Explore Quebec: First Day

After getting up at the literal crack of dawn, I headed to the airport to begin my journey to Quebec City.
My parents had a hard time saying goodbye (my mother especially. I don't think I've ever seen her cry so much) but, they eventually let me go through security.

I spotted a lot of kids I recognized from school and even an old teacher of mine, Mr Fotopolus, who I had for grade ten gym class. Sure enough, my seat was beside him and his entire family, who were headed to Athens after stopping in Toronto. I expected his one-year-old daughter to completely ruin my four hour flight, but she was a charm for most of the flight. His family members were all very nice, expect for his grumpy Greek father.

I grabbed lunch at the Toronto Pearson airport before walking right past all the members of Mariana's Trench. It was funny, really, because no one was following them around or freaking out over them. In fact, it was as if no one even noticed or knew them, which I'm sure must have been nice for them for a change. No one is going to take me fully serious due to my lack of photographic evidence, but rest assured, they were there. I waited at my gate, hoping someone from the trip would notice or that I would be able to spot some of the kids from the Facebook group, but, I thought wrong.

We boarded a plane smaller than the one to Toronto. I ended up sitting beside a lovely grade eleven girl named Gabbie from Edmonton who was headed to Gaspee to attend the same program as me. In the hour and a half we had together, we decided that we were long lost soul sisters. She was very kind, talkative, and incredibly down-to-earth, and we shared so much in common that it wasn't even funny. I was fully intrigued by every single story she told me and I couldn't believe that we had the same values and opinions on things. I will for sure be keeping in contact with her.

I found my luggage and had no problem finding one of the monitors, Helen. I managed to meet some nice kids my age from Newfoundland and shared some laughs on the bus ride to the campus. We signed in and took our bags to our rooms while meeting our monitors. So far, they are all very nice and easy-going. I joined a small group of kids to take a tour of the places we would be going on campus.

Honestly, there was so much information to take in and things to remember that I got very overwhelmed by the end of it. Thankfully, my friend Lucy mentioned that Matthieu, one of the monitors, would be able to help me out. Sure enough, we had an hour long conversation, in both French and English, and I started to feel a little better.

I've finally unpacked all my things and have begun settling in. It's insanely hot and humid and warmer air just blows in if the window is open, but, I do have a wonderful balcony right next to my room with a great view of the trees, buildings, and sunset. I'm hoping that things will only go uphill from here.