In Longueuil, Ont Waiting on Our Medicine Package from the States

July 27, 2011

We're on the West Bank @ Longueuil Marina waiting on our "meds".  Our mail package from St Brendan's Isle arrived yesterday so, hopefully, today or tomorrow the other one will arrive.  In the meantime, we are exploring Vieux Longueuil.  Actually, a small French town that is quite charming.   The Quebecois have been very friendly and helpful.  Most speak English and communication hasn't been a problem.  One would think that Phyllis would have no problem with the French part but she is so mixed up between Spanish, English and the French patois of her youth that it is difficult to get her to ask questions.  I just walk up and greet in French and then speak English to which I get English.  As we move down the coast this will change but Phyllis will rally to the occasion.

Montreal is touted as a very beautiful city and to some degree that is true.  The "old quarter" is charming and filled with interesting buildings and narrow streets.  Overall, we've seen better and are waiting on Quebec City for the really interesting tours.  Having lived in Spain and toured France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Beirut, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, we are demanding in what is called "fabulous" old world beauty in North America.

The consumables and restaurants are more expensive in Canada than the States.  They have wonderful supermarkets with colorful  and appetising displays of food in the French tradition.  They lack nothing and are better stocked that a typical American supermarket.  I would hazard a guess that the prices are about 30% more.  Everyone has to contribute to the health insurance and other programs that Canada has instituted.  Personally, I have no problem with this.  I believe in a national health insurance program in which everyone is covered.  The Canadians that we have met are satisfied with it but those that live close to the USA border do their shopping on our side.  We find that in a very general and broad observation, the Canadians we have seen are not as "obese" as their American counterparts.  Given the food prices, maybe, they don't stuff themselves as much with gigantic portions.  As we travel along, I might change this shallow observation.

So, we're topped off with water, diesel and groceries.  The minute our "meds" arrive, the following morning we're off to Trois Riviere about 70 nm downstream from Montreal.