Carnaval de Quebec

As we approached Quebec City in January of 2004, we were all extremely tired from the 15-hour bus ride. However, all of us seemed to notice that at seemingly every light pole, there was a snowman with a lovable grin on. We honestly didn’t know what to think. for a while, we actually contemplated that this “creature” was worshiped by the Quebecians.

When we arrived at our hotel, we were informed that we had arrived during the Carnaval de Quebec, which was a winter carnival. since i was on a field trip for school, my teacher ended up changing the schedule around so that we could walk around the carnaval and see a tradition of the Quebec people.

the thing i remember more than anything were the ice sculptures. the beautiful artwork that was made, with such intricacies…it was pretty amazing.

i guess i like it more now that it’s hindsight, and at the time i believe that i was probably too excited at the time to really appreciate it, and take it all in.

A reason to be outdoors. Work your way through piles of snow on the street, dress warm. Ice sculptures, snow sculptures do not melt. Toboggan hills on the Plains of Abraham, out door music. Women show off their fur coats. And of course, there’s the carnival parade.

Salut, salut bonhomme…