Friday, August 25, 2017

La Belle Quebec, Day One

Let me tell you, it was tough crossing the border back into Michigan this week after several days in Quebec City. Tougher still when I turned on the news to the deranged Phoenix speech Tuesday night. I wanted to turn right around and head back to Canada. And when they say at the border "How long are you staying?" I would say "as long as you'll have me."


Yes, we've been through turmoil before but after the grim events of Charlottesville it seems different. It was so very good to get away.


Rick rode his bike from Michigan to Quebec City and left August 5. I took off on the 16th to spend the night with my friend Suzanne and then fly onto Quebec the next day. I wasn't at my peak. I sounded like a broken squeaky toy with laryngitis that was on Day Seven. If I could count on it always being that way, I could make a fortune voicing cartoons. But let it stop me? No way!


Perhaps the happiest sight I saw when I arrived (apart from the fabulous old buildings, French written everywhere and the exhilaration of being someplace new) was seeing Rick at our B&B, having arrived after 900 miles of pedaling! A sight for sore eyes.


Our B&B was great, a historic house built in 1793 in an outstanding location. I'll do another post about that later, but I would certainly recommend the B&B experience. Especially if the breakfasts were as good as ours!


As soon as I decompressed from the plane, Rick and I headed out to explore Vieux (Old) Quebec. Our B&B was in Haute Ville (the upper town). Basically, this means that anywhere you walk, you will probably be walking down. Like the photo below -- this was the street we were on. The ground floor of the buildings at the top of the street are a good story or two above those at the bottom!


We arrived on a night called Festival Celtique. I had hoped that would be Celtic or Cape Breton music but all we heard from the DJ was pop stuff. Nonetheless, it was entertaining. As best I can figure, staff from various bars were competing in a race to see who could run in kilts with one member (or maybe it was a relay) carrying a full pitcher of beer.


They had stops and tasks along the way, like jumping rope or walking on narrow boards propped on cinder blocks while holding the tray and pitcher of beer. Pretty fun!


I was a little worried about dressing right -- it is a large city. But we quickly learned anything goes. One street musician managed to incorporate his dog into the act, at least costume-wise! (I do have to admit, the dog was better dressed than I was.)


We found a cute bistro recommended by our host and the food was very good. I loved my quiche and salad.


But it wasn't enough for a guy who had been riding his bike for days!


So, we picked up a bottle of wine and a baguette on the way home! Good move!


Along the way we enjoyed some of the charming shops, including the appropriately named "Eclipse"...


...Yummy looking boulangeries or patisseries...


...beautiful window boxes...


...hilly streets...


...and fabulous views.


That little spot behind me is the Chateau Frontenac. Their rates would imply that the breakfast is great but somehow I suspect it's extra! But we'll go there a little later.


Here's a better view. It's enormous! And so very beautiful. You'll see it from many vantage points in Quebec and it's a wonderful marker. I can see why it is so identified with the city and appears on every magnet and every postcard.


Behind me in this one you can see the view across the St. Lawrence River.


This area -- where there is a stage for street performers with risers -- is called Place Dufferin. There are street performers everywhere in Quebec and many of them apply the same stock in trade... juggling, acrobatics, unicycles and fire.


This team did fire better than anyone! (Yes, he jumps through the flaming hoop and does a sommersault/handstand.)


Looking down, the area called Basse Ville or lower Quebec. We'll check that out next time!


We walked home, enjoying the sights and sounds, such as the artists closing up their booths in Rue Tresor. We would be back.


Day one impressions -- it's a beautiful spot, French is the primary language but just about everyone speaks English. It's fun to try if you can, but don't be intimidated if you can't. And yes, the hills are very steep!

37 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Wow what gorgeous photos from your trip, sounds wonderful. And I can really understand you not wanting to go back. There are too many evil idiots on the political stage of the world just now. Thanks for sharing the photos, and I am in love with that dressed up dog, fantastic! Hugs, Valerie

Joanne Huffman said...

I was in Quebec in 1975. I really should go back. You make it sound absolutely delightful. Your photos are wonderful.

Mae Travels said...

Your photos and descriptions are inspiring: definitely we have to add this to our list of destinations. It's even on our own continent!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Although I've been in /through Montreal a number of times and have driven through other parts of Quebec, I've never been to Quebec City. Looks like you were there at a good time, or did you get the feeling that there are always street performers? -Jenn

Barbara said...

I am so glad you enjoyed Quebec City. It is fun to visit in the summer and also in February for Carnival de Quebec. It is a lot colder in February, though. My last visit was is 2003. I think it is time to go again.

Marilyn Miller said...

Sounds like the hills were alive with the sound of music! Ha! Couldn't resist saying that. Quebec looks absolutely beautiful. I would love trying to speak in French too. And that B&B, I will look forward to hearing more. So happy Rick made it safely there. What an amazing ride that must have been. Yes, I would want to stay that side of the border too.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, what a wonderful trip! I can not imagine riding a bike 900 miles. Quebec looks like a beautiful city. Pretty shots of you and the pretty backgrounds. The B&B sounds great, I am glad you enjoyed your stay! Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Jenny Woolf said...

I feel quite excited (and envious) at your post. I really love Canada and it's years and years since I have been but there's now the prospect I'll be back before TOO long. The closest I got to Quebec was staying in the Chateau Montebello which is in the province of Quebec. It's many miles from the city but quite fabulous, so if you are in the area at all I recommend it. It's about half way between Montreal and Ottawa. Enjoy the rest of your time there, I shall be waiting for the next instalment. Oh, and congrats to Rick on such an achievement! Wow!

Joyful said...

Congrats to Rick for such a fantastic cycling achievement. I am sure you were so happy to see him after all that!

It sounds like you had a fabulous time in the beautiful Quebec City. I love all your photos.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Congratulations to Rick on his 900 mile ride. Such a beautiful city and your B & B sounds really nice.

Your photo's are really good. Have a great weekend and relax.

Mary

Bella Rum said...

Rick is amazing! Isn't he?! He must have burned a bazillion calories. He could have the whole loaf of bread with butter. Yum! So glad you had a good time. It looks beautiful.

Red Rose Alley said...

Quebec looks like such a charming place, Jeanie. wow, the "flaming hoops" show really caught my attention! And those Yummy desserts in the window, oh my. What a sweet window box that is with lovely pink flowers. The Chateau Frontenac is grand, and I love the picture of you standing in front of it. Good for Rick for bicycling such a long distance. Your pictures always tell a wonderful story, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Lynne said...

I wondered about the B&B up . .
and walking down the street
and then walking back home . . . UP!
Quebec City looks glorious . . .
Keep writing and telling!
(I hope squeaky voice is better.)
(900 miles . . . oh my!)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh là là, c'est BEAU!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, the news in this country keeps getting weirder, more frightening, and makes me want to RUN the you-know-what outta here! What a lovely place and you have again inspired and reminded me that I can get my French ya-yas just this side of the great pond. GORGEOUS!!!!!

Rita C at Panoply said...

What a great place to reunite with Rick! We stayed at the Frontenac a few nights when we took our trip trough Niagara, Montreal, Quebec and Maine in 2014. Great trip! Looking forward to your followup post(s)!

The French Hutch said...

Wow, Rick amazes me with all that pedaling, good for him! What a lovely city to meet up and the B&B is adorable. Looks like it was a great trip and you enjoyed good food. We've been to Toronto and loved that city, hope to get to Quebec some day. Loved all your fun photos. Hope you are better an your voice has returned.............

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

It's wonderful that you could make a trip to Canada, Jeanie. Quebec looks so beautiful. The Chateau is amazing. I'm sorry you didn't feel so well. WOW on Rick's 900 miles bike tour! He's really determined and has stamina. The dog doesn't seem to be bothered by the clothes. So cute!
Have a lovely weekend! I hope you've been recovered in the meanwhile.
xo Julia

My name is Erika. said...

I love seeing your photos of Quebec City. Makes me want to go back (I went in 2002). When I went I bought a couple of art prints on Rue Tresor which are now hanging in my bedroom, so it was fun to see your photo. It looks like you went to France. Glad you shared and had a wonderful trip. Hugs-Erika

shoreacres said...

You really do lead a charmed life. The photos are wonderful, and I especially enjoyed the dog. It may have been dressed better than you were, but I'll bet it couldn't smile as well! Thanks for sharing -- and congrats to Rick for another great ride!

Victoria Zigler said...

Sounds lovely... No wonder you were tempted to just turn around and go back.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Even though you were not feeling at your best on this trip, you look so joyful and happy in these photos! I can see why seeing Rick was the best part of this trip, though, after that long time apart and worrying about his safety!

You've sold me on Quebec City. I can't wait to hear more about the city and see more pictures. It looks so charming! And your b&b looks adorable!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Just beautiful and the kind of place I like to visit for a weekend getaway! Bed and Breakfast's are always my choice way to stay too.

La Table De Nana said...

I knew you would make my province proud for me.
You are such a francophile:)
Kudos kudos kudos on Rick's accomplishment!! OMG..

And you..you little trooper..under the weather and all..

your choice of where to have stayed in QC..looks just right.

I do hope you loved it here as much as I do.

I know I am in Mtl..but it has it's charms too:)

I have to tell you though..that whenever I am in the USA..

I feel welcomed♥..

Pam said...

What a cool looking place. I have never been to Canada. Need to redo my passport before I do anything. haha...Have fun.

Sandi said...

Quebec is so beautiful! And you look so happy to be there.

Where in Michigan? I grew up in Lexington (points to thumb).

bj said...

What a wonderful trip...
your photos are amazing...I love quiche and salads and a glass or two of wine..
Mr. Sweet, however, wanted steak and potatoes and nix on the wine...:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Ob, I'm so glad you've had such a nice time in Canada. We love it too. You look adorable with that gorgeous smile! Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Decor To Adore said...

Jeanie I just can't get over the fact that Rick peddled over 900 miles. Amazing! It has been many years since I was in Quebec City and it is a delight seeing it once more through your eyes.

Arti said...

O what a wonderful trip! I admit I haven't been to Quebec even though I've been in Canada for several decades! It's on my bucket list of course. And if I do go one day, I'll definitely keep this B & B in mind. What a comfy and classy place! Thanks for this exquisite post, Jeanie!

Sketchbook Wandering said...

How amazing that your Rick biked that distance!! Strong guy! Was this your first time in Quebec? Thanks for sharing your time in that unique city. The lower ville is also great. I love walking walking walking there.
I also enjoy Librairie Pantoute and a public library on upper St. John St.!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I have always wanted to go to Quebec and I am thrilled to see it through your camera lens. It looks fascinating with all the street performers, a definite European feel. Thx quiche looks wonderful!

Carola Bartz said...

What a great city! And everything French! I think I need to visit one day. It seems to have a very European feel which I like (and miss) and I love all the hilly street (not necessarily walking them, though). I had no idea that Quebec is so beautiful.

Tracy said...

Oh, this was FUN, Jeanie! Hope you are feeling better... Quebec looks sooo lovely! It's like a bit of the Continent... Gotta add it to the list! ;) Your B & B--so sweet! I am amazed how far Rick can bike! Of course, he's had years of experience. Learning to ride my city bike this summer has been hard--much harder than I thought it would be. I'm not in the best shape--working on it! Didn't realize how hill-y Quebec is. I'll have to get in shape for that! ;) I'm with you on wanting to turn back at the border! The news these days is atrocious and heartbreaking in so many ways... :( So thank you for all this visual delight to help us out of the new-quicksand! ((HUGS))

Tammie Lee said...

It all looks so wonderful and quaint and yummy! You have made me want to visit Quebec! So glad you had a good time there. Loved seeing the street performer photos.

Mary K. said...

Jeanie I cannot believe your husband peddled all the way to Quebec. He must be in tip top shape. The city is so beautiful and quaint. That would be the perfect word to describe it. It has an old world charm to it, with those old buildings and the street performers.

Danielle L Zecher said...

First of all, I hope you're feeling better, and that your voice is back to normal. I love your descriptions, so funny, but I know how miserable that is. I've been offered cough drops and throat lozenges from total strangers more times than I care to think about.

It looks like a fun and beautiful city to visit. I love the dressed up dog! And I totally agree with you about staying in a B&B. I love them.

Sally Wessely said...

I'm finally reading your posts on Quebec. What a wonderful city. I'd love to go there. I can hardly wait to read about the rest of your time there.

By the way, Rick is the man. 900 miles of bike riding. He is such a great guy. I love that photo of him in the B&B. I bet you weren't the only one happy to be reunited. XO

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