Our first day of bad weather - it started out a little grey and overcast as we had breakfast, but still warm enough to sit outside. Then the rain began, but just a little at first. We decided to follow a self-guided walking tour to steer us round the city and past all the best sights. We started with Chateau Frontenac, and then wended our way past various statues, historic buildings and stunning views. Unfortunately the rain got worse and worse, til we got caught in a downpour at the top of the citadelle. When we eventually found shelter and a place to stop for a drink and a cheeky maple syrup pie, we were dripping wet. :(
We warmed up a bit and the rain temporarily eased, so we resumed our tour and went to see the rather excellent parliament building, built in a similar style to the Louvre in Paris. Down came the rain once more so we cut our losses and headed back to the hotel for a change of clothes and to warm up again.
Then we headed for the shops. When we arrived in Quebec last night I was quick to spot La Boutique de Noel, just around the corner from the Clarendon, so I made sure we paid a visit. The shop window It was like a magical cave of festiveness, with every imaginable Christmas thing and millions of fairy lights, and inside was even better. We bought a couple of tree decorations from the huge selection on offer, and did a bit more shopping around town. The sky began to clear later in the afternoon so there was hope of a better day on Thursday - phew!
I've been remiss in failing to mention just how lovely everyone we've met is. They are all so nice, genuinely interested in where we're from and what we're doing, and not just the ones who are after a tip either! Obviously I knew Canadians are nice, since I know a couple of lovely ones, but they are way friendlier than any of us miserable Brits back home.
Our hotel is fabulous, one of the oldest in all of Canada, and also one of the venues for the Jazz Festival that was on in the city starting today. We didn't go to see the artist that was playing in our hotel but we were treated to a bit of a performance as one of the guitarists in the band seemed to be in the next room and we heard him warming up! The whole city had a really great vibe, with lots of street musicians playing to add to the quaint olde worlde Frenchness of the place, and the sound of Jazz coming from several bars. Cool.
We ended the evening with another nice meal followed by a night shoot around the city seeing as it had dried up a bit. The sparkly window of the Christmas shop was just begging to be photographed! :)
Dx
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