Day 12 - Europe or Quebec?

We headed out from our Motel early this morning, and arrived in the old city in Quebec at 7am. Luckily you don't need to pay parking until 9am, so off we went into the European-looking city.

We parked near the Frontenac hotel and walked along beautiful streets lined with shops and restaurants. Old Quebec is known for it's many museums historical buildings and parks and especially for its European feel. I knew Herman would love it, but I underestimated how much. He was like a little kid at Christmas in and toy store with a blank cheque. I was slowly walking along, while continuously waiting for his to catch up because he was taking so many pictures. It was definitely worth weathering the storm to get here.

One of the most important things to do, was to have a croissant and coffee at an outdoor cafe, so we stormed into the first bistro that opened. Luckily the locals didn't mind accommodating our lack of French and we were soon sitting outside watching people commute to work, and some other tourists walking by.

We walked further into the old town, and came upon a small entry that we assume were for very small people, because even I would not walk upright into this doorway. Perhaps Dominique can (ha-ha).

The building with the blue window frames is the Quebec Chamber of Commerce.

Down the steep stairs we walked to discover even more beautiful streets and came across a store that is framed with a yellow border and lots of flowers, which only sells glass blown art.

There is so much to see in the city, that you need at least a week to see all the interesting places, but if you don't know at least a little French, it would definitely be a challenge - all the signs in Quebec is only in French, and everyone speaks only French.

At around 9am we had to get going to make it back to our bikes on time for the parking meter, so we started walking back. I realized after a few minutes that the road we were on wasn't going back the way we thought, and we had to turn around. In the lower part of old Quebec, there is a tram that takes you up to the upper levels, and we hopped on this. I got to the meter
with one minute to spare. Our parking spots were just outside the US Consulate, where full time security staff monitors the sidewalks outside the building. The guard on duty came over to us and started telling us about his bike, and we ended up discussing the insurance rates in Quebec for motorcyles, and I was totally blown away by how low they are. It makes me want to learn French and move there - if only it wasn't colder than Ontario. He gave us some directions of a scenic road back to the highway and off we went.


On the way to Cornwall we stopped at a few rest stops and took a few last pictures. We hit serious construction and traffic in Montreal, and just passed by thinking that the traffic is pretty much as bad as that of Toronto.

Once at the motel in Cornwall we were both in the shower in no time, and then off WalMart to buy some more motorcycle oil for the KLR. Now we're "chilling" in our room, and catching our breath for the rest of the road home.

So far, the travelling was great and we are enjoying every minute and we can both just keep on going. We are learning a lot about travelling on motorcycles and what works and what doesn't, but that will be shared later on.