Blogs from Québec City, Quebec, Canada, North America

Just like yesterday, it was off to a boulangerie for breakfast! Since this was the day of Harry and Meghan's wedding, I ran out to pick up coffee and croissants, and got back just in time for the vows. To be honest, I probably wouldn't have bothered, but my roommate was watching, so I did, too. Right after, we headed down to the lobby to start the day's activities. We took cabs to the Residence of the Governor General of Canada within the walls of the Citadel. This walled fortress on the St. Lawrence River changed hands between the British and French over the years. It was interesting to hear about the relationship and "pecking order" among the British Queen, the Governor General, the Canadian Prime Minister, and the Senate. It seems a kind of confusing ... read more

After starting with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we headed off to The Notre-Dame Basilica, where we learned a bit of history and were treated to a private organ concert. The Basilica was originally built in the 1670s, of wood instead of stone, since they were pressed for time and funds, and also because wood insulates better than stone! In the early 19th century, after the church was deemed to be too small, the current Basilica was designed by (of all people!) an Irish Anglican named James O'Donnell; the sanctuary can hold about 10,000 people. On his deathbed, O'Donnell converted to Catholicism, though some say it was so he could be buried in the crypt of the church he designed and built! The Catholic Church was the center of life in early Montreal, attracting all ... read more

Our private walking tour of Quebec City wasn't until 2p so we agreed to all sleep in. Left hotel around 10a. Previous night we had discovered a breakfast restaurant, L’Omelette, so headed there for a leisurely breakfast. Robb asked server for their biggest breakfast. It came with two eggs, two sausage and a Quebec pie. Having never had Quebec pie, Robb was willing to give it a try. He loved it! It’s a steak pie (steak in dark gravy, baked in pie shell). Yummy! We finished breakfast and with time still before our tour, we decided to go to Visitor Centre, get some maps and take some photos. Enroute, we discovered a little alley where local artists had their paintings on display for sale. Sophie really like one in particular. It was of the “Break Neck ... read more

Na een wat woelige nacht in het topbed in de hostel breekt een nieuwe dag aan. Op de wind na is het mooi. Die ochtend organiseert de hostel een begeleide stadswandeling. Hoewel groepsactiviteiten niet mij ding zijn, vergezel ik de gids doorheen de stad. Dit is ideaal om een eerste indruk van de stad op te doen. We komen op verschillende plekjes en ik krijg inspiratie om zelf verder op verkenning te gaan. Quebec voelt heel Europees aan. Het werd gesticht door de Fransen, veroverd door de Engelsen om later terug Frans te worden in nieuwe land Canada. In de namiddag doel ik wat rond en bezoek uiteindelijk het Morrin huis. Een oude gevangenis en later het centrum van de Engelssprekende gemeenschap. In de avond verhuis in naar men warmshowershost Patrick, deze kookt een pittige rijstschotel ... read more

So Connie and myself caught the train to Quebec City, to be greeted by the worst taxi driver in the world. He clicked open the boot and just sat in the taxi, when we didn't open it he got out and just stood there, not offering to lift our cases in, so we asked him if he would put them in, which he did. Silence in the taxi for the 5 minute ride, he stops outside the hotel and asks for his money, which I give him ....... and take my change, he clicks his boot open. And just sits there 😡 So we get out of the taxi leave the door open, take out cases out and leave the boot open and walk away .........what a ****** liberty 😤😤😤😤😤😤 We were greeted by the loveliest ... read more