As of this writing, it has been 18 hours since landing in our current locale. An afternoon rain deluge is providing me time to write this post (here's a link if you'd like to see where we are living). I thought you might enjoy some photos, and brief descriptions, since this journey commenced (4:30 AM, August 15th).
This was our first flight in over 5 years. Sadly, it didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped. A long delay in San Diego caused us to miss our connecting flight our in Montreal but the employees were wonderful, our luggage arrived with us on our later flight, and it got us to Québec City.Arriving in the dark has its advantages.This morning we left our apartment in search of breakfast and hopefully the best almond croissant.Located dangerously close to us is Paillard: artisan baker and pastry chef from father to son.While the search for the ideal almond croissant continues, our breakfast sandwich hit the spot.The monument Steve is standing next to commemorates the 1985 dedication of the Historic District of Old Québec on UNESCO’s prestigious list of World Heritage sites. Québec was the first city in North America to earn the distinction, the culmination of a series of efforts dating back to the 19th century to protect the district.Founded in 1608 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, Québec City is unlike any other city in North America with its dramatic cliff-top location overlooking the St. Lawrence River, its fortification walls, narrow winding streets and wealth of historic buildings spanning four centuries. Besieged five times in its history, Québec City was finally conquered by the British in 1759. Capital of New France, then capital of British North America, it is, today, the heart of French culture on this continent.
It is the only walled city in North America north of Mexico City.With quaint rue and interesting characters, we know this Ville is going to provide us with an unforgettable sojourn.Almost all buildings here have plaques sharing their history. This one pays tribute to local Octave Crémazie, poet and bookseller. Known as the father of French Canadian poetry, this building was his bookstore.Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral was built in 1647, leading to the establishment of the first Roman Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies.This spectacular baldachin, over the altar and tabernacle, is like a miniature version of the one in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Wow.The day could not have been more gorgeous, so we headed to the St. Lawrence River where so much history can be found.This architectural wonder is the most photographed hotel anywhere! William Van Horne, CEO of the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway, had Château Frontenac, and other hotels like it, built to promote traveling by train as a luxury experience. After opening in 1893, the majestic hotel quickly became a favorite stop among travelers passing through Québec City and a venue of choice for fancy parties and big celebrations.The World War II Allies met there during the First and Second Québec Conference (1943-44). During these conferences, officials including American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, discussed strategy for World War II.I found this to be very interesting. This is the Maltese Cross Stone. In 1647, Charles Huault de Montmagny, a knight of the order of Malta, first governor and lieutenant general of New France, had this stone set into the Château Saint-Louis (a hotel previously on this site). In 1902, as work commenced on a Château Frontenac expansion, the stone was mounted over a pedestrian gate. Its current location dates back to 1920, during construction of the central tower. So cool!This photo needs an explanation. Steve and I are standing in front of a construction site which is hidden by photographs of what would normally be there. I love these tricks of the trade.Lastly, Poutineville provided us the culinary highlight of our first full day in Québec. We have been so looking forward to Poutine since we were last in Canada.Poutine, a dish originating from Québec, is made with a base of French fries and cheese curds topped with a gravy. Steve chose the healthiest on the menu. It was a delectable dish of home fries [note that they don't call them French], grilled vegetables (red peppers, eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, onions), and lastly the required cheese curds with pepper gravy.I know we'll be returning to several of the places mentioned in this post. It's a small town and we have a lot of time. That said, there is so much more to be discovered. We've only just begun.
posted under |
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).JPG)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).JPG)
%20(Medium).JPG)
%20(Medium).JPG)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).JPG)
%20(Medium).JPG)
%20(Medium).JPG)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
%20(Medium).jpg)
2 comments:
what a great start to your adventure with beautiful blue skies. we saw construction sites hidden by nice photo images in Scotland too. enjoy sampling all those otherworldly delights.
Wow. Love that panoramic! What amazing art too. You sure know how to pick a city!
Post a Comment