We took advantage of the continental breakfast once again, and were more or less at ease knowing Jerusalem was already in at the doctor getting fixed. The night before we had made a plan, so from the hotel we marched towards the St. Lawrence River to view the Plains of Abraham. In Canadian history, this is where one of the most decisive battles was fought. The outcome of the battle forever changed and definitely shaped the Canada we are today. The area where the battle was fought is now a large park. It has park benches and a running track around the perimeter of the field for people to enjoy.
The weather was nice, and we definitely did not mind the walk around the park. Along the way we were able to see a Martello tower, a church, a museum and enjoy the fall colours/weather and watch other people who were also enjoying the park. We also were high up and right by the St. Lawrence, so I was able to get a true understanding of just how big the river really is.
From that area we continued towards the Old City, when we arrived at the Citadel. Because we were high up on the hill coming from the Martello Tower, it was surprisingly difficult to find our way into the entrance of the Citadal, but we did.
We arrived and waited for our guided tour. A guided tour is a must when entering the Citadel. Our tour guide explained to us that this is because the Citadel is still an active army base for the Royal 22nd French Canadian Battalion. We did actually see troops of soldiers out and about and others doing their daily tasks.
This particular Citadel is the same design as the one I visited when in Halifax. It, just like the other did its job well. After it was built there were no attacks on it. This Citadel has been converted to modern use and the trenches are now filled with pavement and are used as roads/parking for patrons. Some buildings have been converted to museums, while others are sill used by the solders and commanders. The Royal 22nd is a very special Battalion. This is because there was an issue in the First World War where French soldiers did not want to fight because they would be put in English speaking units and it would become very disorderly or what have you. This was resolved by creating a completely French unit, and that structure has remained even today. Since that time, the Royal 22nd have been involved in many missions, and battles and have become a decorated battalion.
The guide took us around the Citadel and showed us some of the most amazing views of Quebec City. The Citadel is the highest point in Old Quebec and the vantage point was stunning. There were also cannons and guns scattered about (no longer in working order) showing the evolution of the fort’s defenses over the years. Its history is impressive, and it is easy to see why Quebec City was never attacked.
After that, we headed into the city to find a place for lunch. We stopped at a little restaurant where we had some of the best seafood chowder we have tasted.
Yesterday we found a musician playing crystal glasses on the street in Old Quebec. We had caught him as he was finishing his last song and we were quite amazed at the music he played. So amazed, that Alexander bought a CD. Because we had only seen him briefly yesterday, we wandered to the edge of the Old City, looked down on Place Royal and he was there! We hurried back down so that we could check out his impressive music once again and we, once again enjoyed his talent. He plays with backup music for most of his songs, so it is even more spectacular to listen when he plays the crystal glasses alone right before or right after songs.
Having seen a large part of the Old City we headed out of the walls to look at Parliament. We did not go into for a tour, but we did take a few photos. (Even though the sun was definitely not in the right spot, and there were construction workers fixing the outside of the building.
With our legs getting tired, and our bodies aching from walking we decided that maybe we had seen enough of Quebec City. We had to pick up Jerusalem from the car doctor as he was fixed up, so we decided we had better do that before their shop closes up for the day. We took the bus to the Car Doctor and got Jerusalem. I am glad that we fixed enough to get us back on the road, but it was sad to see the list of items that had been diagnosed that were “refused by the customer.” We are still rolling, and that is what counts, hopefully my stress level will go down and I won’t have to freak out due to terrible, terrible Trans Labrador Highways.
Trying to save some money and having piles of food in our cooler, we decided to microwave bacon and hamburgers in our hotel room and enjoy a “in-house” meal.
It’s hard to believe we have been on the road for almost two weeks and when you look at the map we have only made it a few kilometers from New Brunswick. Oh Canada, you are tiring me out! But how I love you!
No comments:
Post a Comment