The surprising colors of St. John’s, Newfoundland

On a distant shore, on an island known as the Rock, colors stand out against the grey skies, green forests, and dark, millenia-old stone. There are many legends as to why St. John’s, Newfoundland sports so many colors.
 

 

For sailors and fishermen, brightly colored houses helped them find their way home through the fog and inclement weather.

Colors highlight the beauty of nature, such as just-picked edible flowers adorning delectable meals.

There’s a strong tradition of storytelling and community gathering, and the colorful costumes worn by mummers delight – so much so that there are mummer ornaments for Christmas trees!

You’ll find colorful laundry on the line, colorful boats, and, of course, brilliant colors painted in the sky.

On a recent visit to St. John’s, I was entranced by the colors surrounding me, whether they were shining in the sun or peeking out from the fog. It was all I could do to not gawk constantly. I guess if you live there long enough, you become used to them. But for travelers like me, well, it was magic.

Take a look…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessie Voigts, who absolutely loves Newfoundland, has a PhD in International Education, has lived and worked in Japan and London, and traveled around the world. She’s published six books about travel and intercultural learning, with more on the way. Jessie is the publisher of Wandering Educators, a travel library for people curious about the world. She is constantly looking for ways to increase intercultural understanding, and is passionate about family travel, study abroad, and international education. 

 

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators