Final Thoughts

By this time tomorrow, we will be in Victoria.  Today, we travelled from Kingston to Toronto, a pretty drive which included for Doug a swim in Lake Ontario at Sandybanks Provincial Park.
So, we are going back to where we came from.   I am looking forward to friends, Nellie, my own pillow, large bars of soap, speaking English, soft water for shampooing, and  cool sea breezes;  I will miss family, Tobi and Cricket, speaking French, playing with the GPS, tin roofs and red brick houses,  eating in restaurants & other peoples' kitchens.
Over and out.

Odds and Ends

The Ends:
Today, we travelled from Quebec City to Kingston.  Like Charles de Gaulle, we took the Chemin de Roi as far as Trois-Rivieres- very scenic.   I haven't said much about our B&B, or gite as it is known in French.  It was located on the outskirts of the city in an undistinguished area.  The building itself was plain, but inside it was beautifully restored and had rooms for 5.  Our host, Elizabethe, was a character.  She seemed quite strict at first and told us to take off our shoes.  When she was reciting her schpiel about touring Quebec City, she told us not to interrupt- she would answer questions when she was finished!  But, by our leave-taking, we were very fond of her.  Her breakfasts were exceptional.  Yesterday - zuchinni pancakes and today - eggplant gallatte.
The Odds:
Tonight, we walked around Kingston.  I must remark on the Presbyterian  church, which has a cannon on the front lawn!  (It came from the defence of Londonderry).  I guess they never heard about pounding swords into ploughshares.  Ka-boom.

Adieu Quebec

And so we say "Salut" a Quebec City.  It's been a grand visit  We spent today walking the Rue St. Jean, explored the walled city and went to the Market to split a sandwich & beer.The afternoon found us on the road to Montmorency Falls, just outside the city ( It is higher than Niagara Falls) , followed by a picturesque drive around the perimetre of L'Ile D'Orleans.
My final impression of PQ, as we leave, is this:  it is so much nicer than I remember.  The cities are more prosperous, more energetic, more historic, more scenic.  The people are friendlier, more confident and their driving has improved!  Why the change?  Well, I guess I've changed. And Maitre Chez Nous is a reality. It's all good.
One thing that is exactly as I recall is the weather.  Today, if you count the humidex, the temperatures were in the high 30sC.  Bloody hot.

Quebec City

Here we are in the only fortified city north of Mexico City - romantic Quebec City.  We walked miles around the Old Town, Plains of Abraham, Chateau Frontenac, quaint buildings, atmospheric churches and ended up at an interesting restaurant.  (I even found room to stuff down an ice cream cone at the end.)  I think I look like a giant pink ice cream cone ...melting.   It is so-o-o hot and humid.

To save my back, I have thrown vanity to the wind and I am using my Nordic walking poles, to navigate these steep roads.  I am the only person ever to walk the streets of Quebec with poles.  I could very well find myself featured on the National.  Someone asked me if I was training for a triathalon.  It's sort of humiliating, but I like to keep 'em guessing.
Our B&B has a noisy air conditioner - any port in a storm .

Tout le Jour

My shopping experience does not describe the whole of Sunday.  Doug visited the Musee des Beaux Arts (free!).  We returned to the Oratory and wandered through the relaxing Garden of the Way of the Cross, where "Jesus of Montreal" was filmed and took in an organ recital in the church.  Near dinnertime, we joined Dean and David at David's apartment, had a cooling beer and walked through his neighbourhood, where our noses told us there was a good pizza restaurant.  And, indeed, it was yummy.  We topped it off with poutine.  Finally, we drove over to Lafontaine Parc, enjoyed the lake and ambience, with a really good ice cream cone. 
Our experience of the demonstrations has been minimal.  Crescent Street - the epicentre - is only 2 blocks away, so we hear lots of noise, but we have stayed clear on purpose.  Driving through David's end of town, we passed two neighbourhood "casseroles" (beating pots and pans).  They seemed largely peaceful. 

Fashion's Fool

Ok, Ok, my apologies to my more erudite and cerebral  readers.  This posting will be shallow to bedrock...but say it, I must.  The shopping here is terrific!  I spent an hour and a half on St. Catherine’s St looking for a dress.  There is such variety .  I did come across something blue and breezy and chic.  But, after trying it on decided to give it a pass.  I told the sales clerk that “Je suis  trop vieux pour cela”  (I’m too old to wear it) and she laughed  as if I had said something terribly amusant.  The prevailing attitude here is that you are never too old for any style – just wear it with confidence.  This philosophy did not persuade me to part with my money .

Saturday

Today, we four toured St. Joseph's, visited the Jean Talon Market (where we picked up splendid croissants, cheese, cold cuts, & pastries) had a picnic at Jarry Parc, drove up to the lookout at Mont Royal and drove around Old Montreal.  Whew!  And, I might add, I have used my dormant French.  It's rusty (never was fluent), but people are patient.  We wound up the day at the Plateau for dinner.