With our own car finally parked outside, a road trip called; but where to??
Through a bit of internet searching, we discovered there was a German Christmas market in Quebec City. Pining for a bit of German-flavored nostalgia, as well as wanting to visit the city - one of the oldest cities in North America and a UNESCO heritage sight - our destination was decided.
As the journey was nearly three-hours long, an early start was needed. Poor Albie wondered what an earth was going on, blinking hard as I turned on the lights in his room, but any reservations he had was soon put to rest when I gave him his breakfast earlier than normal. He thoroughly approved of that – it was what he had been asking me to do most mornings, after all! T and I ate breakfast and got ready, all the time one of us on duty to tire out the ball of fluff; one hand on the hairbrush and another on one of Albie’s toys so he would play, a mouthful of toast in-between chasing him around the apartment that kind of thing. Then the tired-out kitten was put back in his room and all his toys were shoved in with him, and we hit the road.
Through a bit of internet searching, we discovered there was a German Christmas market in Quebec City. Pining for a bit of German-flavored nostalgia, as well as wanting to visit the city - one of the oldest cities in North America and a UNESCO heritage sight - our destination was decided.
As the journey was nearly three-hours long, an early start was needed. Poor Albie wondered what an earth was going on, blinking hard as I turned on the lights in his room, but any reservations he had was soon put to rest when I gave him his breakfast earlier than normal. He thoroughly approved of that – it was what he had been asking me to do most mornings, after all! T and I ate breakfast and got ready, all the time one of us on duty to tire out the ball of fluff; one hand on the hairbrush and another on one of Albie’s toys so he would play, a mouthful of toast in-between chasing him around the apartment that kind of thing. Then the tired-out kitten was put back in his room and all his toys were shoved in with him, and we hit the road.
It was a bit of a wet and miserable day, and the heated seats (yey!) were well and truly on. We planned to drive up one side of the St. Lawrence river (which runs through both Quebec City and Montreal), and back down the other side. Low cloud and snow-sleet meant the scenery was hidden under a veil of grey so we didn’t see much of the Quebec countryside, apart from the few metres either side of the highway.
The German market was small, but it was nice (if not rather strange) to hear German being spoken, and see the familiar sight of people standing around drinking gluhwein. And although modest, it was perfectly formed, as there was a stall selling Lebkuchen: Hallelujah!! Our Christmas was now complete! (We are totally addicted to the gingerbread-style, soft, nutty, spiced biscuit, and were in the grip of withdrawal symptoms; as it was December and we were unable to munch on the festive treats.)
This important purchase made, we explored the old part of the city. The snow clouds prevented any views from the top of the hill across the St. Lawrence river from being seen, which was a shame. I imagine the outlook would be lovely on a clear day. The beautiful stone buildings that lined the winding cobbled streets had a strong European flavour, and it was easy to forget that we were, in fact, in North America.
Walking up one of these streets, we noticed the end was blockaded off and people were milling around the barriers. At first glance, we thought it was a protest of some kind, but as we drew nearer we realized it was some kind of skiing competition. It turns out it was the FIS Cross-Country World Cup, no less. We managed to sneak a peak, but couldn’t really see much, despite being stood on the city walls, so moved on, but not before a few random photos were snapped.
Our rumbling stomachs guided us to a café/bakery for lunch. On our way out of the place, we stopped to peer at the cake cabinet containing an assortment of beautiful sweet treats and whilst we admired the stunning creations, we were offered a sample plate of their delights: delicious slices of various flavours of mini Christmas logs: chocolate, pistachio, praline, coffee and the most amazing orange one.
High on sugar, we continued our wandering through the streets in the wet snow until our attention was caught by the window of a sweet shop (to be more precise, it was a bag of Liqourice Allsorts that caught our eye - I am addicted to them). Stepping in through the door it became clear it was far more than just a sweet shop, rather a little Aladdin’s cave, and we could have easily spent so much on vintage style tins and pictures. As it was, came away with a chalkboard, and of course, those Allsorts. We asked if they sold chalk for the board, and the woman behind the counter very apologetically replied they didn’t, but as a way of apology, popped a couple of maple candies in our bag to say sorry!
High on sugar, we continued our wandering through the streets in the wet snow until our attention was caught by the window of a sweet shop (to be more precise, it was a bag of Liqourice Allsorts that caught our eye - I am addicted to them). Stepping in through the door it became clear it was far more than just a sweet shop, rather a little Aladdin’s cave, and we could have easily spent so much on vintage style tins and pictures. As it was, came away with a chalkboard, and of course, those Allsorts. We asked if they sold chalk for the board, and the woman behind the counter very apologetically replied they didn’t, but as a way of apology, popped a couple of maple candies in our bag to say sorry!
By this stage, the weather had really started to close in and we were also very aware that it was the first time we were leaving Albie home alone all day, so we decided to head home. Not long after leaving the city, the snow became worse and I was so thankful T was driving, as it was a bit of a slog for an hour or so as the dual carriage way (sorry, highway) was turned white and reduced to virtually one lane. As we got closer to Montreal the snow turned into heavy rain – some things never change, no matter which country you are in, it always snows but then rains at home. Cautiously walking into the surprisingly quiet apartment we were greeted eventually by a sleepy Albie who had clearly been fast asleep, and to our relief, his room was still in one piece. He soon woke up and a playful and mayhem-fuelled evening of destruction ensued.
It was great to get out of Montreal and see some more of Canada. It felt especially good – if not a tad strange – to do this exploring in our own car, (which got us there and back without any problems, thankfully. After all the car palaver we had been through, this was a relief!)
We are still loving the novelty of having time to do recreational things such as this, rather than spending the time having looking for one essential item or another, or needing to registering for this thing or that. Having time that is truly our own, to do exactly what we like rather than need to do, and time to live a little and enjoy being able to stand still and take in our surroundings.
It was great to get out of Montreal and see some more of Canada. It felt especially good – if not a tad strange – to do this exploring in our own car, (which got us there and back without any problems, thankfully. After all the car palaver we had been through, this was a relief!)
We are still loving the novelty of having time to do recreational things such as this, rather than spending the time having looking for one essential item or another, or needing to registering for this thing or that. Having time that is truly our own, to do exactly what we like rather than need to do, and time to live a little and enjoy being able to stand still and take in our surroundings.