NOTE: There were 3 posts earlier this week, including 1 yesterday. Have a look, by George!
Newfoundland is known as "The Rock" because basically this island is a big lump of rock in the ocean. But one soft 'n gentle piece of the rock in St. John's are the "Jelly Beans". For decades, rows of shops and houses thisclosecloseclosetogether have been painted in contrasting deep colours. Most are in the historic core of town but the jelly bean bag is spreading to new neighbourhoods too. The theme is carried through to advertising, souvenirs, and mailboxes that make you smile.
On Canada Day afternoon George Street was free and festive. Blue collar Newfie music rang out on street corners and the main stage. Stilts, balloons, face paint and hoops all joined in our happy red-and-white day.
The band that really put the rock in The Rock was The Sheepdogs concert last night at Quidi Vidi Lake ("Kiddy Viddy"). These guys have roots in Australia and Saskatoon (can you see the flag of Saskatchewan?) but sound like the best of all the '70s guitar bands. They were the first unsigned (no label contract) band to ever appear on the cover of Rolling Stone. Then they went crazy global but chose to play here as a tribute to their plaid-shirt roots. And they do no-break, no-patter, full-tilt ear-splitting guitarmony for the full hour and a half set. Check out their new single "Up In Canada". We're now confirmed fans of the 'Dogs!
The night closed with the ritual fireworks over the lake, always ooh-and-aah. But extra special this time because the bombs bursting in air were all red-and-white. Red for fierce pride, white for all the great future to come. Oh Canada!
Newfoundland is known as "The Rock" because basically this island is a big lump of rock in the ocean. But one soft 'n gentle piece of the rock in St. John's are the "Jelly Beans". For decades, rows of shops and houses thisclosecloseclosetogether have been painted in contrasting deep colours. Most are in the historic core of town but the jelly bean bag is spreading to new neighbourhoods too. The theme is carried through to advertising, souvenirs, and mailboxes that make you smile.
On Canada Day afternoon George Street was free and festive. Blue collar Newfie music rang out on street corners and the main stage. Stilts, balloons, face paint and hoops all joined in our happy red-and-white day.
The band that really put the rock in The Rock was The Sheepdogs concert last night at Quidi Vidi Lake ("Kiddy Viddy"). These guys have roots in Australia and Saskatoon (can you see the flag of Saskatchewan?) but sound like the best of all the '70s guitar bands. They were the first unsigned (no label contract) band to ever appear on the cover of Rolling Stone. Then they went crazy global but chose to play here as a tribute to their plaid-shirt roots. And they do no-break, no-patter, full-tilt ear-splitting guitarmony for the full hour and a half set. Check out their new single "Up In Canada". We're now confirmed fans of the 'Dogs!
The night closed with the ritual fireworks over the lake, always ooh-and-aah. But extra special this time because the bombs bursting in air were all red-and-white. Red for fierce pride, white for all the great future to come. Oh Canada!
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