Usual morning routine. At work today with the Spartan group witch is probably less weird than it sounds but still pretty weird. From what I’ve gathered like super easy boot camp. Anyways after work I showered and then read for a bit before dinner which was chicken and cauliflower and french fries and cucumbers and carrots. Then for dessert ate the cake that me and Nat bought for Gilberte and Sylvain for their anniversary. It was a chocolate mousse cake and we had maple ice cream with it. I’m not usually a fan of maple ice cream but it was really good. After dinner, I Skyped with the family back home and then made my lunch and went to bed. Nat didn’t go to work cuz she’s still sick but apart from that it was a very laid back kinda day, which was kinda nice. 

9:00AM start today. It was nice to sleep in. Gilberte made crepes for breakfast again today. This time they were egg and ham and cheese crepes which were really good. After breakfast, I got picked up and we drove for an hour and a half to Arbraska. Arbraska is pretty much wild play except there are more courses and the trees are smaller. Nat was sick today so she didn’t come with us, she was sleeping and getting better instead. When we got there, we filled out some paper work and then got our harnesses and helmets sorted out. Then the guid gave us his introduction and we were off. The first course we did was an intermediate course which was pretty easy, then we did a difficult course which was also not bad. Then we decided it would be a good idea to do the extreme course. In reality, it wasn’t so bad, it was actually quite fun, but I was really tired after. Then we had a short water break before we went and did the Tarzan swing. It was actually really fun and kind sacry. You climb up this ladder onto a platform and then clip yourself into the rope. Then you just jump off the platform and swing across to a net on the otherwise and climb down. There was a bit of free fall at first but the transition from free fall to swinging was very smooth. The hardest part actually transferring my clips from one rope to the next. After that we are the snacks we brought with us (we didn’t really eat lunch) and then made our way back to our respective houses. On the way back, everyone in my car (except the driver) fell asleep. We were so tired from yesterday and today that we all just had a quick nap. We did briefly stop however because there was a really big chair on the way home and Aaron’s host dad wanted to take a picture of Aaron sitting in it (Aaron is really tall). When i got home, I checked on Nat, did some laundry and some dishes and then went and got a small cake for Gilberte and Sylvain because it was their 23rd wedding anniversary today. When I back I had dinner which was leftover sausages and rice and then cleaned up my room a bit before Tae came over. When she got here we fought with Skype for awhile before figuring out how to do a group video call. We talked with Sam L, Fiona, Antonia, and Shae-Linn (even if Antonia was on phone and everyone else was on tae’s iPad and I just pointed my phone at the screen). We talked for a couple hours before Tae went home and I got ready for bed. I put on another load of laundry and Gilberte and I talked for a bit about how school works here and the cakes that I make before i made my lunch and went to bed. I’m tired and sore, but having lots and lots of fun. 

8:00AM start today. Had breakfast and then put everything I needed for La Ronde together. Eliza’s host mom picked me and Nat up at about 9:00AM and we went down to the metro station. When we got there we had to wait for half an hour because one of the cars was randomly really late. When everyone was finally there we went down to the trains but not without first having to stop because some of our metro cards (mine included) weren’t working. Once we finally got that figured out, we hopped on the train and went down to La Ronde amusement park. 

When we got there, we gave our tickets and then were free to do as we pleased until 12:00PM. Me and Nat and Tae and Eliza grouped together and the first ride we went on was one of those swing ones like at the saanich fair.

After that, Tae and Kaila went on a spinny ride. Next was the vampire which was cool because not only were the cars hanging from the track but we also went backwards the whole time. There were lots of loops and corkscrews and there was mist right at the end. After that we wandered over and tried to find the spot where we were supposed to meet for lunch, which proved to be easier said than done. When we eventually did figure it out, we were given two small hot dogs, a bag of chips, a juice box and these little applesauce pouches that were actually quite good (Aaron didn’t want his so I had his too). After lunch, or little group went on the ferris wheel.

It was quite large and gave us both a gorgeous view of the park and surrounding area as well as time to digest.

After the ferris wheel, Eliza left to go visit her aunt. Those of us who were left went on the splash.

Needless to say, we got soaked. After that we went on the wooden roller coaster which was really big and really fun but we had to wait in line for at least an hour and a half. After that we got ice cream and then went on the Ednor (I think that’s what it was called). That was another one of the ones where you hang below the cart and was quite similar to the vampire except we went forward this time and it was over the water. After that was dinner. We all kind of wanted different stuff and we may or may not have briefly lost one from our group but we all ended up in the same place and I had a cesar wrap with bacon and cheese and a garden salad for dinner. We had to wear our YMCA t -shirts to La Ronde and it was funny because anytime we would order something in french they would see out t -shirts and switch to English and ask where we were from. In fact the girl who served me dinner (Also coincidentally named Myriam) did the same exchange a few years ago and ended up in kalowna. We finished dinner kinda late and tried and failed to go on several rides before we finally gave up and got food for the fireworks. I got a beaver tail and Tae got some popcorn which I, again, helped her with. The fireworks were fantastic!

The fireworks went on for about half an hour and they were truly beautiful. After the fireworks were over, we made our way home on the extremely crowded metro and then from there Eliza’s host family drove us home. En route we saw a very small skunk. We got home at about 12:30AM. It was a long day, but a fun one. Plus I learned that apparently me and Nat went to the same middle school and neither of us knew it. It’s a small world.

It was hot again today but rained a lot, kinda like yesterday. At work there were popsicles and we did the show for the parents which went much better this time as the kids were pretty self sufficient. When I got home, I showered quickly and then went to meet Tae at the bus stop. From there we went down to Place Rosemère. We were just about to get off the bus when it started pouring. I mean really pouring. Plus thunder and lightening. We had an umbrella but we were still getting soaked so we decided to just forget the umbrella and make a run for it. Needless to say we were dripping by the time we got into the mall. Then we had our super healthy dinner of pizza and fries. But the pizza slices were huge.

I exercised some serious self restraint and didn’t but anything, I just helped Tae shop for stuff. Then me and Tae made our was back to the ice cream peace from last week and Tae got some ice cream and I got some candy. After that we made our way back to my house and hung around for a bit before Tae went home. Me and Nat walked her back to her place and saw more frogs before coming home and having tea and going to bed. Weird thing about today; at work i saw what appeared to be an albino mosquito, if those even exist, as well as a marmot. I don’t really know why, it was just kinda there. 

I burnt my pinky and ring finger on my right hand on the toaster this morning. It wasn’t really bad, I just felt kind of stupid. It was hot again today but it rained off and on so it was also really humid. Apparently some kid called the police this morning so they were there when I arrived which was kinda weird. Needless to say there was a serious speech. There was also a nutrition lady that came today and talked about food groups and made smoothies (of which I did get!). After work I showered and then we had dinner which was a chicken, onion, celery, mayonnaise mix in pitas for sandwiches and veggies. Then me and Nat and Gilberte and Sylvain made the hour and half trek to mont tremblent, where the international blues festival was happening. 

The first group we saw was called the Nicky Hall band and they were alright, but not awe inspiring. Then we wandered around the little village which reminded me a bit whistler because of the ski lifts and cute shops and the fact that we were in the mountains. After that we got ice cream and then went back to the stage area. The second band we saw was called Big Sam’s Funky Nation and they were really very good . 

We watched them until just after 10:00PM when we left so that me and Nat could get some sleep before work tomorrow. 

On the way home there was much lightning but no rain. When we got home I made my lunch and had a snack and went to bed. There’s more bagels and doughnuts and bread in this house again and it makes me really happy.

Home made bagel for breakfast this morning. It was really freaking hot today. Like with humidity it was 45°C and that’s too hot. Work was kinda interesting because first of all the fire alarm went off again. I went off on Monday  too but i don’t know why it went off again. Anyways, I also went with the biking group at the last minute because they needed an extra body and I ride my bike to work so I had my bike with me. We went down to the park by our house and on the way we saw some small turtles on a log as well as a family of ducks. When we got to the park, Nat’s camp was also there so we said a quick hello, goodbye. Then we had lunch and played some games before getting back on our bikes to go back to camp. Right after a started biking, one of the kids breaks got stuck so his back tire wouldn’t turn. I don’t know how it got fixed but it did and we carried on. On the way back, the kids got slushies (I did not get one:( ) and then we went back to camp. When we got back, we did those little journal things and then it was the end of the day. There was a car wash today after camp to collect some money to do a fun activity at the end of the summer, but I couldn’t stay because I was being picked up for my evening activity at 6:00PM. Once home I showered and put my hair in braids and then me and Nat had spaghetti with sauce and salad for dinner. Then James-Elizabeth picked is up and took to the metro station where we met everyone else. From there we took the train down to where Trapped was. It was an escape room place and me and Nat and Tae and Eliza tried to get out of the Death note themed one and failed miserably. We found a bunch of clues that we didn’t need and we didn’t even know there was a second room until the lady showed us afterward but it was a lot of fun. After that we took the train back and got picked up by various parents. When we got home we talked Gilberte and Sylvain for a bit about what it has been like at Trapped and then made our lunches and went to bed. It was so hot today, that’s really all I can think about. 

Usual morning routine. Work was the same except we went to the pool in the afternoon. There were some issues however so we had to get out of the water early and went to the playground instead. Then we packed all the kids back onto the bus and by the time we got back it was almost time to go. There’s lice at camp which is fantastic but I’m being pretty careful so I think I’m ok thus far. When I got home I showered and then me and Nat and Tae took the bus down to Place Rosemère. Place Rosemère is like the main shopping center for Rosemère and it’s humongous. We saw Natalie and Kayla very briefly even though we were supposed to go shopping all together, but we had to eat and then we just never met up again. I got a new summer dress and a skirt for swing dancing, Tae got two dresses and Natalie got a dress and a shirt. Then we walked down to the ice cream place that me and Tae went to last week but the line was crazy long. Tae was still wanting I’ve cream though so we walked across the street to the McDonald’s and Tae and Nat got ice cream and I got some sprite. Then we walked back home and got ready for bed. Pretty ordinary day but I got some nice new clothes so I’m not complaining.

I had a home made bagel with cream cheese for breakfast this morning. There was a new soccer coach this morning who’s filling in this week for one of the coaches from last week. Her name is Katherine and she speaks English really well and is about my age and is really nice. There was a bunch of new staff, or at least I didn’t meet them last week so they are new to me. There’s also a new co leader like me that just started this week. There was also a random donkey at work. I don’t really know why it was there but it was and it was pretty cute so I just kinda went with it. For lunch Gilberte had made us this really good rice salad thing with rice and lentles and tomatoes stuff. I was with a large group of kids who’s ages I don’t know but it was trying in the afternoon cuz they were all tired. When I got home from work I showered and braided my hair. Then we had salmon and quinoa and vegetables for dinner. After dinner put the laundry on and then me and Nat went for a walk around the neighborhood. We went to the library by our house which is really cute but they grow eggplants outside just casually.

Anyways, there was that. When we got back, we made our lunches and then I had a snack of a homemade bagel, toasted with butter and a cup of fruity tea. There’s so much food in this house. There’s like tones of home made bread and bagels and oatmeal cookies and granola bars stuff. Then a quick Skype with the family plus Vero (the student who’s living in my house and who’s house I’m living in) and then it was time for bed. Today was really random but my quote of the day was “I love wondering. Cuz like sometimes you don’t find anything, and sometimes you find eggplants!”

I got to sleep in today!! When I did get up, it was about 9AM and Gilberte had made crepes and Sylvain had made doughnuts so I had the breakfast of champions. Then Gilberte drove me and both Natalies and Taewyn to the metro station for 1:00PM. We met James-Elizabeth (our Quebec coordinator) there and then our whole group took the train down to Montreal. When we got there, we went to this place for lunch but it ended up being 18+ so we went to a different place instead. The place we ended up (who’s name escapes me) was a family type restaurant with burgers and salad and stuff. It also happened to be jam packed and really loud because of the soccer final that was happening. I had a burger (which was really quite large) and salad and then me and Taewyn (with help from everyone else) shared poutine. It was pretty good but kinda weird to have that much stuff on fries. Then we wandered down to where the cirque de soliel was. On the way there we walked down this pedestrian street with lots of little pink lanterns or something over and found these stationary bikes that play music when you ride them .

I’m not even going to try to describe the circus performance because I really wouldn’t do it justice. It was fantastic in lighting and costuming and music and of course the acrobats and contortionists were incredible. Taewyn got some popcorn (which I helped her with) and I got some cotton candy which was really good. 

After the show we took the train back to Laval and then Gilberte picked us up. When we got home were watched the first half of “Rrrrrrrr” which is kind like the French version of Monty Python. After that I made lunch and went bed. Today was really fun. The circus blew my mind and I got to sleep in so I mean come on, what’s not to like? 

This morning started off the same. Breakfast of cereal, shower and then Aaron’s folks picked us up and drove to the metro station. Once we arrived we, decked ourselves out in our purple t-shirts and scarves and ribbon for the amazing race. 

Throughout the day we ran through Montreal taking pictures and videos all along. We did things like buy a bagel, tried some samples at the market, posed on rental bikes, had a stranger write a Quebec saying on a teammates shirt, danced around a tree, played a public piano, did a good deed, went to city hall, took a picture on the metro train where none of us were touching the ground and climbing up the steps to a church on our knees. That last one was my favorite. We thought it was just some random thing our coordinators made up, but when we got there there was a whole separate staircase that was reserved for people going up on their knees. Apparently it’s a thing. We had to do that twice because the first time the camera wasn’t filming. Also, almost the entire time it was pouring rain. Like, there was thunder and lighting. And, we passed through the Montreal comicon center so we got to see a whole bunch of people’s awesome costumes. After the race was over, we drove several people home and then went home ourselves. When we got home, Tae came over for dinner which was home made spring rolls made with rice wrap, rice noodles, mango, avocado, cucumber, cilantro and shrimp, and then rice and a stir fry with meat and carrots and stuff. We also introduced Tae to Gertrude. After dinner me and Nat and Tae went to the grocery store and got snacks for our movie night. I got a chocolate bar and some sour cherries, Nat got twix and Swedish fish and Tae got a chocolate bar and caramilk bites. Then we came home and fought with the fan. I don’t know exactly how the ceiling fan was turned in the first place but was this thing where when we tried to turn it off, it would slow down, stop, and then start going the other direction. Then we watched Harry Potter and the half blood Prince. When the movie was over it pretty late and raining so me and Nat walked Tae home. On the way we saw at least 4 frogs just in the road. When we got home again we were really tired so we were in bed pretty quick after that. 

Today was a fun day but now I’m really tired and kinda wet.