49. Go to Quebec City

So, we've been talking about going to Quebec City for forever, and this last weekend we finally made it. Co-list originators Leah, Siham and I try to get together every two to three months to do something that's on all three of our lists and revise and add to them.

Siham had already been to Quebec City several years ago, but was still raving about it, and Leah and I had never been, so we decided that this would be our fall destination.  They drove to Burlington on Thursday night to pick me up, and after some last-minute work things Friday morning, we headed to Canada.  We arrived at our very cute little hotel within the walls of the old city, the Chateau de Pierre, well after dark, and agreed that we had, indeed made a very good choice.  Here's Siham using Leah as a human pillow while she changed her Facebook status to reflect her happiness with being in Quebec City.

The next morning after some yummy crepes, we headed to the visitor center to check out all our options.  It had snowed the night before, and Quebec City is already all decked out for Christmas, so just walking around felt very festive (though in a cold sort of way).  In the tourist center we had, of course, to do the obligatory pose with the Bonhomme who, I guess signifies all that is fun (or at least cheesy) about Quebec.

For those who have not yet had the great good fortune of visiting Quebec City (or Ville de Quebec as it is called there), I strongly suggest you add it to your travel agenda.  And when you go, I have a few tips to add to the experience.

First, it's nice to bring someone, or a couple people, to share it with. The city is one of the most romantic places I've ever been, so couples take note.  On the other hand, it's also just plain fun, so a road trip with friends (especially one as linguistically talented as Siham is also a good option). Second, you MUST center your trip around Vieux Quebec, the Old City which is easy to find because it's enclosed by still-existing city walls.  Our little hotel was within the Old City, as were the sites of the pictures above.  In one, Leah and I are standing in front of the Chateau Frontenac, reportedly the most photographed hotel in the world.  In the other Leah and Siham are excitedly pointing out the container ship moving through the Saint Lawrence, which we all took as an omen of good fortune for one of our next big adventures, the trip the three of us are planning by container ship to Alaska (with some help from my fabulous brother-in-law Brian) during spring break. For now, though, Quebec City suited us just fine. We ate way too much (I think the fondue that Siham and Leah are enjoying was our favorite, but the crepes were awfully good too, and we just had to have poutine so Leah could try it), and explored all over the town.  The last picture is of Siham and I on the open-air ice rink at the Place D'Youville.  Since it was 1 in the morning, it was alas, not open, but we just had to check it out anyway, and make a promise that next time, we're going skating  And there will certainly be a next time.  If' you've never been, put it on your list  And if you have, ask yourself why you haven't gone back already!

Coming Attractions

Whenever Leah, Siham and I get together we do a list overhaul, and this time was no exception.  We have a whole slew of New Things planned to close out this year and start the next.  I'm going to do a separate post on the updated list so watch for that.

52 Ways to Say I Love You...

My friend and colleague, Valerie, had her sister, Judith Miller, demonstrate the four phrases in American Sign Language. I'm going to see if I can post the video here...here goes.