On the day I arrived in this wonderful piece of Canada for the first time, I remember asking the question 'what's the best time to visit Quebec City?'
'Any time,' answered the friendly volunteer who brought me to the historic Chateau Frontenac from Jean Lesage Airport, and then back again this morning.
I believe it now, and with all of my heart.
It is always a treat to spend time at a major figure skating competition, and around a group of athletes who do their best to make your time worthwhile. Even better when it's accompanied by the opportunity to discover what makes this land of ours so great.
I have often let it be known that Halifax is one of my favourite cities to visit in Canada. Quite obviously, after a few days here, Quebec City now belongs near the top of that list.
The oldest city in our country is every bit as beautiful as the pictures many of us have seen. The history here is preserved with great care by people who ooze pride about their astounding city. And with good reason, I might add.
While I will spend time, now that I've returned to Ottawa, speaking about the postcard-like beauty I've seen, and the food and hospitality I enjoyed at a grand old hotel that is nothing short of fabulous, that won't be my best and most lasting memory.
Quebec City is filled with so many people with a zest for life that bursts out with each 'bonjour!' you hear at every turn. There is a special sincerity in the tone, something that tells you these people don't just say it, they mean it. That you are most welcome to be a guest in the city they call home.
In 2008, Quebec City celebrates its 400th birthday, and a year-long celebration is being planned. I can only imagine what a festival it will be. With any luck, I will get the chance to be a part of it.
I've often heard the phrase joie de vivre used to describe the Quebecois, and I believe I can truly say now that I know what it means. And, at the risk of sounding political, it must be said that our country is so much richer for what they bring to it.
A big merci to you, Quebec City, for all for the kindness and hospitality you've shown us in the past four or five days. I, for one, will cherish it always.
And to those who logged on to this blog during HomeSense Skate Canada, merci to you as well. The road carries us next to Vancouver, where the BMO Canadian championships will be held in January.
Hope to see you all then.
Showing posts with label Quebec City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quebec City. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
When Old Isn't Charming
I can't help thinking of the phrase 'old-world charm' whenever I wander the hallways of the stately Chateau Frontenac (114 years young and counting), or view some of the sights of Old Quebec that surround this landmark hotel.
But sometimes, newer is better. At least that's what I thought Saturday night when the elevator I was riding down to the hotel lobby decided to grind to a halt (and yes, that would accurately describe the sound) somewhere between the first and second floors.
When I put in the call for help, the friendly woman on the other end of the line couldn't have been any quicker getting the wheels turning, so to speak, to solve my predicament. Fortunately, I'm not one of those claustrophobic sorts, and the 15 minutes or so I was stuck there were more of any annoyance than anything.
Let's just say it will hardly harm my impression of this lovely hotel, or the wonderful people who serve the guests here.
But for a few minutes, I was reminded why many of today's travellers want all those modern, hi-tech conveniences that are in growing abundance out there now.
Although I'll tell you what — those early 20th-century style house phones in the Chateau's lobby still look rather, well, charming to me.
But sometimes, newer is better. At least that's what I thought Saturday night when the elevator I was riding down to the hotel lobby decided to grind to a halt (and yes, that would accurately describe the sound) somewhere between the first and second floors.
When I put in the call for help, the friendly woman on the other end of the line couldn't have been any quicker getting the wheels turning, so to speak, to solve my predicament. Fortunately, I'm not one of those claustrophobic sorts, and the 15 minutes or so I was stuck there were more of any annoyance than anything.
Let's just say it will hardly harm my impression of this lovely hotel, or the wonderful people who serve the guests here.
But for a few minutes, I was reminded why many of today's travellers want all those modern, hi-tech conveniences that are in growing abundance out there now.
Although I'll tell you what — those early 20th-century style house phones in the Chateau's lobby still look rather, well, charming to me.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Glowing With Pride
Joannie Rochette was glowing at least a little bit after some good fortune fell her way at HomeSense Skate Canada on Saturday afternoon.
And no, we're not just talking about the funky glow-in-the-dark skate guards she sported while chatting with the media after learning she'll be taking a bronze medal home from the proceedings at Pepsi Colisee.
"I'm proud to be third,” said Rochette, who had to battle back from a fifth-place finish in the short program to earn her podium finish.
She needed help, and she got it. She watched as both surprise short program winner Laura Lepisto of Finland and American Emily Hughes tumbled below her in the final standings. It wasn't the Skate Canada gold Rochette won a year ago in Victoria, but she'll happily take it. She also sees it as a good starting point for the new season, and leaves Quebec City with no regrets.
"I look forward to the future,” said Rochette. "I don't want to say 'I should have, I should have.' It's in the past now. I feel good. I'm actually better than (I was) last year at this time of the year.”
Rochette, it might be said, raised the expectation bar for herself in a major way back in 2005, when she delivered the best women's free skate in years at the Canadian championships back in London, Ont. — her first of three straight national crowns. She's had to live up to that ever since, at least in the minds of fans and the critics.
Ask Rochette about it, and she offers up a different perspective.
"I know (how good I can be) and it's enough for me to know,” said the 21-year-old from Ile-Dupas, Que. "I don't expect perfection from me all the time, because I'm not perfect at practice every day ... I'm just trying to make all my practices (consistent).
"Before, I would have a good practice day and an awful practice day. Now I'm just trying to even that out.”
She's growing up in other areas, too.
"Before if I had a bad short, I would just go home and cry and not be happy,” she said. "I hate that, because I'm supposed to be doing this sport because I love it, and not putting too much pressure on myself.
"(Friday), I said 'that's what I did today' and that's (a lesson) I'll take home from here.”
Oh, and about those skate blades. Rochette said they're all the rage in skate shops back in Montreal.
"Everyone has them,” said Rochette.
"Aren't they lovely?” added coach Manon Perron. "If we lose power at home, she can always find her way (in the dark).”
Sounds rather practical, too.
And no, we're not just talking about the funky glow-in-the-dark skate guards she sported while chatting with the media after learning she'll be taking a bronze medal home from the proceedings at Pepsi Colisee.
"I'm proud to be third,” said Rochette, who had to battle back from a fifth-place finish in the short program to earn her podium finish.
She needed help, and she got it. She watched as both surprise short program winner Laura Lepisto of Finland and American Emily Hughes tumbled below her in the final standings. It wasn't the Skate Canada gold Rochette won a year ago in Victoria, but she'll happily take it. She also sees it as a good starting point for the new season, and leaves Quebec City with no regrets.
"I look forward to the future,” said Rochette. "I don't want to say 'I should have, I should have.' It's in the past now. I feel good. I'm actually better than (I was) last year at this time of the year.”
Rochette, it might be said, raised the expectation bar for herself in a major way back in 2005, when she delivered the best women's free skate in years at the Canadian championships back in London, Ont. — her first of three straight national crowns. She's had to live up to that ever since, at least in the minds of fans and the critics.
Ask Rochette about it, and she offers up a different perspective.
"I know (how good I can be) and it's enough for me to know,” said the 21-year-old from Ile-Dupas, Que. "I don't expect perfection from me all the time, because I'm not perfect at practice every day ... I'm just trying to make all my practices (consistent).
"Before, I would have a good practice day and an awful practice day. Now I'm just trying to even that out.”
She's growing up in other areas, too.
"Before if I had a bad short, I would just go home and cry and not be happy,” she said. "I hate that, because I'm supposed to be doing this sport because I love it, and not putting too much pressure on myself.
"(Friday), I said 'that's what I did today' and that's (a lesson) I'll take home from here.”
Oh, and about those skate blades. Rochette said they're all the rage in skate shops back in Montreal.
"Everyone has them,” said Rochette.
"Aren't they lovely?” added coach Manon Perron. "If we lose power at home, she can always find her way (in the dark).”
Sounds rather practical, too.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Shop Till You Drop
Keep those doors open, shopkeepers of Old Quebec.
Joannie Rochette's got 100 bucks to burn.
A well-earned C-note, we might add.
"I guess I'll go shopping with Manon (Perron, her coach)," Rochette said after concluding at least three waves of media inquiries after her short program at HomeSense Skate Canada on Friday night.
She quickly added she's be doing it on Perron's dime.
Well, just a wee bit more than that, actually, courtesy a friendly wager between coach and pupil about the triple flip-triple toe combination both know Rochette needs to climb to the next level on the world scene.
"We made a bet," Rochette said about the combination, which she landed at a Quebec summer competition. "If I try it, she gives me $100. If I don't try it, I give her $100."
All in fun, of course. But now the business is a little more serious, and Rochette didn't quite get the combo done Friday night because the landing on the flip wasn't sturdy enough. Now she finds herself in fifth place, 3.7 points off the pace set by surprising leader Laura Lepisto of Finland (59.18).
Rochette says the gap won't be in mind when she takes the ice for Saturday's free skate final.
"You don't go on the ice trying to do math," she said.
Save that for later, when the bargain hunting truly begins.
***
For all the accolades she's earned in this country, Rochette has never competed at a major event in her home province. Until now, that is.
"It was a bit overwhelming when I got on the ice," the 21-year-old from Ile-Dupas, Que., said of the wild cheers from the Pepsi Colisee audience. "It was like 'whoa.' But I just stayed in my bubble and tried to concentrate.' "
This event was held here back in 2002, but Rochette wasn't in the field.
***
We're here for figure skating, but the Colisee — once the home of the NHL's Quebec Nordiques — reeks hockey from every corner. Take a quick tour around the building, and you'll see a display case full of memorabilia gathered from Jean Beliveau, my boyhood hockey hero who started his pro career here with the old Quebec Aces.
Banners hanging from the ceiling honour such names as Guy Lafleur, Simon Gagne, J.C. Tremblay, Marc Tardif, Michel Goulet and Peter Stastny, all of whom played within these old walls.
There's even a picture of former Quebec Remparts captain Josh Hennessy, who's now with the Ottawa Senators' farm team in Binghamton, N.Y.
Oh, and the hot dogs? Steamed and served up in a toasted bun.
Yeah, they know how to do it right here.
Joannie Rochette's got 100 bucks to burn.
A well-earned C-note, we might add.
"I guess I'll go shopping with Manon (Perron, her coach)," Rochette said after concluding at least three waves of media inquiries after her short program at HomeSense Skate Canada on Friday night.
She quickly added she's be doing it on Perron's dime.
Well, just a wee bit more than that, actually, courtesy a friendly wager between coach and pupil about the triple flip-triple toe combination both know Rochette needs to climb to the next level on the world scene.
"We made a bet," Rochette said about the combination, which she landed at a Quebec summer competition. "If I try it, she gives me $100. If I don't try it, I give her $100."
All in fun, of course. But now the business is a little more serious, and Rochette didn't quite get the combo done Friday night because the landing on the flip wasn't sturdy enough. Now she finds herself in fifth place, 3.7 points off the pace set by surprising leader Laura Lepisto of Finland (59.18).
Rochette says the gap won't be in mind when she takes the ice for Saturday's free skate final.
"You don't go on the ice trying to do math," she said.
Save that for later, when the bargain hunting truly begins.
***
For all the accolades she's earned in this country, Rochette has never competed at a major event in her home province. Until now, that is.
"It was a bit overwhelming when I got on the ice," the 21-year-old from Ile-Dupas, Que., said of the wild cheers from the Pepsi Colisee audience. "It was like 'whoa.' But I just stayed in my bubble and tried to concentrate.' "
This event was held here back in 2002, but Rochette wasn't in the field.
***
We're here for figure skating, but the Colisee — once the home of the NHL's Quebec Nordiques — reeks hockey from every corner. Take a quick tour around the building, and you'll see a display case full of memorabilia gathered from Jean Beliveau, my boyhood hockey hero who started his pro career here with the old Quebec Aces.
Banners hanging from the ceiling honour such names as Guy Lafleur, Simon Gagne, J.C. Tremblay, Marc Tardif, Michel Goulet and Peter Stastny, all of whom played within these old walls.
There's even a picture of former Quebec Remparts captain Josh Hennessy, who's now with the Ottawa Senators' farm team in Binghamton, N.Y.
Oh, and the hot dogs? Steamed and served up in a toasted bun.
Yeah, they know how to do it right here.
Bonjour, Quebec!
No Bonhomme in sight here.
Oh, sure, there's a bit of a nip in the air on this crisp, gorgeous autumn day. But Carnaval — and the accompanying snow and winter's bite — are still many months away in this historic Quebecois city.
(insert requisite sigh of relief here).
A carnival of patinage artistique (as the French-speaking majority here would put it), though ... well, that awaits us all this weekend during HomeSense Skate Canada, which has chosen to visit Le Colisee (where the NHL's Quebec Nordiques once ruled the ice) for the annual fall event which offers the obvious reminder that a new season has indeed begun.
You are greeted by history everywhere you turn in this city (and not just the old pipes hanging over our heads in the media centre). A friendly volunteer (who, I must confess, wisely cheers for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox like moi), points out the famed Plains of Abraham on the drive in from Jean Lesage Airport.
We see the oldest active fort in North America.
Then, the narrow streets of Old Quebec that wind their way toward the majestic Chateau Frontenac, which is home base for us all this weekend.
The fun on the ice begins in a few hours with the dance compulsories. And while the two-time world silver medallists from Montreal, the elegant and charming Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon, have been spotted at the hotel, they're not in the field here (actually, they won't be seen anywhere but on the tour circuit this season).
So who to watch?
Most of the top Canadians are here, including reigning national champions Jeffrey Buttle, Joannie Rochette and Jessica Dube and Bryce Davison, fresh off a breakthrough triumph at Skate America in Reading, Pa.
The event also gives skating fans here a glimpse of some of the best from the rest of the world. Start with the current king of the men, France's Brian Joubert. Throw in Japan's Mao Asada (she of the effortless triple Axels) and Emily Hughes of the U.S., to name two.
We'll get to the rest as the weekend progresses (check the entry list off to the right if you can't wait).
If you followed our Halifax Chronicles at Canadians last January, you know what you'll find here. A little less of the hard-news descriptive stuff, a bit more of the human touch.
With the odd touch of whimsy thrown in here and there.
Stop by often during the weekend.
We'll do our best to make it worth your time.
Oh, sure, there's a bit of a nip in the air on this crisp, gorgeous autumn day. But Carnaval — and the accompanying snow and winter's bite — are still many months away in this historic Quebecois city.
(insert requisite sigh of relief here).
A carnival of patinage artistique (as the French-speaking majority here would put it), though ... well, that awaits us all this weekend during HomeSense Skate Canada, which has chosen to visit Le Colisee (where the NHL's Quebec Nordiques once ruled the ice) for the annual fall event which offers the obvious reminder that a new season has indeed begun.
You are greeted by history everywhere you turn in this city (and not just the old pipes hanging over our heads in the media centre). A friendly volunteer (who, I must confess, wisely cheers for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox like moi), points out the famed Plains of Abraham on the drive in from Jean Lesage Airport.
We see the oldest active fort in North America.
Then, the narrow streets of Old Quebec that wind their way toward the majestic Chateau Frontenac, which is home base for us all this weekend.
The fun on the ice begins in a few hours with the dance compulsories. And while the two-time world silver medallists from Montreal, the elegant and charming Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon, have been spotted at the hotel, they're not in the field here (actually, they won't be seen anywhere but on the tour circuit this season).
So who to watch?
Most of the top Canadians are here, including reigning national champions Jeffrey Buttle, Joannie Rochette and Jessica Dube and Bryce Davison, fresh off a breakthrough triumph at Skate America in Reading, Pa.
The event also gives skating fans here a glimpse of some of the best from the rest of the world. Start with the current king of the men, France's Brian Joubert. Throw in Japan's Mao Asada (she of the effortless triple Axels) and Emily Hughes of the U.S., to name two.
We'll get to the rest as the weekend progresses (check the entry list off to the right if you can't wait).
If you followed our Halifax Chronicles at Canadians last January, you know what you'll find here. A little less of the hard-news descriptive stuff, a bit more of the human touch.
With the odd touch of whimsy thrown in here and there.
Stop by often during the weekend.
We'll do our best to make it worth your time.
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