Blogs from Canada, North America - page 1228

UntitledSo I have come to somewhat understand the term Quebecois. Quebecois are the people, culture, history, language, food, art, architecture, and much more, which make up the province of Quebec. As some have said, like the professor who presented to the group today, Canada started here in Quebec. And while many may disagree with this statement, there is historical fact to support this idea. Moreover, I have truly seen the importance that language plays into maintaining a person(s) identity and culture. The people of this area do not maintain French as a way of separation, but instead maintain it as a form of cultural identity that allows them to be more comfortable with incorporating themselves with the rest of Canada. This morning we toured the Musée de Civilization and met with a professor who helped design ... read more

Several of you expressed concerns about NOT getting some of my travel entries this winter. Well here you go ...and I might be able to attach photos this time...... read more

Happy 4th July! Over the weekend Anne and I went to Calgary to spend some time in a 'big' City, and to pick up those essentials that are not found in Fernie (Like Chillies, and other Chinese spices). We also caught up with a good friend, Leanna, who has a fantastic property about 30 minutes outside Calgary, with her 3 horses. When in Calgary, one cannot miss a Rodeo, so Leanna took us to Airdrie Rodeo. A great day on the whole, with the exception Anne took to the treatment of a 'baby' animals like calf's. Other than that, it was a cool experience, however I did feel out of place, not wearing a stetson, and a 6" diameter belt buckle with checked shirt. We left Calgary after picking up Sandra from the airport Monday evening, ... read more

One quick note about Halifax before moving on to Cape Breton. There is a relatively large casino on the wharf in Halifax. We had to see the competition so went in. The floor plan/layout was the same as all other casinos we have seen, but very light and airy. That is because the entire wall facing the harbor was windows. Great views from a casino. They also don't stay open 24 hr. David went by the next morning around 10 AM while the computer was being worked on and they were closed. Certainly not the Las Vegas model. After leaving Halifax we drove to Cape Breton Island in the northeast section of Nova Scotia. Rugged mountainous landscape with rough rocky beaches. The first day there we drove the Cabot Trail which goes around the perimeter ... read more

Quebec CityI woke up this morning at 6:45 and headed for the airport to fly from Ottawa to Quebec City. The plane I rode in was extremely small, and in fact was a propeller plane. After a noisy flight we arrived in Quebec City. We checked into our hotel and then had a guided tour of the city. Quebec City is like a town. The amazing part is I keep thinking I am in France. Everything is written in French, all of the people only speak French and all of the stores are in French. Much of the city dates back to the 1600's. After our tour of the city we went to a baseball game sponsered by the US Counsel in Quebec. There was a lot of food, and all of the anouncements were in ... read more