Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Highlights of our Summer Vacation - Part 2 - Quebec



La Nouvelle France - meaning New France….of course, we are more apt to call it "Quebec"!   We spent a way-too-short three glorious days in Quebec - one day in Montreal, and two days in Quebec City.   I got to relish and experience the French Culture which I love so much - the language, the food, the quaint shops and sidewalk cafes - it was a dream come true for me!

We entered Quebec after leaving New Hampshire, and were immediately greeted by this:




I have to admit I got excited as soon as I began to see the signs printed in French!    It has been several years since I returned to France and I miss the language and culture.    France is, after all, my "second home" - my mother's native country.    

Another reason I was excited to be on our way to Montreal was because we were going to have a reunion with Aysegul  (now called Ayse), my former sister-in-law's daughter.  I had not seen her since I visited Turkey in 2001!   I had always loved her mother who we sadly lost several years ago - actually just a couple of years after I visited her.  To see Aysegul was like re-connecting with my Turkish family whom I've always loved and cared about deeply.   My journey to Quebec was both an adventure and somewhat of an emotional experience…here are a couple of photos of my reunion with Aysegul and visit to Montreal where Ayse very kindly was our tour guide!

Ayse and I with a view of Montreal behind us


                            Another view of Montreal



The Biosphere in the Old Port of Montreal


                                           A horse and buggy in Old Montreal

Ayse and Shawn (her "new" husband) with Ralph and me 


Our next stop in Quebec was Quebec City.  Here are a few photos highlighting our visit in Old Quebec.  

The lovely bed and breakfast in Old Quebec where we stayed:


The Castle in Old Quebec:


The boardwalk in Old Quebec:



The castle at night:



The lovely restaurant where we ate dinner on our first evening :  La Nouvelle France


Happy to be in Old Quebec!   :)

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