Monday, August 27, 2018

There was something special about Ottawa and I wish we could have stayed longer, but it was photography that drew us there and since the workshop is now over, we too must depart. So long Ontario… Bonjour Québec! The blue sign on the highway confirmed that we had stepped into French country. En avant!

The weather had been cooperating and we arrived under bright and sunny skies. The distance between Ottawa and Quebec City is about 450 km (4.5 to 5 hours via 417E and 20E). Rush hour is a universal evil, and Quebec City did not escape its grip…

Like Ottawa, Quebec City is plagued with one-way streets. We finally found our hotel – another Best Western Plus with more amenities – and got settled. First feet up, then dinner and a glance at the old city…

It was an interesting evening. In a good way.

Our hotel is located in the lower part of town, meaning that to reach Rue Saint-Jean — a long stretch that leads right into the old city walls and the pedestrian area — you have to walk, take a bus, climb a huge flight of stairs OR take an elevator. Yes, you read it right… We opted for the elevator… don’t judge!

Dinner Stop: L’entrecôte Saint-Jean. What a great choice! A parisian-style bistro serving great steaks and fries, accompanied by a mustard sauce unique in North America! De-li-ci-ous! We seldom have desert after a meal in a restaurant, but before you praise us, let me explain: it is because we sometimes indulge somewhere else! I know… . This time, it was a scrumptious soft ice cream dipped in one of the 20 flavoured chocolates available. Check out Chocolato, a chocolate shop on Rue Saint-Jean. Mmmmmm!

We did walk all the way to our hotel, but not out of guilt :)))) Did I mention we took the stairs all the way down? F-R-E-A-K-Y!!!!!! Mental note: Never do that again!