As I have outlined in my past blog posts, the excursions altruistically assembled by Chief Warrant Officer Kowalski have been a hit. Each one has had the perfect duality of joyful, unrequited tourism and encompassed the essence of the area, demonstrating its unique landscape, history, and culture. Leaving Newfoundland, after participating in the last excursion, was blissful and poignant. It was my last foreign port and last excursion of my freshman cruise!

The excursion in St. John’s was a bus tour with an informative but eccentric guide around the area. It stopped at all the major attractions on the island; Cape Spear, Signal Hill, the fishing docks, Quidi Vidi, and the Marathon of Hope Mile 0 Memorial. Signal Hill was utilized in World War II, to inform citizens and soldiers that the enemies were invading. It is a looming stone structure that overlooks both the precious city and the vast, endless ocean. Cannons lined the rolling hills around it, once used to protect the city, now act as a tourist’s photo opportunity.

Marathon of Hope Mile 0 Memorial is in remembrance for Terry Fox. After losing his leg to cancer, this brave Canadian set out to walk across the country to increase cancer awareness and funds for a cure. Unfortunately, Terry Fox did not make his journey and died of cancer. However, he lives on as a Canadian hero, with his story standing as an inspiration to many.

Newfoundland was my favorite port. The people were kind, the food was delicious, the landscape was breathtaking. The excursion of course was my highlight, as it always is in every port. (Thank you so much Chief Warrant Officer Kowalski!) Finally feeding the craving for a cheap ice coffee at Tim Hortons and trying a moose burger were definitely a close second and third.

Post by: MIDN 4/C Aimee Sala, MTO