Nearing the finish line

Packing. It's happening. Finally. pic.twitter.com/Z3x5Ype1vD
— Della Grace Hethcox (@dellahethcox) December 15, 2014

Sorry for the silence these past few days! I've been busy enjoying these last few moments in Quebec City.

Even though my trip is coming to an end, this blog still has a little life left in it. I'll have the final posts up this week.

Thank you so much for hanging out with me on this blog this semester! I've really enjoyed documenting this adventure not only for myself, but for you, my friends and family. I hope I've given you a taste of what life is like in Quebec City.

See you on the other side (of the border)!

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. 

Vieux Montreal

I seriously have no memories of taking these photos. I do remember that I was freezing (thanks for nothing, weather report) and that I hadn't had coffee so I wasn't in the best of moods. Not a good day, haha.

I wish I had been able to proper look around Montreal, but alas. The stars just weren't aligned this trip! But perhaps a day trip is in order?

Last week was exhausting on all levels, so I'm hoping that today ushers in a week of calm. And lattes.

Fighting!

Biodome

Saturday we all woke up bright and early (sans coffee. I don't know how I did it. #superhuman) and headed to the Montreal Biodome.

Guys, this place is pretty cool. The Biodome was actually the velodome for the 1976 Olympics for track cycling and judo. I KNOW. I discovered this series of abandoned Olympic stadiums earlier this year and felt sad that these grand buildings fall into disrepair, especially considering the effort and money poured into their development. Seeing how Montreal transformed this building was inspiring. The entire Olympic Park has found a second life!

And not to toot my own horn or anything, but that little raccoon loved me. He would stand up on his hind feet and gesticulate at me. Or maybe he just wanted to eat me. Either way, it was adorable.

Jardin Botanique

After classes ended Friday afternoon, my host family and I jumped in the minivan for a quick trip to Montreal. (Fun fact, I had thought that Montreal and Quebec were only an hour apart. Nope. Three hours, in fact.)

We arrived around 5:30 p.m., unpacked and then ate a quick dinner of pâté, brie and fresh bread. After dinner, we hopped back in the minivan and headed toward the botanical garden to see the Chinese lanterns on display. 

Taking photographs was a little tricky, but I think I managed to snap a few good pictures of the lanterns. They were truly gorgeous. Each lantern can take up to two months to be handmade in China. And each year the theme is different! I think the theme was Chinese folklore and animals. I thought the floating boat lanterns were the prettiest! 

The weather cooperated nicely and we had a pleasant walk around the garden, though I'm sure it is even prettier in the daylight! It reminded me of the drives my family used to take to view the Christmas lights. All we were missing this time was the hot chocolate and sprinkle laden Christmas cookies. Ahh, memories! 

Promenade

I feel like these pictures truly say au revoir to summer. Everything was so green last week and BAM. The leaves have changed for fall! I'm absolutely in love with maple trees. I kind of want to be the maple tree version of Miss Rumphius and plant maples all over Virginia. 

Canada is so beautiful right now- everything is a shade of rust and gold. Over the weekend I explored a waterfall, a church and a wildlife preserve with my host family. Needless to say, I took so many photos. I'm going to try my best to sort and edit them in a timely fashion! 

I have to say, autumn has never been my favorite season but Canada is changing my mind. And have you seen rural Canada? Holy cow. I may have planned my future farm here. 

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 

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?