For those new to following this blog, I always sum up a trip with a lengthy recap. I hope you enjoy the read.

When we passed through Canadian customs, we were asked, "What do you plan to do here?" We answered, gleefully, "Have fun!" The agent responded incredulously, "For 31 days?!" We found the question an interesting one with the obvious answer being, "Yes, we are going to have fun for 31 days!" And guess what? We were totally, and completely, correct with that prediction, proclaimed a month ago.

So here we are, at the conclusion of a true adventure to a city we had never visited before. We came because of a European wanderlust and a goal to have that quenched while not having to cross the Atlantic. Our goal was achieved beyond any expectation. It really is difficult to explain exactly why we're still so giddy after such a long sojourn but I'll try to explain here.

A big reason for our contentment is the people. Canadians, as a nationality, are some of the most kindest people we've ever had the pleasure to spend time with. You combine that inherent goodness with the exoticness of the French language and you have a winning mix of community in which to immerse yourself. We both highly recommend it.

When we planned our long stay here, we chose the dates rather randomly. As it turns out, we really couldn't have selected a better time. Our timing allowed us to participate in diverse, and super fun, activities. We kept marveling at our good fortune. Fireworks, Supertramp, the Naval Museum, and a beer festival happened all in the first four days. The fun never ended. We took bus rides to environs offering waterfalls and grand markets. Strolls through neighborhoods introduced us to the Circus School and unique outdoor artwork. We couldn't turn without seeing a historic landmark or an architectural masterpiece. We delighted in concerts and tea at the English library. Military bands entertained us at the fort and in an ancient church. Art galleries, unimaginable staircases, and spectacular nature all took our breath away. We had the chance to be Scottish for the day at the Celtic Festival and we traveled back to 1759 during a reenactment weekend. Our voices got hoarse after cheering for the bike racers who speed through town, 16 times, for the Grand Prix. Our last big event was being volunteers for the film festival where we were enthusiastic ushers (albeit rain doused) in a grand plaza. No two days were ever the same.

It wasn't just the big things that made us gleeful. The little things added up to be extraordinary. I kept being surprised by the fact that the children here speak French. Intellectually I realized that they were indeed French Canadians so they should ils parlent Francais. It just caught me by surprise -often. I was tickled by the man who wanted every drop of his espresso but instead of tipping his head way back (or licking the bottom of the cup, like I would have) he poured the remaining drops onto his tiny spoon and savored it all. I used this technique with a scrumptious bowl of onion soup whose broth was so good I had to have it all. It worked like a charm.

At noon, the fort (Citadel) shoots a cannon, everyday without fail. Directly following, all the local church bells chime, as if they were awakened by the powerful boom. One does not need a watch in Québec! Oh man, the churches. Whenever we passed one, we would enter, pause, and admire. There is such beauty and history in each. We enjoyed music in several, showcasing the power of acoustics and unbelievable grandeur.

While we had a very cozy Airbnb with a full kitchen, we dined out for at least one meal every day. What surprised us the most was the fact that we were always asked, "One check or two?" In California you have to practically beg for separate checks but here, the Canadians don't want to offend by assuming we were a couple.

Thankfully my foot healed over our time here, allowing us to embrace the strenuous walkability of Québec (it's a town on many levels). I don't know exactly how many miles we covered but Steve guesses about 60 for me. While that is not a fantastically large number, it was a tremendous amount since I had spent the prior 14 weeks recovering from my broken foot while remaining practically motionless. I am incredibly pleased by how well I did.

Just the other day, a native Quebecer asked us, when he found out that we had been here a month, "Why?" Steve stated, "Because it's Quebec and it's amazing!" Another local we met, when she had learned all we had done and seen, said, "You have done more here than most locals ever do!" Thirty-one days gave us time to not only see what's on the surface of this beautiful city, it allowed us to experience most of what it had to offer. We leave feeling thoroughly delighted with all we accomplished. Our only regret is the daily almond croissant addiction we have to somehow overcome. What an adventure.