POSTCARD FROM QUEBEC – NIGHT 2 – JUNE 17, 2006

S…..S…...S…..S……S

That was our day today:

SIGHT-SEEING:

We broke into two separate groups for a two hour walking tour, one with Jacques and the other with Kristine. We walked the old city’s wall, learned about the many wars – don’t ask us who won which battle, but chances are it was either the French or British. Walk, walk, walk; learn, learn, learn; walk; learn; walk; learn…… but it was a great thing to do in this fantastic city of Quebec! After our excursion, we were back to the hostel for an amazing PB&J assembly line, and for some kids, their FIRST TWINKIES! WHAT???? Never had a TWINKIE????? Never mind they were left over from tour two years ago….just kidding………

After a one hour break:

SINGING:

Just a few blocks from our hostel is a lovely little church, the Sister Ursuline Chapel. Sister Ursuline was a widowed mother of a 12 year old who received a calling to go into the sisterhood and opened the first school for girls in New France, aka Quebec. To this day the school is in existence, however now operates as a private girls school. It was through the letters from Ursuline to her son that much of Quebec’s history is known. They were voracious correspondents that chronicled the many transitions in this city’s history. The kids warmed up outside the chapel doors which actually drew the attention of passersby, who followed the choir into the chapel for the short a capella performance. The sound and energy and emotion and expressions were truly inspiring to see with these kids. The magic of tour really shines through in venues that are so sacred and moving. Leaves me speechless. The audience was equally enthralled and we may have made a contact for next year’s tour. Keep the fingers crossed!

After another one hour break:

SHOPPING:

We broke into teams of what the leaders would be willing to do and whichever kids followed were part of that group. But there was definitely a common theme: Spend our Canadian dollars! Time is running out!! Hurry, hurry, hurry!!! BUT:::::I’m pooped and my feet, my shoes and my butt are sore! In case you didn’t know, Quebec is similar to San Francisco. In fact, on a couple of these hills, I half expected Karl Malden and Michael Douglas to be cruising over! Our little teams kept together through dinner and most had a tasty serving of gelato.

SOCIALIZING:

We’re back at the hostel and some are watching the Stanley Cup, some are playing cards, some are composing music, some are surfing the internet ($3/hour), some are talking … you know the drill.

SLEEPING:

I’m optimistic?

Til next time,

SUE