We spent most of the day exploring Quebec's fortifications. Quebec is the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico. The Citadel, a huge 300 year old star shaped fort, sits atop the hill overlooking the city and the St Lawrence River. It's now the home of the Royal 22nd Regiment. They were the guys with the bushy bear hats and red jackets you saw on yesterday's post - if you were paying attention. They are the only Francophone infantry regiment in the regular Canadian forces. They are lovingly called the "Van Doos," because that's how English-speaking folk mispronounce "vingt deux" (22). It seems a bit strange to see the very British red uniforms being worn by French-speaking troops.
In the afternoon we walked on top of the earthen wall protecting the west side of the city. The views were great. The other sides of the city are protected by the river and high cliffs. The U.S. attacked Quebec City on December 31, 1775 but it was a failure. Mainly because we attacked in winter. They are still snickering about that.
The Citadel:
A cool trompe l'oeil mural
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