February 9, 2012
To quote Boyd, "I can't beleive the Eastern Canada trip is almost over. It should've been for TWO weeks!"
We all enjoyed our sleep-in this morning and then made our way to McGill University's downtown campus. We had a very informative tour and many students were certainly inspired to consider it as a future option. After the tour, we walked to the Eaton Centre for some lunch and the students enjoyed navigating the maze that is 'underground Montreal'.
After lunch, we split into two groups and half went to the Point a Callieres Museum while the other half went to St Joseph's Oratory. After an hour and a half, we switched. Both trips were amazing. The museum is built over an actual archaeological dig that takes students back through time to the earliest settlements in Montreal. Not only does one learn about Canadian history by examining artifacts but one also learns about the processes of archaeology.
St Joseph's Basilica has the second largest dome in the world after Rome, we were told, and it was certainly awe-inspiring. Overlooking Montreal, the site commands a magnificent view but the grandeur of the architecture is what holds the attention. The students took ten minutes inside the Basilica to sit in silence and contemplate whatever came to mind. It was a calming experience to be sure.
February 8, 2012
It felt a little like we drove from meal to meal to meal today! We started in Quebec City with a delicious buffet breakfast, before piling onto the bus and heading towards Montreal. We then jumped off the bus and right into our next restaurant...this time a St Huberts = YUM! After lunch, we headed to the west of Montreal for an afternoon in the snow.
It was glorious weather, with bright sunshine and azure skies. The students absolutely loved dog sledding and the teachers felt so much better about this provider than the one we used last year - the dogs here seemed very happy and well treated. The students enjoyed petting them and had an exhilarating ride out on the snow. They also had the chance to go snow-shoeing, as well as just playing around in the snow.
Running quite late, we bypassed the hotel and headed straight to Cabaret du Roy for a bit of dinner theatre. The students competed for points by completing several tasks including feats of strength (winner = Schon), solving puzzles and answering a quiz. The winning team got the chance to pick which teacher would go up on stage and make a fool of him or herself....and they chose....Mr. Hardy! (Mr. Cusbert almost fell to his kness in thanks!) Mr. Hardy then had to perform a chicken dance and gave us all more than a few laughs.
We finished the night back in our hotel rooms in downtown Montreal and everyone was thrilled that we decided to change breakfast to 8:30 so we can all sleep in!
February 7, 2012
Everything is going well out here in Upper and Lower Canada...Ontario and Quebec. We had a great visit in Ottawa and even though the Rideau Canal was absolutely COVERED with skaters for the opening of Winterlude, many students enjoyed the skating. Even more enjoyed the Beaver Tails and hot chocolate! Only a few boys made it all the way to the end and back, while others took a leisurely skate. We had a short meeting with our MP John Weston at Parliament and greatly enjoyed our tours of the National Gallery, War Museum and Museum of Civilisation.
The students loved their lunch at the Chez Dany Sugar Shack near Trois Rivieres in Quebec - there was lots of dancing, pork products :) and frozen maple candy! We have had great weather all the way, although it was a bit too cold on some of our outside tours. Students are certainly learning to dress properly, although many have been overheard to say that they want to attend university in San Diego!
Today is cold but sunny and the group is learning about the Huron. They have buffalo burgers for lunch! This afternoon and evening, it is time for Carnival! Looking forward to human fuzzball, ice slides, ice sculptures and, of course, meeting the bonhomme!
For up-to-the-minute tweets and photos, please go to #ecanmulgrave on twitter.