Quebec

Had good 3 hour train trip from Montreal. Interesting agricultural scenery and rural towns. 10 minute cab to apartment. Funny little apartment at ground level with entry directly from street. Bit odd, but really good inside. Very well set up inside with all amenities you would want.
Head out to explore. Walk down rue st Jean for about 1 km to Vieux Quebec. Many restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, old buildings. Main section lorded over by the Fairmont chateau Frontenac. Massive hotel built by Canada railways in early days of the railways. One of many built this way e.g. Lake Louise, Banff etc. the Dufferin terrace on the cliffs overlooking the lower town. Walk home again, pick up some supplies on way. rest. Out for dinner at 8. Head down rue St Jean looking for something on spec. Happen on a quaint little place and unable to read menu outside, venture in to check blackboard menu. Young waiter explains blackboard menu not for tonight and offers English menu. Slightly odd tapas-like menu. Not sure and couple who are finishing recommend we stay so we did. Great decision. Young enthusiastic waiter explained the menu items and showed us various wines, allowing us small tastes of each before we decide which to have. Interesting organic wines from some obscure origins. Really good food, great flavours, textures. The waiter’s enthusiasm and style really added to the night.
Next day, lazy start. Head off about 2 kms to Fields of Abraham. Massive parkland lining the cliffs of the upper town. Walk through and come upon the giant stage, grandstand, food and drink outlets etc set up for the festival of Quebec starting on Thursday. Then on to the governors’ promenade, a walkway built into the edge of the cliff, past the citadel and ending at the Terrasse Dufferin where we were yesterday. Obligatory ice cream stop then on to lower town. First the Marché Vieux-Port. A good market with lots of fruit, veggies, charcuterie, boulangerie, wines, honeys, etc. Buy strawberries. Obviously the season as there are hundreds on sale at good prices. Offered a taste and decide to buy immediately. Best strawberries since France (remember those Joy?). Also tomatoes.
Head back home via lower town. Lots of arty stores, restaurants, small hotels, touristy outlets, small squares with old buildings, cobblestones. Tourists! There is a Cruise ship in port. Catch the funicular back up to the terrace. Stagger home getting some supplies on way. Great lunch of baguette, fromage, tomato, rocket and wine. More rest after good 5 hour walk.

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