Old Quebec
07/20/2010
I planned to visit Old Québec (Vieux Québec). First, I had to return to the toy store to get photos of the Lego Dragon. I had taken a photo the day before, but it had too much glare from the window glass.
Benjo, rue Saint-Joseph Est, is a grand toy store (25,000 square feet). It carries non-violent toys and environmentally-friendly toys. All of their proceeds go to charity (a grand toy store, indeed).The mascot's name comes from a combination of the founders' children's names: Joséphine and Benjamin. The founders wanted to revitalize the district because there were drugs and crime. They plan to incorporate a science center and a museum in the future. Inside the store, you'll find a life-size robot made of recycled materials and an electric train to ride. You can sneak a peek at the store here: Benjo Toy Store.
As I mentioned before, it is uphill in Québec and hot. I climbed up to the Côte d'Abraham. From there, I headed to Vieux Québec.
Québec is considered to be the oldest city established as a permanent settlement in Non-Spanish North America. Samuel de Champlain served as administrator of Québec for most of his life. Vieux-Québec is the part of Québec city that is walled. This area housed the wealthy and the Governor's mansion in the 18th century.
I spent a few hours walking through this area. I ate my lunch in the plaza (Place d'Armes). I wandered through the Summer Music Festival.
The Château Frontenac is a popular attraction in this area. It was built as a hotel in the late 19th century. The Château is the most photographed hotel in the world.
-Dorotha
