July 2003 Archives

Saturday June 21

Thursday and Friday I was class leader. Entails reporting the class to the instructor each morning before reading light, ensuring the classroom door and filing cabinets are locked, etc.

Learned to play euchre, which plays like a combination of hearts and trump. No one plays Cosby Show pinochle style, hinting to your partner which suit to play with subtle lines like, "I remember this clubhouse I had as a kid..."

Yesterday evening, la Compagnie Franche de la Marine performed for family, friends and officers at the Fleet School. Dressed in 18th century costume and sporting rifles with bayonettes, they carried out an impressive drill ceremony, firing their weapons for the finale. Performing with them were two drummers and several pipers.

Later, I was initiated to the Quebec bar scene: crowds of people gathered on the patios before the buildings, with many more filling the multiple levels inside. Smoking's still allowed at restaurants and bars here, unfortunately.

It's a 20 min. bus ride to the big malls in Ste-Foy, then a $10 cab ride to the nearest theatres showing movies in English. Think I'll hold out for group outings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (cheap nights).

Wednesday June 25

Monday, preparation for St. Jean Baptiste celebrations. Friends gathered in our room for cards, music and refreshments. After 9 pm, we headed for the Plains. Large groups were out, waving Fleurs de Lys, shouting "Bonne Fete Quebec" and drawing bottles from their pockets.

Walking along the fortification walls, we caught sight of the 250 000 people huddling around the stages. Random fireworks were set off all around. As expected, are group quickly splintered. I ended up lying on the grass with 3 others awaiting the main fireworks display... but we got bored.

Heading back, we stopped for smokies at Linox (near the residence) and ate them at the waterfront.

Discovered a classmate appeared recently on David Letterman, performing her spit dance. Must be seen to be believed. She had a video of the episode, where she namechecks Victoria, the Naval Reserve, and reminds the audience Paul Schaeffer's Canadian.

Glancing out the window at 12:30 am, we caught sight of the fireworks, lighting up the Chateau.

The next morning, someone from the residence made the news, streaking on the Plains. Vive le Quebec!

After some homework, I stopped by an internet cafe. Passed a bum with two shopping carts full of empty bottles and cans. Anyone cleaning up the Plains after the festivities must have made a cool chunk of change.

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.