Two-Fifths... wowza!

It feels as though time is flying in some regards - and barely crawling along in others. Perhaps it is reflective of where or what we're doing. Classes definitely feel like the 'slow' periods. I do not seem to have the ability to sit for so many consecutive hours listening. Apparently these teachers haven't got the memo about multiple styles of learning and needing to integrate movement and participation. Sigh.

Last week Carly and I went to the Club de Maitres wine and cheese tasting. We had a fun group of people that we were seated with, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Hard to go wrong with events centred on eating and conversation, even when the conversation is a bit stunted by limited vocabulary. Much of the evening was the same as last time even most of same beverages. Still tasty!

This was the first course and my favourite. 

A close second

Unfortunately this was the last course... and the cheeses I liked least. Should have stopped
while I was ahead... Seems sad to eat that many calories for things that aren't so good. 

Carly and I have also been exploring the city and the Festival d'Été which has been great fun. There are so many interesting installations of art around the city. Some that are beautiful, some that tell bits of history, and some that are just weird.

We've been goofballing around. 

An example of the 'odd' art

This is one of the few moments I have seen this sculpture without people in the fountain part

We've been a bunch of really awesome concerts. It's amazing how many people are at everything we go to. I had read that a lot of people plan their vacations around coming and I understand why. The music is great and the atmosphere is really fun. I really love how there are whole families rocking out to all types of music.

The venue closest to our home - which is also a free venue.
When the venue seems full people just start lining the wall or streets. 

Yesterday we went on an adventure to the Île d'Orléans with a stop at the Chute Montmorecy with a new friend, Anne-Marie. It was a lovely sunny day, great for adventuring. The Chute (waterfall) can be viewed from the top or bottom - and also has options for cable car rides or zip lining (neither of which we did).  

The view from the top

There is a bridge that goes over the falls - and the view is impressive. I love the roar that water can make. It's pretty amazing.

The view from the bottom

We stopped and had a picnic at the bottom, which was lovely. Afterwards we continued to the island. The Île d'Orléans seems like visiting a totally different world. It's not very far from Quebec City, but is an area of farming and small independent industry. There are places that make cheese, wine, ciders, vinegars... the fields are filled with berries. It's beautiful. The houses and buildings are also super cute (although for some reason, I didn't take any pictures) old stone or brick buildings. It feels a bit like a storybook land.

We stopped at the Chocolaterie for an ice cream that turned out to be a bit ridiculous. We all ordered smalls - and they were huge!

Unfortunately the timer operated photo decided that the trees were the focal point of the photo...
but you get the idea. 1/2 eaten 'small' icream cones. Craziness. 

This week is week 3 - which means the mid-point tests. I can't say I feel particularly ready for those... but maybe I will be by the time they arrive.

peace to you~