Quebec City- where the river narrows

We made it over the Saint John river and through the woods to the Saint Lawrence River valley and into the walls of Old Quebec City to our Hotel Acadian in time for a late lunch of meat pie at the Ancient Canadian restaurant- just like the guide book told us to do.  We wandered through the colorful streets with lots of old buildings and shops and restaurants- not to mention the spectacular view of the river from the high cliffs of the City. A wooden promenade is between the castle-like Chateau Frontenac and the fortification walls- really a nice feature for strolling and street entertainment.  Quebec is a favorite port for cruise ships- including those going from New York to Europe, which come nearly 1,000 miles upstream to visit Quebec and Montreal, but only stop for a day at each.  We have enjoyed being in places for two days- or three in Quebec City. 

We saw a presentation of the historical battles for Quebec, between the french and the British and once against the American patriots in 1775- the same year as Concord, Bunker Hill and the blockade of Boston by the patriots.  We began to understand the strong historical basis for French Canadian's desire to rule themselves in this area.  We enjoyed a nap after 5 pm- since everything closed- and then had a later dinner at a creperie. I had a very delicious chicken and mushroom crepe and then a very-very delicious strawberry with ice cream and chocolate syrup crepe (I ate the first one just so I could feel good about eating the second one).

Today we spent the whole day exploring more of Quebec, starting with a river cruise down to the Montmorency Falls (270 feet- higher than Niagara Falls) and along Ile d'Orleans and including the shipping port- I especially liked the giant grain towers.  This helps to understand why a man from Canada helped start the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945- because Quebec was the major Canadian port sending grains around the world- this seems to be a worthy effort following WWII- to help other countries facing hunger/famine and developing their own self sustaining crops.  I hope this is still functioning.

I wore a tee-shirt I bought at King's Landing- blue with CA-NA-DA letters down the left front- very appropiate for a tourist.  We really enjoyed all that we saw in Quebec City today.  Wish you could have been along to enjoy the historical sights and sites.  We have found lots of nice places to eat in unique restaurants, as well as familiar places like Subway or McDonald's or Starbucks.  We apparently have a global economy.  Judy really likes the idea that we are visiting France while still in North America- she feels much more secure and comfortable.  The French and British also differed in their religions- we stopped in at the Anglican Cathedral which had beautiful stained glass windows- like this beautiful one showing Jesus as the good shepherd.  I like to remember that Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.  One sad thing we learned was that very few people go to any church now; many of the old churches and convent buildings are being remodeled into condominiums.  This makes me wonder if our modern era with socialized government services and personal freedom is ultimately really an improvement over the much harder life of the past- which included faith and service and community.  We still all desperately need God's love and salvation and blessings.