STEALING MONA LISA

I went to the library to find some travel books to dream by, and saw this book on a random display shelf. What drew me in was the photo on the bottom. I have loved "Rainy Day on the streets of Paris"by Gustave Caillebotte for years, but until I was researching this blog, I thought it might be set in New York because of the triangular "flat-iron" building. It is, in fact, just north outside Paris at Place de Dublin. If the internet gives any indication, the triangular shaped building is still in existence. Pretty amazing since the painting was done in 1877, 137 years ago. That's one of the reasons why those of us born in the new colonies love Europe so much!

Now, back to the book!

This story was familiar to me. I remember reading that the Mona Lisa was once stolen and that copies were found, but I hadn't recalled any more details. This "version" of the truth was the page-turner I hoped for. I have to admit that it took me a couple of chapters to be sure, but the ground work was laid to bring the story full circle. 

The story begins in a newspaper interview that resulted in a real article. It follows the story of a gentlemanly conman with no lack of resources and more one soft spot. I don't want to spoil the rest of the twists, but it was a fun read that I recommend!

BURY YOUR DEAD

My good family and friends humoured me with a few detours, which was impressive, since it was cold and rainy practically the whole time! I think we walked 7 km, and my 8 year old daughter was still sprinting at the end!

Here was the itinerary:

Wolfe - Montcalm monument in the Parc des Gouverneurs - an obelisk we could see out our window looking out towards the Citadel Hill and Dufferin Terrace from Room 6261 in the Chateau Frontenac

Literary and Historical Society aka English Library (follow the little pyramids for a detour off St Jean
up hill) - Saint Stanislas turns in to Chaussee des Ecossais, where the Morrin Centre is located.

Jeanne D'arc Garden, in the plains of Abraham, at 390 Avenue Bernieres

Wolfe monument in front of the Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA) - an underwhelming but progressively taller statue to honour the death of the Montcalm, near Grand Allee

Petit Coin Latin Restaurant - rue St Ursule -where we had a generous breakfast of eggs, hash browns toast, and coffee in a beautifully carved Parisian style bistro playing spanish and french music where we got the best seat at the window and a nice warm heater at our knees.

Notre Dame Basilica - 20 rue de Buade - the oldest North American parish north of Mexico; destroyed in the siege of 1759 and rebuilt to resemble l'eglise Sainte-Genevieve in Paris, the finest neoclassical facade in Quebec, restored by architects after being gutted by a fire in 1922. I still have yet to see the gorgeous interior. Something to do with next visit!

PAILLARD BAKERY, QUEBEC : AVE ST. JEAN

My daughter and I hit the bakery for breakfast. They have the biggest croissants I have ever seen! The hot chocolate with whipped cream was the "aubaine"(deal) I would get next time! I tried the Fleur de citron on a puff pastry base. It was quite delicious, with chunks of custard and poppy seeds. The amandier was excellent too, with a tiny café au lait to hit the spot!

LE CHIC SHACK, QUEBEC : AVE DU FORT

I really enjoyed eating this weekend through the streets of Old Quebec City. We started here, meeting up with friends, and heading out from the Chateau Frontenac to the Chic Shack. I had a great house veggie burger with an interesting twist that I really enjoyed; beet! I was very proud that my very picky daughter felt she wanted a lettuce salad with parmesan (hold the dressing) and a poutine (gravy on the side). It's a start, for a girl who has yet to eat a burger!