Voyage to Québec: Part 2 - Getting to Know Quebec

 

Sunday, 6/29/14: Getting to Know Quebec

*Pardon the absence of accents--I haven't figured out where to find them on my new computer and I haven't the energy to figure it out tonight!*

Today we began the process of falling in love with Quebec. It isn't hard to do; this city is a charming blend of old and new, of cosmopolitan and hometown, of European class and Midwestern comfort.

Our day started with an adventure in parking, which began with the best intentions and ended with a turn into an empty, underground parking garage. Upon entering the garage, we learned that the ceilings were only about 6 ft 5 in., which meant that Dr. Heidrick was in constant danger of scraping his head. Amazed but undeterred, we set out to find our way to the street level, which took a few doors and a few tries--a process that I'm sure was incredibly entertaining to the guard monitoring the security cameras.

Our tiny Fiat snugly parked in a very, very short parking garage.

Dr. Heidrick experiencing a little height bias in the parking garage.

After some time, we burst forth into the sun and set out to find the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Quebec for Mass, a journey that took us through the winding streets of the old city.

The main gate at Rue St. Louis through the fortifications around the old city

A street view of Rue St. Louis

Rue St. Louis

Flags along Rue St. Louis, bookmarked by the Quebec flag and the Canadian flag

The French consulate in Quebec

Back of Chateau Frontenac

Looking down Rue du Tresor

La Basilique Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-Quebec

Close-up of the altar

After a much-needed long lunch (and a heavy slathering-on of sunscreen...damn pale skin), we visited the provincial parliament building, which proud Quebecois call l'Assemblee Nationale. While echoes of British rule and nods to Quebec's British heritage are sprinkled throughout the building, the entire experience--and indeed the entire city--is decidedly French. Or rather, French-inspired but uniquely Quebecois.

View from the front of l'Assemblee Nationale

"Je me souviens" = "I remember" - The motto of Quebec.

 

 

A painting depicting the debate over which language would be the official language of government: English or French

 

View of Chateau Frontenac from the steps of l'Assemblee Nationale

By this time, our feet were sore, we were hungry, and my pale skin was thoroughly scorched, so we made our way back to the hotel for an early bedtime. Tomorrow we'll continue our exploration of the old city, including Chateau Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace and a trip down to Place Royale.

Until then, travelers, bonne nuit!

Betsey