Quebec - Musee des Beaux Arts

 Alas, I've gone two weeks without a croissant or crepes or vacation frivolity with friends. At least I have pictures to share and re-live happy memories. This sculpture in front of the art museum is called "Waterspout" .

 Here is the official Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec. Neat building and lots of art treats inside. Mary Ellen's little head is in the corner of this picture.

 I enjoyed the variety of different (i.e not Impressionists) art in this musuem. It featured Canadian and specifically Quebec artists. The section on Inuit art was beautiful. Sculptures carved from ivory and whalebone were haunting and pure.
Stepped out back to view this sculpture and in the distance, the St.Lawrence river. Despite overcast weather, we operated under a cloud of artistic joy.

On the road away from the museum, this wall featured teasers of Alfred Pellan's art. Talk about a prolific man. He had these masks, he had some rather voluptuous modern paintings of women (there seemed to be mother issues), some interactive sculptures that were very funny. I didn't like everything, but I cannot deny his creativity and I laughed out loud at some pieces.

I absolutely love art museums, and the Quebec Beaux Arts is a must-see on your vacation checklist.

Happy 4th of July/ Oh Canada Day - July 1st

 I am back in the United States and ready to celebrate July 4th on Thursday. But I'm going to start boring you with my Canada pics.  Je me souviens is the motto for Quebec and it means I remember ...as in culture, sacrifice, and history. I think it neatly applies to America too. I remember and shall honor history.

 The Citadelle in Quebec offers 300 years of military history.  It's the largest fortification built by the British in North America with a strategic position overlooking the St.Lawrence river. It is an active military garrison for the Royal 22nd Regiment.

 I was very impressed with their museum tribute to the Canadian peace keeping troops in Afghanistan. I've not seen this in the United States. Kudos to our friends in Canada.

 The weather on Friday and Saturday was rather horrific - crazy wind, some rain, etc. Thus the big changing of the guard ceremony was cancelled. But we were lucky to catch the mini-change. These young men are somber and strict in their formality. Tight formation and ceremony.

So, Happy 4th in the United States and Happy Canada Day back on July 1st. I learned a lot about our friends to the north and definitely thank them for our friendship.  (and the fireworks Monday evening were spectacular)