FRIDAY…JULY 4th:
WOW…..it was soooo cool this morning that I had to turn on the furnace for about 15 minutes to take the chill off inside TheHowserHouse! But….it warmed quickly, both inside and outside, and soon after my morning rituals, I had the door open. I had my French Roast coffee……and while the 1st Lady was getting ready, I hurried around to load the backpack for the trip to Quebec City.
We left around 9:30 or so……and a few miles up the road, we stopped at the Quebec Tourist Bureau to load up on city maps and some info on the things we should do and see……especially since this is the 400 birthday of Quebec! And, OMG……..what a birthday bash they are having!!!!
There are tons and tons of people here for the huge celebration……and I’m certain it would be easier for us to get around had this been some other weekend, but……you do what you have to do, don’t you???
We drove to Levis, a small city across the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City…..parked the car for $5.00.…a HUGE bargain….and soon afterwards boarded the large ferry to cross the river. The ferry ticket was only $4.90 round trip…..again, a good bargain for us. The trip, once we were moving, took only about 15 minutes….maybe a bit less…..and then we were on our way off the boat and soon we found ourselves checking our maps to get our bearings on this totally French speaking soil.
We began to wander around the beautiful little French styled streets….cobblestones and all pedestrian streets…..leading to curved buildings, uphill walks, great French buildings with window flower boxes filled with colorful flowers growing profusely……and the wonderful little boutiques and shops filled with all sorts of Quebec goodies!!!
We went into several very old churches, including the beautiful Notre Dame church. Each one was unique in it’s style of architecture and décor, but this one was gorgeous with all of the gilded gold paint on the religious items and décor. And…..like everything else in the Old Town of Quebec City…….it had been “spruced up” for this Birthday Weekend.
We continued to wander, taking the Funiculaire up the bluff to the upper level of the Old City….and again, just wandered…..stopping to watch the local street entertainers in the small courtyards and plazas…….munching on a Citron and Strawberry Gelato …..yummy!!! Then we went to the old wall that makes Quebec City the only city north of Mexico City to be a walled in city. We began walking on the top of it…..and soon, we had walked a long ways, still within the reach of the narrow streets and all of the people, but it was an enjoyable walk, seeing many things that we might not have from the street level!
We had earlier been to the Maple Museum…….not really a museum, but a shop with all kinds of interesting maple concoctions….Maple syrup with Grand Marnier added, Maple syrup with rum added, ………Maple syrup and garlic dipping sauce……are you getting the idea yet????? Even mustard with maple syrup added to it!!!! And….the best part of the shop was that samples were available!!! I LOVED the mustard one…..it was sooooo good, but couldn’t bring myself to pay almost $10 for a very small jar of this mustard.
Soon, we were walking along and the rains arrived and we dashed from store to shop to get away from the downpours………and then the sun returned!!! Yep…..it became beautiful again……sure glad it did. Makes life much easier and much more enjoyable, doesn’t it???????
Then we went back to the lower level….and after reading several menus, we selected a little Italian café……and requested a table on the sidewalk outside. Wine was ordered and I ordered then some Tortellini which was stuffed with veal….and cooked with tomatoes in a cream sauce. Very good, however, the past part was a bit firm……not as soft as I would have like it. The 1st Lady had pasta and mushrooms in a cream sauce that was very light, yet rich and cooked perfectly!!! After consuming slowly a cup of hot, black coffee to top off my dinner……we again took to the streets to tour and see the sights!!….
And…..tomorrow we must see a few more of the museums and the Citadel which should be open all day. My legs are tired, my feet are tired…..and this HUGE campground we are in is rocking and rolling with people……and especially YOUNG adults and teenagers……who are not cooperating with the Quiet Hours! My body needs some quiet and rest……..too many people in the city today!!!
Am I complaining????? Hell no…….just would like to have some peace this evening now that we are ready for an hour of no noise prior to retiring for the night. But…….nevertheless…….
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!…..And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
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