History of the Caribbean is not in our curriculum, and I wonder if it is on any even in the Caribbean. The main thing people know is probably pirates, and maaaaybe that Columbus landed here instead of the main Americas continent. The importance of the Nelson dockyard is thus way beyond what I know and I need a lot of research for this site. In truth I didn't so maybe that's a big negative thing but also should I really need to spend so much extra time? In fact the site is proudly saying the dockyard is a great example of a British naval yard from the 18th century but the site is much more than that. 255 hectares of archeological sites. Only visiting the Nelson dockyard is thus not enough. Without transportation it is not ideal to get around though, not even the interpretation center. The bus (#17) goes from the West bus station in St John's directly to the entrance of the dockyard, called English Harbor. It is also super cheap, barely $1.50 (3.75 EC I believe). The buses are frequent and go back to town all day.

The dockyard area (21 EC entrance ticket) is unfortunately a big waste of time. It has some old houses, most used for modern shops and restaurants, which is almost shocking for being declared a world heritage site, but maybe I am just under the impression that having paid an entrance fee I am supposed to get "ruins" and "museum" out of it. This is more like visiting a bazaar that was inscribed by UNESCO though. After the "market", the trinket shop and the restaurant I finally come across an old building: the sawpit. No way to look inside, nothing but a sign to point out it is there. Then there is a museum that has the disgrace to say "it is free but we want donations" after having just paid entrance to the site! There is also little to see inside. Some historical info, some info about the UNESCO areas, something totally unrelated like figureheads, and of course a museum shop. One can then wander around the front of the docks which is still in use by private sailboats, so one feels completely out of place. Ever went the wrong way at the marina and ended up at a private dock where people stare at you? Well … if not then at least imagine it is like that.

My visit was on a Saturday and there was nobody visiting. A few tourists arrived by bus as I was leaving, it was a rainy day, so maybe it is sometimes busier but let's face it: tourist trap. If it were free I may see how I would come down to enjoy a visit to the restaurant at the famous dockyard, but not after each family member just had to pay $10 (you better have EC) to even enter the restaurant.

All right so like I said there is more to see than the dockyard but I can't say for sure if it will be improving the site. Doubtful.