A: Hey, Paul, guess what? I'm going to visit Quebec next summer. I have to go to a friend's wedding, but I also plan to stay a while and do some sightseeing.
B: That's great, Dave, you're going to love it. But do you mean the province of Quebec or Quebec City?
A: I guess I mean the province. The wedding is in Montreal, so I'm going there first. I'll be there for about four days. Montreal is the capital of the province, right?
B: People often think it is because it's the biggest city in the province, but it's not actually the capital. Quebec City is the capital. But Montreal is great. The St. Lawrence River runs right through the middle of the city. It's beautiful in the winter.
A: Wow. And how about the language? My French is okay, but not great. I know most people there speak French, but can I get by with English?
B: Well, people speak both French and English there, but you'll hear French most of the time, and all of the street signs are in French. In fact, Montreal's the third largest French-speaking city in the world. So you'd better practice your French before you go.
A: Okay, I'll do that. Now, what about Quebec City? I'm going to visit a friend from college who lives there now. What's it like?
B: It's a beautiful city. Very old. A lot of the buildings have been nicely restored.
Some of them were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. You'll love it there. A: Great! I can't wait to go! |
