Some people have chosen never to set foot in Europe because they don’t think they will like it. If you are one of these people, let me see if I can change your mind. I have to admit that history wasn’t one of my favorite subjects in school. Perhaps, I found it irrelevant when it came to memorizing dates and being quizzed on the people that made history. Or the fact that these places were so far away and as a kid, you don’t appreciate art, culture nor history until a lot later in life.
To get a taste of Europe without going too far, I urge you to go to Montreal and stay a few days then take a train to Quebec City for some French immersion.
First, read my earlier blog on Visiting Montreal. Plan to stay a few days in Montreal to take in some of the sights such as the Biodome, McGill University campus, the underground city, Old Port and the site of the 1976 Summer Olympics. Take a cab to Schwartz’s located at 3895 Saint Laurent Boulevard. If you plan to drive there, take note that parking may be a challenge. Schwartz’s is a Montreal tradition since 1928 and when we arrived for a late lunch, there was already a line in front of the small deli. After 10 minutes in line, we sat down at a cramped table and ordered a large plate of smoked Montreal meat along with some olives and a pickle. It was delicious to say the least.
Ask the concierge at the hotel on where to catch the train to Quebec City. The ride is only 2.5 hours away but let me warn you in advance, we were told by a tour guide that the train is always late. Believe it or not, Quebec City is the second oldest existing European settlement in Canada. The old quarter is a walled city and is the only walled city in North America. How cool is that? In Europe, there are so many walled cities that after visiting one, you can almost say you have been to them all. But I have a thing for walled cities which always brings me back to the Holy Grail, Knights in shining armor, castles, moats, watchtowers and medieval villages.
Quebec City is split into two, a lower part and an upper part. When we sailed into Quebec City on our Canada/ New England cruise, the port was in the lower part. From the port, Place-Royal was a nice 10 minute walk away from the ship. There you will find narrow cobblestone streets filled with quaint shops, pubs and restaurants. There are patio cafes and pubs where patrons can sit, drink a glass of wine or a pint of beer and people watch. To reach the upper part, you can either climb a long flight of stairs up to the Chateau or you can take a funicular. If you have been to Hong Kong or Varese, Italy then you are familiar with a funicular. Even the Montreal Observatory has a funicular that takes people up an inclined hill.
Most of the newer hotels are in the upper part. If you want a blast into the past feeling, stay at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac that resembles a castle. Actually, I was told that when they built it originally, it disappointed alot of the residents there so they added the extra tower to it so it looked more like a castle. Another good hotel to consider is the Luxe which is walking distance to Place-Royal, the first permanent site in New France. There you will find quaint shops, pubs and restaurants. Be sure to try to local beer brewed in Quebec.
Just a stone throw from the Chateau is a fountain and a square. Across the street from the fountain, you will find a lane that is highly populated with local artists. There you will find watercolor prints and photographic images at reasonable prices. Down from the lane, you will find a Roman Catholic church, the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica which is the oldest parish in North America. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you get a sense of European culture. It is very French here so give your high school French a try when speaking to the locals. Most establishments speak English, but they appreciate it when you try to speak French. At least, learn the greeting ‘Bonjour’ that means good day and ‘Vas-Bien?’ to ask if someone is well.
Give yourself a chance to appreciate a foreign place and perhaps, you will find something you like to visit in Europe.
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