Monday, October 14, 2013

Quebec City - Day 2


Quebec City, Quebec

It’s cold and rainy today, and looks very much like autumn in Quebec City.  We will wait awhile and possibly leave the ship later in the day.  This itinerary keeps us here two full days.
Here’s some things you may not know about the city.
·         It was settled by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 at a narrow part of the majestic St. Lawrence River.
·         It was the first permanent French settlement in the New World
·         As “the” place to trade lumber and fur, it soon became a prosperous commercial port.
·         Things weren’t always settled though, and the 18th century brought disputes between the French and the British and later the Americans

Given the province’s French heritage(which is unique among the Canadian provinces), there is an ongoing debate in Canada regarding the unique status of Quebec and its people.  Currently, the population is divided – some support the idea of full sovereignty; some with a sovereignty-association with the rest of Canada; some are satisfied with the status quo and want their province to remain within a united Canadian federation. 
This is a beautiful area of Canada.  We depart late this afternoon and will have another day at sea before arriving at Gaspe.  More then.

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