Quebec

Quebec

I was looking forward to visiting Quebec. Everyone describes it as an amazing place with many glamorous historical buildings in a typical European style. I have heard and read a lot about Quebecians, their fervent attempts to become independent, their recognization to Europe and of course, their pride and reluctancy to speak English. Although I brought my French textbooks with me, I have not had time to brush up my French. So all phrases I know are: Voulez-vous couche avec moi, Je aime de toi, Je voudrais te baise - which could not help me much in normal conversation :P

In order to get there, I had to take a special shuttle in Charny, which a city nearby, and had only two hours till my next train. I felt completely lost when I got off the shuttle. The station was empty, I could not ask anyone for advice, there were no tourist maps or leaflets available, I did not even know how far is the station from downtown.

A homeless woman approached to me, asking for a loonie for coffee. „I wish I could afford to have coffee, too.“ I smiled. I took an advantage of looking like a tramp, it was not hard to believe that I am broke, too. We started chatting, she was nice, but I had not enough time and she talked on and on, so I tried to sneak out from the conveersation and get to fresh air.

I wrapped up and went out to cold and dark streets. I was very lucky - I met a guy, who was willing to show me around. He was an old, wizened man, rather small, with a tattered backpack and dirty gloves - but he spoke and was willing to speak English - and that was the most importatn for me :)

"C mon, I will show you the harbour, it is near here." he said very enthusiasticly and there was no reason for me not to go along. He insisted on helping me with my luggage and although I was afraid, I knew that he could not run away from me. Soon or later I could catch him, so I gave my suitcase to him.

"You know, I have 4 kids, now I am unemployed and I am living as a homeless guy. It is not fair to end up on street in 60-ties. I should be enjoying my rest and now I am struggling for life. I have fought in Vietnam, went to jail, came out and then went again - and now I am walking on street.

"In jail? What did you do that you had to go to jail? I asked surprisingly.

"Heh you know, I steal things and then sell them, I am like a poloprofessional thief."

"OK then, so probably I should not mention that you are holding a suitcase with my belongings for at least 600 bucks.... I thought apprehensively.

"I need a rest - lets go to my aparment, it is just two minutes from here. After that I will show you the castle."

I said ok, anyway I did not know where to go, and even if I did not see anything interesting from the city, following this guy was pretty fun.

We came to the basement floor of a condominium, where he pulled out a pipe, put hashis in it and had few puffs.

„Co mon, I will show you my old haunt. It is on our way to the castle." I pointed out that I did not have enogh time left, but on the other hand I did not want to argue with him either, and I agreed. Another guy who opened the pub door was also not very happy to see him, and I did not need to understand French to know that he was trying to persuade him to leave. After several attempts the waiter gave up and we burst into a small hostel restaurant. He followed us in a close distance as if we wanted to do something fishy. My friend took out his knife and started to sharpen it with a stone. The other guy looked pretty nervous and I bet he prayed that we get out of there as soon as possible.

"You Know, I think I can do with a good cap of coffee. But those bastards do not like me and do not want to sell it to me, so you must go with me and pretend to buy it for yourself“. He pulled out few buck, scooped up his belongings. we left the pub and went to a gus station nearby. A guy at the desk looked very scornfuly at him, apparently he had had a lot of experience with my new friend. We took a narrow lane near the city wall which leads to the castle. Meanwhile, he was talking about many things which I cannot remember very clearly. It was funny when he offered his help with the suitcase again, but now I begrudge to give it to him.

"Wel, it is not necessary, I do not want to bother you, I will carry it by myself." My attempt to be polite and firm.

"Come on" You are freaking slow like this. Let me help you"

"No, it is all right, I do not need help."

"Heh, do not worry, I am not gonna rob you...l

"I am not saying that you are...."

"You do not trust me, do you?_

"This is not about trust - I just keep it, that is all."

"Ok, you do not trust me - whatever, we will not talk about it anymore." A sigh of relief that I can finally change the topic and get away from this awkward situation.

"So, here we go - the castle is over there."

Truly, it was a great view. A castle emblazoned by morning sunshine glistening all around. I took several hasty pictures and when I looked at my watch, I realized it was time I had gone. I had only 20 minutes to get to the station. I thanked him for everything and said goodbye. He asked me for a little favour - he wanted me to send him the pictures I took there. So nice of him that he showed me around. If this is all he wants it will be pleasure for me to do it.