A magical time travel adventure in Quebec

by Belen Cisneros (Mexico)

I didn't expect to find Canada

As I walk down the narrow corridor cover with a beautiful stone floor, the buildings on the sides of the road rise up in a hill where the street ends in a wide staircase. The sun enlightens me and suddenly, my eyes are wide open to this huge crowd of knights clad in coats of mail, long spears and sharp swords. Around them, young maidens in long light color dresses, using tiaras and flowers in their hair, offering fruit and muffins, dropping occasionally a white handkerchief and giving me a little smile while I pass by. For a moment, I blink of disbelief at this parade of colors. How did I get here? What time machine had transported me from the age of digital gadgets to the medieval era? That international flight from Mexico to Canada had not taken me to a different place in time, but to a magical city called Quebec. The high stone walls of each of the buildings that stand on either side of the aisle, really give the impression of belonging to an old castle. In fact, except for some modern buildings, like the “Museé de la Civilisation”, Quebec maintains its exquisite architecture that closely resembles the old European cities and their magnificent castles. Anyone would think I am in an ancient feudal village surrounded by knights, jesters and maidens. That jump in time is not a bad thing to forget some of the constant pressure of school and everyday tasks. Lots of music, food and people make the perfect combination to really enjoy a Canadian warm welcome. As I walk among those individuals, my heart speeds up its heartbeat and my joy increases. I'm definitely in the medieval era, between brave knights, damsels in distress, honor, glory and bloody challenges amid a medieval festival, a very common activity in this cultural capital. The downtown is a maze of alleys surrounded by coffee shops, art galleries, bookstores, small clothing and footwear shops. This city really has a particular interest in preserving its culture. There are many shops where you can buy Gothic items as clothes, shields, swords, dragon and fairies sculptures, lamps and even a medieval armor. But also, there're places where you can buy very modern gifts and souvenirs. Quebec is known as a kind of country within a country. The vast majority of people speak French, unlike their compatriots in other Canadian provinces. Its history dates back to 1608 with the founding of the city by Samuel de Champlain. And despite the constant political disagreements between France and Britain for the control of the region, the city has retained its local culture, language and modus vivendi. It's the perfect combination of color and joy out of a fairy tale. A magical place indeed.