We have been in Quebec (pronounced “Kebec” not “Kwebec”) for about the last 6 days. The first thing I have to bring to your attention immediately is how BIG Ontario and Quebec really are! I mean, seriously, if you haven’t looked at a map in a while, pull one out right now and really take a look. Secondly, since getting through Ontario and now having driven through Quebec, there are NO bugs… Now this may SEEM great, but I don’t think it is. Our windshield has been basically clean since we left Winnipeg. Now I hate mosquito bites as much as the next person, but we all have to admit it takes ALL things to make the world go ‘round… Thirdly, we have noticed more smoking! I cannot say for sure that they ACTUALLY have more smokers than the west, but we are sure noticing a lot more people lighting up in general. I think I speak for everyone in the family when I say Quebec has been wonderful. The campground we stayed at in Montreal was about an hour from down town. We haven’t known much a
We have had a marvelous time exploring down town Ottawa! It is incredible gorgeous and steeped in history. The one thing that humbled me is the AMOUNT of people that are celebrated at every turn. There are monuments for so many people, plaques, busts and displays honouring COUNTLESS people that made Canada Canada. First thing this morning we took in the House of Commons tour. I remember as a kid looking at pictures of it during Social Studies. I also remember my parents watching the live broadcast from time to time. It was truly awesome to be able to see it in person. What we saw today was actually a temporary House of Commons. As luck should have it, the ENTIRE Parliament is under construction for the next 10 years! But that’s ok because they moved the entire House of Commons exactly as it was. We learned (or relearned) so much about our government. The tour guide told us where the dignitaries sit and why, how the general process works, and a few interesting facts.