Subject:Bonjour from Montreal
Date: Monday, July 4, 2005
Bonjour from Montreal! I have been very busy and am having a wonderful time in the province of Quebec. My first taste of it was Quebec City. This city was founded in 1608. It used to be the capital of New France (French colony in North America during Louis XIV’s reign) and all the street signs are in French.
Even KFC has been translated into PFK-Poulet Frit Kentucky.
The city is built on top of a cliff and the old part of it is actually castle-walled with forts and a citadel. This place is like a slice of France in North America.
There were two free concerts on June 30, the night before Canada Day. We went to see a folk/blues performer called ‘Trip Wolfe’. He was terrible. Remember his name. Avoid him.
We quickly left the show and went to the Citadel, home of the Canadian Royal 22nd Regiment, for another concert which was way better. The night finished with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with real army guns and cannons firing!
Listening to this powerful music in a historical citadel is an experience I won’t soon forget.
We spent Canada Day on the Plains of Abraham. This is an historic open grass area where the British fought the French-and won.
There was a torrential downpour that night but it cleared up just in time for the Tea Party concert and the fireworks! Nothing like our Aust Day fireworks, but it was still good.
I am currently in Montreal. My timing is impeccable as the Montreal International Jazz Festival is on. I love Jazz, so I am in heaven. And what’s more, about 60 per cent of the gigs are free.
The acts are top quality and there is lots of variety (blues, dixie jazz, electronic jazz, etc.).
Last night I saw a jazz brass band from Benin and they were magnificent. There are millions of people at this festival-tourists and locals alike-and we are all having a great time.
I love Montreal. It’s a vibrant city full of culture. I like it so much, I’ve extended my stay here for another four days to catch the Jazz festival.
All the street signs are still in French, but “C’est la vie!” I’m at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. What more can I ask for? Take care.
Love,
SYS
