Our limousine driver picked us up at 10:45am and we arrived at the very nice Quebec Main Station at 11. We travelled second class on the train this time but it was only three and a quarter hours to Montreal and we enjoyed the trip. We crossed the St Lawrence River at least three times on the way and took photos as we got close to Montreal.
Another limousine driver was waiting for us and deposited us at the Auberge Bonaparte where we have another lovely, large room. We are making up for all the times we struggled to find our own way from the train to a cheap hotel, or got ripped off by taxi drivers. We were very reluctant to pay Fresh Tracks six months income for a 23 day holiday, but so far we are having a great time.
Another limousine driver was waiting for us and deposited us at the Auberge Bonaparte where we have another lovely, large room. We are making up for all the times we struggled to find our own way from the train to a cheap hotel, or got ripped off by taxi drivers. We were very reluctant to pay Fresh Tracks six months income for a 23 day holiday, but so far we are having a great time.
What we find frustrating is that the more you pay for a hotel, the worse the lighting layout is. Central ceiling lights seem to be unfashionable in Europe and America. Wall lamps and desk lamps are not where you need them.
When we decide to buy something that appears dearer than Australian prices we often forget that 15% sales tax will be added and signs are up suggesting 15% gratuity. It is about time they paid proper wages and got rid of this paternalistic custom of tipping.
After settling in we went for a stroll along the waterfront of the mighty St Lawrence River. The tourist area was not very long but it had some interesting attractions, such as a Labirynth and a flying fox, which they called the Tyrolean Zipper. You climb up a tower about 20 metres high and slide 200 metres out along a wharf to the river's edge.
The Voiles en Voiles area had two life size galleons with various types of rigging and people of all ages were climbing in all directions over diverse obstacles at scary heights; all were strapped into harnesses locked onto safety wires just like the Bridgeclimb.
There was a small flying fox linking the two ships at a height of about five meters. We watched a boy of about four take himself to the edge of the platform, sit down and slide off into fresh air. What a hero. Who wants to be here to try two hours of climbing fun for $24?
We have been encouraged from all sides to indulge in the local food called "Poutine", so we supplemented a Thai plate with a shared serving of Poutine: Thin hot chips, crumbled cheese pieces and thick gravy. We bought the version that added shredded pork on top to give it more flavour. Never again.
We walked back along the Rue Saint Paul, browsing souvenir shops and marvelling at the Amerindian and Indian craftwork. We watched Ninja Warriors again on TV and saw a 72 year old try the obstacle course.
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