Drowned rats, on the ferry with all of our fellow hardy travellers
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19
If either one of us had said "Let's stay in today," we would have jumped on it. But what can you do - rain, hail or shine, you have to give it a go. It was really raining today. A steady dribbling from the sky that had us jumping puddles and looking for cover.
We did have a good laugh at the expense of the poor cruise ship people who were in town. They had obviously committed to the "Hop on hop off bus" and were dutifully on the top uncovered deck, wrapped in ponchos and snuggled under umbrellas. They were making the most of their single day in town.
A dreary wet one in #Quebec City
Reacquainted ourselves with our very cheery #Jac & Gil man (he speaks as much #English as we do #French - we give him a chance to smile as we do our charade for our bus tickets each morning) and took the #1 route to today's goal - the ferry.
Got to soldier on - even in the rain
The bus stop into town is across the road from #Les Loft. A little handy Perspex shelter to keep us out of the rain. We have noted, as we have travelled through these east coast cities, that there are no seats in any of the shelters. Thinking it is to discourage homeless people from setting up camp. It is sad to think of the conditions in winter for some.
Got our tickets for the ferry and this massive vessel had a grand total of six passengers on it today. We had the choice of seats and decks and tried to snap some shots of the views in the rain. To be honest we couldn't see much action on the foreshore of our destination. We were heading towards #Levis - the city across the river - really had no idea why other than we could see it.
That's the goal - not sure why - we had been looking at it from afar - just wanted to be on the #St Lawrence where it "narrows"
Especially when you know this awaits you!
Sharing ferry views with friends
Again, we were met with a low shoreline access, complete with parklands, fountains and a Ferris wheel (all empty of course) and then an enormous red staircase that gave access to the upper level. No lift in sight, so the only way was up. And the indignity was, when you finally scaled the last flight of stairs you were met with a hill. You were still going up.
Fountains and Ferris wheel, statue and a big hill!
The story of the day, up and down hils, stairs and ramps and dodging puddles
Followed the suggested route for houses and churches
We had accessed a suggested tourist route that you could download while on the ferry. It gave us a walking route to follow - landmarks, churches, statues, houses and history. We were the only two trudging along the street and I can tell you, we were glad when we hit the "food" street for "your hollow."
Unfortunately, on this dismal day it seemed like everything was closed. @Mac sussed two people in a window drinking coffee and we zeroed in on that for our lunch stop. Soup and a quiche definitely warmed us up and we got directions for a little deviation from the local owner that would take us to the foreshore without quite so many steps.
Only place in town open- we sat in the window seat to advertise to passers by it was doing business. Paying it forward.
Simple fare but warmed us up
Perfect timing for the arrival of the ferry - we walked right on and joined two other passengers- that made four of us for the return journey. Mind you it is a vehicular ferry, so maybe there were loads of cars underneath - we didn't notice. What a service this is - it runs non-stop every 30 minutes and every 20 minutes in peak hour. Even in winter, its prow is an ice breaker and it forges its own way across the #St Lawrence.
Checking the local's instructions and taking the shortcut - despite warning
Still raining and still had to take shelter under the Perspex covering and scored a bus home. Made a detour in search of a hot drink and @Mac found us a little place called #Nectar. It was a winner - great coffee, hot chocolate and almond and chocolate pastry. Did feel a little out of place here - we were drenched, were a little older than the general clientele and we didn't have a notebook computer. Must have been a student den - cause everyone was working away in near silence.
Trying to fit in at #Nectars
Headed up to #Les Lofts, turned on the heater (hmmm, interesting, you adjust the heaters temp and turn on the aircon on two different systems to "counter" each other) and spread our wet clothes out to dry. Rounded out the afternoon commitments by heading downstairs for our last on the road appointment with the laundry.
And for dinner, I can't believe I am saying this - after talking up the oysters for the last few days, I couldn't do it. It was just too cold and wet. Needed some hot food! Gave #Table the flick and instead fronted up to #London Jack's for some hearty English food.
A bit of an English pub vibe
It was a live music venue and although the music was enjoyable you couldn't hold a conversation. Got caught out a few times talking loudly over the music - and then when the music stopped - you'd find yourself yelling. Admitting that @Mac was a little disappointed with his meal - certainly not the taste, his rack of lamb was very tasty, but there would have been three teaspoons of meat a across the entire dish. Twas a little sad for the carnivore. Maybe we should have gone the oysters.
Tasty but tiny rack - he wanted more
All good - had one ice cream and some chocolate at home - that fixed it. Oh, and a little toddy of rum.
Last day tomorrow in #Quebec City - and then back onto the train in the evening. Plenty of time for packing in the morning.
PS Don't ever go overseas for an extended period and have to deal with banks and banking. @Mac has spent hours (I mean LITERAL hours - not exaggerated or imagined hours.) So frustrating trying to deal online with validation processes. You'd think when you hit that "I am going to be overseas" button and give them dates - it would automatically trigger some checks and balances.
Meanwhile in 🇪🇺 Europe with @M&I
Well happy fifth wedding anniversary 😍 guys from your "ultimate" favourite humans 🤣😄 The tradition continues - somewhere special to sit and reflect on your vows and to add new stories to a shared life together.
Riding the carousel - my favourite tourist must do - it must be in the genes
Lucky in love - so good to have someone to share life's adventures
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