October 2008 Archives
After 5 glorious days in Québec City, we are now home. We would like to extend a warm "merci" to all who joined us on this adventure! Our group was fantastic! We partook in one last walk through the city this morning on our way to a restaurant by Château Frontenac before boarding the bus for the airport. It was a crisp, clear, sunny morning.
Oh, Canada! Until next year!
Madame Johnson and Madame Shrum
Oh, Canada! Until next year!
Madame Johnson and Madame Shrum
Greetings! Today was "full hot" and also lots of fun! This morning we headed out of the city to the Huron-Wendat village where we had a delicious Huron breakfast of smoked bison, omelette, fried potatoes and maple sugar scones. After breakfast, our Huron guide described 400 years of her tribe's history. We had our "diner" at Les Galeries de la Capitale , and then headed across the river to visit the Copper Museum. Not only did we learn about mining and uses for copper, but we tried our hand at making our own repoussé piece on a small sheet of copper. Francis took us on a guided tour of the Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica, a world-famous pilgrimage site located several miles down the road. On our way to the sugar shack, we took a cablecar ride up to the top of the Montmorency Falls, where the view of fall colors was spectacular! At the sugar shack, we learned about how maple syrup is tapped from sugar maple trees (do you know it takes 40 liters of sap to make 1 liter of maple syrup?) We then had another amazing meal followed by singing and dancing to Québecois music. Another fabulous day!
We have had a wonderful trip! Your children have been very well-behaved and it has been a pleasure to travel with them. We'll see you Sunday evening at MSP on flight NW 757 scheduled to arrive at 6:06pm from Detroit.
À demain,
Evy and Joan
Greetings from Québec!
We awoke to a sparkling blue sky, albeit it chilly! After a breakfast of delicious croissants and chocolat chaud, our amazing guide Francis took us on a walking tour of Place Royale, the oldest neighborhood in Canada. We then visited the Musée de la Civilisation, where we had lunch. The rest of the afternoon we had some free time to explore the charming narrow streets beautifully decorated for Halloween. During this time, Alex ST spoke with the president of the Democratic Republic of Central Africa! Madame Shrum and Madame Vick witnessed a glimpse of President Sarkozy in town for the Francophone Summit. After dinner at the Petit Coin Breton, we took on various character roles at an interactive theatrical presentation of a tea in the British Officers' Mess at the Artillery Park.
Tomorrow we have another full day ahead of us! More news to follow!
Evy and Joan
After a short night of restful sleep, we headed off this morning to the Parliament building for  breakfast in an elegant dining room, and tour of the National Assembly. Following this visit, our wonderful guide Francis took us on walking tour of the Joan of Arc Gardens, which are a combination of French and English gardens, on our way to a visit of the Tour Martello. We experienced military lifestyle circa 1812 through interactive competitions and games. After lunch in Old Quebec, we had our group photo taken and had a few hours to explore the old city. Many of us sampled delicious pastries along the way.  This evening we were treated to fondue chinois in a lovely restaurant by the Château Frontenac. At the end of our meal, we celebrated Katherine Konig's 13th birthday with a sparkling dessert. We wrapped up this fun-filled day with a visit to the Musée du Fort  where we learned about the six sieges of Québec including the famous battle of the Plains of Abraham. We competed for "wicked cool" prizes at the end of the presentation by participating in a question answer competition. Fall colors are magnificent even under drizzly sky.
Tomorrow will be another fun-filled, adventurous day in Old Québec!
Bonjour!
We have arrived in beautiful Québec! We are off to the Parliament for breakfast tomorrow morning, followed by a tour of the old city. More news tomorrow!
PS. We learned this evening that all the leaders of the francophone countries are meeting HERE in Quebec this weekend!Â
Sincerely yours,
Evy JohnsonÂ
Joan Shrum
Greetings!
We are eagerly anticipating our trip to Québec City tomorrow morning!
•Please meet the group at 10:00am at MSP Lindbergh (Main) Terminal, underground level Northwest group check-in counter, between the parking ramp and terminal.
• Please bring your passport, money,  and medications. Liane from Language and Friendship will be with us at the check-in counter and has our plane tickets.
•In your carry-on you should pack a snack, your MPA Quebec Trip journal, an extra set of clothes (if you are checking in a bag), a book to read, camera, etc.
•Don't forget to pack two pairs of comfortable walking shoes(wear one, pack the other), rain jacket, umbrella, gloves, hat,  2-3 changes of mix-match clothes which can be layered, underwear, socks, pajamas, toilet articles, alarm clock, etc. Please consult the blue Student Guidebook or our Blog for more tips on packing and items to bring.
• The long term forecast for Québec City this week has temperatures ranging from the 50's to 30's. Please pack accordingly!
•We will notify you by email upon arrival, and will be updating the blog with pictures and news.
Quebec Trip 2008 Blog: Â http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/quebec/
• The Hotel Chateau Bellevue  phone number is:  (418) 692-2573
Our  cell phone number is: (612) 419-8408 -  Please use only for emergencies.
We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Evy Johnson
Joan Shrum
We are eagerly anticipating our trip to Québec City tomorrow morning!
•Please meet the group at 10:00am at MSP Lindbergh (Main) Terminal, underground level Northwest group check-in counter, between the parking ramp and terminal.
• Please bring your passport, money,  and medications. Liane from Language and Friendship will be with us at the check-in counter and has our plane tickets.
•In your carry-on you should pack a snack, your MPA Quebec Trip journal, an extra set of clothes (if you are checking in a bag), a book to read, camera, etc.
•Don't forget to pack two pairs of comfortable walking shoes(wear one, pack the other), rain jacket, umbrella, gloves, hat,  2-3 changes of mix-match clothes which can be layered, underwear, socks, pajamas, toilet articles, alarm clock, etc. Please consult the blue Student Guidebook or our Blog for more tips on packing and items to bring.
• The long term forecast for Québec City this week has temperatures ranging from the 50's to 30's. Please pack accordingly!
•We will notify you by email upon arrival, and will be updating the blog with pictures and news.
Quebec Trip 2008 Blog: Â http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/quebec/
• The Hotel Chateau Bellevue  phone number is:  (418) 692-2573
Our  cell phone number is: (612) 419-8408 -  Please use only for emergencies.
We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Evy Johnson
Joan Shrum
Greetings!
Here are some ideas about bringing money on this trip.
SPENDING MONEY
The easiest way is probably with an ATM debit or credit card. However, for our students' purposes, it will probably be best to have them carry the cash they will need for the trip. You can go to a bank and convert American to Canadian dollars for your students. Otherwise, we can stop in a Canadian bank, once we arrive in Canada and convert American dollars. Either way, students need to have some Canadian money with them when they leave to tide them over. It's best to have lower denominations ($10's or $20's). It's always best to pay in local currency, although many merchants accept U.S. dollars. Remember that one pays a conversion fee both ways. You can consult oanda.com for current exchange rates.
How Much?
All breakfasts and dinners are included as well as entrance fees for the activities indicated in the program itinerary. Money will be needed for the following:
• lunch each day (we recommend about $10 US per lunch)
• snacks or meals that you may want to buy on the way to or from Québec (at the airport, for example)
• souvenirs and snacks while on tour.
Tips
We would like to collect $15.00 US from everyone for the tips for our guide and driver. Please give this money to Mme Johnson or Mme Shrum before we leave (in school or at the airport). Gratuities for the group activities and group meals are included. However, when eating and paying on your own, a tip will be needed.
Establish a budget before traveling and then spend money wisely. Great souvenirs ideas can be fun and relatively inexpensive. The pictures taken are sometimes the best souvenirs. (Be sure to be included in some of your pictures). A good souvenir is something that can actually be used, that will be a fun reminder of the trip and that will fit in your suitcase.
Always carry your passport or I.D., ATM card and cash in a secure place. Never leave your money or passport in your hotel room.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS
You are permitted one checked suitcase and one carry-on, which must fit under the plane seat or in an overhead bin. Because the reservations were made earlier, we will not be paying the $15.00 luggage fee.
• Dimensions of a carry-on are no more than 9" x14" x 22". (Be sure that you are able to LIFT it into the overhead bin!).
• A medium-sized suitcase or duffle bag is recommended (e.g.21-22 inches).
• Built-in wheels are handy, but avoid separate wheels. If you plan to check this bag, then your carry-on should be no larger than a back pack.
• Your checked suitcase should not weigh more than 44 lbs.; half that weight is recommended. Experienced travelers always travel light.
• Mark your luggage well both inside and outside with your name, U.S. address, and phone number.
• Baggage insurance is not included. Don't take anything you can't afford to lose, whether for monetary or sentimental reasons.
IMPORTANT: recent security regulations require that gels and liquids in your carry-on must be in containers no larger than 3 oz and must fit in one quart-size zip-lock bag which is to be presented to the agent at the security check.
• TO KEEP ON YOU WHEN YOU TRAVEL - in a secure place!
• Required I.D. or passport
• ATM card and/or U.S./Canadian dollars
• Hotel address
• Watch (be sure to wear a watch; being on time is critical!)
TO PACK IN CARRY-ON:
• Camera and film
• Calculator (optional - for currency exchange)
• Medicines in original containers + prescriptions and generic names of all essential medicines; liquids or gels must be in a quart-size plastic bag.
• Eyeglasses (+prescription), contact cases, solution, sunglasses
• One change of clothes (in case your suitcase is delayed or lost)
• Toothbrush, sample size toothpaste in zip-lock quart-size plastic bag
• Lip balm, comb/brush
• Feminie hygiene supplies
• Hard candy, mints, gum (optional)
• Decongestant, nasal spray (for ear problems during flight - optional)
• Cards, games, to occupy you on the plane (optional)
TO PACK IN CHECKED LUGGAGE:
• 2-3 changes of mix-match clothes, which can be layered for hot or cool weather. (Be conservative: no spaghetti strap shirts or muscle shirts; no jeans with holes)
• 2 pairs comfortable walking shoes (NOT flip-flops)
• underwear, socks
• pajamas
• sweater, rain jacket, umbrella (or hooded jacket), gloves
• toilet articles in sample sizes (toothpaste, deodorant)
• travel alarm, small flashlight
• kleenex, band-aids, wet wipes
• plastic bag for dirty laundry
Note: most hotel rooms have hair dryers. Electricity is the same as in the U.S.
A PRACTICE RUN:
When you have packed everything you plan to bring, take your suitcase and your carry-on bag and walk around your house and up and down your stairs. If this is too difficult, eliminate things you don't need until you can carry both bags comfortably. Remember that you will be carrying your bags when you travel!
We're going to have a GREAT time!
Here are some ideas about bringing money on this trip.
SPENDING MONEY
The easiest way is probably with an ATM debit or credit card. However, for our students' purposes, it will probably be best to have them carry the cash they will need for the trip. You can go to a bank and convert American to Canadian dollars for your students. Otherwise, we can stop in a Canadian bank, once we arrive in Canada and convert American dollars. Either way, students need to have some Canadian money with them when they leave to tide them over. It's best to have lower denominations ($10's or $20's). It's always best to pay in local currency, although many merchants accept U.S. dollars. Remember that one pays a conversion fee both ways. You can consult oanda.com for current exchange rates.
How Much?
All breakfasts and dinners are included as well as entrance fees for the activities indicated in the program itinerary. Money will be needed for the following:
• lunch each day (we recommend about $10 US per lunch)
• snacks or meals that you may want to buy on the way to or from Québec (at the airport, for example)
• souvenirs and snacks while on tour.
Tips
We would like to collect $15.00 US from everyone for the tips for our guide and driver. Please give this money to Mme Johnson or Mme Shrum before we leave (in school or at the airport). Gratuities for the group activities and group meals are included. However, when eating and paying on your own, a tip will be needed.
Establish a budget before traveling and then spend money wisely. Great souvenirs ideas can be fun and relatively inexpensive. The pictures taken are sometimes the best souvenirs. (Be sure to be included in some of your pictures). A good souvenir is something that can actually be used, that will be a fun reminder of the trip and that will fit in your suitcase.
Always carry your passport or I.D., ATM card and cash in a secure place. Never leave your money or passport in your hotel room.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS
You are permitted one checked suitcase and one carry-on, which must fit under the plane seat or in an overhead bin. Because the reservations were made earlier, we will not be paying the $15.00 luggage fee.
• Dimensions of a carry-on are no more than 9" x14" x 22". (Be sure that you are able to LIFT it into the overhead bin!).
• A medium-sized suitcase or duffle bag is recommended (e.g.21-22 inches).
• Built-in wheels are handy, but avoid separate wheels. If you plan to check this bag, then your carry-on should be no larger than a back pack.
• Your checked suitcase should not weigh more than 44 lbs.; half that weight is recommended. Experienced travelers always travel light.
• Mark your luggage well both inside and outside with your name, U.S. address, and phone number.
• Baggage insurance is not included. Don't take anything you can't afford to lose, whether for monetary or sentimental reasons.
IMPORTANT: recent security regulations require that gels and liquids in your carry-on must be in containers no larger than 3 oz and must fit in one quart-size zip-lock bag which is to be presented to the agent at the security check.
• TO KEEP ON YOU WHEN YOU TRAVEL - in a secure place!
• Required I.D. or passport
• ATM card and/or U.S./Canadian dollars
• Hotel address
• Watch (be sure to wear a watch; being on time is critical!)
TO PACK IN CARRY-ON:
• Camera and film
• Calculator (optional - for currency exchange)
• Medicines in original containers + prescriptions and generic names of all essential medicines; liquids or gels must be in a quart-size plastic bag.
• Eyeglasses (+prescription), contact cases, solution, sunglasses
• One change of clothes (in case your suitcase is delayed or lost)
• Toothbrush, sample size toothpaste in zip-lock quart-size plastic bag
• Lip balm, comb/brush
• Feminie hygiene supplies
• Hard candy, mints, gum (optional)
• Decongestant, nasal spray (for ear problems during flight - optional)
• Cards, games, to occupy you on the plane (optional)
TO PACK IN CHECKED LUGGAGE:
• 2-3 changes of mix-match clothes, which can be layered for hot or cool weather. (Be conservative: no spaghetti strap shirts or muscle shirts; no jeans with holes)
• 2 pairs comfortable walking shoes (NOT flip-flops)
• underwear, socks
• pajamas
• sweater, rain jacket, umbrella (or hooded jacket), gloves
• toilet articles in sample sizes (toothpaste, deodorant)
• travel alarm, small flashlight
• kleenex, band-aids, wet wipes
• plastic bag for dirty laundry
Note: most hotel rooms have hair dryers. Electricity is the same as in the U.S.
A PRACTICE RUN:
When you have packed everything you plan to bring, take your suitcase and your carry-on bag and walk around your house and up and down your stairs. If this is too difficult, eliminate things you don't need until you can carry both bags comfortably. Remember that you will be carrying your bags when you travel!
We're going to have a GREAT time!
