Food... Glorious Food in Quebec!

We started our day around 9ish and headed for a Boulagarie (sp?) for French Pastries and coffee.  We scored on both accounts... The place was a few blocks from the hotel and it was a glorious morning...sun, slightly chilly and the air felt fresh!  By the time we were finished, it was time to hoof it back to the Fairmont and prepare to get ready to be taken to the terminal to board the boat.. which we accomplished with ease (our luggage had been picked up earlier and was going to the boat without us but would miraculously find its way to our room).

Got to our rooms and of course... no luggage till later in the day.  No problem, we had a food tour in the afternoon in the city, so we disembarked and headed for some more touristy walking.  The hubs seem to take off on their own, leaving the Diva's to do what we do... which we do so well.  We all gathered back at the appropriate time and place so we could begin the tour.  We had several Aussies on the tour as well as a few Americans.  Sampled food, wines, beer, cider, crepes, chocolate, boar on crackers, cod benjit, an eclectic mix... all was yummy. By the time we finished, we'd walk a mile and half, it was close to 6pm, we missed our official sitting for dinner on the boat... like we really needed it!!!!  Decided to stop for some Guiness on the way back to boat.  Jer and I shared a Black and White (half Guiness, half a softer brew)... I liked it pretty swell. 

Got back on board and were happy to see the luggage was in the room.  We were all beat, so agreed a quick meal on the Lido was all we needed... Now... I hear my bed calling... and I'm tuckered out as they say.  Gotta rest up for the St Anne's Canyon & Wine Tour tomorrow.  

The view from the boat of the hotel

Used the Funicular to save some steps back up to the Fairmont

Our Boat

The hubs all took off down the boardwalk to check out... well, I don't know what!

First Stop, French food... Salmon Tartar... delicious!

Our Guide... fun lady... a bit political though...

Never have been a fan of Maple... till I tried the true Maple... OMGOSH!  Yummy!

Great Brews...

Chocolate Clock, Dress in next picture, and sculpture following

Enjoying our Guiness... Liz took this one...

Boys will be boys...

  

Old Quebec City - Merci Beaucoup!!!!

After months of planning, the day was finally here.  Three Diva's and their hub's were meeting together for a Colors of Fall Cruise leaving from Quebec City and culminating in New York City.  Not too sure Holland America is aware of what they are in for.  Each Diva flew on a different day and different route... yet somehow, despite airport closures & plane delays, we all met up in the lobby of Fairmont Hotel.  Julie and Jens arrived first... While Gary and Liz came a bit later (and a bit more tired after a red eye flight).  

While waiting for the Tomasch's, Julie, Jean, Jens and Jerry walked about the city and grabbed a bit to eat at a great little restaurant.  The city is quaint and very European in feel... and, sad to say, in pricing!  Enjoyed some unique artwork, fun little shops and lots of stairs and walking, which is a great way to work off some of the food so we can make room for more food...

Late in the afternoon, some drizzle started and eventually became a bit more than just a mist.  Didn't stop us, but did slow us down and we eventually decided to head back to the hotel.  And, good thing, we ran into Gary and Liz!  Yeah... we were all here.  Made plans for dinner, set up a food tour for tomorrow and  had a little time to regroup and relax before we headed out.

Dinner was delish... and not french at all but Italian.  Jen's topped the meal off with a Spanish Coffee... so dramatic as they prepared the drink.  

Getting late here, so, I'm hoping this blog is making sense... In the pics, note the pitch black squirrel... looked so weird to us!  Also, the beautiful huge fresco's (?)... gorgeous...

The Fairmont behind us...  The Railroad built several hotels like this... think Banff, Victoria... and I wonder if Stadium High School wasn't built with the same architect!

 On our walk around the city earlier in the day....

 Pictures don't do these scenes justice!  darn!

 Julie and Jens!

 The guys having fun!!!!

 What a sweet dog with this street musician....

 One of the sides of the buildings... 

 Aren't Jean and Julie Cute?????

 Guess what they served at this restaurant.... yup... little bunnies!

 Artwork???? I guess so... the can was about 9 feet tall... 

 More murals on the side of a building....

 Jean, Jens, Julie, Gary, Liz and Jerry!

 Irish Coffee

 Our hotel at night!

Silver Falls at Mount Rainier and LeMay DriveIn Movie....J, J, J and O !

A great day in our great Pacific Northwest!  Took off early in the morning... Jillian packed a lunch for us to enjoy after the hike. This was a gentle hike as Jillian is still recovering from her shattered kneecap... It meandered a bit, uphill, then downhill, but we were rewarded with a beautiful, up close ad personal view of the falls.  Standing on the bridge over the creek where the falls ended... Mother Natures Air Conditioning... Felt so good...  We passed some hot springs... warning that we were not go near them, but found a puddle on it's way to the river... and yup, the water was warm...

The rocks had moss growing... the trees the same... like a green blanket covering them all.  Wish that one could make a bed of it... then again, I think of the bugs... and NO WAY!

We came back to T-Town around 4ish... changed, cleaned up... well, not in that order... and Oliver convinced us he wanted to participate in the rest of the day. We drove to The LeMay Museum... parked in the field where the movie was to be shown (it's about 5:30 at this point... Movie started at 9).  We took a walk up to McKinley... about a mile away... and planned on a meal at the "Top of Tacoma"... with Oliver in tow!  It worked out perfect, cuz we could use their outdoor seating for our meal... and he could sit there under the table.  Brought his little portable water dish.. he was a happy camper! The "Top" is a funky bar with yummy food... quite eclectic!  

Anyway, headed back down to the car and settled in for our flick "American Graffiti"... You know what... after 60 minutes into it... we were all exhausted and started falling asleep.  We ended up sneaking out early... Still... We had a great time... a nice new memory!