Quebec City - Day 3

Thursday, July 15, 2010
Today started with a lecture on current events here in Canada. It was interesting in that the comments by our lecturer really brought home how very moderate these people are. Our country is so polarized, and it appears that Canadians seem to agree and come to consensus on important issues a bit more easily than we do. Of course, I'm getting a very limited view, here, so that impression could be completely full of shit. Perhaps my Canadian readers can shed some light on that.

After the lecture, we took a tour of the Provincial Parliament building. Government buildings seem to be pretty much the same no matter where you go, although the meeting chamber actually had a crucifix above the speaker's box. I couldn't imagine such a thing in the U.S., but they consider it part of the building's history, given the enormous influence of the Catholic Church here.


After lunch, we went to the Citadal, the main fortification here in the city of Quebec, and has a long history for both the French and the British. It's currently an active military base with an infantry regiment stationed there, as well as the location of the secondary residence of the Governor General of Canada, the Queen's representative here in Canada and the titular head of state. We had a chance to tour her residence, as well as visit the redoubt pictured at right. We weren't there at the correct time for the changing of the guard, though.

This evening we had cocktails, conversation and dinner with the local English Language club. They wanted an opportunity to practice their English with native speakers (Anglophones, in their parlance), and we got a chance to chat with local folks without the lens of the University.

I'm still thoroughly enjoying the trip, and tomorrow promises to be the best day so far. You'll have to wait to hear what's got me so excited, though.


Me, on the balcony of the Governor General's residence, overlooking the Citadel and the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in the background.

6 comments:

CkretsGalore said...

Glad to hear that you're enjoying your stay. I'm a wee bit envious because I still have not been as far east as Quebec in this large country of ours.

I would agree that Canadians tend to come to a consensus easier than Americans but still not that easily.

Province to Province is a different mind set. Vancouver is very Left and Calgary is very Right. I just enjoy playing the devil's advocate by moving to a Conservative Province.

Nathan said...

And there was that whole Quebec Secession thingy.

Keith Wilson said...

I'm glad you got to see the fortress. It's quite something. On the not of our being moderate, you are in the most polarized province in Canada. Quebec has long had a contentious relationship with the remainder of the country, as the numerous referendums for separation can contest. The last one was defeated by less than 1%. The province has a wonderful culture, but the language issue is the biggest factor in Quebec's attitude (if that's the correct word?) French is THE language - any other is downplayed. Quebec maintains a 'language police' sector, identifying and disciplining organizations that don't put french first. Notice you will not see any bilingual signs in the province. In Ontario (where I live) everything is in both official languages - English and french. Not in la belle province. There are many political differences as well, most cultural, but a large amount add up to the separatist view. It's more of a pissing match than anything else. Really Quebecois are Canadian, but they see themselves as Quebecois first. Still though, a beautiful place and it adds to the cultural diversity of the continent, not just Canada. It's the only french speaking territory in North America, and one that we as Canadians would never be able to imagine being without. Enjoy!

CkretsGalore said...

Did you hear Rita MacNeil got a tattoo of Canada on her ass?

Every time she farts, Quebec separates.

Sorry...bad I know.

Warner (aka ntsc) said...

The changing of the guard ceremony includes a goat.

Juan Federico said...

I am so proud of you Janiece. have fun, enjoy and, remember this time. Whiners included. :)