POSTCARD FROM QUEBEC – FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2006

We made it! Here from Quebec City! Jim agrees with us that it was a much more relaxing day, not having to rush to our destination for a performance. Whew! Much easier on our stress levels.

The kids had a fantastic time with their families in Montreal. Many of the young children actually don’t even speak English, so it was a fun time for all. We heard many excellent comments from the hosts as they dropped off our kids – way to go!

We had a step-on tour guide, Regina, who stepped onto our bus and gave us a great tour of Montreal, both the old town and new business and shopping districts. We had a chance to get off the bus and go underground – an amazing system of tunnels and shops that not only connect the buildings, protecting the citizens from the very inclement weather that happens around here from time to time, but also organizes the subway system. Can’t tell you how PAINFUL it was for 28 of the 30 kids to be strolling past the shops without going in. Luckily, the temptation was somewhat lessened because it was pre-10 a.m. and they weren’t even open yet!

Back on the bus above ground checking out the sites and scenery. Jim did a fantastic job of maneuvering around these narrow streets that allow parking up to the corner. Not an easy feat turning those corners! We disembarked from our coach at the Notre Dame Basilica to tour that gorgeous building. Some famous occurrences happened here, such as Celine Dion’s wedding and national orchestra concerts. Peter has actually been in one of the audiences for an orchestra concert there. A smaller chapel behind the altar had burned before, but thankfully the doors were closed and the fire was contained to the chapel and save the Sanctuary. A very beautiful Sanctuary with a lot of wood and blue painted ceilings.

Regina dropped us off at the 1976 Olympic venues to the Montreal Biodome which was the actual bicycle racing stadium. Apparently there was never enough interest in bicycling following the Olympics, so they converted the stadium to a fantastic Biodome environment. We toured through 4 different climates and saw lots of critters. Hmmmmmmmm………hope those bats didn’t get out of their display!

Over the bridge and out of Montreal onto Quebec City. Compared to the other day trips in the bus, this was only 1-1/2 movies later. We had a really pleasant lunch stop at a road side picnic area and the kids had some great lunches from their host families. Back on the bus and next stop was Old Quebec.

A bit tricky driving into this historic area because buses are allowed to only stop at some specific areas. Jim maneuvered around quite well and we unloaded the bus in under the 10 minute stopping limit. Only 1-1/2 blocks walk to our youth hostel. What fun! This is a great place for us to be with our group, not having to worry about being so quiet – what a relief! We have this great storage area in the kitchen for our refrigerated food and our sandwich stuff.

After checking into the hostel, we unwound a bit and then took off to find some dinner down the historic, fun streets, just a couple of blocks from our front door. Half the group stopped for crepes and the rest went off to the Croissant Plus for a great dinner to order. The next event was – gasp – shopping! We all met back at the hostel by 8:30, and just had fun hanging out in this cool place, while the grown ups did the laundry, huge arms full of red, green, blue and white t-shirts. That’s where I am right now, while we wait and wish the dryer would be a bit faster???

Off to bed, and until next time,

SUE