Saturday, August 25, 2018

38a Quebec

The content of today's tour looked fabulous, but our guide, whose name
eludes me right now, was so obsessed with reminding us that if we went over
our allotted four hours, we would have to pay more money. Tell us once,
tell us twice, but not every five minutes.
Our first stop was the absolutely amazing Basilica of Sainte Anne de
Beaupre. This is a renowned pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Anne,
grandmother of Jesus. Just like Fatima in Lisbon, it is visited by over a
million people each year.
The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful paintings, stained
glass windows and intricate mosaics. There was so much to see as we walked
into the church, you didn't know which direction to look in. Like good
children we followed our guide who was most fastidious that we did not stray
too far, and precious time was lost when she would stop and tap her foot
until everyone caught up. A few made their get away, but we obedient souls
kept up. Just as well, for when she led us down to the lower level of the
church, our jaws dropped at the magnificent sight in front of us. The colour
was amazing, the ceilings, the arches, the domes just beautiful. If it
wasn't for the statues of the saints, you would be excused for thinking we
were in a mosque somewhere in Turkey. Our tour in the lower level
culminated with the most perfect replica of "The Pieta" of which the
original is found at the Vatican.

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