CANADIAN SURPRISES

                 Montreal

We noticed on our first meal in Montreal that fries were on everyone’s plate, no matter what the entre was, and we learned later in the week that mashed, baked or scalloped potatoes just are not served in this area. It’s French fries, and how they love ‘em!

Poutine, French fries with cheese curds and gravy, is a typical dish unique to Montreal. 

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After visiting a museum we walked back to Jacques Cartier (square) and down to the waterfront. We leisurely strolled along the street. A couple of gals, sitting at the sidewalk café of Pier Gabriel were enjoying a pitcher of a green drink.

Slowing down, I remarked, “That sure looks refreshing.”

“Let’s stop and find out what it is.”

Inside, the bartender said it was green sangria and explained all the ingredients, starting with white wine. We decided to give it a try. It was really good, but we agreed that sangria is red.

It’s like the blue and yellow candy canes. No. Candy canes are red and white! Sangria is red.

The drinks were tall, rather costly, so it took us awhile to drink them. But we enjoyed people watching and the respite before starting back to the hotel via Chinatown.

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                                        Quebec City

Wandering around the narrow alleyways of Quebec City we quite by accident came across the old stone house, Maison Chevalier. Built in 1752 by a ship owner, the classic French-style is typical of architecture of New France. The firewalls, chimneys, vaulted cellars, original wood beams and stone fireplaces were noteworthy. What a jewel this museum was and it was free. We chit chatted with a docent. The self-guided tour of life in the 17-18^th centuries was well displayed with simple explanations and labels. It was a pleasant find and delightful surprise.

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The staircases are ubiquitous to Quebec City--a reminder of the city’s past,. Upper Town was the home of dignitaries, religious and political leaders, where Lower Town contains the oldest neighborhood in North America. Once crowded with traders, workers and the disenfranchised, now it is a delightful restored smart shopping and historical area.

The Escalier Casse-Cou, also known as the Breakneck staircase, is the first staircase, built in 1893. The 170 steps are built on the site of the original 17^th century stairway that linked Upper with Lower Towns. Today shops and cafés can be found at various levels of the staircase..