Quebec

As you probably already know, Dan and I had our weekend getaway this past weekend. Instead of doing a B&B closeby in northern NH or VT, we decided that since we don't often have kid-free weekends, we would go the extra mile. And that is how we ended up in Quebec. It was quite a drive (7-8 hours), but it was a great experience. I am still flabbergasted that we can drive like 3 hours north of our home and be in a French speaking country. It's just so odd and awesome. Now, unfortunately, the Quebecois accent is WAY different than the France French that we're used to so understanding was quite difficult. We still managed to understand ok and spoke to them pretty well too. Out hotel was in the old, walled part of the city, very close to Chateau Frontenac.

Below: Chateau Bellevue - our humble abode for 2 nights Below: Kim in front of Chateau Frontenac, an old historic hotel

Below: Dan stands in front of a Champlain statue that also has Quebec's motto: "Je me souviens," which means "I remember." I certainly will.
Below: View from lower Quebec. Note the Funiculaire - elevator that takes people from upper to lower town.
Below: Funiculaire
Below: Us riding the funiculaire
Below: Us near the Citadelle fortress with old Quebec and the St Lawrence river in the background.

Below: Dan getting a glass of wine from the automatic wine dispenser in the hotel lobby. (Imagine if every lobby and waiting room in the US had one of these!)

On Sunday morning, we went to Mass at Sainte Anne de Beaupre cathedral, outside of Quebec. It's a pilgrimage site for many Catholics and we were really impressed with the enormous size of it.

Below: While we were away, the kiddos had a wonderful time with Grandma, Grandpa, Becca and Phil. Sebsatien talked and talked on the car ride home about everything he did. Genevieve apparently got to model some sunglasses.