Monday, June 16th
First day of classes - mostly intro lectures. Quebec Fleet School and Point-a-Carcy accomodations are unique in that they're in town, with civilians free to walk along sidewalks that cut between the buildings to the Vieux Port. Hence the emphasis on dress and deportment.
We read flashing light each morning in the gym and occassionally outside. To pass the course, we need to read at 8 wpm with 95% accuracy.
After class, I intended to run through the Plains of Abraham. Lesson of the day: consult a map! Ran along a bike trail following Champlain Boulevard, which overlooks the St. Lawrence. Forty-five mins later, past Gilmour Hill, the Plains were nowhere in sight. Headed back so I wouldn't miss supper.
Turns out I had run right past the Plains, which are spread over the plateau atop the Cap Diamant cliff. So, along with seeing ample cliff-face, I broke in my new running shoes, too.
Thursday, June 19th
Tuesday - the big 2-6. Girl in the other class kept serenading me with a revised version of Homer Simpson's "See the Angel" diddy:
"See the angel, see the angel, it's your birthday!"
After class, I walked to the Plains, across Vieux Quebec, near the Citadel. Paved trails loop around the hills and across the fields. Terrific view of the St. Lawrence. Lots of sunbathers dotting the fields, and couples in the woods.
From there, I went to see my grandfather's old high school and teenage home. Very tiny street, and the house numbers have since changed. An interesting experience retreading ground where your grandparents met 60 years ago.
Later, I headed out again with friends for dinner. Ended up at a creperie near the Chateau Frontenac. Dinner took awhile, and tried a forgettable Quebec white-beer. Plus, the girls convinced me to try escargot. Same texture as a mussel or mushroom, so needless to say, I wasn't impressed.
Headed back to accomodations, only to run into another friend, who informed me a group of classmates were awaiting me a Linox, the nearby pub. Very memorable birthday, indeed. And I'm still not 30 either... :)
Wednesday: tried running another rollerblade/bike trail leading from accomodations that follows St. Charles river, an inlet of the St. Lawrence, with numerous bridges along the way.
Explored Rue St. Jean, which features one of the three Vieux Quebec gates. From this one, you can ascend and walk along the fortification walls.
Stepped into a McDonalds offering McHomard (McLobster) and poutine.
New French roommate arrived today. He was on vacation in Mexico. They changed the course start date after he'd left Quebec.
