Quebec City it was as if fall had arrived during the night with the crisp
morning air and the glory of the fall yellow, orange and red foliage.
The city is perched on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. As we got
near the city one could view all the lovely old buildings with their copper
roofs.
We were delayed getting off the ship this morning while the crew on shore
tried to get the gangway to the ship. After experiencing some difficulties,
they decided to break open an equipment box to get what they needed to use
the hoist (they did not have a key), alas, after breaking the lock, what to
their surprise, they discovered the box was empty. Next step was to make a
few phone calls, and finally the gangway was moved into place. I should note
that the captain extended our time at the port.
Our first stop this morning was to a "sugar shack" where 1500 maple trees
are tapped and cared for by the ninth generation of this family.
Next stop was to a "manor" that was built in the early 1700s and added onto
during the next 50 years. During the visit here the guide did a very good
job explaining what life would have been like during the early 1700s. I had
always been told upon seeing the short beds from this period of time that it
was because the people were so much smaller. According to our guide, the
beds did not have to be long, because they slept propped up (as if one was
reading in bed) because they believed it aided the digestion and breathing.
Also, they were superstitious people and did not want to lie down like the
dead, lest they not awaken the following morning.
Last stop on the tour was to the falls (taller than Niagara).
Ended the day walking around some of the side streets (we are back here
again on Sunday).
It was a very busy day in port today, the first time this year that they had
5 cruise ships in at the same time (this will happen one more time in
October).
