QUEBEC: BEAUTIFUL CITY WHERE NO ONE UNDERSTOOD ME
- coupkovasvatava
- Aug 24, 2018
- 2 min read
Not that people from other places usually understand me great, but in the capital of the French part of Canada nobody had an idea what I wanted. Well, they didn´t know what mummy wanted either so maybe it was not only my fault.
When we said bye to my beloved Maverick, we crossed the river and however we were still in the same city, it´s name was not Ottawa anymore, but Gatineu. If it sounds pretty French to you, you might have gotten the point. We didn´t stop though but drove for what seemed to be like ages until we were in Quebec City. And it was like we suddenly appeared in a completely different world.
Not only people didn´t speak English anymore, but the narrow streets lined with historical buildings, beautiful houses with outside staircases, old churches and cosy cafes reminded me of France (where I have never been) so much, that I decided to pretend that I actually was there.
First of all I dressed nicely: instead of my casual hiking gear I picked one of my best skirts. Because I couldn´t find chic enough t-shirt I made mum to buy me a new one – with my favourite Canadian animal, moose on it. Then like a true lady I refused to walk uphill so we had to take a stylish funicular. I also wanted to take a horse cart but mum didn´t allow me to, I don´t know why. For lunch I had a piece of goat cheese quiche followed by a beautiful gelato.
Even the house where I stayed for the night was very French – I got to climb that amazing outside staircase and I had an awesome balcony where – after a good “caa caa” ride – I enjoyed smoked salmon. Our Airbnb was not cheap but we ended up not paying for it at all: I made such a great impression on our great host Toufik, that the next day he decided to send the payment back. I think he might have believed in good karma, now I will have to do a good deed myself, aaah!
When we entered a super French café the next morning, it was drizzling. When I finished my croissant and we started walking towards the Museum of Civilisation it was pouring rain. I got all soaked and spent the rest of the day in the museum with no pants on since they were slowly drying on mums arm.
Jacques Cartier is a national park just a stone´s throw from Quebec City. We went for a very nice walk with two lookouts and a lot of French little people who I liked a lot. And we even saw a moose (have I already told you that it is my favourite Canadian animal?)!
The only thing I didn´t like on Quebec City was how far it was from Ottawa. Or should I say Gatineau? That is the place on the other side of the river where we are supposed to be the next night – and we have to be there no matter what, someone whose name is Ted is waiting for us and doesn´t care much that it is 5-hour drive to get there.
Your Annie
