parlez-vous français? (08-23-13)

Quebec is the first (and hopefully last) area of Canada that we have visited that only posts their signs in French. Talk about a crash course in deciphering a foreign language!

In this modern age of gadgetry, Paul and I have both downloaded translator apps on our phones.  Driving down the road requires paying close attention.  We are definitely picking up some French words, although with this particular sign, we just guessed that trucks aren’t allowed to use their engine brakes.

Of course, some signs are easier to figure out than others.

  I have learned to ask someone if they speak English, before I assume they do.  They seem to like it better if I don’t assume. I have also learned to say “I don’t speak French” in French. 

We could only spare one day for the Quebec area, but we figured it was better than nothing.  We parked the rig in an RV park across the river and took the ferry over to Old Town Quebec.  This town is impressive even before you get to it!

Once we arrived, we immediately felt as if we were strolling down the streets of some country in Europe (not that we’ve been there). 

The ambiance was beautiful and relaxing with all the old churches and buildings, and cobblestone streets. 

There were restaurants galore, and around every corner, there was some type of street performance. Everything from flame eaters to opera singers, with a few guitarists and saxophonists thrown in for good measure.

The streets of Old Town are very steep- a great cardio workout if you walk straight up, but fortunately there are many shops along the way, giving you a great excuse to catch your breath.  Of course- there is another option….

How many towns can boast that they have their very own funicular?  Well, Quebec can. In fact , they’ve had one since 1879.  Basically it’s an outdoor elevator. We didn’t use it, but it sure is cool!  You can see the car moving up the track in this picture.

Later in the day we walked right past the entrance to the funicular. 

Strolling along the promenade, we came upon these strange glass enclosures, and finally found out that they are “windows” into an underground national park- the archeological site of the old governor’s mansion.  With our national park pass, entrance was free, so we went down the stairs to check it out.  

Paul enjoys trying on new clothes

Our conversation soon turned to the annual national park pass that we bought, and how, because we had it, we explored more places.  For instance, if we had had to pay, we probably wouldn’t have bothered exploring this archeological dig. The “museum” was ok, worth the price of admission, I guess!

We stopped for a light lunch at one of the many sidewalk cafes, which of course boasted live music.  This guy sang songs in both French and English. Our idea was to have a light lunch- Paul had a salad and I had an apple and cheese crepe- so that we could have dinner in town as well, but we just can’t eat that much anymore so lunch was our only meal there.

We worked off lunch by climbing to the top of the city by way of the Governors Promenade, a boardwalk with stairs to the top of the hill.

Sitting on top of that hill is the Citadel.  We walked up the walls of the fort, and went inside.  Once there we found out that it is still very much an active fort, and entrance inside is only allowed by way of a guided tour. We decided to pass, and kept strolling along.

Soon we could hear live band music, and we both turned and headed toward the sound.  Having both been in band in high school, we love this type of music.  The military band was performing in one of the town squares, so we plopped ourselves down to listen.

The town has several old churches that are open to the public, and some really beautiful murals.

The more we looked at the murals, the more intricate they seemed.

We ended our day sipping on an adult beverage at the Terrace Bar of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel.  Built in the late 19th century, this hotel has a commanding view of the city and nearby St. Lawrence River.

 

Although we only had the one day, it was one of the most relaxing, fun days we’ve had in a while.  This city is gorgeous, and because we left the truck on the other side, and were strictly on foot, we had no worries and could enjoy the city.