I am truly puzzled by Quidi Vidi Lake and its surroundings. Is there an ancient curse that means that it can only be used to its full potential for one day of the year lest plague and pestilence will ensue? Why does no one swim/kayak/board on or in the waters? I have heard every explanation imaginable; the one I like best is that giant eels lurk in the weeds, just waiting to suck you under.
If someone can enlighten me on the mystery of Quidi Vidi, I would be most grateful.
Why are there no little cafés, bars, or restaurants in the various underused or abandoned buildings along its fair shores? For sure we could do with a bar, restaurant or coffee house that has a decent view; to my knowledge, the only one in St. John’s is the restaurant in The Rooms.
The renovations near the boathouse look great and enhance my frequent walk around the perimeter, keeping an eye out, of course, for the beast that must lurk there keeping the ducks and self-partnered goose ashore. If someone can enlighten me on the mystery of Quidi Vidi, I would be most grateful. Until then, I remain hopeful that a little coffee shop or tasteful bar will emerge to encourage me and the countless other walkers to linger and maybe do two circuits of those treacherous waters rather than just the one circumnavigation.
Bill Radford,
St. John’s
