A Visit to Bonhomme

Over the Midterm Break 22 students from Grades 9-11 bundled up in a gazillion layers and flew to Montreal, Quebec. We spent one day in Montreal where we met our amazing guide, Amelie, and visited the French headquarters of Radio-Canada, where we filmed a radio/TV news broadcast. We then did a little shopping before packing ourselves onto a bus that would become more familiar than even our dorm rooms, and headed for Québec City. On the way to Quebec we stopped at a Sugar shack where we went dog sledding at night, made our own maple butter, and ate way too much toffee. Our teeth aching, we hopped back on the bus and drove the rest of the way to Quebec City. The following day was filled with a tour of Quebec City where we saw the Plains of Abraham, Parliament, Grand Allee, Chateau Frontenac, Quartier Petite Champlain, and Place Royale, all in the span of around an hour. A little exhausted but still chipper, we headed to an improv performance. After dinner we bundled up even more (if that’s possible) and went to what we had all been waiting for, the Carnival Parade. Trumpets were blown, mini Bonhommes (the Carnival’s mascot) were caught and no one froze to death. On Sunday we had croissants and hot chocolate in a soup bowl for breakfast. Our stomachs warm, we went to an interactive historical activity where we learnt how to load a cannon and how the French troops were defeated in Quebec. Afterwards we explored the lower town and watched the canoe race before heading off to the Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel).  By far the most amazing hotel we had ever seen, each suite was a different theme, the drinks were sold in cups made of ice, and every single surface (including the beds!) was made of ice or snow. Still in awe, we got back on the bus and traveled to the biggest snow inner-tubing park we had ever seen. We spent five hours speeding down snow hills and some even attempted the dreaded drop of Everest (the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced). Our hearts still racing, we called it a day and went back to the hotel. Monday was all about skiing. We spent the whole day enjoying the slopes at Mont-Sainte-Anne ski resort. Unfortunately, someone got injured skiing bravely down an icy slope; excluding that, it was a fun and relaxing day. After dinner we went to see a historical play that was produced especially for us. Within the first five minutes the actors had us roaring with laughter as our fellow classmates were brought upstage to play the part of star-crossed lovers. The next two days were full of visits to beautiful churches, evening snowshoeing, and experiencing the life of a British soldier before we had to say goodbye to Quebec City, hop on our trusty bus and drive back to Montreal. We explored a bit of Old Montreal and went ice-skating before it was back to the airport and we were forced to say goodbye to Amelie and Quebec.  The trip was a fun and ridiculously amazing experience. I myself fell in love with Quebec like many others on the trip and can’t wait to return in the future. Thanks to Mme Hall for leading this terrific adventure. Caitlin C, Hope ‘17