Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Grande Finale

On Tuesday the Mysterious Chinese Woman and I took a stroll along the Plains of Abraham, site of a defining battle between the French and the British (the British won) and visited an art museum. Most of the exhibits were free, so it was an inexpensive way to spend the afternoon.

The Museum


Despite the modern looking entrance, it is combined with a former prison that was opened in 1867. This gives it kind of an interesting ambience. They still have some of the original cells and, believe me, you wouldn't want to spend much time in them.

Not Too Comfy Looking


The museum had a very nice restaurant, and that is where we decided to have lunch. It looks out on an open deck where a lot of people were eating, but it was a bit too warm out there so we opted for the air-conditioned dining room.

The Outside Deck


Air Conditioned Comfort


On the way home from the museum we stopped at that same cafe where we bought the coffee. This time I got a shot of the exterior.

Best Coffee In Town


As we continued our way home we passed by this sculpture which reminded me of my days growing up in Minnesota, going to school in the harshest of blizzards, uphill both ways, being chased by wolves.

Ah, The Memories


Yesterday we headed back down to the market and the Mysterious Chinese Woman wanted to visit a large 'flea market' next door.

First though we decided to have breakfast at a marina across the way.

That's It In The Distance


A Closer Look


And Here Is The View Looking Back


We had a nice little breakfast and posed for our picture by the bay, or inlet, or dredged marina.

Ooh, So Cute


We headed back to the 'flea market' which was anything but. Mostly high-end items, lot's of jewelry, clothes, and stuff like that. Even the souveniers were really expensive. I actually wanted to buy a belt but couldn't find anything decent for under $45 Canadian or about $40 U.S. I think will wait until I get to Mexico, if my pants stay up that long.

The Un-Flea Market


The other day I saw a cruise ship in the harbor and I would bet my bottom dollar that a lot of people shopping in that market came from the ship. They just had that look about them, similar to what you see in the over-priced jewelry stores in Puerto Vallarta.

After buying some supplies in the market, cheese curds, pate, dried fish, sausage, we headed on home via that little Ecolobus. It has a stop right in front of the market and another right across the street from our hotel. Kind of convenient and it sure beats walking up the hills. In fact the last two times we were down by the river I actually sprung for the $1.75 to take the furnicular back up. Bar Man is gettng old. But, before you laugh, you try climbing those hills and steps for a week.

I decided to just spend the afternoon reading a book so I stopped at a nearby deli and bought a couple of interesting beers.

Route des epices


This was a peppercorn rye beer, or so the label said. It was a mild 5% and did have a distinct aftertaste. Kind of like you had just taken a bite of a spicy sausage. Not bad at all.

I followed that up with a India Pale Ale.

Corne du diable


This was a more robust 6.5% and so dry it pulled my cheeks in. Not sour or bitter though, just exceptionally dry. And the hops, surprisingly, were not overpowering.

Both of these beers were very good and were $2.09 Canadian or just a bit under $2.00 U.S. each. I would buy them again but, not unlike New York, the delis here tend to stock a wide variety of beers so I will probably try something different next time.

A Typical Selection


Later, after making sandwiches, we headed out for the Grande Finale of the fireworks.





Canada won the competition, but I think the fix was in. Both the Mysterious Chinese Woman and I thought that Spain had the best display. They may have judged just individual displays set to a given piece of music, though, because they re-did the Canadian display set to 'Diamonds Are Forever.'

Today I think we are just going to buy a couple of all day bus passes and see where the buses take us. Kind of a fun way to explore the city and get to spots that are too far to walk. We just have to make sure we don't get on one of those express buses that take you way out of town.

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