Quebec Journal #1

Sunday, June 15

Left Victoria at 7:30a PT - earliest I've gotten up in months. Friend from unit also taking course, on plane with me. Arrived in Toronto at 2p ET, changing planes and leaving by 4. Arrived at airport in Ste-Foy before 6 p. Overcast and raining.

Trust Matty to screw up in Quebec after only 20 mins: intending to split the fair with my friend, I asked the cab driver in French for two recipes... receipts equals "recus" not "recettes."

Accomodations are like a hotel. Card key to open the door; spacious room with four beds, desks and lockers. Room includes a bathroom, shower, TV, VCR, mini fridge and air conditioning.

Awesome view of Chateau Frontenac from the windows.

Building has a lounge, free laundry machines and a galley. Classroom and gym across the street.

Had dinner at Buffet de l'Antiquere, a greasy spoon. Discovered "patates purees" are mashed potatoes.

Next day, Sunday, it's raining. Took me 10-15 mins to find the galley, but decent selection when I did. No check-out either.

Despite the rain, friend and I explored Vieux Quebec: lots of shops, side-streets, steps, fortification walls, statues, the Citadel, museums, parliament buildings, etc.

Rain finally cleared up as we took a 20 min. bus ride to the three side-by-side shopping malls in Ste-Foy (a la Metrotown in Van). You can get by on your English, but merchants are accomodating if you try French, too.

And of course, beer can be purchased at gas stations and corner stores...