Quebec

We ventured out to see Quebec City the other day. Or, as the locals call it...Quebec. They think you're crazy if you mention "Quebec City." Similar to saying "Pooteen," instead of "Pootan." (pronunciation is key apparently...who knew?)

Adam has had a number of overnights in Quebec and has explored some of the city during these times, so he was our tour guide for the day. We walked around all day over the Plains of Abraham, on the Boardwalk (forget what it's really called) by the Chateau Frontenac, through Old Quebec and back again!! What a beautiful city! There is so much fantastic scenery and so much history in everything we see, we can hardly believe we are in the same country! I sincerely felt we were back in Europe, touring around Innsbruck or Salzburg.



The Plains of Abraham are quite eerie. I'm sure if you meditated or could stop all the extra voices and car noises, you could hear the battle and cannon fire from September 1759. Check out this link if you are interested in learning more. http://1759.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/ OR http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/_en/index.php



The Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham


Entering through the gates into Old Quebec along the Grand Allee.




Looking down to Quartier Petit-Champlain nestled along the banks of the St Lawrence River.





Walking around the Quartier Petit-Champlain.





There were times we couldn't be sure we hadn't been transported to another time!! I think the Horse and Carriages made the feel that much more authentic. When we were heading back to the car at the end of our lllooonnnggg day, we asked Calli what her favourite part had been and she told us it was the Horsie Ride. ??????? "We didn't go on a Horsie Ride." "Well," she replied, "I liked looking at the people who were having Horsie rides." Ok then.





The Boardwalk by the Chateau Frontenac.







Along some of the little side streets...





There was this fantastic mural hosting portraits of famous Quebec personalities. It was painted in such a way that you could pretend you were a part of it all!! Can you spot Adam and Calli in this picture??



Adam and his girls taking a little breather.



Calli has always wanted to have her face painted and we finally came across an amazingly talented woman who could do it. After looking through pictures, Calli decided she wanted a "tattoo" on her arm and chose a lovely Unicorn for herself. When she sat in the chair, she looked a bit frightened and when Adam asked if she was scared, she replied "I'm just fine, Dad." I can see now that she will be one of those kids who will need to be dropped off a block away from school, to avoid the embarassment of being seen with her parents!!! (Jenny Dawe)



After her arm was painted she held it out like she was wearing an invisible cast for a good 1/2 hour until that became tiresome and once one of the blue star beads fell of due to the humidity. It was fun for a while, then she asked if she could please have a bath when we arrived home, in order to wash the Unicorn off. We thought it was a good opportunity to tell her that REAL tattoos never wash off.



More walled city images...





We came across this little scene on the way back to the car...They lowered and folded the Canadian flag while we watched. Calli enjoyed the band playing Oh Canada, by plugging her ears!!



It was a beautiful city to visit and I would most certainly go back and explore again. So much history and such amazing buildings and stores and cafes. You could never tire...