Old Town School – On The Road
Dispatches from the road from our wayfaring travelers.
Weekend Update
Last night since I had no plans I decided to take myself out for a good meal at a Quebecois bistro. After much deliberation I chose Cafe L’Échaudé. I ate alone at the bar, and while I enjoyed my delicious meal, I chatted a lot with the owner about music, bicycles, and the city. And that’s how I went from wandering around solo to spending my Friday night being escorted around the city by one of the premier restauranteurs and sommeliers in Quebec. He showed me a terrific view from a high bridge just behind the restaurant, and from there we walked through the city to a jazz bar called Largo (where we sat and chatted with the man pictured), and from there to a brand new hip bar and performance space called L’Cercle. Every time we entered a place, the person at the door would recognize him and say, “Why aren’t you working at the restaurant tonight?” He was a great guy and it was fantastic to be shown around by someone who knew the good places to go. What a fortunate friend to make.
This morning the sun came out in Quebec and the temperature got up to 78, and it feels like a new city. People are EVERYWHERE! I met Philippe at the Theatre to tour around today and was glad to see that he brought his two year old daughter Alexandra with him in the stroller. Going from 18 kids classes a week to zero is a big change, and I hadn’t realized how much I missed seeing kids! It was very strange however, to discover that I couldn’t quite turn on my usual kid-charm when I couldn’t speak French. By the end of the afternoon she did give me one high five and we were communicating in silly sounds and bouncing a ball back and forth. In the meantime, we strolled around, rode the funicular to uppertown, visited a park, watched people, went to the Capital Observatory for another good view, sat for a beer in the open lobby at Theatre Petit-Champlain, saw many street performers and tourists, rode the ferry across the river to Levis where they live, and got a little sunburned. Well, that was just me.
Here's a good view of the wall that goes all the way around the old part of the city. So many people out!
And here's me on the ferry. Note the fabulous Hotel Frontenac.
After I left them I walked myself around and checked out the big public market across from my hotel– I love those! I arrived just as they were closing, so I’m eager to go back and sample more cheeses and maple goodies.
In a little while Geneviève is picking me up to go to Cynthia’s house for dinner. Valerie and Emilie should be there as well. I am very much looking forward to another evening with those ladies! I have some chocolate eggs I picked up so I’m excited to be the Easter Bunny for them.
Philippe asked me today if I noticed anything particular about Quebecois people, and the main thing I’ve noticed is that everyone, no matter if it’s a merchant or musician, someone I’m introduced to or a stranger, seems to be intentional about making a connection with you. On the one hand I feel extremely fortunate to have found companions to share my weekend with, but on the other hand it might just be the city’s typical charm.
Filed under: Canada,Notes from Lindsay,Quebec by Lindsay | April 3, 2010 | Comments (2)
2 Comments so far
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an incredible evening! can’t wait to hear more.
Now I have an idea of your experience through your thoughts and pictures. Thanks for all the detail! Sounds like you are making the most of your time, and then some! I am so glad that you are being intentional about getting out and experiencing the local flavor. Looks like a beautiful city. Glad to hear that you are well taken care of!