Born to set the people free

Advent started today and I'm thrilled, Christmas has officially begun! The advent season is probably my favorite time of the year in the church, I think it's the most joyous and hopeful time as well. I thought it would be nice to make a note on this blog for each Sunday in Advent, especially since I'm abroad and not attending my normal church. 

And of course, I can't leave out a Christmas song! But I couldn't decide which version of Come Thou Long Expected Jesus to include, so you get two versions. 

I'm also using this plan for daily advent devotionals, if you'd like to join me.  

wonders of wonders, miracles of miracles

Guys guys guys guys GUYS.

It's finally happened. 

I get French. 

This week has been full of lightbulb moments for me. Moments where everything clicked and suddenly I wasn't thinking in English anymore. Beautiful, beautiful moments full of months of hard work. 

This week has just been so gosh darn wonderful. I was on the phone with MB (my childhood bff) and she asked me if I'd accomplished what I wanted this semester. 

The answer is a big fat yes. 

People told me this moment would happen but I honestly didn't believe them. It's hard to think of the future when you can't even form a basic sentence. 

I'm gonna go to sleep with a big grin tonight. 

Think Pink!

I will never become tired of colorful buildings in this city! During my Sunday walk I passed by this...um, tree? (I have no idea what type it is! Any botanists out there?) I thought the red against the pale pink building was gorgeous and festive.

*Pssst! Happy Thanksgiving, Americans! Eat some pie for me!* 

Sunday Walk, pt 2.

Quebec is getting ready for Christmas and looking fairly gorgeous with twinkling lights on every available tree. This weekend all the Christmas markets begin, and I'm planning on attending all of them. What can I say? Christmas is my favorite holiday. I'll be sure to take pictures of all my activities especially since one of the markets is German. (Rumor has it that the spiced wine is amazing. I'll let you know!)  

Sunday Walk, pt. 1

It's become a tradition that I spend Sundays meandering around Quebec City. I say meandering because I have zero intent or purpose when I set out. Normally I'll buy a coffee and then just follow my feet.

On this particular walk I actually brought my real camera and became a little obsessed with the winter branches and plants against all the winter hues.

Parts Unknown: Quebec

My love for Anthony Bourdain is fierce. I've read all his books and watched every episode of all his television shows. He's even been my facebook picture. I think he's one of the most fascinating journalists and gourmands.

When I first started thinking about studying abroad in Quebec, I rewatched all his Canadian episodes. His newest show, Parts Unknown, features Quebec, province and city, in the first season, episode four.

I just rewatched that particular episode and I felt extremely excited because I recognized everything in that episode. I pass by all those buildings on a daily basis (what can I say, Quebec City is pretty small) and I'm thrilled that I can say "I've been there!" 

St. Lawrence River

November 2014

Quebec Vlog, Week 13

This week's vlog is all about the differences in Quebecois culture versus American culture. I talk about pizza, placemats, pennies, ambulances, coffee and roller blading.

Christmas wishes, 2014

Christmas wishes, 2014 by dgslife featuring paris home decor

While trying to procrastinate this week in order to avoid an exam (it didn't work, still had to take it) I decided that it was the perfect time to make a Christmas collage. The theme is anything pink or girly. And a bookstand would be lovely for all those literature classes I'm taking in the spring.

So there y'all go, my dearest family members. Gift ideas just for you! :)

In the news

^Sophie and I in front of Palais Montcalm, October 2014 

1. Less American students are studying abroad, but why? This article by Voice of America examines the potential reasons.
2. American students don't tend to step out of their comfort zones when studying abroad. The majority of students study in the United Kingdom, said Forbes Magazine. 
3. Speaking of the UK, there's now a Harry Potter themed abroad program offered by California State University San Marcos. 

New Digs

And there you have it, a tour of my room. Didn't take very long, eh? But I don't need much and everything is comfortable and clean. And it's not in the basement! I'm really pleased with this room (particularly the bed, it's huge!) and my location in Limoilou. Two thumbs up! You can read about my Airbnb experience here. 

I'd like to think that all these experiences in Quebec are preparing me for bigger, scarier adventures in the future. Baby steps now in order to prepare me for life abroad after college!  I'd also like to think that one day I'll be this awesome combination of Anthony Bourdain and Ernest Hemingway. But female. And sober.

I really need to make sure that I finish touring Quebec properly before I leave next month. I've now reached the "only one more month left" mark. I've still got some restaurants to try and and a few buildings I want to photograph now that they've been Christmas-fied. I'm going to miss Quebec, it's been a really lovely home for this semester. 

Just wait, I'm totally going to be that person who is constantly bringing up their study abroad. "Well, when I was abroad..." It's just been fabulous, y'all. 

My Day

I thought it would be fun to record my day in its entirety. I love looking back and seeing everything documented. Welcome to a normal week day of mine in Quebec! 

7:00, I start waking up. This is the moment that I have to make the toughest decision: get up now and have enough time to pack lunch and eat breakfast, or sleep in. On this morning I got straight out of bed because I was wide awake. 

7:15, lunch is packed! Fruits, veggies and almond butter and honey. 

7:30, a nice breakfast of yogurt, dried berries and granola. 

7:45, quickly grab warm clothes and apply my makeup.

8:00, leave my apartment and start walking towards the bus stop. 

All bundled up!

The bus finally arrives.

Walking from the bus stop.

8:30, arrive in St. Roch, start walking to school and the coffee shop conveniently located next to my school. 

8:45, settle in the classroom for the next five hours. 

12:20, lunch time! Glad I took the time to properly pack my lunch. 

1:00, conversation class for the next hour and then freedom! 

2:00, I decide to head to my normal study spot to prep for an exam, chez Starbucks. 

5:00, after chatting with other students at Starbucks I head home. 

Waiting for the 801 bus.

6:00, finally home and cooking dinner. 

I made a variation on Feed the Multitudes- rice, scrambled eggs, cheese.

6:45, time for more studying. Fortunately (though it didn't feel like it at the time) the internet wasn't working so I could only study. 

8:00, took a tea break and chatted with my roommate. (Which totally counts as studying because we only speak French!)

9:00, trying to study but getting sleepy. And distracted by the Les Mis soundtrack. (The Broadway version and the 2014 film.)

9:30, finished making flashcards and I'm out. Time to get ready for bed.