Saturday, August 16
Last Sunday: went the Quebec Art Gallery with a friend to see the Marquet exhibit. This early 20th century French painter favoured seascapes, rivers and ports around France, western Europe and Algeria. He emphasized colour and effects of light over detail. And he enjoyed painting nudes, too...
Wednesday: took the 10 min. ferry from Quebec to Levis, crossing the St. Lawrence. Very quaint town, with old houses, many gardens and a terrific view of Vieux Quebec.
Thursday: had my last exam of the course. That evening, both classes and the instructors had a semi-formal dinner at Rivoli on Grande-Allee. Very good food (had soup, spaghetti and coffee) at a reasonable price.
Headed back to residence by 10, and a room crawl/toga party may have ensued.
Friday: after pub mustering and a final debrief, we received our course certificates. Spent the rest of the day packing, lounging about with classmates in residence, and taking one last walk around Vieux Quebec. Some anxiety over flight status due to the huge blackout in Ottawa, Toronto, New York and Detroit.
Checked out that night, and crashed a friend's place near the airport.
Saturday: day began with thunderstorms and heavy rain - just like my arrival here. Arrived in Toronto at 11 am ET, and my flight to Vancouver's delayed 3 hrs. But at least the planes are flying out.
Had to adjust to airport staff and shop clerks not greeting me in French.
For some reason, I'm issued a new boarding pass, now in Executive Class. The one highlight of the day. For dinner, wine, salad with feta cheese, chicken and rice, a cookie for dessert, followed with port (the ol' stained lip special). Even a hot towelette. We're missing out big time in Economy, people! :)
A couple behind me had a small, yapping dog in a perforated carry-on bag. Apparently it had recently made the trip to France in Executive as well.
Arrived in Vancouver at 5:30 pm PT, picked up my luggage and stood in the check-in line for 2 hrs to arrange a new flight to Victoria. (Many lay-offs at Air Canada this summer.)
Some very ainsy people in line, including a mother who yelled her frustrations at every airport volunter or ticket agent she could. I saw no point in shooting the messenger...
When my turn came up, I'd just missed the 8:20 pm flight. Next available flight to Victoria was 11:30.
So here I sit at the gate, 20 mins prior to boarding. I should make it home by 1 am.
A fun, eventful two months away from home with many a surprise. Vive le Quebec!
Thanks for reading and for the kind words. Till next time...
