside a massive, three-floor, two-million-crystal chandelier that drips down three floors.
My favourite activity!! I just went down that hole writing this post!
We came back and Housekeeping had been in and tidied up including changing the towels and taking the garbage. Nice!
Tuesday
Steps 8.780
I was sorry to hear that one of my favourite Toronto museums is closing.
We were up at 7, becoming a habit. We had coffee and puttered until 9:45ish and then headed out for breakfast and the Arts District.
GPS Guy (GG) was determined that we take I-15 so we did.
Since our breakfast choice didn't open until 10:30 we did some wandering.
I had a mission to find a newly restored neon sign. By mistake we went along E Charleston Blvd
before realizing it was on W Charleston Blvd.
But we caught the Blue Angel Motel.
The Neon Museum’s “Free Aspirin & Tender Sympathy” sign – loaned to the City of Las Vegas – has officially been relit in the Las Vegas Medical District on W. Charleston Boulevard.
Dating back to the late 1950s, the Free Aspirin & Tender Sympathy sign was originally located on what is now Las Vegas Boulevard, which was previously 5th Street – a segment of Highway 91 linking Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
The sign was installed at the former Allen Post’s Union 76 gas station, situated at 3758 S. Las Vegas Blvd. near the Desert Rose Motel and the Lone Palm Motel – locations now occupied by Park MGM and New York-New York Hotel & Casino, respectively.
During Kenneth Lehman’s ownership of the gas station, he continued the legacy of the “Free Aspirin & Tender Sympathy” and the “Ask Us Anything” slogans on the building and was quoted saying “You can’t put it on a sign and not do it.” In 2001, upon closing of the station, the sign was donated to The Neon Museum.
We decided since we were already in the car that we would go to the south factory outlets. Nothing, nada.
Char Siu For You! Cantonese-style barbecue pork ribs, marinated seasonal vegetables, green onion $16.88
Delicious, but only three pieces. Loved the pickles.
Fried Wonton 7pc Filled with shrimp and pork, served with sesame dressing $13.88
Mongolian Beef Lettuce Marinated beef seasoned with shishito peppers, onions, ginger, soy sauce and Chinkiang black vinegar, and wok-tossed with lettuce hearts $26.88
John looks happy that I suggested he have the Anejo (tequila) flight as "dessert".
Casa Noble Siempre Don Julio
Thursday
We woke to rain so John moved his golf to Friday.
Incoming rain to break 214-day dry spell in Las Vegas; Mountain snow on the way.
A very rare sight in LV!! Grey skies and rain.
And back home it is a snow day as Toronto got 23 cm of snow!
We topped up our groceries for the weekend at Von's on Twain. We were finished by 11:15 and we knew Housekeeping was coming at 11. It was rainy and cold so we decided to visit a couple of casinos since we had the car. These are off the Strip so parking is free.
Silverton, we had never been to and I had heard they had done a multi-million dollar renovation of their older premises.
Kick back with some ice-cold brews, small plates of great food and game-time action on 12 screens, or try mini-bowling inside a 1950s Airstream trailer. You can even lounge under the canopy of an indoor North American Aspen tree.
On impulse, we had planned on going home for lunch, we decided to grab something here.
John hated the golf course, he said it had a creek running through it that was stinking full of garbage. That's the first time he has made a derogatory comment about courses here.
I went shopping and got in 6,920 steps and a $10 ($15 CAD) sweater in a colour I was looking for.
He offered to meet me in Planet Hollywood but I was on my way back. We just enjoyed our afternoon.
Happy Family Day to Ontario!
COOKING
Groceries are very cheap here in Nevada! I like dining out but LOVE cooking our own meals. American restaurant portions are just too big and cause so much waste.
Saturday L sandwich
D ham, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts
Sunday L sandwiches
D SUPERBOWL chili, bread
Monday L Salad
D leftover ham, potatoes, sprouts
Tuesday B OUT
D leftover chili
Wednesday B bacon and eggs
D OUT
Thursday L OUT
D chicken divan
Friday L bacon and eggs
D Costco steak green peppers onions garlic bread (IRELAND butter)
We tried season 2 of Squid Games, but it didn't work for us.
Freefall Flight 174 True story of a brand-new Canadian airliner running out of fuel in-flight and forced to glide to the nearest airfield. Filmed in CANADA.
Blink Twice 2024 When tech billionaire Slater King meets cocktail waitress Frida at his fundraising gala, he invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. As strange things start to happen, Frida questions her reality. Filmed in MEXICO.
Wild Card 2015 When a Las Vegas bodyguard with lethal skills and a gambling problem gets in trouble with the mob, he has one last play...and it's all or nothing. This was fun, filmed in Las Vegas and starring Jason Statham. LAS VEGAS
We started a good series Wilderness 2023. It is a British psychological thriller miniseries produced for Amazon Prime Video based on the novel of the same name by B. E. Jones.
Liv and Will seem to have it all. A rock-solid marriage. A glamorous new life in New York. Until Liv learns about the affair. Enter the American road trip she's fantasied about. For Will, it's a chance to make amends, for Liv it's a very different prospect - a landscape where accidents happen all the time. The perfect place to get revenge. Primarily filmed in CANADA.
John watched Most Dangerous Game filmed in CANADA.
READING
I seem to be in vacation mode reading, nothing too complicated.
The Missing Wife There weren't any dramatic twists and turns. Nothing made me jump off my seat or intrigued me to read further.
I Dare You by the same author, this dragged a little and I really disliked the residents of the village!
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