Canada Day Nine - Shopping in Quebec

Today was all about shopping. We spent about 11 hours out and about shopping and sightseeing. Normally I would hate this but not only do I love walking around Quebec, I was also able to find a fantastic store! 

We started the day off with brunch at a cute little French crepe place. The waitresses wore costumes with elaborate hats and were very friendly. The place was tiny but we were luckily able to get a table for six without too long of a wait. The crepes were excellent, James said they were the best he'd ever had. I enjoyed mine but since they didn't have any option for a plain crepe I had to order one with ice cream (the simplest version) and it was much too sweet for me. (I can't believe I'm saying that!)

Brunch at a lovely restaurant

Jon drawing at breakfast

Will enjoys his crepe

After breakfast we wandered for a while in the Old Town. There are tons of shops here (and tons of tourists!) and we visited a number of them. We spent a nice long time in a French bookstore and even though almost everything was in French we still found a lot to enjoy. 

In the bookstore

Silly hats!

Then we came upon a real gem, a medieval clothing store full of beautiful handmade quality clothing. I was in heaven! We ended up spending a good bit of time there while I tried on various shirts and skirts. And by the time we left I had a beautiful skirt in a style I've wanted but never seen before and a beautiful new shirt with the long sleeves that I have wanted for years! The only problem is that this store is only in Quebec City and they don't sell online, I can't even find a website. Oh well, it is just another reason to come back! While we were there Will also bought a parchment that tells the meaning of his name and how to write it in a couple of ancient languages. He is planning to sign his name only in viking runes from now on. :-)

Jon walking the streets of Quebec

Spinning Christian

James and his oldest boys

After a little more shopping we took the funicular down to Rue du Petit Champlain which is another tourist area full of shops. We enjoyed looking at the stores but Christian was getting pretty wiggly by then so he and I went off on our own and did a little drawing. He's doing so well! But he hates it when I tell him that. He thinks I give him praise he doesn't deserve and he is always his harshest critic. That breaks my heart a little. But it was a nice time with him and he was a bit calmer afterwards. 

Sightseeing

Jon stops to draw

Christian gets a ride

Three witches :-)

Christian thinking about what he wants to draw

Christian and I look at the scenery

He spots the camera!

It was time to head back after this but we had to make one stop first. Camille loved the chocolate place (we knew she would!) and we all wanted to try it again. This time though we went to another company that also dipped ice cream in chocolate. This chocolate was a little different and not quite as thick. I'm honestly not sure which one was better but I did get orange chocolate which I quite enjoyed. It was more messy though, I think they keep their chocolate at a higher temperature. 

Christian's picture of Daddy

Hoodlums

We didn't stay long at home but soon headed out for dinner. We went up the road to Chocolate Favoris (again!) to buy some chocolate for home and then we went to a wonderful Italian place on the same street. It may be the best meal we've had on this trip (and we've had some good ones) and it was definitely the perfect way to end our vacation. Jon has been drawing a lot lately, especially some of his action figures, and he has been doing amazing work! I am so impressed. 

Jon's picture of Broley

We had one more stop to make before heading home and that was back to Imaginaire where we bought a new game that I am excited to try with my family. I really do love that store. Once we were home James went out with Christian again to drive his car around the plaza. He was so happy! 

The boys shopping in Imaginaire

Christian drives his car near the walls of the Old Town

 We have had a wonderful time in Canada. Quebec and Ottawa especially are fantastic cities and I want to come back to both of them! Hopefully we will sometime soon. But tomorrow we are heading home and back to real life. Talk to you again on the next trip! :-)