Maze: Quebec

Quebec

Royal Canada, eh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUMw2a0500k

Keeping its historic French identity.

We all had a very good breakfast buffet (I love omellete) at Hotel Frontenac (it used to be a chateau and named after the governor of New France, Louis de Buade, comte the Frontenac).  The smiling waiters were just so attentive and friendly.  After some picture taking around and about, we walked and descended the steps to the boardwalk known as the "Dufferin Terrace" built by Durham in 1838.  From the terrace, above the St. Laurent River, we get to view the city of Levis.  Seafarers and visitors from all over go to Quebec, the sailing capital of the world.

From the Promenade des Gouvernours, we climbed the cliffs, and walked around the outer walls, pausing once in a while and looking down at moat surrounding La Citadelle.  La Citadelle was built by the French around 1665.  It was rebuilt by the Brits from from 1823 to 1832.  It has an armory, guardroom, and barracks on top to house the French-Canadian Royal 22nd Regiment headquarters.  Beneath are many dark passages and dungeons.  Around it is the upper town enclosed by a wall, also built by the Brits.

The Changing of the Guards is much better than London and Copenhagen.

 Batiste (?) is the mascot goat of the 22nd Royal Regiment.  After the ceremony, Louis, our La Citadelle handsome guide showed us around the 5 bastions and museum for half an hour.  At the entrance of the museum was a picture frame of President Ronald Reagan when he inspected the 22nd Royal Regiment on March 17, 1985.  And after the small entrance was a picture frame of another distinguished American President - George W. Bush - when he attended the 2001 summit in Quebec.  Inside was also a big picture of FDR with Winston Churchill.

Before going out, we had our picture taken as honorary guards.  We stopped and browsed at the gift shop and bought myself a thimble.  I have a nice collection from places I've been all around the world.



Ste. Anne-de-Beaupre Cathedral
"Love is the only flower that grows and blossoms without the aid of season."

As faithful pilgrims, we were told by friends not to miss going to the splendid Basilica of Sainte-Anne de Beaupre.  It's called by all as the  American (Canadian) Lourdes and many miracles and blessings have been received by believers.  We saw the relic arm of Sainte Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ.  We made a short prayer and admired the beautiful altar and ceiling paintings.

Published  7/8/10  lib's labyrinth blogspot