Wednesday, December 11, 2013

As my time in Quebec is about to close, I want to make the most of it. After seeing waterfalls and other natural attractions I decide it's time to head back into the city. After making a phone call, I have a room booked at the Château Frontenac in Quebec City. Although the citizens of Montreal speak both English and French, resident of Quebec City only speak French. This will make it more difficult but rewarding to get by.

I arrive at the hotel and am shocked on how beautiful the exterior is. It becomes readily apparent why this hotel was listed as a national landmark in 1980. It honestly looks more like a castle than a hotel.













The interior of the hotel is just as beautiful as the exterior. Everything is extremely cleanly and white in color. This is honestly the nicest hotel I've ever been in.














While wandering around the city I notice a huge structure towering in the distance. It's the Citadel of Quebec. This military installation is the residence of both the Monarch and the Governor General of Canada. Originally built in the 17th century under Louis de Buade, you can see how this structure was originally heavily fortified for defense.













 Finally, I visit the Rampart of Quebec City. They are the only remaining fortified city walls in North America. You can see how heavily the French influenced this area at the time. This resulted in a group of French descendants who are very prideful of their heritage and resistant to external cultural influences.

My time in the province of Quebec was really enjoyable. Montreal had an interesting mix of culture, and delicious food to eat. The fact that Montreal's citizens are bilingual really helped me enjoy my experience there. Quebec City in contrast felt entirely different, but was still really interesting. Rather than a mixing pot of cultures, the city felt very closed off. It was still beautiful though. After seeing all these sites, I'm ready to return home. Au revoir! 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

After scouring the area I finally found poutine. It is a delicious combination of french fries(of course), gravy, and cheese curds. I chose the "poulet poutine".









Montreal is a beautiful city and can be described as the "Canadian New York". Unfortunately, besides Mt. Royal, there isn't much in terms of nature. I decide to take the scenic route towards Quebec City down QC 138. Luckily this route follows the St. Lawrence River so there is no shortage of scenery.



I finally arrive in Quebec City. It is noticeably smaller than Montreal, with a population of around 700,000 people. After asking some locals, Montmorency Falls is the must see nature sight in the area. The size of this waterfall is truly impressive.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

I'm hungry and I need poutine. After renting a vehicle I head east on Jacques-Cartier Bridge (134) and speed off.
On my way to find a delicious meal I spot something interesting in the distance, it's St. Helen's Island. From there I take a detour towards Dolphin Lake...luckily I found a Subway restaurant to temporarily satiate my hunger. It's no poutine, but it'll do for now.


Dolphin Lake is beautiful. Not only that, but amusement rides surround the lake as well. I opt to take a gondola across the lake but unfortunately, my soul and stomach are still empty. I head back on the road to find my poutine.


Friday, September 27, 2013

After flying from Boise with a layover in Chicago, I have finally arrived at Montreal. I'll be staying at the Hotel Bourbon which appears to be a very cozy location. I'm exhausted and hungry.




"Bonjour, comment-allez vous?" asks the man at the front desk. After wracking my brain for the correct response I respond "Tres fatigué". There is a silence. "Uhh...je m'appelle William Dembi" I awkwardly sputter. He gives me my room key and the awkward exchange is over. I head straight to my room, throw down my luggage, and lay in bed. My next objective will be to find poutine, a dish that's native to the province of Quebec.