Too cold to photograph -- Quebec City

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After wandering the wilds of the eastern townships of Quebec, we arrived at B&B La Bedondaine in the Sillery district of Quebec City. A few kilometers west of Vieux Quebec (Old Quebec), close enough to easily pop into town, but in a quiet neighborhood. We stayed in the basement of our hosts' suburban house. I've been in B&Bs many times before, but usually they've been in classic large homes converted to B&B when the original home became too large for normal people to use. This was different. The family lived upstairs -- our hosts and their two teenage children. We lived downstairs. Four rooms -- two with bathrooms, two that share. Plus, a small living room with kitchenette (well, a microwave and small fridge) and the breakfast room with a full kitchen and tables for all the guests. We had the place to ourselves for a couple of days, and were spoiled by all the space. All in all a good arrangement.

After a morning of puttering, we finally made it out the door and drove to Vieux Quebec, the walled old city, to wander and take it in. Like I say in the title, it was cold. Not Quebec cold for sure (it was the mid- to upper-20s -- or just below zero in local temperature). But cold enough that I didn't feel like taking out my camera. So, you get a map, and none of my pictures. We wandered the old streets, taking in the sights, including the architecture and the views of the St. Lawrence River. The Chateau Frontenac. The Citadel. All with plenty of history.

Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Quebec) was ongoing. Rides for the kids. Music for the grownups. People walking around in snowsuits because they were going to be outside for hours on end (we didn't think to come prepared for that). Outdoor concerts and fireworks. Cold. Several hours of walking in the cold makes you cold. And drained. We beat a retreat back to the basement of our B&B to rest before dinner in Sillery.

Sillery is a section of Quebec, and it has a vibrant commercial district a few blocks long on Maguire Street. We had much to choose from on this street, including Indian fare, which we had the night before, or the Algerian food at Rameau d'Olivier. This was a pleasant surprise! Susan and I shared a Table d' Hote, with the highlight the lamb tagine with prunes, which was tender and deeply satisfying. Sorry! No pictures, but Susan may have posted one.