Along the Way
Cirque De Soleil
Two Views of a Country Cottage?
Two Views of a Country Cottage?
One of Many Beautiful Churches
Typical Architecture
It was Monday July 1st, and officially Canada Day. I continued to follow the St. Lawrence Seaway until, for some unknown reason, I felt that urgency to go to Ottawa (like the mountain climbers say when asked why they climb – “Because it’s there!”) and that’s why went to Ottawa.
To me, Ottawa had a college town atmosphere, young adults walking the streets, standing outside the bars and coffee shops with seemingly not a care in the world.
I other hand, was lost! Not totally lost, I knew I was in Ottawa, but where in Ottawa I was, why I came here in the first place and how to get out of the city was a different matter. I stopped at one of the busy corner coffee shops to ask for advice as to how to get out of Ottawa and on my way too and through Montreal.
My first taste of rebuff! After ordering a coffee and finding a table; I asked for directions out of the city. Or at least I tried too. Unfortunately, I forgot my manners; instead of asking, “Excuse me, could you perhaps help me?” I abruptly inquired, “Can you tell me how to find the road to Montreal?” Big mistake! She quickly raised her hand in rebuke, without saying a word; she didn’t have too – the message was clear. I tucked my tail between my legs and went back to somberly drinking my coffee.
My second effort was remarkably more successful; when I politely asked a couple of gentlemen if they could help me – Bingo! They not only helped me with directions, but engaged me in conversation; inquiring as to where I was from, where I was going and examining my Harley parked nearby. Amazing what a little bit of tack and manners will do.
Unlike Ottawa, I had no desire to visit or spend time in Montreal. I’m sure that there must be much to see and do in Montreal, but my mind was set on Quebec City, of which I heard so much and I was getting anxious.
Quebec Province is another world or at least in practical terms another country. For years there has been talk (and some serious regarding Quebec’s seeking independence from Canada, but no such action thus far. Truly, I know nothing about the situation; but one would think that it would difficult and seemingly unwise, in purely economic terms for Quebec to do so, and an equal disaster for Canada.
From my experience Quebec is a treasure and should be treated as such. Prior to my travel here, I had the preconceived bias that the French Canadians of Quebec were standoffish, rude and snobbish. Happily I can report that from my experience nothing could be further from the truth. Even though I speak barely a word of French, the natives of Quebec have been kind, understanding and exceedingly helpful.
It was mid-afternoon when I arrived in Quebec City and late afternoon by the time I found a camp site and set-up tent, but I was eager to see the city and so, off I went.
The old walled city is over 400 years old, having first been settled by the French in 1608. As impressive as the walls of the city are, it is the architecture of the buildings within the walls that is most captivating. With
the waning hours of daylight left I decided to spend my time just exploring and taking only a few pictures in order to see as much as possible (tomorrow would provide ample opportunity for taking pictures).
Before I left the campground I was told that there would be a free Cirque De Soleil show provided by the City of Quebec and I was intent on see it (Free or not, but free was GOOD!).
All I can say is that the show was spectacular and I returned to the campground late that evening looking forward to the next day.
