When I loose one of my favorite things in a foreign place, I know it’s an omen of a good trip. When I went to Hawaii last summer, I lost a stone and wood necklace I had made. This time, I surrendered a favorite turquoise ring of mine the first day the CIC group toured la ville de Qu�bec. Though I am sad to have lost the ring, I know that I will gain so much by studying here this summer.
The CIC group got to tour Vieux Qu�bec (Old Quebec) with Monsieur Fernand Gill. His accent was difficult to understand, but he had a lot of interesting historical knowledge about the city.
We got the chance to see the Parliament building and and see an amazing fountain that is situated in front of the epic building.
We also visited some churches including the beautiful Basilique-Cath�drale Notre-Dame de Qu�bec.
We also learned about the precarious weather of Qu�bec: it can change from sunny to cold to pouring in five minutes flat and indeed, it does! The tour got stuck in a rainstorm for some of the walking tour and at times, had to seek refuge!
After the 2 1/2 hour tour with Monsieur Gill, the group split up and had an chance for some “temps libre” (free time). Most of us chose to get a pint at a bar. The group I went with chose this charming little hole-in-the-wall.
Later, we reconnected to go to dinner at a charming little restaurant called Le Carthage where we ate our fill and were entertained by a live belly dancer.
She even got some of the group up to dance with her!
The first day, although a bit overwhelming, was SO much fun. Though I knew my French speaking skills were terrible, I felt like I spoke more French that first day than I have for some of my french classes at Penn State. Though I was extremely thankful for all the French that I have taken formally, immersion programs, like the Qu�bec program, seem like the best way to learn a language
Location: Ville de Québec, CA
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Yes, the French is a little different than French in France.. For example, “Tu,” here often has a slight “z” sound at the end as its slurred together with the next word. It’s hard for me to pick out the differences for the most part, though I know there are others.
Québec is worth the trip; it’s one of the most beautiful and friendliest cities I’ve visited. Indeed, “force” yourself to travel here! 🙂
Thanks for the positive comments!
Yes, the French is a little different than French in France.. For example, “Tu,” here often has a slight “z” sound at the end as its slurred together with the next word. It’s hard for me to pick out the differences for the most part, though I know there are others.
Québec is worth the trip; it’s one of the most beautiful and friendliest cities I’ve visited. Indeed, “force” yourself to travel here! 🙂
Thanks for the positive comments!
Hi ya Reva! Do you find a significant difference between French-Canadien and the French you’ve learnt in Uni? I remember my (German) French teacher in high school making a point about that. Even though it’s only a days drive from where I live, I’ve never made up there, though I’ve been secretly planning trips in my head for years now 🙂
Love that you’re a foodie, I was I was going to a more gastronomic region myself, but I’ll just have to “force” myself to travel around more 🙂 keep up the cool food and drink posts…I’m already smitten!