This week is almost over and I can only say
it has been a wild one. My poor cat Rascal
got a severe ear infection and had to go to the vet, which turned out to be a
painful experience.
I went north to Lake Ontario to see the spot
where my friend of 37 years is buried…something I have wanted to do for 3 years…
and then took a quick right to Oswego to
visit my brother. As usual he was
working but I did get a quick visit with my sister-in-law and she could show me
pictures of their latest trip, which was to Quebec and a Paul McCartney
Concert.
She related how boring the ride up was and
suddenly I went back in time to my last and only visit to Quebec in the late
60’s I believe. We went as a family
outing and I do remember the drive was…well boring and long. The other thing I remembered was that it was
in the middle of the French-English debate.
Humorously this debate is back in the news again.
Did you know that French in the Canadian province is
the most regulated language in the world.
Yes…they passed legislation in 1977 I believe to solve the problem as to
what the officially language was (which is both) but the controversy is back and up in front of
the public with a new bill this year! Some
want Quebec sovereignty! Read this
article to catch up!
Then
everyone gave us a hard time because we asked for directions in English. The people were rude and although the old
city of Quebec was picturesque and clean…I did not enjoy the visit until we
found a “Fair” to attend on a day that it was pouring rain!
There
of course, the vendors wanted to make a buck and spoke in any language they
could to sell you something. It was a
unique experience…and fun culturally!
However,
my greatest remembrance of my trip to Quebec had to do with food!!
Yes
it was food! I was in a store a few
months ago with a friend and I exclaimed “Pronto Pups!” She looked around on the floor for some lady
with couple of Poodles I suspect…she said “Where!” I pointed to the case where there were corn
dipped hot dogs on a stick….”Those”. She
said…”Those are corn dogs!” Well at the
Quebec Fair they were called “Pronto
Pups!”
The
new dilemma I suspect is if I go to Quebec how do I ask for them…. Is there a
French translation for “Fast Hot Dog!”???
Here is a Gordon Lightfoot song written during the late 60's-early 70's about the subject....I love the melody interlude...so "French!"
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