Thursday

Alors. Today was the warmest day we've had so far. It was 34F when we left this morning, headed to the upper town to see what there is to see related to the siege of Quebec during the Seven Years War. Let me just say that getting on top of the bluffs changed the wind chill significantly. It was tres cold up there. I now see why battles here are not fought in the winter. 

We learned new things about the battles of Quebec, including the fact that one French dude let a whole boatload (in fact, several boatloads) of British soldiers by because after he asked who it was, a British guy who spoke very good French yelled "provisions." Now I hate to be all judgey-judgey, but it seems a little stupid to me. If you are in a war, wouldn't you need to be a little more careful about who you let by a river checkpoint? What happened was that those boatloads landed and climbed up the bluffs to approach the city from the west, resulting in a battle during which the French lost. C'est dommage for the poor schmuck who was standing guard that night. 

We walked to see the Plains of Abraham, where the British creamed the French after said schmuck let them past, and all I can say is that I was moved by how freaking cold it was. I understand that folks have to pitch camp and build their fortresses up where they can see the enemy coming, but Jesus Christ! It would be miserable to be stationed there. Great view, but so cold!

I'll turn it over to Dan, who I'm sure had a much less cynical point of view about the poor French folks. Plus, he has photos. 

Dan - 

Dan has one photo from this day - only one. This is a panorama shot of the Saint Lawrence river from the Plains of Abraham. 

All that white stuff in the water is ice, and the quantity changes as the tide does. I thought I was just stupid at first, but no, the ice will be headed one way at one point of the day and then the opposite way at another time. Messes with your head. 

No food has been mentioned yet. Today was not especially notable, food wise. I tried eggs Benedict with smoked meat for breakfast and a Québécois shepherd's pie at lunch. Neither stood out as remarkable. DInner was rabbit with mustard sauce. Since Vicki doesn't eat cute animals, she had undercooked cod. Mine was delicious, hers not.  We will make up for bad meals tomorrow. 

One more shot - and Vicki snapped it. Lots of public art and statues here. This is a mural ion Lower Town, near our dinner spot. Pretty cool.

A bientôt!