T-minus 1 day...

July 1st = Canada Day

Let's show some love

O Canada National Anthem (English & French versions)

O Canada! / Our home and native land! / True patriot love in all thy sons command. / With glowing hearts we see thee rise, / The True North strong and free! / From far and wide, / O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. / God keep our land glorious and free! / O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. / O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Ô Canada! / Terre de nos aïeux, / Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux! / Car ton bras sait porter l'épée, / Il sait porter la croix! / Ton histoire est une épopée / Des plus brillants exploits. / Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, / Protégera nos foyers et nos droits, / Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Folks, I am less than 24 hours away from my summer in Québec and I am beat. I am functioning on 3 hours of sleep from the final packing/editing/condensing of my stuff to take in my pullman and messenger bag. I'm so happy Air Canada permits two pieces of carry-on; that second bag is really handy! However, I am a bit crestfallen as I originally planned on lugging a backpack, but its 17-inch size goes against the 15-inch limit. Merde and ballocks. Fortunately, I have found an alternative.

My itinerary still is not finalized. I have an outline of the sites and activities I want to see and do, but I think going with the flow will suit me beter, in lieu of following a regimented schedule, eh? After all, I am on holiday and should soak up every minute and live in the moment, eh? How do you like that? I'm already talking like a Canadian!

Today I experienced bouts of awe as the reality of my vacay settles in. I'm nearing the ascent into the big blue sky and descent onto foreign soil. I am off to speak my Franglais in the two francophone cities of Québec City and Montréal. The next time I write will be when I'm up north. Until then mes amis, je vous aime!

H.