Citadel, Plains of Abraham, Museé National des Beaux-Arts

Thursday 30th April 2009

Breakfast with the whole gang from UBC who were there at our B&B too. They were going towards Montreal. For us, the discovery of Quebec had just begun. First, we checked out the view of Old Quebec City from a higher relief near St Louis Gate, part of the fortification walls of the city. Following the walls towards the St Lawrence River, we arrived at the Citadelle which is part of 300 years of Military History. We speculated how the French used the walls for Defence. The shape of the citadel is a unique star shape. Unfortunately, the changing of Guard done by the Vandoos (aka Royal 22 Régiment) together with the regimental goat is only held in Summer. In fact, the French Canadian unit is in service in Afghanistan. Being a unit which French-speaking is a reflection of the Francophone community in Quebec.

The initial citadel was designed by French military Engineer and work began in 1700s. Under British Lieutenant Elias Durnford, the Star-shaped citadelle was built in 1820s to 1832 because of the fear of citizen uprising during a time of political unrest. 'Je Me Souviens', meaning we will remember, is the motto of the Vandoos and also appears on the license plate of vehicles in Quebec.' Aside from the major, the Governor General of Canada has an official residence here. Recent visit of President Obama to Canada, and the tour guide let us know that he spent more time speaking with her than Stephen Harper. Visited the two museums which were filled with the military uniforms, medals, arms and historical documents from French and British regimes and the Canadian period. The last picture shows an old signal system used in the past. Many of the buildings in the Citadel are Historical monuments of Canada. Other buildings include the Powder Magazine, Redoubt and of course soldier barracks. Many buildings were engraved with Battles that the Vandoos had fought in.

Plains of Abraham where children reenact the Battle of the Plains. I assume they were led by their teachers and everyone was very enthusiastic with their marching, war cries and drills. Took a walk alongside the Citadel wall facing the Saint Lawrence River. Quebec is known as the Gibraltar of America because it controls the St Lawrence River which was very important as it gave access to places inland all the way to Lake Michigan. As we wandered the Plains we found plaques representing the spot Montcalm was defeated and one or two Martello towers.

The Musée national des beaux-arts consists of many 2 pavilions and many exhibits. Visited only those free ones. I remember listening to a translated speech where a rebel leader gave a fiery speech to encourage his Francophone countrymen to go against the British. Others such as the exhibition about the Inuits who lived in the icy North of Canada. Also many art pieces by Alfred Pellan and others in styles tradition, to abstract, to modernism.

Outside Lé Gránd Théâtre du Québec. Looks like three men having a talk.

St Jean Baptiste but it was closed.

A Shop along Rue St Jean which had very Victorian style architecture. Walking down this road where we had ice cream and chocolates at the chocolate Museum. Sunset creeped on us and we headed back to rest.