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Old Quebec: Quartier Petit-Champlain
One of the biggest draws of Old Quebec City is the shopping street, rue du Petit-Champlain, which is located in lower town.
Tiny little shops, with stone facades are tucked in along the cobblestone sliver of a street with the same little hand painted artistic signs found in Europe that swing from wrought iron hangers.
You'll find everything from souvenirs, designer clothing, chocolate, art galleries, gourmet food, kitchen and cookware, other specialty shops and cafes.
This shop is the perfect example. I love the bright two toned colors against the gray stone. Pot en Ciel is a gourmet cook's delight. Kitchenware, dishes, pots and pans, spices, cookbooks and more. I bought a few little treats here.
There is always a hustle and bustle in this area. Mostly tourists of course. But there are some wonderful stores and fun little places to eat.
The easiest way to reach it is to take the Funiculaire from Upper Town. It drops you off right on the street. And at $1.75 CAN, it is totally worth it- just for the view.
And the Chateau Frontenac seems even more majestic from the lower town vantage point.
If you round the corner and head for the rue Saint-Paul, you will find a quaint little square that looks like it was plucked right out of a tiny French country village.
And if you are looking for a quick little nosh, don't miss the Bistrot Le Pape George. Grab a table outside this cute wine bar and enjoy some local cheese and a glass of wine.
The Quartier Petit-Champlain is a great place to get lost and soak up some French-Canadian flavor for the day.
Love Thursday: Laptop Love
I have never owned a laptop. Until now that is.
I have been writing post after post on a Dell desktop since the day I started this blog, almost 2 years ago.
Many of my blog buddies have laptops and rave about them. I never thought I would be someone that wanted or needed a laptop- but then I got to thinking about it.
I started to see the many benefits and started considering it. Seriously considering it.
Up to that point, I had thought I would just get a laptop that ran Windows, like my desktop.
Then my Dad, who has a Mac, chimed in. He was convincing me to go Mac. And to sweeten the deal, he told me that if I went Mac, he would give me money toward it as my birthday gift.
After months of research, trips to the Apple Store to check them out, scrolling through posts and posts on the Mac forums and thinking Mac vs. PC, Macbook vs. Macbook Pro, New upgrade vs. old, white vs. black.
The moment has arrived.
This weekend I received it. A Macbook. Not the new upgrade (which I really didn't like), but the white Macbook.
My first laptop. My first Mac.
Ain't she a beaut!
And although there is a learning curve involved, I can tell you that I am in laptop love. And in Mac love.
It is true what they say.
Once you try Mac….you never go back!
And if you have never seen their hilarious, ingenious commercials- click here to watch any or all the Mac ads from the last few years.
A small warning though. They are funny as hell, and addictive. You may be at it for hours!
Happy Love Thursday everyone!
Zucchini and Tomato Orzo
Occasionally, I let the pantry and the fridge run very low. Too low.
I often put together a creative, delicious dish under extreme circumstances, as was the case this week.
And, it forces me to use up food that would otherwise go bad.
This week, I stared at a zucchini, almost past its prime. The pantry had a can of San Marzano tomatoes and some orzo.
And since I never let my garlic and onion stores run totally dry, I felt as if I could whip something up.
That is how Zucchini and Tomato Orzo was born.
I sliced both the onion and zucchini in thin half moons. I drizzled some olive oil in the saute pan and heated it on medium. I threw in both the onion and zucchini.
I diced a clove of garlic and threw that in as well. When all were soft, I squished the tomatoes in my hands and added them and all of their liquid from the can.
I rummaged through my dried spices and added some oregano and basil as well as a shake of salt and plenty of black pepper.
I boiled off some orzo until al dente and added it to the zucchini and tomato mixture.
I finished it off with some fresh flat leaf parsley from my herb garden and some grated Parmesan.
It was surprisingly delicious and healthy. A true Italian victory!
Travel Tip Tuesday : Shipping Luggage
If you have ever had felt uncomfortable about airport security rummaging through your luggage and possibly finding some of your unmentionables- you may want to consider this.
If you have ever had valuables lost or stolen from your luggage-you may want to partake.
If you have prayed, stressed and sweated on the plane about whether your luggage would arrive at the airport with you-this may be a stress reliever.
If you are tired of backaches, sore shoulders and general fatigue from lifting and dragging heavy bags around on vacation-you'll definitely want to check into it.
If you have ever actually had your luggage lost and had to spend part of your trip and extra money, purchasing clothes and toiletries- you may be the perfect candidate.
For what you ask?
For shipping your luggage!
It is not that crazy anymore.
Many travelers find it is an easy, stress-free, backache free alternative to any and all of the above scenarios, though it does still generally remain a more expensive option.
However, since the airlines are now charging for checking bags, and even slapping on extra fees for over-sized bags, the difference between shipping and checking, might not be as large as it used to be.
Shipping bags generally makes more sense for domestic travel. International shipping is still out of reach for most, in this budget travelers humble opinion.
There are luggage companies out there that specialize in shipping luggage and odd sized items like skis, musical instruments or golf clubs. They offer very personalized service, but it comes at a hefty price. They are Luggage Forward and Luggage Free. If you can afford their fees-more power to ya!
But as a budget traveler, I'd like to suggest UPS, FedEx or DHL.
Fast, reliable, door-to-door service, at much better rates.
The more organized you are, the better you plan and the more advanced notice you can give, shipping at a reasonable cost is most certainly within reach!
Since I prefer DHL, I used them to price a 30 pound suitcase, 24 x 14 x 9 to go from my home in upstate NY to Savannah Georgia.
If I shipped on Tuesday and wanted it the next day by noon, it would cost me $ 158. 43.
But the price goes down from there.
The best rate? If I choose the 2 day ground option, arriving Thursday by end of day, it would only be only $17.14.
Not bad eh? I think it is totally do-able.
The key here is to plan, be organized and time it just right.
Now, make sure to go see what Cherrye is talking about this Travel Tip Tuesday!!
Château Frontenac
The Château Frontenac is the focal point in Old Quebec City. It can be seen from anywhere in the upper or lower town. Its perfect location offers a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence river.
It was named after the Governor of the colony of New France, the count of Frontenac.
It also just happens to be a luxury hotel, currently managed by the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. The hotel opened in 1853. It did have a recent sprucing up for the Quebec's 400th year celebration.
I just love the stunning architecture of the building, the copper turrets, red brick and interesting heights of all the tiny roofs. You just can't appreciate how grand it really is!!
This is a shot under the passageway, which just screams Euorpe to me. Inside you find the grand entrance, lined with a row of about eight flying flags. And there is a pristinely dressed doorman the help with your ever need.
If I could afford to stay here, I would in a heartbeat. The rooms are to die for and I can just imagine the view from a room on an upper floor. The hotel boasts four restaurants, an indoor pool and a health club.
But, I am a budget traveler, so I stayed nearby, about a block up the road. And the good news, I was able to appreciate its beauty and European details from anywhere in Old Quebec City, for free.
If interested, you could most likely find packages or specials available for rooms with no view (what would be the point) for about $160 a night off season. Rooms with views can go upward of $500.
Travel Photo Friday : Greece is the Word
Welcome to our 7th edition of Travel Photo Friday.
Wow, time flies, I can't believe it has been seven months already!
This month, my best French friend Anne, who happens to be the Foodie Froggy in Paris, submitted photos of her trip to Greece.
Now mind you, this isn't Anne's first trip to Greece. She went on vacation there 2 years ago and loved it so much, that she and her family returned again this past summer.
And from the looks of all the photos I have seen- I can certainly see why.
Let me just remind you that Anne is French, but her English is amazing!
Anne has chosen pictures from the little town of Oia in Santorini Island, because it is her favorite.
Here is what Anne writes about her favorite part of Greece:
"The
history of Santorini is really interesting : it is a group of five
volcanic islands,the main one being Thera, which people tend to confuse
with Santorini because it is the largest one and the most famous, but
it is only one of the five islands of Santorini.
Of the others, only
one is inhabited, Thirasia. The others are too small. In 1500 BC, Santorini was a unique and round island, before the volcano eruption.
This eruption entirely buried the island under layers of lava and
broke the island in several parts, with sea water in the middle. This is
why many people think that the legend of Atlantis was actually in
Santorini.
The
main towns are Fira, Oia, Imerovigli , and Pyrgos. Each one has its own
charm, but my favorite is Oia, because it is so peaceful and
quiet, away from the tourist crowds due to its location (at the extreme
north end of the island, far from Fira port where all cruise ship
disembark their passengers).
I love its wonderful views on the sea and
the remains of the volcano, its wonderful narrow alleys
with captain houses, houses built into the volcanic rock, the steps
that leads down to the harbor, and of course its unique white and blue
architecture.
Some gorgeous restaurants and hotels with views that leave
you speechless. What I also enjoyed a lot are the numerous art
galleries with beautiful objects made with lava, great drawings, made
with good taste, not at all your ordinary tourists souvenirs.
And now on with the stunning show…
As always, the captions below the photos are from Anne.
A general view of the town of Oia, which shows how high is the city
and the houses like they were stuck together as to not to fall from the
cliffs.
What can I say, the picture speaks for itself : breathless view, wonderful terraces, peace and quietness.
You have the feeling that the stairs will lead you directly to the sea.
The white and blue houses are not a cliché, they are everywhere and they are so so beautiful and serene.
Art galleries with beautiful objects, not the typical tourist traps.
I love them ! They are beautiful and they were seated there under
the shadow of the tree, chatting quietly for hours. I want to be like
them when I am their age !
Thanks so much Anne!! Your photo tour makes me want to go to Greece. Now.
Which one is your favorite? Have you been to Greece? Tell us about it.
Love Thursday: Broken Hearts
November is bringing chillier weather and cool breezes. The trees are heavily shedding their colorful fall leaves.
Leaves in varied shades of red, yellow and, orange coat the green grass.
Families rake them in piles around their yards while children play in them, scattering the neatly collected leaves back over the lawn.
The other day while walking Madison, I happen to look down and spot this lovely leaf just begging me to pick it up.
It was definitely a Love Thursday keeper. An LT post, just waiting to happen.
After a few weeks on the kitchen counter, awaiting its photo shoot, the leaf once full of life, began to wither and shrivel, just like some romances, no?
Alas, when I picked it up, this is what happened.
Oh no. A sad ending to an otherwise perfect heart leaf.
Here's hoping your heart resembles the first photo. Complete, whole and full.
Happy Love Thursday everyone.
History Felt Around the World
We all know that history has been made.
That history is being seen and felt around the world.
You can almost feel the sigh of relief, a new day has dawned and upon waking today it is evident that the international community is happy with our choice.
There is not only hope resonating throughout our country, but hope, like a welcome tidal wave is swelling and flowing over the rest of the world.
Almost immediately, we are seen through different eyes.
Clearer, more hopeful eyes.
My twin passions are France and Italy. Our standing in these countries, and the ability to forge positive relationships with them, is something that is very important to me.
I wondered what their leaders are thinking.
Here is a quote from French President Nicholas Sarkozy, congratulating Obama:
"In choosing you, it's the choice for change, the opening up and the optimism of the American people. While the world is in turmoil and doubt, the American people, loyal to their values that have always been the American identity, forcefully expressed their faith in progress and the future.
"This message from the American people resonates well beyond your borders. In the moment where we must face together immense challenges, your election raises immense hope in France, in Europe, and beyond, throughout the world. This open America, united and strong, will show the way anew, with its partners, by the strength of its example and its adherence to its principles.
"France and Europe, which have always been connected to the United States by ties of history, values, and friendship, will draw a new energy from this to work with America at preserving world peace and stability."
I'd say that is a good sign. I remain hopeful and I believe the healing has already begun.
You can read other comments of congratulations from other world leaders to Barack Obama being elected the next President of the United States here.
Yes We Did!
Yes. We. Did.
