N.Y. First, Second & Last

Welcome to New York. With five days to sightsee and explore, here is just a sample of the 'New York' style cuisine on offer. Firstly, a Tuna Steak burger with a side of Kumera. For breakfast, fruit salad, poppy seed bagle and orange juice. Then a splurge for our last night - New York fillet steak and for dessert New York cheesecake - of course! In New York you do not need to walk far to find quality meals. In the block from our hotel we ate breakfast at Gramercy Cafe, ordered lunch at an Italian Deli and had dinner at the corner restaurant. Truly, five days was not enough time to explore the delicasies on offer. Enjoy!

P.S. Quebec City Doorways

In line with the 'french' culture and influence evident in Quebec City, one of the fascinating everyday sights is the decorative doors of shops, homes etc. So here I have tried to capture a snapshot of the entryways from the Old Lower City. Maybe you might be able to gain some inspiration for your own front door. The bold colours and higlights, such as plant boxes, statues, quirky wood animal shaped branches and brass numbering all add to the ambience of a friendly welcome. Note: in the first image, even the watering cans have a decorative appeal.

Touch of Titanic

All over the east coast of Canada are reminders of the events from the Titanic. In the city of Halifax there are quite a few cemetaries with graves of the victims of the Titanic. The one featured here is shaped like the hull of the ship, as a symbol of their final journey.

Mahone Bay

Mahone Bay is known for its' brightly coloured homes and pleasant location. Unfortunately it was drizzling rain when I visited, so the best I can offer is this misty view of the waterfront. Other than the view, Mahone Bay is known for Amos Pewter. You can buy the pewter pieces throughout Nova Scotia or stop and visit the museum for demonstrations.

Luneneburg, N.S.

Lunenburg N.S. is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well known for the Bluenose schooner and its' preserved Old Town, by no means is it a sleepy seaside village.

Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove is one of Canada's most well known fishing villages dating back to 1811. It provides the most stunning of views looking out across the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of under one hundred, most of the year round the tourists outnumber the residence. Walking from the main village to the lighthouse it was difficult not to miss the many photo opportunities on offer. From the historic houses, wharves, and even the whale bone greeting you at the base of the hill leading to the focal point of Peggy's Cove - the lighthouse, all you could do was 'snap,click and snap' again as you tried to capture the essence of this fishing village. Thank-god for digital cameras.

Halifax Streetscape

I suppose it's typical of seaside towns to highlight their homes with vibrant colours due to the somewhat dull appearance of their shoreline location, plus the weather they experience. So it is no suprise to find the same characteristics if individual homes being painted each a different colour. The colour is not always bold, some are muted. Most homes tend to be outlined in white, such as their windows, doors and pickets.

Lobster - Halifax, N.S

In keeping with the 'Canadian Way', of course whilst visiting Halifax, N.S. we could not pass up the opportunity to try a local lobster dinner. So here you have it! The before and after shots. Thank goodness I did not have to pick out my lobster. I don't mind eating them, but having to choose was out of the question. Don't you just adore the vibrant colour of a cooked lobster, who'd guess they'd change so much in appearance after the 'cooking' process.

A View, the Uniforms & Memorbilia

As mentioned beforehand, the Citadelle has a spectacular view of Quebec City and the St Lawrence River. In the first image you are looking back over the roof tops of Q.C, at the forefront is the Frontenac. Also featured on the highest point of the Citadelle is a row of canons, guarding the area facing the St Lawrence River. Located in the cells and Chapel of the Citadelle was a comprehensive display of uniforms and memorbilia. Take note of the different uniforms, and some Aussie memorbilia. A quirky memory I have from the Citadelle was the playing of some funky dance style music - that was constantly played over and over again. It was not til the end of our tour that we figured out it was a sound check for a local festival held in the nearby park. At the time, we all thought it a little strange that such a formal setting was 'pumping' out this style of music.

La Citadelle

Apart from the Frontenac, one of the dominating features of the Quebec City skyline is the Citadelle. Begun by the French in 1750, it took 30 years until completion - by the British. The Citadelle is home to the Canadian Royal 22's. The regiment has served in both world wars and the Korean War. Inside the Citadelle Walls houses a museum which outlines the Regiments' history, including a display on its' mascot - a goat (there is an actual 'taxidermed' goat in the museum!). You will also note that the Regiments uniform has much in common with that of the British, and that for 'official' duties the goats' horns are painted gold.

Aux Anciens Canadiens II

One of the charms of Quebec City is the Quebecois cuisine. Given the opportunity to visit Q.C. again was an opportunity to eat at the 'Ancient Canadian' a 1676 restaurant that serves traditional country dishes specific to the area. There is a bonus too if you chose to eat between 12.30pm and 5.45pm. You receive a three course meal and choice of drink for only CA$15.00. So check out my choice of meal; Vegetable Soup (starter), Selection of breads, Wild Game Pie (Entree/Main), Apple Cheese Cake (Dessert) and Canadian Beer (Red).

St Anne de Beaupre

A Basilica situated outside of Quebec City. Since the mid 1600s this local village has been a pilgrimage site for Christians. Over the centuries the Basilica has been rebuilt, except for the wooden, gold leaf statue featured here. It has survived the many years of service to the Christian faith, including fire which destroyed the previous structure. On display is also a bone fagment of St Anne, encased in a gold arm-like skeleton.

Copper Art

Whilst on a day trip to the surrounding areas of Quebec City, we stopped at a Copper Artist Studio. The Studio is now run by the family, who produce all the products availible for sale. There was just some stunning work on display, including a series of copper relief design of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. The family also designed the main entry doors of the local basilica, St Anne de Beaupre.

Parc de la Chute Montmorency

The Montmorency Falls are 7km from the city of Quebec. I last visited here in the winter when the falls were covered in ice and snow - so maybe look back in my blog to February. Although the falls are taller than Niagara, the most interesting aspect is the view back across the St Lawrence River and the cityscape of Quebec City. I was interested though in what difference the seasons had in affecting the appearance of the falls. In winter one of the highlights is the ability to 'rock climb' the ice wall of the falls - which almost totally freezes. This of course was not to be in summer.

Ile d'Orleans

Ile d'Orleans is a local retreat for many Quebecois, some even owning cottages or residences on the island. The island is known for its' berry farms - especially strawberries, orchards, cider products and windmills. Mind you we visited a chocolatier and ice cream boutique - which had items on sale to die for. Whilst the island provided spectacular views across the St Lawrence River to Quebec, I was fascinated by the collection of wirly-gigs placed in this small colourful garden by the shoreline. The contrast against the dullness of the river was a little oasis by the sea. Another feature of the island is the architecture. Many of the homes and structures on the island are up to 300 years old. Many of the homes are made from stone or wood in the Normandy style.