Retour de 3 semaines au Québec

On Saturday night, we’ll have a meal to celebrate the birthday, and we’ll head back to the hotel later that night. I love cities at night.

Sunday, August 18th is dedicated to visiting my friend Serge. We take the Métro and arrive at his place pretty quickly. We spend an excellent time with him and his wife Sol. Serge is an artist—a theater director, writer, and painter.No need to say more. He, along with Professor Marc Ichou from the Val d’Aurelle Cancer Institute in Montpellier, originated the "Theater and Medicine" concept to teach oncology students and graduates (though not exclusively now) how to announce an illness or impending end to patients. This is all in collaboration with the Montpellier School of Dramatic Art, where my wife works as the secretary.Serge and his paintings. They’re countless, and each one speaks in its own way about a moment in life and the human soul.Back when Serge lived in Qalya, Israel, right next to the Qumran caves, I’d spend a day at his place every year just listening to him.Here are a few of his works.

Monday, August 19th was the last day before heading back. We had planned to explore Old Montreal. Unfortunately, the weather ruined the day. By the end of the day, a little walk lifted our spirits.And here are some random shots of this city. Which I didn’t like, by the way. Not at all.

Tuesday, August 20th. We had dropped off the car three days earlier at Montréal Airport with quite a hassle, just like when we picked it up. Taxi between the hotel and the airport.Quick check-in at the AF kiosk (thanks to the AF staff) with an extra bag paid for online, and we rush to the Duty-Free for a few gifts. What a crowd in that Duty-Free!!!Overall impression of the trip? More than positive!! Beautiful landscapes, wonderful people we met, and the incredible kindness of Quebecers.Total cost? Hmm. Actually, it was a private trip. So no numbers.Only downside: Montreal. I really didn’t connect with it at all—like, not at all. Cosmopolitanism, like all words ending in "-ism," has taken its toll. Montreal has lost its soul. Like big U.S. cities—NYC, San Francisco, or Las Vegas—it’s become a refuge for the homeless. We have the right to be progressive (I’m talking about Montreal here), sure, but we could at least take care of the people sleeping on the streets. It’s easier to protest regularly for a distant cause than to look at what’s happening right under our feet. Community divisions must play a part in this. And it’s really too bad. Maybe I’ll go back to Montreal someday to truly appreciate it...Where will we go next year? For this winter, it’s Italy as usual for New Year’s on the Ligurian Coast (oh, the childish joy of setting off firecrackers!). And for summer 2025, who knows? With the way things are going… It won’t be America—the budget isn’t exactly overflowing. Maybe Austria, with a stopover in northern Italy. Or perhaps a Middle Eastern country, if the war finally ends for everyone’s sake.Thanks for reading. And for your insightful comments.

Quebecers really don’t like it when the French call them "cousins"Honestly, that’s not true.
I myself call the French "cousins", it’s an affectionate term.

Some wine, sure, but not great
Still, we drink more French and Italian wine than Quebec wine.
That said, Quebec wine has improved a lot over the years.
The winemakers are often French people who came to build their lives in Quebec, far from the turmoil of France.

What’s your issue with this topic, Dolma?

Looks like Dolma has an issue.

So here's the thing:
I had written somewhere in this travel journal that Quebecers don’t really like being called "cousins."
Yodabee says that’s not true and adds:But with that myself, isn’t it the exception that proves the rule—that generally, Quebecers don’t really like being called "cousins"?Did you get it?
As far as I’m concerned: no worries

Hi there,
I read your travel journal out of curiosity. For groceries, there are plenty at IGA Extra and also Metro Plus. Super C is cheaper, but if you're looking for specific products, the meat isn’t as nice. As for wine in grocery stores or at the *dépanneur*, it’s just for emergencies. BÙ wine is a good *dépanneur* option, but at the SAQ, you’ll find wines from all over the world—a great selection—but don’t bother looking for U.S. wines anymore; they’ve been pulled from the shelves. Quebecers are in love with Quebec City, even though there’s a bit of a "political" rivalry between Montreal and Quebec. Everything is more concentrated in Quebec City. In Montreal, you have to explore different neighborhoods, and our Old Montreal isn’t as prestigious as Quebec City’s. If you’re short on time, I’d recommend Quebec City first.The term "cousins" makes me smile—I’m heading to France in September and can’t wait to set foot on the land of my ancestors, even though the exchange rate isn’t in our favor. I feel differently visiting France than when I visit other European countries. Just my opinion!
Joanne

Hi Michel,
I’m really glad to see you enjoyed our charming city of Quebec, the Quebecois people, and your tour of the Gaspésie.However, I’m stunned to read a post where more than 75% of the content is dedicated to criticizing international tourists you encountered over a 2,000 km journey in less than 3 weeks.What did we learn from your trip? Absolutely nothing relevant that might encourage readers to visit Quebec! Oops, I almost forgot: *‘The Quebecois are wonderful in their hospitality and behavior toward tourists, especially French ones. But I’m excluding Montreal from that.’*
What arrogance to make so many value judgments in just a few lines?Do you recognize yourself here?: *‘And the French? Always the same! Whiners, grumblers, never satisfied...’*As for us, my partner and I have biked over 5,000 km in France on our Pino tandem bike during long stays of 60+ days. Your country is magnificent, and contrary to the stereotypes we’d heard, every French person we met was extremely kind. We’ll be back in May/June to ride from Marseille/Gap/Millau/Clermont-Ferrand to Toulouse.Pierre, from Quebec!
PS: I held back from posting this comment publicly to spare your feelings.

Hi Mitch,
Your travel summary is really interesting.
Montreal, the controversial one—I’m a native Montrealer. I left Montreal years ago to raise my family. I rarely visit my sister because parking is a nightmare. If I had to pick a city, it’d be Quebec. I live in a small town of 10,000 people in the suburbs of Laval.At first, poutine was just fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Bolognese poutine? Never tried it, yikes 😨 That reminds me of pizza—people keep adding more and more toppings. We even have Hawaiian pizza. When I went to France, the first time someone called me *cousine*, it felt weird. My ancestors are from France, so when people say *cousine*, I know it’s meant kindly.I’ve visited your country about ten times, and you’re all so welcoming. I remember stopping at a gas station once and having trouble finding a hotel. A couple who were just getting off work told me to follow them and showed me the way. It happened to me twice.

I’m a bit hesitant about Montreal because, for me, the first impression often sticks. There’s something *too much* about Montreal. Maybe it’s a push for modernism that doesn’t quite mesh with its history.
Quebec City is something else entirely. A beautiful sleeping beauty.

I loved Montreal—I found everything I love about big cities, but on a human scale. A modern, cosmopolitan city with great vibes, services, green spaces—basically, it’s my kind of place. I even considered moving there! What held me back was the winter... I can’t stand the cold or snow. Hoping to go back soon, but in the summer! 😊

Hi Romain! What year did you go to Montreal? Did you get around by car?