The Best of the Best

I know I've said this so much, but hot damn. I cannot believe my time in Quebec is coming to an end. This semester has been everything I dreamed of and more. That's a future post, for sure!

In order to make sure I revisit all my favorite spots here before leaving on Monday, I thought this post could serve as a personal checklist.

I also hope that my semester abroad has piqued your curiosity about Quebec and Canada. Please keep this post in mind if you plan on visiting Quebec City! (Or just ask me to be your tour guide. I'd be delighted.)

A photo posted by Della Hethcox (@dellahethcox) on Oct 10, 2014 at 6:29pm PDT

1. Best Poutine: Le Bureau de Poste

There are not enough ways to describe how much I love poutine. What's not to love about gravy, cheese and fries? Com'n son. I've tried a lot of poutine since arriving in Quebec, but none compares to the poutine at this restaurant. It's not soggy or too salty, and sprinkled with just the right amount of black pepper.

2. Best Latté: Le Brûlerie De Café

This café is the most hipster of all the hipster cafés, but if you love lattes, you have to go. At $2.95 a latte, you can't afford to not go. The lattes are velvety, creamy and still taste like espresso. They also have a wide selection of loose leaf teas if coffee isn't your thing.

3. Cheapest Coffee: Le Champagne Chocolatier

This adorable shop is conveniently located next door to my school, making it the perfect mid-morning snack place. For less than $2 you can order a 16 oz. coffee and it is always fresh!

4. Best Muffin/Croissant

This award also goes to Le Champagne Chocolatier. They serve a daily promotion for a freshly baked muffin and medium coffee for only $3. It is the best promotion in Quebec, I think. The girls who work here are also the sweetest!

They also get the award for the best, flakiest, butteriest croissant. Also a bargain at $2!

5. Favorite Quartier

My favorite quartier is Le Petit Champlain. It's a little tourist-y, but in between the tacky souvenir shops are local business selling hand made items. If you visit in December you can see this quartier in all its Christmas glory!

6. Best Souvenir Shop

My favorite souvenir shop is located in Le Petit Champlain, called Le Flamande Sculpteur. This shop is filled with hand carved figurines, large and small. I have found many Christmas presents here! And also Cinnamon, the latest addition to my herd.

7. Best Study Spot: Les Brûleries

Conveniently located in several quartiers, these quiet coffee shops offer the best studying environment. Head to the second floor for some peace and quite! Pro tip: the 'Sandwich Matin' is pretty fantastic, especially if you woke up late and didn't have time to eat at home.

8. Best Crêpes: Café Breton

Don't even think about trying another crêperie. This petite restaurant is my favorite in all of Quebec. Relatively economical, they serve dessert and savory crêpes for >$12. I recommend the raspberry crêpe with chocolate. The boozy coffee is also pretty fantastic.






























9. Cheapest Meal: Le Bureau de Poste

Yep, they also won the award for Best Poutine. But what I didn't mention is that each menu item is five dollars, making this place the most popular restaurant in St. Roch. And deservedly so! They serve a wide selection of items (easily classified as "comfort food"), though the burgers remain my favorite.

A photo posted by Della Hethcox (@dellahethcox) on Oct 10, 2014 at 11:10am PDT

10. Best Mall: Place Laurier

Don't judge me! This is important, because if the weather is disgusting and you are bored, the mall is your new best friend. Especially this mall. It's three giant malls with hundreds of shops and easily accessible by bus. You can spend so much time there and sometimes, so much money. I like to buy Starbucks and just window shop, though I did buy my "souvenir" boots there.

My Friday

10:45, I wake up all on my own. No alarms, nothing. It was beautiful and exactly what I needed after an unusually tough week. 

11:00, breakfast time! After checking my email and all, I succombed to watching Kdramas. The heart wants what the heart wants, mmkay?

 

— Della Grace Hethcox (@dellahethcox) December 5, 2014

1:15ish, walking to the bus stop. I had thought to myself "Wow, this isn't very cold today!" Turns out it was 8 degrees. I've been in Canada too long. 

1:45, arrive at my first destination: Krispy Kreme. I've been dreaming of a donut from here since forever. There is absolutely nothing like a hot Krispy Kreme donut. I don't understand the Tim Hortons obsession up here, there's no comparison between the two. Krispy Kreme all the way! 

1:50, donuts and coffee have been procured! I'm insanely pleased with myself, as evidenced by this pic on fb. 

2:00ish, after my snack I walk over to the giant mall and try on some sweaters. I ended up buying one at H&M, but not the one above! I also found some Christmas presents. 

3:00ish, I walked around the mall for a few hours just looking and thinking. It seems that my thinking and recharging spaces are the malls here in Quebec. In Virginia, that place is Target. But the Targets here are so terrible, so malls it is! 

4:00, take the bus and walk home. 

5:00, get home and unpack. 

5:15, cleaning up my room, which basically consists of hanging up all the clothes from my week.

5:30, time for Kpop while I prep dinner. 

5:45, dinner time! I made Feed the Multitudes- it's quick and nutritious and warm. All important things! 

6:00, nail painting time! I didn't do anything Friday evening. After painting my nails I watched Kdramas until I feel asleep around 1 a.m.

Friday was a very good day! 

Quebec Vlog, Week 11

It's been a while since my last vlog, but here's one to update everyone on my life! I'm currently in the middle of packing for the next step in my Canadian adventures. Happy watching! 

Quebec Vlog Week 7

Feel free to laugh at me in this video. I know I sound like a surfer dude at several points. Oh, and if you've sent me something in the mail there's a message for you!

Quebec Vlog Week 6

Guys, I really love it here. And I'm starting to think I may be getting the hang of this language after all. "I have confidence in me!" 

Quebec Vlog Week 5

I give out film recommendations like I'm Roger Ebert and talk about the weather. I'm a well-rounded journalist! #holler 

musique de voyage

It's no secret that I love music. Music is one of the few things that can conquer a bad day and cheer me up. I almost always have some type of music playing, lately it has been my Kpop for Finals playlist. Kpop is my comfort music.

Anyways, instead of packing I've come up with my ultimate travel playlist, or my "musique de voyage".

It contains a little bit of everything that I love, songs that will help me transition into life in Quebec. There are only two Kpop songs, so don't be scared!

And I took some selfies with my awesome headphones and adorable ipod. I can't help myself.

Playlist

1. Can't Stop, CN Blue
2. Tell the World, Eric Hutchinson 
3. Diplomat, Swimming With Dolphins
4. I Really Want It, A Great Big World 
5. Young and Beautiful, Lana Del Ray
6. Find You, Zedd ft. Matthew Koma
7. Hello, Shinee
8. Don't You Worry Child, The Piano Guys
9. Nothing to Lose, Merriment
10. Can't Stop, OneRepublic 
11. Destination, Nickel Creek
12. From Here On Out, The Killers
13. Now Is The Start, A Fine Frenzy
14. Just Let Go, Mae
15. Shot At the Night, The Killers
16. Brink of Disaster, Mae
17. Goodness Gracious, Ellie Goulding
18. Dreams Don't Turn To Dust, Owl City
19. Battle Born, The Killers
20. There She Goes, Sixpence None the Richer 
21. Sky Full of Stars, Coldplay 
22. Rainbow Veins, Owl City 
23. Mind Over Matter, Young the Giant 
24. Burning Gold, Christina Perri
25. Bulletproof, La Roux 

Scheduling Spontaneity

I'm sure you are all dying to know if there will be a schedule on this little scratchpad of mine.

YES.

I'm hoping to post at least five times a week once I arrive in Canada. But if I get the opportunity to play hockey or ride a moose, I may skip a post or two. 

I'm not going to promise any particular kind of posts each day except I know that I want to vlog at least once a week and start a series called Jours de Découverte (Discovery Day), which will feature something new (a French word, coffee shop, etc.) that I've discovered.

Bien?

Je suis très excité à ce sujet!

Lady Catherine /will never know/

Ah, the packing of clothes. There is almost too much info floating around the internet about how to pack and what to pack. It can get overwhelming quickly. The good news is that I don't have a Lady Catherine telling me how to pack my dresses. But if you are curious, I'll be rolling all my clothes to save space. I want to be able to fit everything!

I've actually found some really great tips on Pinterest, I pinned several on my travel board. 

 

(I love this idea! I have several sunglass cases floating around my room, it will be nice to actually use them.)

As for clothes, I'm going to try to keep it simple when packing. I think I'm going to pick three coordinating colors and go from there. (Probably green, blue, black/gray.) I also intend on layering everything so I don't have to pack for both a summer and winter climate. I also have to save room for my puffy coat (which is fairly smooshable) and my snow boots. I want to take my peacoat but it's not necessary, I should really leave it behind. Right?!

And now Pinterest has me wishing I had a versatile trench coat. Curses!

I'm going to be packing a carry-on and a checked bag. I am not one of those super travelers who can live out of a carry-on. Not happening. I like clothes and choices, mmkay? And I do need to pack a few sweaters. I've heard that Quebec gets cold quickly in the fall. I bought one of those vacuum sealed bags to keep my sweaters from overtaking my entire suitcase. Gotta have room for some fun clothes!

So far I've bought new pjs, jeans and a few tops (thanks mom and dad!) From a wardrobe perspective, I'm pretty well taken care of. I do need to buy more underwear and socks, but those boring items can wait until the very last second.

The best packing list I've come across is on the blog I Who Wander. Their packing list for a semester abroad is comprehensive and appropriate for other college students. I'll be printing out a copy to help me stay on track while packing!

The College Tourist also offers solid advice for students traveling abroad. This post stood out to me in particular, especially the bit about buying scarves as souvenirs. I love a good scarf.

My mom and I are thinking about checking out the luggage sales at local department stores this week- none of the suitcases we have at home are quite appropriate. And none of them pink. (Okay, okay. I know that that is the least of my worries, BUT. Wouldn't pink luggage be so much fun?)

I'll keep y'all updated on this riveting chapter of my travels. 

Flying Air Canada

(photo via Google, edited by moi) 

The last time I flew to live in a new place was when my family and I moved back from Hawaii to Virginia. Since it's been nearly 14 years (right, dad?) I felt it would be wise to review the rules for flying. This may be a boring post unless you too want an update on the 3-1-1 rule. 

What is the 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons? 

Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The bag limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring.

Be prepared. Each time a TSA officer stops to physically screen a carry-on bag, it slows down the line. Practicing the 3-1-1 rule will facilitate the checkpoint experience. (via the TSA website)

What about transporting prescription medications? 

It is recommended that documents and medication be packed in your carry-on baggage. All prescription medications must be properly labelled with the names of the patient, the medication, and the issuing medical office or pharmacy. (via Air Canada's website)


What size limits are there for carry on baggage?  

You are allowed one standard article and one personal article for any/all destinations. Your standard article must be 9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in. and no more than 22 pounds. Your personal article must be 6 in x 13 in x 17 in. and no more than 22 pounds.

(I'll be bringing my DSLR camera and laptop in my carry ons, as Air Canada recommends.) 

What size limits are there for checked bags? 

via Air Canada 

Worried about losing your luggage? 

In addition to luggage tags, consider adding a baggage identification card that goes inside your bag. Air Canada has one for free, which I will definitely be adding to my bags! However, I will be packing a set of clothes in my carry on just in case my luggage gets delayed or lost. I can't show up to my first day of classes looking like a dirty traveler. 

Any check-in deadlines?

Glad you asked, because: yes. I get to check-in two hours before my flight leaves. I'm really glad I got a noon flight! 

Travel	Recommended Check-in Time	Check-in Deadline	Boarding Gate Deadline
Within Canada	90 minutes	45 minutes*	20 minutes
To/From the US	120 minutes	60 minutes	20 minutes
International (including Mexico and the Caribbean)	120 minutes	60 minutes	30 minutes
Caracas, Venezuela	180 minutes	90 minutes	60 minutes
Tel-Aviv, Israel	180 minutes	75 minutes	60 minutes

via Air Canada 

Do you have luggage?

Err, well, you see...a few months ago my dad said I could borrow his. But now I need to see how heavy it is and if he'll still let me borrow it. I'm crossing my fingers I don't have to purchase any!

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Later this week I'll share a post full of packing tips and ideas I've found through other study abroad blogs.  What would I do without the internet and Google? 

Let's Fly Away

This is what happens when you ask your sister to take pictures of you. "I need to look excited!" I said, so I busted out jazz hands and peace signs. You're welcome.

I really just wanted pictures to capture the excitement I felt upon buying my tickets for Canada on the fourth of July. (Hilariously ironic, in my opinion). I've never done something like this on my own before- arranging all the details, educational and travel alike.

It was a bit terrifying to take such a big step towards my trip. It's starting to feel so real! And it should, because I leave in a little over a month. !!!!!

My plane departs from Dulles on August 16 and it's about a four hour ride to Quebec with one stop in Toronto. I'll be living in Quebec until December 16! (With a quick trip to North Carolina in October to see my new nephew who is due October 1.)

Bonus: I get to fly Air Canada and not Southwest. Haha! 

Next up I need to pay my BLI bill this week and schedule an appointment with my allergist so I can get a supply of my allergy and asthma medications. I'm really hoping that all my allergies magically disappear in Quebec, but since it's basically a forest I'm not getting my hopes too high. 

Le processus

I actually started the process of choosing a program back in November of last year. By the time that semester ended I knew where I wanted to go: the French speaking city of Quebec. However, it turned out that my college didn't have an established program up there, which meant I had to create a petition.

Many, many phone calls and stack of forms (in triplicate, please!) later and I was able to turn in a completed petition in early March of this year. After turning it in I was euphoric. So much worry and angst had gone into its completion. I spent so much time running across campus between classes to get forms signed three different department heads. 

During this time I also applied for my passport (I didn't know they were that expensive!) As the post lady signed my forms she exclaimed "now you can go anywhere!" That was pretty awesome.

Then came the waiting. But so did midterms and Spring Break.

On one very uneventful evening, I opened up my email and saw it: your program has been approved. And this was after a lady assured me I wouldn't earn approval, so take that, pessimistic lady! 

Now I was officially going to Canada to learn more about the beautiful and difficult language that is French.

After all this excitement, I had to actually pass French 102 (I did, B+!) and attend a boring, but necessary, financial aid appointment.

I also signed up for an intensive five week French immersion class. "I never do things the easy way," my life motto apparently. 

I received an A- in my latest French class! I've never been more thrilled. Especially because my final was an essay written in French. Majorly terrifying. But I managed to write a somewhat coherent essay of 930 words. It is nice to see evidence of improvement, especially since the class was so rigorous. 

Now all that's left is to keep studying (I bought a thousand French flashcards off Amazon!), research, pack and try to prepare myself for this new adventure.  

Progress

This list cracks me up. It's a pretty good indicator of how much I think I can accomplish, but isn't actually possible.

All four of those items are major things, especially considering that I tend to freeze when having to make big decisions.

I did manage to accomplish my financial aid meetings and French class in June.

But I just managed to take my placement exams and buy my plane tickets on the fourth of July. A little ironic, non?

My July list isn't actually written (the horror!) but I know what's on it: finish my last month of work, research Quebec, pay my BLI bill, research how to pack. Not very thrilling, but very important.

And of course, I'm trying to build this blog. I've almost decided on the schedule of content for this fall and I've almost caught up on posts I needed to write. Keep an eye for new posts coming later this week!

Currently...

This is what my days off from work currently look like! There's a lot of list making and coffee drinking involved in planning for this blog and Quebec this fall. Hang tight, my friends! I'm writing and editing the first official posts and they should be up in a week.