Life always has its ups and downs, and this is true wherever on, above or within the globe we happen to be. Sharing these events, feelings and thoughts is part of blogging.
Things are beginning to move more significantly now, as for the first time since my arrival, I am going to be taking French courses in a proper school environment. Not only will it be a relief to be learning again, also I enjoy languages, and with my Chemistry studies to complete before next spring’s college enrolment, I finally have a deadline to work towards and no aimless waiting on numerous government departments for answers that turn out to be negative. I love the whole atmosphere of school, aside from the small minority who are anti-academic in attitude and manner. I hope that once my French progresses, I will be able to take on at least part time work to augment my study budget.
I was immensely pleased to receive a note from my school praising my attendance, as this is a highly valuable reference to add to my CV, perhaps much more so in Québec where there seems to be a very lax attitude towards attendance and time keeping in both work and play.
The internet is much maligned as a source of time wasting, and I am the last person to dispute this; however, I also find that many of the tools and features of computers today can be immensely inspirational if used correctly. Visiting the website for Parc Jean Drapeau, http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/ inspired me to visit with Sylvie a couple of weekends back. The weather delivered and the forecasters were for once completely accurate; a stifling hot day turned into a raging thunder and rain storm, from which we took refuge on the ferry dock on the Ille Ste Helene (picture above). It was a very full day in terms of experiences; we took a picnic which we had bought in the downtown area, then ate this in a secluded picnic area on the island. We then explored the Mexican and Turkish festivals, both of which were free to attend.
I think that less-curious inhabitants of large cities often go for much of their lives never actually visiting the landmarks they pass in their daily commute. Certainly, Sylvie had not been on the Island for at least ten years, and I had never had the inclination to step off the yellow line at any time, and explore the island. The desire was there to join the 300,000 people at the F1 Grand Prix, although funds did not permit that this year. I often looked down at the amusement park when travelling over the Jacques Cartier Bridge to the city in the morning, and thought it would be on my bucket list to visit. On this visit we did not pay for admission to the funfair, being on a low-budget trip.
Both the Mexican and Turkish (above) festivals were interesting, although there was a strong commercial element which rather spoilt the atmosphere. It was a great way to experience a slice of alternative cultures, and to see the ethnic minorities of Montréal reveal their home culture. The festivals run on many weekends in summer, and our intention is to go back and experience more as soon as we can. As well as interesting experiences, there is plenty of material for enthusiastic photographers. Sylvie had one negative experience with a police horse which had ulterior designs and bit her while nuzzling her; that, and the rain aside, we had a fun day out at minimal cost and had our eyes opened to the variety that is on our doorstep. Lack of adventurousness is surely a cause not and excuse for having an unexciting life!
I was very pleased to discover what a wonderful view one can obtain of the Old Port and Downtown areas from our island, and I fully intend to return at various times of year and record the interesting cityscape. I particularly long to recreate the wonderful sight of the St Lawrence river frozen over and gilded by the sunrise, with the Old Port and the town in the background. For now, I shall have to be content with the monochromatic sky and view provided by the cloudburst and subsequent storm!
