Travelling to Quebec

Today we travel to Quebec City. We think that we have not planned this part of the trip very well, and should have spent more time in Montreal. We have barely scratched the surface and could very easily have spent another two or three days here. We'll just have to return.

Below our appartment, at street level, is a Christmas shop. They have a countdown timer that says there are 179 days until Christmas. I calculate 180 days, so perhaps there's an element of panic being induced here. Anyway, it clearly works as we buy a few items to go on our tree - they do have a fantastic range on offer.

There's also a small cafe around the corner that we've had our eye on, and we go here for breakfast.

 Although it doesn't feel like it, Montreal is on an island in the St Lawrence River. So I would like to go down and see the river before we leave. We head down to the old docks, and see the Museum of Archaeology and History. Amelie had told us that this had an excellent observation deck that was free of charge. So we would see the river from there. And much else besides:

Habitat 67: Brutalist concrete construction. The modules were built off site and lowered into place by crane

Grain Silo Number 5. With 206 silos it was one of the most imposing grain elevator structures in Montreal, the leading grain port in N America in its day

Views of ships on the St Lawrence and bridge across

We walk slowly to the station, through an area that used to be Montreal's, and then Canada's, parliament building before it was burnt down by an angry mob in 1849

Crossing the St Lawrence. Although I had viewed this from the museum, it's sheer size and scale is really felt when you're up close to it

Vera's phone update: After an age waiting on hold Vera speaks to someone at EE. It turns out that the upgraded 18 month contract they sold her before the trip did not include any roaming data element, which would add £11 per day to the cost. This had never been mentioned before, and EE have gone away to review the previous conversations amidst claims of mis-selling. They are due to call back on Saturday, so stand by for further installments 

The train is an hour late. There is a burning freight train on our line. I think the fire is relatively small and brought under control, but it is one of the more interesting causes of delay. No photos, I'm afraid.

Our B&B is just outside the city wall and another superbly central locations. Paula, our host, is very welcoming

Her home is full of plants and lots of interesting things. Here is the staircase, with Vera heading out to explore the town

The nearby Rue du Petit Champlain is quite delightful. The restaurant Paula has recommended is closed, and others are full. We find a restaurant on the busy Boulevard Champlain, and after queuing for 30 minutes we get a seat. It was worth the wait. My pizza is the best I have tasted for many years, they have got the crust just right. Vera tries steak tartare for the first time in her life. The food here is amazing 

We have an outside table, and can look out across the river as the buildings on the other side catch the rays of the setting sun. By the time we finish it is dark but very atmospheric 

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